Question 1

What does Song of Solomon 5:15 mean?

Accepted Answer

Song of Solomon 5:15 describes the beloved’s legs as strong and beautiful, comparing them to marble pillars set on bases of fine gold, and says his appearance is as majestic as Lebanon’s cedars. This verse uses vivid, poetic imagery to express admiration for the beloved’s physical strength, stability, and noble presence. In this verse, the woman is speaking about her beloved, describing his body in detail to her friends as part of a larger poetic exchange. The language draws on well-known symbols of beauty and grandeur from the ancient world—marble, gold, the mountains of Lebanon, and its famous cedar trees—to communicate how impressive and attractive she finds him.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 5:15

Accepted Answer

"legs" (שׁוֹקִים, shoqim): This word refers specifically to the lower legs or shins, highlighting the beloved’s sturdy foundation. "pillars" (עַמּוּדִים, ammudim): Pillars suggest strength, support, and dignity, emphasizing the beloved’s reliability and uprightness. "marble" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh): Marble was a precious, smooth, and beautiful stone in the ancient world, used here to evoke a sense of elegance and lasting beauty. "countenance" (מַרְאֶה, mareh): This word means appearance or overall look, not just the face, so the verse is describing the beloved’s whole presence as striking and impressive.

Question 3

Why Song of Solomon 5:15 matters

Accepted Answer

The verse clears up that the woman’s admiration is not only for her beloved’s inner qualities but also for his outward appearance, which she describes with honor and delight. The use of imagery like marble, gold, and Lebanon’s cedars connects the beloved’s qualities to things valued for their beauty and strength in the ancient world, deepening the sense of admiration. This verse fits into a larger poetic section where the woman is defending and praising her beloved to others, showing the depth of her affection and the high regard in which she holds him.

Song of Solomon 5:15 (KJV)