Song of Solomon 5:14
What does Song of Solomon 5:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 5:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 5:14 means
His hands are like rings of gold set with beryl—strong yet artfully formed, capable and adorned. His body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires—smooth, luminous, and exquisitely crafted. These metaphors combine sturdiness with splendor. Hands speak to what he does; the torso to his formed substance. Gold, beryl, ivory, sapphire—all rare, precious, carefully worked—signal that he is no common man in her eyes, but one whose very frame is a masterpiece. She honors both function and form, praising strength shaped by beauty.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000His hands areasrings of gold set with beryl: His body isasivory work overlaid with sapphires.
KJV
King James Version · 1611His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901His hands areasrings of gold set with beryl: His body isasivory work overlaid with sapphires.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His hands are as rings of gold ornamented with beryl-stones; his body is as a smooth plate of ivory covered with sapphires.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862His hands rings of gold, set with beryl, His heart bright ivory, covered with sapphires,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752His hands are turned and as of gold, full of hyacinths. His belly as of ivory, set with sapphires.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890His hands gold rings, set with the chrysolite; His belly is bright ivory, overlaid [with] sapphires;
Context
The description turns from facial features to the body’s strength and structure. The language of fine craftsmanship elevates the portrait beyond ordinary comparison. Next, she will speak of his legs and overall bearing with architectural and arboreal imagery, completing the from-head-to-foot picture and underscoring his stability and majesty as well as his beauty.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 15:6
Thy right hand, O Jehovah, is glorious in power, Thy right hand, O Jehovah, dasheth in pieces the enemy.
- Isaiah 52:13
Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.
- Exodus 24:10
and they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and as it were the very heaven for clearness.
- Song of Solomon 7:2
Thy body islikea round goblet, Wherein no mingled wine is wanting: Thy waist is like a heap of wheat Set about with lilies.
- Psalms 99:4
The king’s strength also loveth justice; Thou dost establish equity; Thou executest justice and righteousness in Jacob.
- Psalms 44:4
Thou art my King, O God: Command deliverance for Jacob.
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