Lexical Summary taltallim: Locks, curls Original Word: תַּלְתַּל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bushy By reduplication, from talal through the idea of vibration; a trailing bough (as pendulous) -- bushy. see HEBREW talal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tel Definition perhaps locks (of hair) NASB Translation clusters of dates (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תַּלְתַּלִּים noun feminine (?) plural as figurative of woman's locks, meaning dubious: שְׁחרוֺת כָּעורֵב ׳קְוֻצּוֺתָיו ת Songs 5:11; Thes (from above v) waving palm-branches, ᵐ5 ἐλάται; Late Hebrew once, figurative, LevyNHWB iv. 649 high hills compare JastrDict 1674 heaps, piles; but MagnusHohes Lied and JacobStud. Arab Dichter iv. 21 envelope or sheath of spadix of date-palm (with which hair often compare in Arabic poetry JacobIb. iii. 46 f, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Hebrew Term and Imagery תַּלְתַּל (taltal) designates a flowing or wavy lock of hair. Ancient Semitic art and poetry valued thick, gently curling hair as a mark of masculine vigor and youthful beauty. In Hebrew poetry a single, evocative word could summon an entire portrait; taltal does so by concentrating on movement—hair that ripples rather than merely rests. Context in Song of Songs The word occurs once, in Song of Songs 5:11: “His head is purest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven”. Here the bride extols her beloved from head to toe. The golden head signals nobility and worth; the raven-black locks represent undiminished vitality and the allure of unmarred youth. Within the canticle this picture functions on two levels: 1. Celebrating covenantal marital delight. Symbolism of Hair in Scripture 1. Strength and Consecration: Samson’s seven locks embodied his Nazirite devotion until betrayal severed both hair and calling (Judges 16:17-19). Historical Background In the Ancient Near East, well-kept curls signified status. Oiled and perfumed hair was common in festive or royal settings (2 Samuel 14:26). Israelite men ordinarily wore moderate length hair, but warriors and kings often allowed thicker locks as emblems of prowess (2 Samuel 18:9). The Song’s idealized portrait therefore fits the cultural aesthetics of Solomon’s court while elevating them into inspired poetry. Christological Reflection Christian interpreters have long recognized in Song of Songs a type of Christ and His church. The uncut, raven-black taltal suggests the perpetual vigor of the risen Lord, “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Gold for the head, black for the locks—royalty blended with humble humanity, unwavering purity with undying strength. Practical and Devotional Applications • Worship: The verse invites believers to contemplate specific excellencies of Christ rather than vague generalities, fueling adoration. Related Biblical Motifs Numbers 6:5; 2 Samuel 14:26; Isaiah 3:24; Matthew 10:30; Revelation 1:14. Forms and Transliterations תַּלְתַּלִּ֔ים תלתלים tal·tal·lîm taltalLim taltallîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 5:11 HEB: פָּ֑ז קְוּצּוֹתָיו֙ תַּלְתַּלִּ֔ים שְׁחֹר֖וֹת כָּעוֹרֵֽב׃ NAS: His locks are [like] clusters of dates [And] black KJV: his locks [are] bushy, [and] black INT: pure his locks are clusters black A raven 1 Occurrence |
    |
drinking vessel made of this envelope Lane); so perhaps Assyrian taltallu DlHWB 708.