King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 5:14 Mean?

Song of Solomon 5:14 in the King James Version says “His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.”

Song of Solomon 5:14 · KJV

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

Read Song of Solomon 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl (yadayv geliyley zahav memulaim batarshish, יָדָיו גְּלִילֵי זָהָב מְמֻלָּאִים בַּתַּרְשִׁישׁ)—the beloved's hands are compared to gold cylinders (seals or rods) set with beryl (tarshish, תַּרְשִׁישׁ)—precious yellow or golden-brown gemstones. This imagery celebrates strength, value, and beauty. Hands represent action and work—the beloved's deeds are precious and powerful.

His belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires (me'ayv eshet shen me'ulepheth sappirim, מֵעָיו עֶשֶׁת שֵׁן מְעֻלֶּפֶת סַפִּירִים) describes the torso as carved ivory decorated with sapphires—white strength adorned with blue beauty. Ivory represented purity, luxury, and strength; sapphires represented royal value and heavenly glory. The beloved combines strength (gold hands, ivory body) with costly beauty (beryl, sapphires). Christ's works (hands) are infinitely valuable, and His character (body) combines pure strength with royal glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gold jewelry set with precious stones indicated royalty and wealth. Beryl (tarshish, תַּרְשִׁישׁ) stones were valuable yellow-golden gemstones. The beloved's hands as gold rings set with beryl celebrated both strength (gold) and beauty (jewels). Ivory was luxury material imported from Africa or India—used in royal furniture and decorations. Solomon's throne was covered with ivory overlaid with gold (1 Kings 10:18). Sapphires were royal gemstones—appearing in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:18) and in visions of God's throne (Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:26). The beloved's ivory body overlaid with sapphires combined pure strength with royal, heavenly glory. Early church fathers saw Christ's "gold hands" as His creative and redemptive works—infinitely valuable. The "ivory body with sapphires" represented His incarnation—divine glory (sapphires) united with pure humanity (ivory). The Reformers emphasized Christ's works as perfectly righteous—His obedience credited to believers. The Puritans taught meditation on Christ's specific works—creation, providence, redemption—as fuel for love.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific "works" of Christ (His gold hands with beryl)—creation, miracles, redemption, intercession—do you find most valuable and compelling?
  2. How does Christ's combination of pure humanity (ivory) and divine glory (sapphires) assure you that He perfectly represents both God and humanity?
  3. In what ways do Christ's hands—His works, His touch, His activity—bring beauty and value into your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יָדָיו֙1 of 10

“His hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

גְּלִילֵ֣י2 of 10

“rings”

H1550

a valve of a folding door (as turning); also a ring (as round)

זָהָ֔ב3 of 10

“are as gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

מְמֻלָּאִ֖ים4 of 10

“set”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

בַּתַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ5 of 10

“with the beryl”

H8658

a gem, perhaps the topaz

מֵעָיו֙6 of 10

“his belly”

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

עֶ֣שֶׁת7 of 10

“is as bright”

H6247

a fabric

שֵׁ֔ן8 of 10

“ivory”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

מְעֻלֶּ֖פֶת9 of 10

“overlaid”

H5968

to veil or cover; figuratively, to be languid

סַפִּירִֽים׃10 of 10

“with sapphires”

H5601

a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire

Study Guide

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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 24:10Isaiah 54:11Ezekiel 1:16Isaiah 52:13Isaiah 9:7Exodus 28:20

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