Meaning and Interpretation of Song of Solomon 5:14
The verse Song of Solomon 5:14 reads:
"His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires."
Verse Context and Background
In the Song of Solomon, the speaker often describes the beloved in ornate and poetic language, presenting a rich tapestry of love and admiration. This verse comes in a section where the couple is expressing deep affection and admiration for one another. The imagery in this verse conveys not only physical beauty but also suggests wealth, fine craftsmanship, and a sense of worth and value.
Commentary Insights
Let’s explore the interpretations provided by notable public domain commentators:
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry explains that the description of the beloved's hands as "gold rings" signifies purity and value. Gold represents something precious that cannot easily be tarnished, which implies that the love and attributes of the beloved are priceless. Henry also notes that the beryl, a precious stone, enhances the grandeur of the beloved’s characteristics, symbolizing strength and beauty combined.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes emphasizes the reference to “his belly” as a metaphorical representation of abundance and delicacy. He interprets “bright ivory” to signify something that is attractive and desirable, and the “sapphires” suggest divine beauty, aligning the physical with the spiritual. Barnes often draws attention to how these elements collectively hint at the sacred union of love and faith.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke elaborate on the richness of the imagery, identifying the luxurious materials used (gold and ivory) that express transcendent beauty and elegance. He interprets the verse not only as a physical description but as a conveyance of deep emotional resonance, symbolizing the divine qualities of love that transcend ordinary experiences.
Thematic Connections and Cross-References
This verse interconnects with various themes throughout the Scriptures, providing a deeper understanding of love, beauty, and relationships. Below are suggested cross-references:
- Genesis 41:42: Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring, a symbol of elevated status and value, akin to the preciousness reflected in the beloved’s hands.
- Exodus 25:18-22: The cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant are also described with precious materials, linking divine beauty with divine presence.
- Proverbs 31:10: The virtuous woman is depicted as having great worth, paralleling the beloved's esteemed qualities.
- Matthew 6:20: Storing up treasures in heaven indicates the eternal value of spiritual beauty, similar to the beloved’s heavenly qualities.
- 1 Peter 3:3-4: A gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth, which aligns with the inward beauty suggested in the Song of Solomon.
- Ecclesiastes 3:11: God has set eternity in the hearts of men, which reflects the longing for divine love depicted in the Song of Solomon.
- Romans 12:2: Transformed by the renewing of the mind also suggests recognizing the deeper beauty in love and relationships.
- Revelation 21:18-21: The description of the New Jerusalem alludes to beauty adorned with precious stones, linking spiritual and earthly beauty.
- Psalms 45:13-14: The royal daughter is all glorious within, showing the beauty of inner qualities similar to those praised in the Song of Solomon.
- Philippians 4:8: Thinking about lovely things parallels the admiration seen in the loving descriptions in Song of Solomon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Song of Solomon 5:14 serves as a stunning example of loving devotion portrayed through beautiful and luxurious imagery. The connectedness of this verse to broader Biblical themes illustrates the intertwined nature of love, beauty, and spirituality found throughout the Scriptures. Going deeper into these interpretations using tools such as a bible concordance or bible cross-reference guide can enrich one's understanding and appreciation of these divine truths.
Further Study Resources
For authentic Bible study practices, one can explore:
- How to use bible cross-references effectively.
- Methods for cross-referencing Bible studies.
- Identifying connections between the Old and New Testament texts.
- Utilizing a comprehensive Bible cross-reference system for deeper insights.
- Exploring thematic Bible verse connections across both testaments.
