Song of Solomon 5:10
What does Song of Solomon 5:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 5:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 5:10 means
She begins with the overall impression: her Beloved is “white and ruddy,” a picture of radiant vigor and healthy beauty. He stands out as “the chiefest among ten thousand,” a way of saying that in any crowd he is preeminent. Before detailing features, she stakes the claim of uniqueness. He is not merely attractive; he surpasses comparison. By starting broadly, she frames the coming metaphors as not isolated traits but parts of a surpassingly excellent whole. This is admiration anchored in recognition of singular worth, not passing infatuation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My beloved is white and ruddy, The chiefest among ten thousand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My beloved is white and ruddy, The chiefest among ten thousand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My loved one is white and red, the chief among ten thousand.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My beloved <FI>is<Fi> clear and ruddy, Conspicuous above a myriad!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My beloved is white and ruddy, chosen out of thousands.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My beloved is white and ruddy, The chiefest among ten thousand.
Context
This opening line of praise responds directly to the daughters’ question. It sets the tone: superlative language for a matchless man. The description will now move from head to foot, using rich materials and noble landscapes to portray him. Verse 11 will begin at the head, then proceed in an orderly, reverent fashion, building a composite portrait that justifies her urgent search and steadfast love.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 7:26
For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
- Deuteronomy 32:31
For their rock is not as our Rock, Even our enemies themselves being judges.
- Philippians 2:9
Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;
- 1 Samuel 16:12
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.
- Psalms 45:2
Thou art fairer than the children of men; Grace is poured into thy lips: Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
- Isaiah 66:19
And I will set a sign among them, and I will send such as escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations.
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