Song of Solomon5:14

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Translation

His hands

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are hinges

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of gold set with chrysolite.

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His internal organs

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are like polished ivory,

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decorated with sapphires.

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Paraphrase

He uses his abilities to guide what is most valuable;

he uses his abilities with class.

His capacity to feel compassion is hard to come by;

it is brilliant and classy.

Footnotes

1

This word is usually translated “hand,” although on rare occasions it can refer to the arm.

2: "hinges”

The word used here means something that “turns or folds.” It is used elsewhere of the hinge of a door that turns. One could call it a “ring,” but that would bring to mind something we wear on our finger, which is not the right idea. It is more than a “hinge,” but “hinge” may be the best option for us in English.

3

Chrysolite, like other jewels, was a sign of wealth, class and style.

4: "internal organs"

This word refers to one’s “middle,” usually the “internal organs” of one’s midsection.

Re: the imagery: The ancients thought of this as the seat of one’s emotions because of how our stomachs tighten up when we are afraid or nervous.

5

Ivory was hard to come by.

6

Sapphires were also a sign of wealth and class.