His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.
Read it in contextThe Bride
Start reading at Song of Solomon 5:10 (Song of Solomon 5:10 to Song of Solomon 5:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. An account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
5:10My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
5:11His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
5:12His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.
5:13His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
5:14His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
5:15His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
5:16His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the traditional author, supported by the title's association with him. Whether that association identifies authorship, ownership, or subject is debated. Biblical references: Song of Solomon 1:1. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Song of Solomon 1:1–8:14): The lovers address one another, with the daughters of Jerusalem and other companions addressed in portions of the poems. Speaker assignments in individual lines are sometimes uncertain; the poems do not identify a single audience present throughout the whole collection. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? An Israelite audience receiving love poetry. Within the poems the lovers address one another and the daughters of Jerusalem; those speakers and hearers are distinct from the book's later readers. Biblical references: Song of Solomon 1:5; Song of Solomon 2:7. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Bride. Read Song of Solomon 5:10 through Song of Solomon 5:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. An account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The poems mention seasons and times of encounter but do not establish a continuous, fully dated narrative or a single certain composition date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Gardens, vineyards, countryside, and city scenes appear in the poetry. Images of places and bodies function poetically and need not all be literal travel or event reports. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Bride (Song of Solomon 5:10 to Song of Solomon 5:16).
Start reading at Song of Solomon 5:10. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christian readers may compare covenant love with New Testament teaching about Christ and the church. That is an interpretive comparison; the Song's verses do not explicitly identify every lover, feature, or scene as Christ or the church. See Song of Solomon 8:6, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:32. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Value faithful, enduring love and respect the poem's warnings about its timing. Avoid assigning a spiritual code to every physical image without textual support. interpretation
Cited: Song of Solomon 5:10, Song of Solomon 5:16, Song of Solomon 8:6, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:32
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Song of Solomon 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The Song of Solomon is poetry of love and desire. Identifying every speaker and assigning every image to Christ and the church involve interpretation; those readings should not be presented as names and meanings explicitly supplied in every verse. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The central sequence presents a procession and extended language of admiration, moving toward an invitation and response.
Connection to the wholeAn account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
Connection to the wholeAn account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. An account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Song of Solomon
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The Song of Solomon is poetry of love and desire. Identifying every speaker and assigning every image to Christ and the church involve interpretation; those readings should not be presented as names and meanings explicitly supplied in every verse.
Connection to the wholeAn account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
Connection to the wholeThe later exchanges culminate in reflection on love's strength and a final invitation, completing the collection's movement of desire and belonging.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.