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Song of Solomon 1

Read Song of Solomon 1 (WEB)+

1The Song of songs, which is Solomon’s. 2Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for your love is better than wine. 3Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured out, therefore the virgins love you. 4Take me away with you. Let us hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you. 5I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains. 6Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard. 7Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; For why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions? 8If you don’t know, most beautiful among women, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents. 9I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots. 10Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels. 11We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver. 12While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance. 13My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh, that lies between my breasts. 14My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi. 15Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. Your eyes are doves. 16Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, yes, pleasant; and our couch is verdant. 17The beams of our house are cedars. Our rafters are firs.

World English Bible (public domain)

“"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine;"”

Song of Solomon 1:2

Summary

Song of Solomon chapter 1 introduces the poetic dialogue between the Shulammite woman and her beloved, often interpreted as King Solomon. The chapter opens with the woman's passionate longing and admiration for the love of her beloved, emphasizing the purity and depth of their connection. This love is celebrated as more delightful than wine, symbolizing its overwhelming joy and sweetness. The woman's desire is marked by a sense of humility as she reflects on her unworthiness yet is confident in the mutual affection shared. The imagery used conveys themes of beauty, longing, and the magnetic attraction between two lovers. Their love is seen not just as physical attraction but also as a profound companionship that is both personal and intimate. The chapter portrays love as multifaceted, involving admiration, longing, and delight in one another's presence. The woman expresses her desire to be with her beloved, eager to escape to a place of connection and intimacy away from public observation. The chapter sets the tone for a love that is both celebrated and revered, highlighting its sacredness and exclusivity. The beloved responds affirmatively, reflecting mutual devotion. Theologically, the chapter elevates human love as a reflection of divine love—passionate, intense, and personal. This parallels the relationship between God and His people, wherein there exists an intimate yearning and celebration of togetherness. It encourages readers to appreciate love as a profound gift, characterized by purity and joy.

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Chapter outline

How Song of Solomon 1 unfolds

  1. Song of Solomon 1:1–2 Introduction to the Song

    The chapter begins with the declaration of the song's authorship, introducing a longing for intimate affection, emphasizing love's superiority over wine.

  2. Song of Solomon 1:3–4 Admiration and Invitation

    The woman expresses admiration for her beloved’s fragrance and name, inviting him to take her away to a place of joy and intimacy.

  3. Song of Solomon 1:5–6 Self-Reflection

    The woman reflects on her dark skin, explaining it as a result of hard labor, while expressing her beauty amidst societal judgment.

  4. Song of Solomon 1:7–8 Longing for Connection

    She seeks guidance on where to find her beloved, revealing her desire to be near him and her longing for his presence.

  5. Song of Solomon 1:9–11 Praise and Beauty

    The beloved responds by praising the woman's beauty, comparing her to a steed in Pharaoh's chariots, and hints at adornments.

  6. Song of Solomon 1:12–14 Fragrance and Gifts

    The woman describes her perfume, indicating her presence and desire, likening her beloved to cherished items of fragrance and beauty.

  7. Song of Solomon 1:15–17 Celebrating Beauty and Intimacy

    The woman repeatedly praises her beloved’s beauty, establishing a theme of mutual admiration and the sacredness of their love.

Key verses

  • Song of Solomon 1:2The key verse encapsulates the chapter's focus on passionate love, setting the tone for the intimate exchanges that follow.

Main themes in Song of Solomon 1

romantic love

Romantic love surfaces vividly as the woman expresses her longing in verse 2, declaring her desire for intimacy. The chapter develops this theme through mutual admiration and passionate expressions, highlighting the beauty and joy of their connection. Within the larger movement, it portrays love as a sacred bond that transcends mere attraction.

longing and desire

Longing and desire are central as the woman yearns for her beloved’s presence throughout the chapter, particularly in verses 2 and 7. This desire complicates the narrative by introducing themes of absence and yearning for closeness amidst separation. The overall movement emphasizes how desire fuels the depth of their love, creating a sense of urgency.

mutual admiration

Mutual admiration is evident as both the woman and her beloved praise each other’s beauty, especially in verses 9 and 10. The chapter develops this theme by establishing a reciprocal relationship, where admiration strengthens their bond. This dynamic highlights the importance of valuing one another within the sacred context of their love.

sacred intimacy

Sacred intimacy is portrayed through the woman's longing to escape to her beloved, especially in verse 4. This intimacy is deepened by their tender exchanges and the sacred symbolism of love, such as fragrance and beauty. The chapter's movement invites readers to see love as not only passionate but also deeply respectful and holy.

Cross-references

Passages that echo Song of Solomon 1

Study questions

Questions for studying Song of Solomon 1

  1. Who is the speaker addressing in verses 2 and 4?
  2. What imagery is used to describe the beloved’s beauty in verse 10?
  3. How does the woman feel about her appearance in verses 5 and 6?
  4. What does the woman seek in her beloved in verse 7?
  5. How does the beloved respond to the woman's longing in verse 8?
  6. What significance does the fragrance hold in the context of their love?
  7. What do verses 15 to 17 reveal about their relationship?

Song of Solomon 1: frequently asked questions

What is Song of Solomon 1 about?+
Song of Solomon chapter 1 introduces the poetic dialogue between the Shulammite woman and her beloved, often interpreted as King Solomon. The chapter opens with the woman's passionate longing and admiration for the love of her beloved, emphasizing the purity and depth of their connection. This love is celebrated as more delightful than wine, symbolizing its overwhelming joy and sweetness. The woman's desire is marked by a sense of humility as she reflects on her unworthiness yet is confident in the mutual affection shared. The imagery used conveys themes of beauty, longing, and the magnetic attraction between two lovers. Their love is seen not just as physical attraction but also as a profound companionship that is both personal and intimate. The chapter portrays love as multifaceted, involving admiration, longing, and delight in one another's presence. The woman expresses her desire to be with her beloved, eager to escape to a place of connection and intimacy away from public observation. The chapter sets the tone for a love that is both celebrated and revered, highlighting its sacredness and exclusivity. The beloved responds affirmatively, reflecting mutual devotion. Theologically, the chapter elevates human love as a reflection of divine love—passionate, intense, and personal. This parallels the relationship between God and His people, wherein there exists an intimate yearning and celebration of togetherness. It encourages readers to appreciate love as a profound gift, characterized by purity and joy.
What is the key verse in Song of Solomon 1?+
Song of Solomon 1:2: "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for your love is better than wine."
What are the main themes of Song of Solomon 1?+
The main themes of Song of Solomon 1 are romantic love, longing and desire, mutual admiration, sacred intimacy.

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with Song of Solomon 1

Study Notes

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