1. Cantique des Cantiques 5:10 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

Why does the woman describe her beloved as radiant, ruddy, and distinguished?

Cantique des Cantiques 5:10 (NEG79)

10 Mon bien-aimé est blanc et vermeil; Il se distingue entre dix mille.

The Hebrew word sah, translated as radiant, is generally a symbol of health rather than purity.

Ruddy is associated with beauty in Egyptian art as well as in the Old Testament. So, we might say that he was glowing with health.1

The Hebrew word dagul, translated as distinguished, carries a military connotation. To her, he is one among ten thousand warriors.2