Song Of Solomon 1:5

I [am] black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

I am black {H7838}, but comely {H5000}, O ye daughters {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}, as the tents {H168} of Kedar {H6938}, as the curtains {H3407} of Solomon {H8010}.

[She] I am dark tan but beautiful, you daughters of Yerushalayim, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Shlomo.

I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.

I am black, but comely, Oh ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, As the curtains of Solomon.

Commentary on Song of Solomon 1:5 (KJV)

The first chapter of the Song of Solomon introduces the main characters and sets the scene for this unique poetic book, often interpreted as a love song between a bride (the Shulamite woman) and her beloved (King Solomon), or allegorically as the love between Christ and His Church. In Song of Solomon 1:5, the Shulamite woman speaks, describing her appearance to the "daughters of Jerusalem," who are likely the ladies of the court.

Historical and Cultural Context

The phrase "I am black, but comely" offers insight into ancient beauty standards and the practical realities of life. The Shulamite woman, likely a shepherdess or vineyard worker from a rural background, would have been exposed to the sun, resulting in a dark complexion. This was in contrast to the paler skin often associated with aristocratic women, who lived indoors and avoided tanning. Her assertion of being "comely" (beautiful) despite her dark skin challenges conventional notions of beauty, emphasizing that true attractiveness is not solely defined by complexion.

The similes used, "as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon," are rich in imagery:

  • Tents of Kedar: Kedar was an Arabian tribe known for their nomadic lifestyle. Their tents were typically made of black goatskin, which was durable, weather-resistant, and provided shade. These tents, though dark, were essential and functional, possessing a rugged beauty. This simile suggests a natural, perhaps rustic, beauty.
  • Curtains of Solomon: This likely refers to the luxurious tapestries or hangings in King Solomon's royal palace or the Temple. These would have been made of fine, often richly dyed, fabrics, possibly dark in color but exquisitely crafted and splendid. This simile evokes elegance, wealth, and sophisticated beauty.

By comparing herself to both, the Shulamite woman highlights the multifaceted nature of her beauty – both natural and refined, simple yet elegant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Self-Acceptance and Confidence: The Shulamite confidently embraces her appearance, acknowledging her dark complexion without apology but immediately affirming her inherent beauty. This speaks to a healthy self-perception and inner assurance.
  • Beauty in Diversity: The verse challenges narrow definitions of beauty, suggesting that attractiveness comes in various forms and is not limited to one ideal. Her beauty is compared to both the rugged tents and the opulent curtains, demonstrating versatility.
  • Inner Worth: The Shulamite's statement implies that her comeliness is an intrinsic quality, not diminished by external factors like sun exposure or social status. This resonates with the idea that true beauty often lies beyond superficial appearance, as highlighted by Peter's words on the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.
  • Contrast and Complement: The comparison between the rustic tents of Kedar and the lavish curtains of Solomon creates a vivid contrast, yet also suggests that these seemingly disparate qualities can coexist and even complement each other in one person.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "black" is sh'chorah (שְׁחוֹרָה), referring to a dark complexion, likely from sun exposure. It is not a racial descriptor in the modern sense but rather a physical characteristic.
  • The word for "comely" is na'vah (נָאוָה), meaning beautiful, pleasing, or lovely. It emphasizes an attractive quality that stands alongside, and is not negated by, her dark skin.

Practical Application

Song of Solomon 1:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Embrace Your Uniqueness: We are all created uniquely by God. This verse encourages us to accept and appreciate our individual characteristics, recognizing that true beauty comes from within and how God sees us, not solely from societal standards.
  2. Confidence in Christ: Just as the Shulamite was confident in her identity, believers can find their ultimate confidence and worth in their identity in Christ. Our value is not based on external appearance or worldly status, but on God's unconditional love and grace.
  3. Seeing Beyond the Surface: This verse reminds us to look beyond superficial appearances when evaluating others. True beauty and worth are often found in character, spirit, and the inner person, reflecting divine qualities.

The Shulamite's self-description sets a tone of confident self-acceptance, a theme that subtly runs through the Song of Solomon as the beloved affirms her beauty throughout the book.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:14

    ¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

  • Psalms 120:5

    ¶ Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, [that] I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:16

    His mouth [is] most sweet: yea, he [is] altogether lovely. This [is] my beloved, and this [is] my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:7

    I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please.

  • Luke 15:22

    But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:

  • Song Of Solomon 5:8

    I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I [am] sick of love.

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