Song of solomon 5:14 - His hands are like rings of gold set with beryl. His body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires.

Generated Verse: Song of solomon 5:14

What does "Song of solomon 5:14" mean?


Song of Solomon 5:14 is a highly metaphorical and sensual description of the male beloved. Let's break it down:

"His hands are like rings of gold set with beryl."
"Rings of gold": Gold symbolizes preciousness, purity, and beauty. This suggests that his hands are valuable and beautiful. "Rings" can also imply smoothness and well-formed shape.
"Set with beryl": Beryl is a gemstone, often green or blue-green (like emeralds or aquamarines). It adds a touch of color, brilliance, and preciousness to the gold. This could suggest strength or even veins beneath his skin.

"His body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires."
"Ivory work": Ivory is smooth, white, and highly prized. It suggests a flawless, smooth, and radiant complexion. "Ivory work" evokes images of skilled craftsmanship and perfection.
"Overlaid with sapphires": Sapphires are deep blue gemstones. "Overlaid" means covered or adorned. This could refer to the beauty marks on his body or more likely muscles. This image is striking and emphasizes his beauty.

Overall Interpretation:

The verse uses rich, luxurious materials (gold, beryl, ivory, sapphires) to convey the beloved's extraordinary beauty and attractiveness. It's not meant to be taken literally. The focus is on:

Preciousness: He is incredibly valuable and cherished.
Beauty: His physical appearance is strikingly beautiful and flawless.
Strength: The images of gold and sapphire, especially when contrasted with ivory, suggest strength and a powerful physique.
Desirability: The imagery is deliberately sensual and evokes a strong sense of desire and admiration.

In essence, the verse is a passionate and poetic expression of intense love and admiration for the male beloved's physical beauty. It highlights his perceived perfection and the speaker's profound attraction to him.

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