Keraia
Song of Solomon 5

Song of Solomon 5:10

The Bride and Her Beloved · Song of Solomon 5:1–16
Read Song of Solomon 5

Translations

Modern
My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.
Traditional
My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
Literal
My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, distinguished above a myriad.
Latin
Dilectus meus candidus et rubicundus; electus ex millibus.

Original

Hebrew
English
My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand.

Notes

Song of Solomon 5:10

dazzling and ruddy: He looks very healthy and has a deep tan. This description does not refer to race; it likely shows good health and sun exposure.

Song of Solomon 5:10–16

This detailed description of the lover in the Song highlights his value to the woman.

Song of Solomon 5:2–6:3

  • One verse earlier, the couple fully enjoys their intimate union. Now the woman feels the pain of separation. In the dramatic interpretation, the woman has been separated from the man twice before and has searched for him (Song of Solomon 1:4–7; 3:1–4). This last time, the separation occurs in her dreams—it is only a nightmare. Her dream seems to continue to Song of Solomon 6:3, given the natural flow of questions and answers between the woman and the young women of Jerusalem.

  • If the Song is a collection of poems, these poems explore love rather than recounting actual events. This poem reminds us that an intimate relationship is not always easy or perfectly satisfying.

Theme notes and profiles

Human Sexuality

Glossary

Perfume Song of Solomon

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Chiefest Among Ten Thousand Love to Christ: His Personal Excellence is Deserving of Preciousness of Christ: Illustrated Preciousness of Christ: To Saints The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Incomparable