Albert Barnes Commentary Song Of Solomon 7:5

"Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And the hair of thy head like purple; The king is held captive in the tresses [thereof]." — Song Of Solomon 7:5 (ASV)

Compare this with Song of Solomon 5:15. The marginal reading suggests “Carmel” is the name of a color, equivalent to “carmine” (rendered “crimson” in 2 Chronicles 2:7, 14; 3:14). This interpretation is favored by the parallelism with “purple,” but removes a beautiful image.

Purple - A deep violet-black.

The king... - Rather, “A king is bound in the tresses or windings of your hair.” These last words indicate the king’s approach.