His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Song of Solomon 5:11
What does Song of Solomon 5:11 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Song of Solomon 5:11
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is how this seemingly simple description of his hair actually points to something grander. "Finest gold" isn't just about color; in ancient Near Eastern thought, it often symbolized divinity and royalty, suggesting this beloved is not just handsome, but possesses kingly and perhaps even divine qualities. The contrast with his hair being "black as a raven" grounds this lofty imagery, showing his magnificent nature is real and tangible, not just abstract perfection.
His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The bride has just recounted her beloved's visit and how she missed him. Now, she's describing him in detail, and this verse is the beginning of her praise for his physical appearance, setting the stage for her longing and anticipation of his return. She's painting a picture of his beauty, highlighting his striking features as she remembers him.
What does it mean to see someone's 'head' as the 'finest gold'? This isn't just about physical appearance; it speaks to honor, wisdom, and divine authority.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gold was the ultimate symbol of value, purity, and royalty. When the bride describes her beloved's head as 'finest gold,' she's elevating him beyond measure.
Divine Worthship
Why focus on his hair? This detail reveals a specific, intimate, and sensory appreciation for the beloved.
The bride's attention to his 'wavy, black as a raven' locks isn't superficial. It's about recognizing the unique, attractive features of her lover that capture her heart.
Intimate & Vivid Imagery
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
paz · Hebrew Noun
A term often representing value, purity, glory, and sovereignty; in biblical typology, gold often signifies that which is divine, enduring, and of highest worth.
This verse describes David, who was chosen by God, as having a ruddy complexion and beautiful eyes, hinting at a divinely favored appearance that resonates with the idealized description in Song of Solomon.
Ezekiel 16:12-14This passage also uses rich imagery to describe the beauty and adornment of Jerusalem, likening her to a bride adorned with gold and jewels, echoing the preciousness attributed to the beloved's appearance.
Daniel 10:5-6While describing a divine angelic being, this passage uses powerful sensory details like eyes like fiery torches and arms like polished bronze, showing how biblical writers often employ striking physical descriptions for figures of profound importance and beauty.
Revelation 1:14-16The glorious description of Jesus in Revelation, with hair white as wool and eyes like a flame of fire, also uses striking physical imagery to convey divine majesty and purity, similar to the elevated praise in Song of Solomon.
What's striking here is how this seemingly simple description of his hair actually points to something grander. "Finest gold" isn't just about color; in ancient Near Eastern thought, it often symbolized divinity and royalty, suggesting this beloved is not just handsome, but possesses kingly and perhaps even divine qualities. The contrast with his hair being "black as a raven" grounds this lofty imagery, showing his magnificent nature is real and tangible, not just abstract perfection.
The bride has just recounted her beloved's visit and how she missed him. Now, she's describing him in detail, and this verse is the beginning of her praise for his physical appearance, setting the stage for her longing and anticipation of his return. She's painting a picture of his beauty, highlighting his striking features as she remembers him.
The bride has just recounted her beloved's visit and how she missed him. Now, she's describing him in detail, and this verse is the beginning of her praise for his physical appearance, setting the stage for her longing and anticipation of his return. She's painting a picture of his beauty, highlighting his striking features as she remembers him.
"His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven." — What's striking here is how this seemingly simple description of his hair actually points to something grander. "Finest gold" isn't just about color; in ancient Near Eastern thought, it often symboli…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026