His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.

SONG OF SOLOMON 5:11KJV
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Song of Solomon 5:11 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 5:11 mean?

Song of Solomon 5:11 describes the beloved’s head as being like the finest gold and his hair as thick and black, comparing it to a raven. The verse uses rich imagery to express admiration for the beloved’s appearance, highlighting his strength, vitality, and attractiveness.

In this verse, the woman is speaking about her beloved to others, painting a vivid picture of his physical features. The mention of gold and the raven’s blackness emphasizes both preciousness and youthful vigor, fitting the poetic and romantic style of the Song of Solomon, which celebrates love and beauty through detailed descriptions.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 5:11

  • "head" (רֹאשׁ, rosh, H7218): This word simply means "head," but in Hebrew poetry, it can symbolize leadership, prominence, or the source of life, adding depth to the beloved’s description.
  • "most fine gold" (פָּז, paz, H6337): This term refers to refined, pure gold, often used in the Hebrew Bible to signify something of the highest value and purity. Comparing the beloved’s head to "paz" elevates his worth and dignity.
  • "locks" (קְוֻצּוֹת, kevutzot, H6977): This word points to thick, curly hair or locks, suggesting a full and healthy head of hair, which was a sign of vitality.
  • "bushy" (תַּלְתַּלִּים, taltallim, H8534): This term means wavy or curly, reinforcing the image of abundant, attractive hair.
  • "black" (שָׁחֹר, shachor, H7838): This word means "black," emphasizing the deep, striking color of the beloved’s hair.
  • "raven" (עֹרֵב, orev, H6158): The raven is known for its glossy black feathers, making this a vivid and familiar comparison for the original audience.

Why Song of Solomon 5:11 matters

  • The verse clears up that the descriptions in Song of Solomon are not just about physical beauty but use poetic language to express deep admiration and value.
  • The focus on gold and the raven’s blackness highlights the beloved’s youth and strength, countering any idea that the Song is only about fleeting or superficial attraction.
  • This verse fits into a larger section where the woman describes her beloved in detail, showing the mutual delight and honor found in their relationship, which is a central theme of the book.

Where else these words appear

“locks” Hebrew H6977 · used in 2 verses

  • Song of Solomon 5:2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

“black” Hebrew H7838 · used in 6 verses

  • Leviticus 13:31 And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, it be not in sight deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days:
  • Leviticus 13:37 But if the scall be in his sight at a stay, and that there is black hair grown up therein; the scall is healed, he is clean: and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
  • Zechariah 6:2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;

“most” Hebrew H3800 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 28:16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
  • Job 31:24 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
  • Isaiah 13:12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.

“gold” Hebrew H6337 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 28:17 The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.
  • Psalms 21:3 For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
  • Song of Solomon 5:15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.