Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. Your hair is like royal tapestry; the king is held captive by its tresses. New Living Translation Your head is as majestic as Mount Carmel, and the sheen of your hair radiates royalty. The king is held captive by its tresses. English Standard Version Your head crowns you like Carmel, and your flowing locks are like purple; a king is held captive in the tresses. Berean Standard Bible Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, the hair of your head like purple threads; the king is captured in your tresses. King James Bible Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. New King James Version Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, And the hair of your head is like purple; A king is held captive by your tresses. New American Standard Bible “Your head crowns you like Carmel, And the flowing hair of your head is like purple threads; The king is captivated by your tresses. NASB 1995 “Your head crowns you like Carmel, And the flowing locks of your head are like purple threads; The king is captivated by your tresses. NASB 1977 “Your head crowns you like Carmel, And the flowing locks of your head are like purple threads; The king is captivated by your tresses. Legacy Standard Bible Your head crowns you like Carmel, And the flowing locks of your head are like purple threads; The king is captivated by your tresses. Amplified Bible “Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, And the flowing hair of your head like purple threads; I, the king, am held captive by your tresses. Christian Standard Bible Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, the hair of your head like purple cloth — a king could be held captive in your tresses. Holman Christian Standard Bible Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, the hair of your head like purple cloth— a king could be held captive in your tresses. American Standard Version Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And the hair of thy head like purple; The king is held captive in the tresses thereof. Contemporary English Version Your head is held high like Mount Carmel; your hair is so lovely it holds a king prisoner. English Revised Version Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held captive in the tresses thereof. GOD'S WORD® Translation You hold your head as high as Mount Carmel. Your dangling curls are royal beauty. Your flowing locks could hold a king captive. Good News Translation Your head is held high like Mount Carmel. Your braided hair shines like the finest satin; its beauty could hold a king captive. International Standard Version Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. Your flowing locks are like purple, and a king could be captured in the dangling tresses. NET Bible Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. The locks of your hair are like royal tapestries--the king is held captive in its tresses! New Heart English Bible Your head on you is like Carmel. The hair of your head like purple. The king is held captive in its tresses. Webster's Bible Translation Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thy head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYour head crowns you like Mount Carmel, the hair of your head like purple threads; the king is captured in your tresses. World English Bible Your head on you is like Carmel. The hair of your head like purple. The king is held captive in its tresses. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYour head on you as Carmel, "" And the locks of your head as purple, "" The king is bound with the flowings! Young's Literal Translation Thy head upon thee as Carmel, And the locks of thy head as purple, The king is bound with the flowings! Smith's Literal Translation Thy head upon thee as Carmel, and the locks of thy head as purple; the King being bound in curls. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThy head is like Carmel: and the hairs of thy head as the purple of the king bound in the channels. Catholic Public Domain Version Your head is like Carmel, and the hairs of your head are like the purple of the king, bound into pleats. New American Bible Your head rises upon you like Carmel; your hair is like purple; a king is caught in its locks. New Revised Standard Version Your head crowns you like Carmel, and your flowing locks are like purple; a king is held captive in the tresses. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYour head upon you is like Carmel, and the braiding of your hair is like royal purple bound with rows of stitching. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Your head upon you is like Karmela and the tresses of your head like the purple garment of the King that is tied in rows OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And the hair of thy head like purple; The king is held captive in the tresses thereof. Brenton Septuagint Translation Thy head upon thee is as Carmel, and the curls of thy hair like scarlet; the king is bound in the galleries. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Admiration by the Bridegroom…4Your neck is like a tower made of ivory; your eyes are like the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim; your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, facing toward Damascus. 5Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, the hair of your head like purple threads; the king is captured in your tresses. 6How fair and pleasant you are, O love, with your delights!… Cross References Proverbs 5:19 A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever. Psalm 45:11 and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord. Isaiah 62:3 You will be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem in the palm of your God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 1 Corinthians 11:15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. Genesis 24:64-65 And when Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she got down from her camel / and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. Ezekiel 16:12 I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. Isaiah 3:24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God. Jeremiah 2:32 Does a maiden forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number. Revelation 1:14 The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire. 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. Isaiah 61:10 I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Matthew 10:30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Luke 12:7 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Treasury of Scripture Your head on you is like Carmel, and the hair of your head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. head Isaiah 35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 4:15,16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: … the hair Song of Solomon 4:1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. Song of Solomon 5:11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. Revelation 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; the king Song of Solomon 1:17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir. Genesis 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Psalm 68:24 They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary. held or bound Jump to Previous Bound Captivated Captive Carmel Crowns Fettered Flowing Flowings Galleries Hair Head Held Locks Mount Net Prisoner Purple Royal Tapestry Thereof ThreadsJump to Next Bound Captivated Captive Carmel Crowns Fettered Flowing Flowings Galleries Hair Head Held Locks Mount Net Prisoner Purple Royal Tapestry Thereof ThreadsSong of Solomon 7 1. a further description of the church's graces.10. The church professes her faith and desire Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel Mount Carmel is a significant geographical location in Israel, known for its beauty and lush vegetation. It is often associated with fertility and abundance, symbolizing the bride's beauty and grace. In biblical history, Mount Carmel is the site of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), representing a place of divine victory and revelation. The comparison of the bride's head to Mount Carmel suggests a regal and majestic appearance, emphasizing her dignity and honor. This imagery reflects the high esteem in which the bride is held, akin to the prominence of Mount Carmel in the landscape of Israel. the hair of your head like purple threads the king is captured in your tresses Persons / Places / Events 1. The BelovedThe woman being described in this verse, often interpreted as the Shulammite woman, who is the object of affection in the Song of Solomon. 2. Mount Carmel A mountain range in Israel known for its beauty and lush vegetation, symbolizing majesty and splendor. 3. The King Often interpreted as Solomon, representing the lover or husband in the poetic dialogue. 4. Royal Tapestry A metaphor for the woman's hair, indicating beauty, richness, and intricacy. 5. Captivation The emotional response of the king, symbolizing deep admiration and love. Teaching Points The Beauty of CreationJust as Mount Carmel is a testament to God's creative power, so is the beauty of a person. Recognize and appreciate the beauty in God's creation, including people. Symbolism of Hair In biblical times, hair was often a symbol of glory and honor. Consider how our personal attributes can reflect God's glory in our lives. Captivation by Love The king's captivation by the beloved's beauty is a reminder of the deep, personal love that God has for His people. Reflect on how we can be captivated by God's love and beauty. Inner and Outer Beauty While this verse highlights physical beauty, it is important to balance this with the biblical emphasis on inner beauty and character. The Role of Metaphor in Scripture Understanding the use of metaphor in the Bible can deepen our appreciation of its messages. Consider how metaphors can convey deeper spiritual truths. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 7:5?2. How does Song of Solomon 7:5 illustrate the beauty of God's creation? 3. What cultural significance does "a king is held captive" have in biblical times? 4. How can we appreciate God's artistry in creation, as seen in Song 7:5? 5. How does Song 7:5 connect to the theme of love in Ephesians 5:25? 6. How can we honor God by valuing beauty in ourselves and others? 7. How does Song of Solomon 7:5 reflect the cultural views on beauty in biblical times? 8. What is the significance of comparing hair to "royal tapestry" in Song of Solomon 7:5? 9. How does Song of Solomon 7:5 fit into the overall theme of love in the book? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 7? 11. Song of Solomon 7:5 – Is likening hair to royal purple historically or archaeologically supported in ancient Israel, and does it conflict with other scriptural cultural references? 12. If the setting is historical, why would the watchmen attack the beloved in Song of Solomon 5:7 instead of recognizing her station or status? 13. In Song of Solomon 2:1, is there any historical or botanical proof that the 'rose of Sharon' existed in ancient Israel? 14. What does 'Do not awaken love until it pleases' mean? What Does Song of Solomon 7:5 Mean Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel“Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel”. • Mount Carmel rises grandly above the Mediterranean, famed for lush vegetation and panoramic views (Isaiah 35:2; Jeremiah 50:19). The comparison lifts the bride’s dignity and presence to something stately and awe-inspiring. • In Scripture the head often represents authority, honor, and identity (1 Corinthians 11:7). The groom sees in his bride not merely outward beauty but a noble bearing that signals strength of character. • Just as a crown sits atop a ruler, the bride’s poise crowns her entire person. Her husband rejoices in that splendor, echoing the delight of Proverbs 31:23, 28 where a virtuous wife brings honor to her household. the hair of your head like purple threads “the hair of your head like purple threads”. • Purple was the color of royalty and rare luxury (Luke 16:19; Esther 8:15). By likening her hair to purple threads, the groom treats even the smallest feature of his bride as something regal. • Hair in Scripture can symbolize glory and allure (1 Corinthians 11:15). Here its fine texture, shimmering hue, and graceful movement communicate refinement. • While external adornment is celebrated, the imagery invites the inward beauty that never fades (1 Peter 3:3-4). Her outer loveliness harmonizes with a heart devoted to her beloved. the king is captured in your tresses “the king is captured in your tresses”. • The groom (often styled “king,” cf. Songs 1:4, 12) confesses that her beauty arrests him. Love’s power is portrayed as a deliberate surrender, not a loss of control. • This echoes Songs 4:9: “You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride.” The marriage bond is designed to be captivating (Proverbs 5:18-19). • Far from superficial infatuation, his captivation celebrates God-given intimacy in marriage; the union of husband and wife pictures wholehearted devotion (Ephesians 5:28-29). summary Song of Solomon 7:5 paints a threefold portrait of the bride: her noble bearing, royal beauty, and irresistible charm. Together they showcase God’s good design for marriage—where honor, aesthetic delight, and deep affection meet in a covenant that mirrors Christ’s loyal love for His people. (5) Carmel.--Marg., crimson, from reading charmil, which preserves the parallelism with the next clause better. But the whole passage deals in the author's favourite figures from localities; and certainly the comparison of a finely-set head to a mountain is at least as apt as that in the preceding verse, of the nose to a "tower in Lebanon." Besides, there may be a play on words, which in turn may have suggested the allusion to purple in the next clause, or possibly the vicinity of Carmel to Tyre may have led to the thought of its famous dyes.Hair.--Heb. dallath, most probably = flowing tresses. For comparison-- "Carmine purpurea est Nisi coma." "Et pro purpureo dat p?nas Scylla capillo. (Comp. ????????? ???????? in Lucian., and ???????? ?????? in Anacreon.) So Collins:-- "The youths whose locks divinely spreading, Like vernal hyacinths in sullen hue." Ode to Liberty. The king is held (Marg., bound) in the galleries.--For galleries, see Note on Song of Solomon 1:17. Translate "A king caught and bound by thy tresses," i.e., they are so beautiful that a monarch would be caught by them. (Comp.-- . . . Verse 5. - Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held captive in the tresses thereof. Carmel is called the "Nose of the mountain range" (Arf-ef-jebel). It is a promontory. The meaning, no doubt, is the exquisite fitness of the head upon the neck, which is one of the most lovely traits of personal beauty. Some, however, think that the reference is to colour - Carmel being derived from the Persian, and meaning "crimson." This is rejected by Delitzsch, as the Persian would be carmile, not carmel. The transition is natural from the position and shape of the head and neck to the hair. The purple shellfish is found near Carmel (cf. Lucian's πορφύρεος πλόκαμος and Anacreon's πορφυραῖ χαῖται, and similar expressions in Virgil's 'Georgics,' 1:405, and Tibullus, 1:4, 63). The locks of hair are a glistening purple colour, i.e. their black is purple as they catch the lights. Hengstenberg, however, thinks that the reference is to the temples, and not to the hair itself; but the use of the term in classical poets is decisive. The lovely head shaking the locks as the body moves gracefully in the dance fills the king with delight and admiration. He is quite captivated, and the ladies, having finished their description of the bride, look at the bridegroom, and behold him quite lost in the fascination - "held captive in the tresses." Delitzsch quotes a similar expression from Goethe, in the 'West Ostliche Divan,' "There are more than fifty hooks in each lock of thy hair." The idea of taking captive is frequent in Hebrew poetry (cf. Proverbs 6:25; Sirach 9:3, 4). Thus ends the song of the ladies in praise of the bride. We must suppose that the king, who is probably present, then takes up the word, and pours out his heart.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Your headרֹאשֵׁ֤ךְ (rō·šêḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 7218: The head crowns you עָלַ֙יִךְ֙ (‘ā·la·yiḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against like Mount Carmel, כַּכַּרְמֶ֔ל (kak·kar·mel) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3760: Carmel -- a mountain promontory on the Mediterranean, also a city near Hebron the hair וְדַלַּ֥ת (wə·ḏal·laṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1803: Something dangling, a loose thread, hair, indigent of your head רֹאשֵׁ֖ךְ (rō·šêḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 7218: The head like purple [threads]; כָּאַרְגָּמָ֑ן (kā·’ar·gā·mān) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 713: Purple, red-purple the king מֶ֖לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king is captured אָס֥וּר (’ā·sūr) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 631: To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle in your tresses. בָּרְהָטִֽים׃ (bā·rə·hā·ṭîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7298: A channel, watering-box, ringlet of hair Links Song of Solomon 7:5 NIVSong of Solomon 7:5 NLT Song of Solomon 7:5 ESV Song of Solomon 7:5 NASB Song of Solomon 7:5 KJV Song of Solomon 7:5 BibleApps.com Song of Solomon 7:5 Biblia Paralela Song of Solomon 7:5 Chinese Bible Song of Solomon 7:5 French Bible Song of Solomon 7:5 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 7:5 Your head on you is like Carmel (Song Songs SS So Can) |
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