Song of Solomon 5:11
What does Song of Solomon 5:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 5:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 5:11 means
“His head is as the most fine gold” suggests nobility, value, and perhaps kingly dignity. His locks are luxuriant and black as a raven, signaling youthful vigor and undiminished strength. Together these images present a man whose bearing is both precious and alive. Gold evokes enduring worth; jet-black hair evokes vitality. She admires not a mere ornament but the crowned summit of his person—what is most visible and honored. Her language treats him as rare and regal, worthy of esteem as well as affection.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000His head isasthe most fine gold; His locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901His head isasthe most fine gold; His locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His head is as the most delicate gold; his hair is thick, and black as a raven.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862His head <FI>is<Fi> pure gold--fine gold, His locks flowing, dark as a raven,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752His head is as the finest gold: his locks as branches of palm trees, black as a raven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890His head is [as] the finest gold; His locks are flowing, black as the raven;
Context
Having declared his overall excellence, the bride now turns to specific features, starting at the head. The movement is deliberate and artistic, like a craftsman working from the top down. Next she will describe his eyes, using gentle, watery imagery to balance the strength and nobility suggested by gold and raven-black hair, rounding out the portrait with tenderness as well as grandeur.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 7:9
I beheld till thrones were placed, and one that was ancient of days did sit: his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and the wheels thereof burning fire.
- Ephesians 1:21
far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
- Revelation 1:14
And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
- Song of Solomon 5:2
I was asleep, but my heart waked: It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled; For my head is filled with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.
- Song of Solomon 7:5
Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And the hair of thy head like purple; The king is held captive in the tresses thereof.
- Daniel 2:37
Thou, O king, art king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven hath given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory;
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