My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.

SONG OF SOLOMON 5:10KJV
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Song of Solomon 5:10 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 5:10 mean?

Song of Solomon 5:10 describes the woman’s deep admiration for her beloved, saying he stands out as both striking in appearance (“white and ruddy”) and as the most distinguished or outstanding man among many (“the chiefest among ten thousand”). The verse uses vivid language to highlight how unique and precious he is to her.

In the setting of Song of Solomon, the woman is speaking to the daughters of Jerusalem, describing her beloved in response to their questions. The verse paints a picture of her beloved’s physical beauty and his exceptional character, setting him apart from all others. This is part of a longer passage where she praises him in detail, expressing her love and devotion.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 5:10

  • "Beloved" (דּוֹדִי, dodi): This word refers to a loved one or dear companion, emphasizing a close, affectionate relationship.
  • "White" (צַח, tsach): The Hebrew word here often means bright, radiant, or dazzling, not just the color white, suggesting a striking or healthy appearance.
  • "Ruddy" (אָדוֹם, adom): This word describes a reddish or rosy complexion, often associated with youthfulness and vitality.
  • "Chiefest" (דָּגוּל, dagul): This term means “distinguished” or “bannered,” suggesting someone who stands out or is set apart, like a leader or someone of great importance.
  • "Thousand" (רְבָבָה, revavah): Used here to mean a very large number, emphasizing that her beloved is unmatched even among countless others.

Why Song of Solomon 5:10 matters

  • The verse clears up that the woman’s admiration is not just about physical looks but also about how her beloved stands out in character and presence among many.
  • The use of “white and ruddy” together suggests a healthy, attractive, and vibrant appearance, which would have been highly valued in the ancient context.
  • This verse helps set the tone for the following verses, where the woman continues to describe her beloved in detail, showing the depth of her affection and the uniqueness of their relationship.

Where else these words appear

“white” Hebrew H6703 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 18:4 For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.
  • Isaiah 32:4 The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly.
  • Jeremiah 4:11 At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

“chiefest” Hebrew H1713 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
  • Song of Solomon 6:4 Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.
  • Song of Solomon 6:10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?

“ruddy” Hebrew H122 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 2 Kings 3:22 And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
  • Zechariah 1:8 I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.

“thousand” Hebrew H7233 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Deuteronomy 33:17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
  • 1 Samuel 29:5 Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?