King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 5:14 Mean?
“His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.”
Context
12
His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set . fitly: Heb. sitting in fulness, that is, fitly placed, and set as a precious stone in the foil of a ring
13
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. sweet flowers: or, towers of perfumes
14
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
15
His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
16
His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. mouth: Heb. palate
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **His hands **. . .—Galil, translated *ring*, is more probably a *cylinder *(from *galal, *to roll), referring to the rounded arm, ending in a well-shaped hand with beautiful nails.
**Beryl.**—Heb. *tarshish*; LXX. θαρσις*. *Possibly “stones of Tarshish,” and if so, either chrysolite or topaz, both said to have been first found in Tartessus, an ancient city of Spain, between the two mouths of the Bœtis (Guadalquiver). Mentioned as one of the precious stones in the breastplate of the High Priest (Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13). The LXX. adopt the various renderings χρυσολίθο =ς, ἄνθραξ, λίθος ἄνθρακος*, *or, as here, keep the original word.
**Bright ivory.**—Literally, *a work of ivory, i.e., *a *chef-d’œuvre *in ivory.
**Sapphires.**—It is doubtful whether the sapphire of Scripture is the stone so called now, or the lapis-lazuli. The former best suits Exodus 28:18 and Job 28:6, because lapis-lazuli is too soft for engraving. The comparison in the text either alludes to the *blue veins *showing through the white skin or to the colour of some portion of dress.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Song of Solomon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Song of Solomon 5:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Song of Solomon 5:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge