Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?
SONG OF SOLOMON 6:10KJVWhat does Song of Solomon 6:10 mean?
Song of Solomon 6:10 describes a woman who is being admired for her beauty and presence, using vivid images: she is compared to the morning, the moon, the sun, and an awe-inspiring army. The verse highlights how striking and captivating she appears to those who see her.
In the context of the Song of Solomon, this verse is spoken by a group of onlookers, likely the "daughters of Jerusalem," who are marveling at the beloved woman as she appears. The language is poetic, stacking up images of brightness, purity, and power to show how remarkable she is in their eyes. The verse sits within a section where the woman's beauty and character are being praised in extravagant terms.
The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 6:10
- "forth" (נָשָׁק, nashaq): This word often means "to look out" or "to appear," suggesting the woman is emerging or presenting herself in a way that draws attention.
- "clear" (בָּרוּר, barur): This word means "pure" or "bright," and here it describes the woman as shining or radiant like the sun, emphasizing her clarity and brilliance.
- "terrible" (אָיֹם, ayom): This word means "awe-inspiring" or "formidable," not frightening in a negative sense but impressive and commanding respect, like an army with banners.
- "banners" (דֶּגֶל, degel): This refers to military banners or standards, evoking the image of an organized, majestic, and powerful force, adding to the sense of the woman's impressive presence.
Why Song of Solomon 6:10 matters
- This verse clears up that the admiration is not just for physical beauty but also for the woman's presence and dignity, shown by the comparison to an army with banners.
- The use of cosmic imagery (morning, moon, sun) connects the woman's qualities to things that are universally recognized as beautiful and awe-inspiring, suggesting her impact is both personal and far-reaching.
- In the wider passage, this verse helps show how the beloved woman is viewed not only by her lover but by the community, highlighting her unique and celebrated role.