Song of Solomon 7:1

Howe beautifull are thy feete with shooes, O princes daughter! the ioynts of thy thighs are like iewels, the worke of the hands of a cunning workman. Song of Solomon 7:1 (KJV)

Song of Solomon 7:1 poetically praises the bride’s feet and thighs. The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic and allegorical book in the Old Testament that describes the passionate and intimate love between a bride (the Shulammite woman) and her bridegroom. The bridegroom’s words in this verse use vivid and metaphorical language to celebrate the beauty of the bride, employing imagery that highlights specific parts of her body.

The reference to “feet in shoes” represents the beauty and elegance of the bride’s feet. Feet are often associated with movement, journey, and direction, while shoes symbolize protection, readiness, and the bride’s preparedness to walk with her beloved. The “joints of thy thighs” is a poetic expression that highlights physical beauty, suggesting strength, stability, and vitality, and emphasizing the allure and gracefulness of the bride.

The phrase “the work of the hands of a cunning workman” implies that the bride’s beauty is skillfully crafted. It signifies the meticulous workmanship of the Creator in forming the human body and suggests that the bride is a masterpiece, intricately designed by God.

While the Song of Solomon can be read literally as a love poem, many theologians view the relationship between the bride and bridegroom as an allegory for the love between Christ and His Church, or God and His people. In this spiritual sense the verse declares the Church’s beauty in the eyes of Christ, speaking of the Church’s readiness to walk with Him, symbolized by beautiful feet in shoes. The Church is portrayed as a work of art skillfully crafted by God, with every member valued and cherished.

The passage also portrays the depth of intimacy and love between the individual believer and God, reflecting a desire to be close to Him, to experience His presence, and to find fulfillment in a personal relationship. Moral and practical lessons emerge as the text encourages appreciation and praise of the beauty and uniqueness of others, and recognition of God’s skillful craftsmanship in creating every person.

In conclusion, Song of Solomon 7:1 celebrates the bride’s beauty in vivid poetic language. It can be understood both literally, as a depiction of human love and beauty, and symbolically, as a representation of the love between Christ and His Church. The verse reminds us of the value and uniqueness of each individual and of the loving, skillful workmanship of God in creating us.