Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries.
SONG OF SOLOMON 7:5KJVWhat does Song of Solomon 7:5 mean?
Song of Solomon 7:5 describes the beloved’s head as majestic like Mount Carmel and her hair as rich and striking as purple, with the king captivated by her beauty. The verse uses poetic comparisons to praise the woman’s appearance and express the deep admiration of the speaker.
In this verse, the man is speaking to his beloved, using vivid imagery from nature and royal colors to highlight her beauty and dignity. Mount Carmel was known for its grandeur and lushness, while purple was a color associated with royalty and luxury. The phrase about the king being "held in the galleries" suggests that her beauty has a powerful, almost mesmerizing effect on him.
The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 7:5
- כַּרְמֶל (Karmel, "Carmel"): This refers to Mount Carmel, a prominent and beautiful mountain in Israel. Comparing the woman’s head to Carmel emphasizes nobility, height, and natural beauty.
- אַרְגָּמָן (’argaman, "purple"): Purple dye was rare and expensive in the ancient world, symbolizing wealth, royalty, and distinction. Describing her hair as "like purple" highlights its richness and allure.
- הַמֶּלֶךְ (ha-melekh, "the king"): The use of "the king" can be literal or poetic, suggesting that even someone as important as a king is captivated by her.
- אָסוּר (’asur, "held"): This word carries the sense of being bound or captivated, showing the strong effect her beauty has on the king.
Why Song of Solomon 7:5 matters
- This verse clears up that the descriptions are not literal but poetic, using grand and luxurious imagery to communicate admiration and love.
- The focus on the king being "held" by her beauty highlights the power and influence of love and attraction in the relationship.
- Understanding the references to Carmel and purple connects the reader to the cultural and historical context, showing how beauty was celebrated in ancient Israel.