What does Song of Solomon 5:11 mean?
"His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven." - Song of Solomon 5:11

Song of Solomon 5:11 in the King James Version says, "His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven." This verse is part of a larger poem that celebrates the beauty and love between two people. The book of Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic work that is part of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. It is attributed to King Solomon and is considered an allegory of the love between God and his people.
In this verse, the focus is on the physical beauty of the beloved. The imagery used to describe the beloved's head as fine gold and his hair as black as a raven evokes a sense of regal and exotic beauty. The use of the word "gold" suggests wealth, purity, and royalty, and it is used to emphasize the preciousness and value of the beloved. This description reflects the intense admiration and longing that the speaker feels for their beloved.
The poem as a whole is known for its passionate and sensual language, and the imagery in this verse is no exception. The use of rich and luxurious imagery conveys a sense of desire and attraction. The description of the beloved's locks as "bushy" adds to the sensuality of the verse, as it suggests a wild and untamed quality to the beloved's appearance. This untamed quality may symbolize the unpredictability and excitement of love, as well as the beloved's uniqueness and individuality.
The color black is often associated with mystery, depth, and intensity. By comparing the beloved's hair to the color black, the speaker is emphasizing the alluring and enigmatic nature of their beloved. The use of the raven as a point of comparison further emphasizes the darkness of the beloved's hair, as ravens are known for their black plumage and are often associated with omens and mystery.
In addition to the literal meaning of the verse, it is important to consider the larger themes and context of the Song of Solomon. The book as a whole celebrates love and the beauty of human relationships. It presents the love between two people as a powerful and profound experience, and it uses vivid and rich imagery to convey the depth of emotion involved. The book also symbolizes the love and relationship between God and his people, using the language of human love to express the divine love that God has for his people.
The Song of Solomon also explores themes of desire, longing, and intimacy. The verses are filled with passionate language that conveys the intensity of the speaker's emotions. The physical descriptions in this verse are a reflection of the speaker's intense longing and admiration for the beloved, and they serve to highlight the beloved's attractiveness and desirability.
Overall, Song of Solomon 5:11 is a verse that uses vivid and sensual imagery to convey the depth of the speaker's love and admiration for their beloved. It is a part of a larger work that celebrates the beauty and power of love, and it uses rich and luxurious language to convey the intensity of human emotions. The verse also serves as a reminder of the profound and mysterious nature of love, as well as the deep connection between God and his people.
Have questions about Song of Solomon 5:11?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Song of Solomon 5:11 Artwork
Song of Solomon 5:11
Song of Solomon 5:11 - "His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven."
"His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven." - Song of Solomon 5:11
Song of Solomon 5:11 Please follow scripture descriptions of raven black hair and add in an element of royal purple
Song of Solomon 5:11 Please follow scripture descriptions of raven black hair and add in an element of royal purple
"His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven." - Song of Solomon 5:11
Song of Solomon 5:11 Please follow scripture descriptions of raven black hair and add in an element of royal purple
Song of Solomon 5:10 - "My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand."
Song of Solomon 2:11 - "For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;"
Song of Solomon 1:5 - "I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon."
Song of Solomon 1:11 - "We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver."
"My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand." - Song of Solomon 5:10
Song of Solomon 5:12 - "His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set."
Song of Solomon 5:14 - "His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires."
Song of Solomon 5:4 - "My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him."
Song of Solomon 5:13 - "His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh."
Song of Solomon 1:1 - "The song of songs, which is Solomon's."
Song of Solomon 8:11 - "Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver."
Song of Solomon 2:5 - "Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love."
Song of Solomon 5:15 - "His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars."
Song of Solomon 5:8 - "I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love."
Song of Solomon 5:3 - "I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?"
Song of Solomon 5:16 - "His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."
1 Songs of Solomon 1:1
Song of Solomon 7:11 - "Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages."
"The song of songs, which is Solomon's." - Song of Solomon 1:1
Song of Solomon 4:5 - "Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies."
Song of Solomon 3:11 - "Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart."
"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;" - Song of Solomon 2:11
Song of Solomon 5:5 - "I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock."