\id SNG - Christian Standard Bible® in English
\ide UTF-8
\rem Copyright © 2017-2020 by Holman Bible Publishers
\rem Language: English
\rem Text update February 2024
\toc3 Sg
\toc2 Song of Songs
\toc1 Song of Songs
\mt Song of Songs
\c 1
\q1
\v 1 The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:1 \ft \+xt 1Kg 4:32\+xt*\f*
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 2 Oh, that he would kiss me with~the~kisses of~his~mouth!
\q For your caresses~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft Or \fqa acts of love\f* are more~delightful than~wine.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:2 \ft \+xt Sg 4:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 The fragrance of~your~perfume is~intoxicating;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:3 \ft \+xt Jn 12:3\+xt*\f*
\q your name is perfume poured~out.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:3 \ft \+xt Ec 7:1\+xt*\f*
\q No wonder young~women~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:3 \ft Or \fqa wonder virgins\f* adore~you.
\q1
\v 4 Take me with you~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft \+xt Hs 11:4\+xt*\f*~#—~#let’s~hurry.
\q Oh, that the king would~bring~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:4 \ft Or \fqa The king has brought\f* me to~his~chambers.
\sp Young Women
\q We will rejoice and~be~glad in~you;
\q we will celebrate your~caresses more~than~wine.
\sp Woman
\q It is only right that they~adore~you.
\b
\q1
\v 5 Daughters of~Jerusalem,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:5 \ft \+xt Sg 2:7; 3:5,10; 5:8,16; 8:4\+xt*\f*
\q I am dark like the~tents of~Kedar,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:5 \ft \+xt Ps 120:5; Is 60:7\+xt*\f*
\q yet lovely~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:5 \ft \+xt Sg 2:14; 4:3; 6:4\+xt*\f* like the~curtains of~Solomon.
\q1
\v 6 Do not stare at~me because I~am~dark,
\q for the sun has~gazed on~me.
\q My mother’s sons were~angry with~me;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:6 \ft \+xt Ps 69:8\+xt*\f*
\q they made me take~care of~the~vineyards.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:6 \ft \+xt Sg 8:11\+xt*\f*
\q I have not taken care of my~own~vineyard.
\b
\q1
\v 7 Tell me, you whom I~love:~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:7 \ft \+xt Sg 3:1–4\+xt*\f*
\q Where do you pasture your~sheep?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:7 \ft \+xt Sg 2:16; 6:3\+xt*\f*
\q Where do you let them rest at~noon?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:7 \ft \+xt Is 13:20; Jr 33:12\+xt*\f*
\q Why should I be like~one who~veils herself~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:7 \ft Or \fqa who wanders\f*
\q beside the flocks of~your~companions?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:7 \ft \+xt Sg 8:13\+xt*\f*
\sp Man~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 1:8 \ft Some understand the young women to be the speakers in this verse.\f*
\q1
\v 8 If you do not know,
\q most beautiful of~women,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:8 \ft \+xt Sg 5:9; 6:1\+xt*\f*
\q follow~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:8 \ft Lit \fqa go out for yourself into\f* the~tracks of~the~flock,
\q and pasture your~young~goats
\q near the shepherds’ tents.
\b
\q1
\v 9 I compare you, my~darling,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:9 \ft \+xt Sg 1:15\+xt*\f*
\q to a~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:9 \ft Lit \fqa my\f* mare among~Pharaoh’s~chariots.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:9 \ft \+xt 2Ch 1:16–17\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 10 Your cheeks are~beautiful with~jewelry,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:10 \ft \+xt Sg 5:13\+xt*\f*
\q your neck with~its~necklace.
\q1
\v 11 We will make gold~jewelry for~you,
\q accented with~silver.
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 12 While the king is on~his~couch,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:12 \ft Or \fqa is at his table\f*
\q my perfume~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:12 \ft Lit \fqa nard\f* releases its~fragrance.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:12 \ft \+xt Sg 4:14; Mk 14:3; Jn 12:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 The one I love is a~sachet of~myrrh to~me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:13 \ft \+xt Ps 45:8; Jn 19:39\+xt*\f*
\q spending the night between~my~breasts.
\q1
\v 14 The one I love is a cluster of~henna~blossoms to~me,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:14 \ft \+xt Sg 4:13\+xt*\f*
\q in the vineyards of~En-gedi.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:14 \ft \+xt 1Sm 23:29\+xt*\f*
\sp Man
\q1
\v 15 How beautiful you~are, my~darling.
\q How very beautiful!
\q Your eyes are~doves.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:15 \ft \+xt Sg 4:1\+xt*\f*
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 16 How handsome you~are, my~love.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 1:16 \ft \+xt Sg 2:3\+xt*\f*
\q How delightful!
\q Our bed is verdant;
\q1
\v 17 the beams of~our~house are~cedars,
\q and our rafters are~cypresses.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 1:17 \ft Or \fqa firs\ft , or \fqa pines\f*
\c 2
\q1
\v 1 I am a wildflower~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 2:1 \ft Traditionally \fqa rose\f* of~Sharon,
\q a lily~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:1 \ft Or \fqa lotus\f* of~the~valleys.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:1 \ft \+xt Sg 5:13; 7:2; Hs 14:5\+xt*\f*
\sp Man
\q1
\v 2 Like a lily among~thorns,
\q so is my darling among~the~young~women.
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 3 Like an apricot~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:3 \ft Or \fqa apple\f* tree among~the~trees of~the~forest,
\q so is my love among~the~young~men.
\q I delight to sit in~his~shade,
\q and his fruit is~sweet to~my~taste.
\q1
\v 4 He brought me to~the~banquet~hall,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft Lit \fqa the house of wine\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft \+xt Sg 1:4\+xt*\f*
\q and he looked on~me with~love.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft Or \fqa and his banner over me is love\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:4 \ft \+xt Ps 20:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 Sustain me with~raisins;
\q refresh me with~apricots,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:5 \ft Or \fqa apples\f*
\q for I am lovesick.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:5 \ft \+xt Sg 5:8\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 May his left hand be under~my~head,
\q and his right arm embrace~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:6 \ft \+xt Sg 8:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 Young women of~Jerusalem, I~charge~you
\q by the gazelles and~the~wild~does of~the~field,
\q do not stir up or~awaken~love
\q until the appropriate~time.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:7 \ft Lit \fqa until it pleases\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:7 \ft \+xt Sg 3:5; 5:8; 8:4\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 8 Listen! My love is~approaching.
\q Look! Here he~comes,
\q leaping over the~mountains,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:8 \ft \+xt Is 52:7\+xt*\f*
\q bounding over the~hills.
\q1
\v 9 My love is like~a~gazelle
\q or a young stag.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:9 \ft \+xt Sg 2:17; 8:14\+xt*\f*
\q See, he is standing behind~our~wall,
\q gazing through the~windows,
\q peering through the~lattice.
\q1
\v 10 My love calls to~me:
\sp Man
\q Arise,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:10 \ft \+xt Sg 2:13\+xt*\f* my~darling.
\q Come away, my~beautiful~one.
\q1
\v 11 For now the~winter is~past;
\q the rain has ended and~gone~away.
\q1
\v 12 The blossoms appear in~the~countryside.
\q The time of singing~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:12 \ft Or \fqa pruning\f* has~come,
\q and the turtledove’s cooing is~heard in~our~land.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:12 \ft \+xt Jr 8:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 The fig tree ripens its~figs;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:13 \ft \+xt Mt 24:32\+xt*\f*
\q the blossoming vines give~off their~fragrance.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:13 \ft \+xt Sg 7:12\+xt*\f*
\q Arise, my~darling.
\q Come away, my~beautiful~one.
\b
\q1
\v 14 My dove,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Sg 5:2; 6:9\+xt*\f* in~the~clefts of~the~rock,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Jr 48:28\+xt*\f*
\q in the crevices of~the~cliff,
\q let me see your~face,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft Or \fqa form\f*
\q let me hear your~voice;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Sg 8:13\+xt*\f*
\q for your voice is~sweet,
\q and your face is~lovely.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:14 \ft \+xt Sg 1:5\+xt*\f*
\sp Woman~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft The speaker could be the woman, the man, or both.\f*
\q1
\v 15 Catch the foxes for~us~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt Ezk 13:4\+xt*\f*~—
\q the little foxes that ruin the~vineyards~—
\q for our vineyards are in~bloom.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:15 \ft \+xt Sg 2:13\+xt*\f*
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 16 My love is mine and~I~am~his;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:16 \ft \+xt Sg 6:3; 7:10; 8:6\+xt*\f*
\q he feeds among the~lilies.
\q1
\v 17 Until the~day~breaks~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:17 \ft Lit \fqa breathes\f*
\q and the shadows~flee,
\q turn around, my love, and~be like~a~gazelle
\q or a young stag~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:17 \ft \+xt Sg 2:9\+xt*\f* on~the~divided~mountains.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 2:17 \ft Or \fqa the Bether mountains\ft , or \fqa the mountains of spices\ft ; Hb obscure\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 2:17 \ft \+xt Sg 4:5–6; 8:14\+xt*\f*
\b
\c 3
\q1
\v 1 In my bed at~night~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:1 \ft Or \fqa bed night after night\f*
\q I sought the one I~love;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:1 \ft \+xt Sg 1:7\+xt*\f*
\q I sought him, but~did~not find~him.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 3:1 \ft LXX adds \fqa I called him, but he did not answer me\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:1 \ft \+xt Sg 5:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 I will arise now and~go about~the~city,
\q through the streets and~the~plazas.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:2 \ft \+xt Jr 5:1\+xt*\f*
\q I will seek the~one I~love.
\q I sought him, but~did~not find~him.
\q1
\v 3 The guards who~go about~the~city found~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:3 \ft \+xt Sg 5:7\+xt*\f*
\q I~asked~them, “Have you seen the~one I~love?~”
\q1
\v 4 I had just passed them
\q when I found the~one I~love.
\q I held on to him and~would~not let~him~go
\q until I brought him to~my~mother’s~house~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:4 \ft \+xt Sg 8:2\+xt*\f*~—
\q to the chamber of~the~one who~conceived~me.
\q1
\v 5 Young women of~Jerusalem, I~charge~you
\q by the gazelles and~the~wild~does of~the~field,
\q do not stir up or~awaken~love
\q until the appropriate~time.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:5 \ft Lit \fqa until it pleases\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:5 \ft \+xt Sg 2:7; 5:8; 8:4\+xt*\f*
\sp Narrator
\q1
\v 6 Who is this~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:6 \ft \+xt Sg 6:10; 8:5\+xt*\f* coming~up from~the~wilderness
\q like columns of~smoke,
\q scented with~myrrh and~frankincense~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:6 \ft \+xt Sg 4:6,14\+xt*\f*
\q from every fragrant~powder of~the~merchant?
\b
\q1
\v 7 Look! Solomon’s~bed
\q surrounded by~sixty~warriors
\q from the~mighty men of~Israel.
\q1
\v 8 All of them are~skilled with~swords
\q and trained in~warfare.
\q Each has his~sword at~his~side~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:8 \ft \+xt Ps 45:3\+xt*\f*
\q to guard against the~terror of~the~night.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:8 \ft \+xt Ps 91:5\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 9 King Solomon made a~carriage for~himself
\q with wood from~Lebanon.
\q1
\v 10 He made its~posts of~silver,
\q its back~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:10 \ft Or \fqa base\ft , or \fqa canopy\f* of~gold,
\q and its seat of~purple.
\q Its interior is~inlaid with~love~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 3:10 \ft Or \fqa leather\f*
\q by the young women of~Jerusalem.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:10 \ft \+xt Sg 1:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 Go out, young~women of~Zion,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:11 \ft \+xt Is 3:16–17; 4:4\+xt*\f*
\q and gaze at~King~Solomon,
\q wearing the crown his~mother~placed on~him
\q on the day of~his~wedding~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 3:11 \ft \+xt Is 62:5\+xt*\f*~—
\q the day of~his heart’s~rejoicing.
\c 4
\sp Man
\q1
\v 1 How beautiful you~are, my~darling.
\q How very beautiful!
\q Behind your~veil,
\q your eyes are~doves.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:1 \ft \+xt Sg 1:15; 5:12\+xt*\f*
\q Your hair is like a~flock of~goats
\q streaming down Mount~Gilead.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:1 \ft \+xt Sg 6:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 2 Your teeth are like~a~flock of~newly~shorn~sheep
\q coming up from~washing,
\q each one bearing~twins,
\q and none has lost its young.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft Lit \fqa and no one bereaved among them\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:2 \ft \+xt Sg 6:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 Your lips are like~a~scarlet~cord,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft \+xt Jos 2:18\+xt*\f*
\q and your mouth~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft Or \fqa speech\f* is~lovely.
\q Behind your veil,
\q your brow~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft Or \fqa temple\ft , or \fqa cheek\ft , or \fqa lips\f* is like~a~slice of~pomegranate.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:3 \ft \+xt Sg 6:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Your neck is like~the~tower of~David,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:4 \ft \+xt Sg 7:4\+xt*\f*
\q constructed in~layers.
\q A thousand shields are~hung on~it~—
\q all of them shields of~warriors.
\q1
\v 5 Your breasts are like~two~fawns,
\q twins of a gazelle,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:5 \ft \+xt Sg 7:3\+xt*\f* that~feed among~the~lilies.
\q1
\v 6 Until the day~breaks~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:6 \ft Lit \fqa breathes\f*
\q and the shadows~flee,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:6 \ft \+xt Sg 2:17\+xt*\f*
\q I will make my~way to~the~mountain of~myrrh
\q and the hill of~frankincense.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:6 \ft \+xt Sg 3:6; 4:14\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 You are absolutely beautiful,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:7 \ft \+xt Sg 1:15; Eph 5:27\+xt*\f* my~darling;
\q there is no imperfection in~you.
\b
\q1
\v 8 Come with me from~Lebanon,~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 4:8 \ft In Hb, the word for \fqa Lebanon \ft is similar to “frankincense” in Sg 4:6,14,15.\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:8 \ft \+xt 1Kg 4:33\+xt*\f* my~bride;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:8 \ft \+xt Is 62:5\+xt*\f*
\q come with me from~Lebanon!
\q Descend from~the~peak of~Amana,
\q from the summit of~Senir and~Hermon,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:8 \ft \+xt Dt 3:9; 1Ch 5:23\+xt*\f*
\q from the dens of~the~lions,
\q from the mountains of~the~leopards.
\q1
\v 9 You have captured my~heart,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:9 \ft \+xt Sg 6:5; 7:5\+xt*\f* my~sister,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:9 \ft \+xt Sg 5:1–2\+xt*\f* my~bride.
\q You have captured my~heart with~one~glance of~your~eyes,
\q with one jewel of~your~necklace.
\q1
\v 10 How delightful your~caresses~are, my~sister, my~bride.
\q Your caresses are much better than~wine,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:10 \ft \+xt Sg 1:2,4\+xt*\f*
\q and the fragrance of~your~perfume than~any~balsam.
\q1
\v 11 Your lips drip sweetness~like the~honeycomb, my~bride.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:11 \ft \+xt Pr 5:3\+xt*\f*
\q Honey and milk~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:11 \ft \+xt Ex 3:8,17; Nm 14:8; 16:13–14\+xt*\f* are under~your~tongue.
\q The fragrance of~your~garments is~like the~fragrance of~Lebanon.
\b
\q1
\v 12 My sister, my~bride, you are a~locked~garden~—
\q a locked garden~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 4:12 \ft Some Hb mss read \fqa locked fountain\f* and~a~sealed~spring.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:12 \ft \+xt 1Kg 21:8; Est 8:10; Jb 9:7\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 13 Your branches are a~paradise~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 4:13 \ft Or \fqa park\ft , or \fqa orchard\f* of~pomegranates
\q with choicest fruits;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:13 \ft \+xt Sg 7:13\+xt*\f*
\q henna with nard,
\q1
\v 14 nard and saffron, calamus and~cinnamon,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:14 \ft \+xt Ex 30:23\+xt*\f*
\q with all the trees of~frankincense,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:14 \ft \+xt Sg 4:6\+xt*\f*
\q myrrh and~aloes,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:14 \ft \+xt Sg 3:6; Jn 19:39\+xt*\f*
\q with all the~best~spices.
\q1
\v 15 You are a~garden~spring,
\q a well of flowing~water~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:15 \ft \+xt Gn 26:19; Lv 14:5; Jr 2:13\+xt*\f*
\q streaming from~Lebanon.
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 16 Awaken,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:16 \ft \+xt Sg 2:7; 3:5; 8:4\+xt*\f* north wind;
\q come, south wind.
\q Blow on my~garden,
\q and spread the~fragrance of~its~spices.
\q Let my love come to~his~garden
\q and eat its choicest~fruits.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 4:16 \ft \+xt Sg 7:13\+xt*\f*
\c 5
\sp Man
\q1
\v 1 I have come to~my~garden~#—~#my~sister, my~bride.
\q I gather~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:1 \ft Lit \fqa pluck\f* my~myrrh with~my~spices.
\q I eat my~honeycomb with~my~honey.
\q I drink my~wine with~my~milk.
\sp Narrator
\q Eat, friends!
\q Drink, be~intoxicated with~caresses!~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:1 \ft Or \fqa Drink your fill, lovers\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:1 \ft \+xt Pr 5:19\+xt*\f*
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 2 I was sleeping, but~my~heart was~awake.
\q A sound! My~love was~knocking!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:2 \ft \+xt Sg 2:8\+xt*\f*
\sp Man
\q Open to me, my~sister, my~darling,
\q my dove, my~perfect~one.
\q For my head is~drenched with~dew,
\q my hair with~droplets of~the~night.
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 3 I have taken off my~clothing.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:3 \ft \+xt Lk 11:7\+xt*\f*
\q How can I put it back~on?
\q I have washed my~feet.
\q How can I get them dirty?
\q1
\v 4 My love thrust his~hand through~the~opening,
\q and my feelings were~stirred for~him.
\q1
\v 5 I rose to open for~my~love.
\q My hands dripped with~myrrh,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:5 \ft \+xt Sg 5:13\+xt*\f*
\q my fingers with~flowing~myrrh
\q on the handles of~the~bolt.
\q1
\v 6 I opened to~my~love,
\q but my love had~turned and~gone~away.
\q My heart sank~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft Lit \fqa My soul went out\f* because he~had~left.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft Or \fqa spoken\f*
\q I sought him, but did~not find~him.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:6 \ft \+xt Sg 3:1–2\+xt*\f*
\q I called him, but he did~not~answer.
\q1
\v 7 The guards who go about~the~city found~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:7 \ft \+xt Sg 3:3\+xt*\f*
\q They beat and wounded~me;
\q they took my~cloak~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:7 \ft Or \fqa veil\ft , or \fqa shawl\f* from~me~—
\q the guardians of~the~walls.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:7 \ft \+xt Sg 8:9–10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 8 Young women of~Jerusalem, I~charge~you,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:8 \ft \+xt Sg 2:7; 3:5; 8:4\+xt*\f*
\q if you find my~love,
\q tell him that I~am~lovesick.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:8 \ft \+xt Sg 2:5\+xt*\f*
\sp Young Women
\q1
\v 9 What makes the~one you~love better than~another,
\q most beautiful of~women?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:9 \ft \+xt Sg 1:8; 6:1\+xt*\f*
\q What makes him better than~another,
\q that you would give us this~charge?
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 10 My love is fit and~strong,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft Or \fqa is radiant and ruddy\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft \+xt 1Sm 16:12\+xt*\f*
\q notable among ten~thousand.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:10 \ft \+xt Ps 45:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 11 His head is purest~gold.
\q His hair is~wavy~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:11 \ft Or \fqa is like palm leaves\ft ; Hb obscure\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:11 \ft \+xt Sg 5:2\+xt*\f*
\q and black as~a~raven.
\q1
\v 12 His eyes are like~doves~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:12 \ft \+xt Sg 1:15; 4:1\+xt*\f*
\q beside flowing streams,
\q washed in~milk
\q and set like~jewels.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:12 \ft Lit \fqa milk sitting in fullness\f*
\q1
\v 13 His cheeks~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:13 \ft \+xt Sg 1:10\+xt*\f* are like~beds of~spice,
\q mounds of~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 5:13 \ft LXX, Vg read \fqa spice, yielding\f*~perfume.
\q His lips are~lilies,
\q dripping with flowing~myrrh.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:13 \ft \+xt Sg 5:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 14 His arms~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:14 \ft Lit \fqa hands\f* are~rods of~gold
\q set~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:14 \ft Lit \fqa filled\ft ; Sg 5:2,12\f* with~beryl.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:14 \ft \+xt Ex 28:20; 39:13; Ezk 1:16\+xt*\f*
\q His body~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 5:14 \ft Lit \fqa abdomen\f* is an~ivory~panel
\q covered with~lapis lazuli.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:14 \ft \+xt Ex 24:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 15 His legs are alabaster~pillars
\q set on pedestals of~pure~gold.
\q His presence is like~Lebanon,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:15 \ft \+xt Sg 7:4–5\+xt*\f*
\q as majestic as~the~cedars.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:15 \ft \+xt 1Kg 4:33\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 16 His mouth is~sweetness.
\q He is absolutely~desirable.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 5:16 \ft \+xt Sg 4:7\+xt*\f*
\q This is my love, and~this~is my~friend,
\q young women of~Jerusalem.
\c 6
\sp Young Women
\q1
\v 1 Where has your love~gone,
\q most beautiful of~women?
\q Which way has he~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:1 \ft Lit \fqa your love\f*~turned?
\q We will seek him with~you.
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 2 My love has gone~down to~his~garden,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft \+xt Sg 4:16; 5:1\+xt*\f*
\q to beds of~spice,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft \+xt Sg 5:13\+xt*\f*
\q to feed in~the~gardens~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft \+xt Sg 1:7\+xt*\f*
\q and gather lilies.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:2 \ft \+xt Sg 2:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 3 I am my love’s and~my~love is~mine;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:3 \ft \+xt Sg 2:16; 7:10; 8:6\+xt*\f*
\q he feeds among~the~lilies.
\sp Man
\q1
\v 4 You are as~beautiful as~Tirzah, my~darling,
\q lovely as~Jerusalem,
\q awe-inspiring as~an~army with~banners.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:4 \ft \+xt Nm 2:2–3; Sg 6:10\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 5 Turn your eyes away from~me,
\q for they captivate~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:5 \ft \+xt Sg 4:9\+xt*\f*
\q Your hair is like~a~flock of~goats
\q streaming down from~Gilead.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:5 \ft \+xt Sg 4:1\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 6 Your teeth are like~a~flock of~ewes
\q coming up from~washing,
\q each one having a~twin,
\q and not one missing.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:6 \ft Lit \fqa and no one bereaved among them\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:6 \ft \+xt Sg 4:2\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 7 Behind your veil,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:7 \ft \+xt Sg 4:3\+xt*\f*
\q your brow~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:7 \ft Or \fqa temple\ft , or \fqa cheek\ft , or \fqa lips\f* is like~a~slice of~pomegranate.
\q1
\v 8 There are sixty~queens
\q and eighty~concubines~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:8 \ft \+xt 1Kg 11:3\+xt*\f*
\q and young~women~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:8 \ft Or \fqa and virgins\ft ; Sg 1:3\f* without~number.
\q1
\v 9 But my dove,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:9 \ft \+xt Sg 2:14; 5:2\+xt*\f* my~virtuous~one, is~unique;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:9 \ft \+xt Pr 31:29\+xt*\f*
\q she is the favorite of~her~mother,
\q perfect to the one who~gave her~birth.
\q Women see her and~declare her~fortunate;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:9 \ft \+xt Gn 30:13\+xt*\f*
\q queens and concubines also, and~they~sing her~praises:
\b
\q1
\v 10 Who is this~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:10 \ft \+xt Sg 3:6; 8:5\+xt*\f* who~shines like~the~dawn,
\q as beautiful as~the~moon,
\q bright as~the~sun,
\q awe-inspiring as~an~army with~banners?~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:10 \ft \+xt Sg 6:4\+xt*\f*
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 11 I came down to~the~walnut~grove
\q to see the~blossoms of~the~valley,
\q to see if the~vines were~budding~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:11 \ft \+xt Sg 7:12\+xt*\f*
\q and the pomegranates~blooming.
\q1
\v 12 I didn’t know what was happening to me.
\q I felt like I was
\q in a~chariot with a nobleman.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:12 \ft Hb obscure\f*
\sp Young Women
\q1
\v 13 Come back, come~back, Shulammite!~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:13 \ft Or \fqa the perfect one\ft , or \fqa the peaceable one\f*
\q Come back, come~back, that we~may~look at~you!
\sp Man
\q How you gaze at~the~Shulammite,
\q as you look at~the~dance~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:13 \ft \+xt Jdg 21:21\+xt*\f* of~the~two~camps!~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 6:13 \ft Or \fqa dance of Mahanaim\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 6:13 \ft \+xt Gn 32:2; 2Sm 17:24\+xt*\f*
\b
\c 7
\q1
\v 1 How beautiful are your~sandaled~feet, princess!~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:1 \ft Lit \fqa daughter of a nobleman\ft , or \fqa prince\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:1 \ft \+xt Ps 45:13\+xt*\f*
\q The curves of~your~thighs are~like~jewelry,
\q the handiwork of~a~master.
\q1
\v 2 Your navel is a~rounded~bowl;
\q it never lacks mixed~wine.
\q Your belly is a~mound of~wheat
\q surrounded by~lilies.
\q1
\v 3 Your breasts are like~two~fawns,
\q twins of a~gazelle.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:3 \ft \+xt Sg 4:5\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Your neck is like~a~tower of~ivory,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:4 \ft \+xt Sg 4:4\+xt*\f*
\q your eyes like~pools in~Heshbon
\q by Bath-rabbim’s gate.
\q Your nose is like~the~tower of~Lebanon
\q looking toward Damascus.
\q1
\v 5 Your head crowns you~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:5 \ft Lit \fqa head upon you is\f* like~Mount~Carmel,
\q the hair of your head like~purple~cloth~—
\q a king could be held captive~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:5 \ft \+xt Sg 4:9\+xt*\f* in~your~tresses.
\q1
\v 6 How beautiful you~are and~how~pleasant,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:6 \ft \+xt Sg 1:15–16\+xt*\f*
\q my love, with~such~delights!
\q1
\v 7 Your stature is like~a~palm~tree;
\q your breasts are~clusters of~fruit.
\q1
\v 8 I said, “I will climb the~palm~tree
\q and take hold of~its~fruit.”~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:8 \ft \+xt Pr 5:19\+xt*\f*
\q May your breasts be like~clusters of~grapes,
\q and the fragrance of~your~breath like~apricots.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:8 \ft \+xt Sg 2:3\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 9 Your mouth~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:9 \ft Lit \fqa palate\f* is like~fine~wine~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:9 \ft \+xt Sg 5:16\+xt*\f*~—
\sp Woman
\q flowing smoothly for~my~love,
\q gliding past my lips and~teeth!~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 7:9 \ft LXX, Syr, Vg; MT reads \fqa past lips of sleepers\f*
\q1
\v 10 I am my~love’s,
\q and his desire~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:10 \ft \+xt Gn 3:16; 4:7\+xt*\f* is for~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:10 \ft \+xt Sg 2:16; 6:3; 8:6\+xt*\f*
\b
\q1
\v 11 Come, my~love,
\q let’s go to~the~field;
\q let’s spend the night among~the~henna~blossoms.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 7:11 \ft Or \fqa the villages\f*
\q1
\v 12 Let’s go early to~the~vineyards;
\q let’s see if the vine has~budded,
\q if the blossom has~opened,
\q if the pomegranates are in~bloom.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:12 \ft \+xt Sg 6:11\+xt*\f*
\q There I will give you my~caresses.
\q1
\v 13 The mandrakes~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 7:13 \ft \+xt Gn 30:14–16\+xt*\f* give~off a~fragrance,
\q and at our doors is every~delicacy,
\q both new and~old.
\q I have treasured them up for~you, my~love.
\c 8
\q1
\v 1 If only I could treat you like~my~brother,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:1 \ft Lit \fqa Would that you were like a brother to me\f*
\q one who nursed at~my~mother’s~breasts,
\q I would find you in~public and~kiss~you,
\q and no one would scorn~me.
\q1
\v 2 I would lead you, I~would~take~you,
\q to the house of~my~mother~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:2 \ft \+xt Sg 3:4\+xt*\f* who~taught~me.~\f + \cat (I)\cat* \fr 8:2 \ft LXX adds \fqa and into the chamber of the one who bore me\f*
\q I would give you spiced~wine to~drink
\q from the juice of my pomegranate.
\q1
\v 3 May his left hand be under~my~head,
\q and his right arm embrace~me.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:3 \ft \+xt Sg 2:6\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 4 Young women of Jerusalem, I~charge~you,
\q do not stir up or~awaken~love
\q until the appropriate~time.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:4 \ft \+xt Sg 2:7; 3:5\+xt*\f*
\sp Young Women
\q1
\v 5 Who is this~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:5 \ft \+xt Sg 3:6; 6:10\+xt*\f* coming~up from~the~wilderness,
\q leaning on the~one she~loves?
\sp Woman
\q I awakened you under the~apricot~tree.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:5 \ft \+xt Sg 2:3\+xt*\f*
\q There your mother conceived~you;
\q there she conceived and~gave you~birth.
\q1
\v 6 Set me as a~seal on~your~heart,
\q as a seal on~your~arm.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:6 \ft \+xt Sg 2:16; 6:3; 7:10\+xt*\f*
\q For love is as~strong as~death;~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:6 \ft \+xt Rm 8:38–39; 1Co 13:8\+xt*\f*
\q jealousy is as~unrelenting as~Sheol.
\q Love’s flames are fiery~flames~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:6 \ft \+xt Dt 32:21–22; Pr 6:34; 27:4\+xt*\f*~—
\q an almighty flame!~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:6 \ft Or \fqa the blaze of the \+nd Lord\+nd*\f*
\q1
\v 7 A huge torrent cannot extinguish~love;
\q rivers cannot sweep~it~away.
\q If a man were to give all his~wealth~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:7 \ft Lit\fqa all the wealth of his house\f* for~love,~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:7 \ft \+xt Pr 6:35\+xt*\f*
\q it would be utterly~scorned.
\sp Brothers
\q1
\v 8 Our sister is~young;
\q she has no~breasts.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:8 \ft \+xt Ezk 16:7\+xt*\f*
\q What will we do for~our~sister
\q on the day she is~spoken~for?
\q1
\v 9 If she is a~wall,
\q we will build a~silver~barricade on~her.
\q If she is a~door,
\q we will enclose her with~cedar~planks.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:9 \ft \+xt 1Kg 6:15\+xt*\f*
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 10 I am~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:10 \ft Or \fqa was\f* a~wall
\q and my breasts like~towers.
\q So to him I~have~become
\q like one who~finds~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:10 \ft Or \fqa brings\f*~peace.~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 8:10 \ft In Hb, the word for \fqa peace \ft sounds similar to Solomon and Shulammite.\f*
\b
\q1
\v 11 Solomon owned a~vineyard in~Baal-hamon.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:11 \ft \+xt Ec 2:4\+xt*\f*
\q He leased the~vineyard to~tenants.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:11 \ft \+xt Mt 21:33\+xt*\f*
\q Each was to~bring for~his~fruit
\q one thousand pieces of~silver.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:11 \ft \+xt Is 7:23\+xt*\f*
\q1
\v 12 I have my~own~vineyard.~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:12 \ft Lit \fqa My vineyard, which is mine, is before me\ft ; Sg 1:6\f*\sup ,\sup*\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:12 \ft \+xt Sg 1:6\+xt*\f*
\q The one thousand are for~you, Solomon,
\q but two hundred for those who~take care of its~fruits.
\sp Man
\q1
\v 13 You~\f + \cat (III)\cat* \fr 8:13 \ft In Hb, the word for \fqa You \ft is feminine.\f* who~dwell in~the~gardens,
\q companions~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:13 \ft \+xt Sg 1:7\+xt*\f* are~listening for~your~voice;
\q let me hear~you!~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:13 \ft \+xt Sg 2:14\+xt*\f*
\sp Woman
\q1
\v 14 Run away with me,~\f + \cat (II)\cat* \fr 8:14 \ft Lit \fqa Flee\f* my~love,
\q and be like~a~gazelle
\q or a~young~stag
\q on the mountains of~spices.~\f + \cat (IV)\cat* \fr 8:14 \ft \+xt Sg 2:17\+xt*\f*
\q
