Song Of Solomon 1:9

I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.

I have compared {H1819} thee, O my love {H7474}, to a company of horses {H5484} in Pharaoh's {H6547} chariots {H7393}.

[He] My love, I compare you with my mare, pulling one of Pharaoh's chariots

I compare you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots.

I have compared thee, O my love, To a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

Commentary

Song of Solomon 1:9 presents a vivid and striking compliment from the lover (traditionally King Solomon) to his beloved, the Shulamite woman. In the King James Version, it reads: "I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots." This comparison, while perhaps unusual to modern ears, was a profound expression of admiration in its ancient Near Eastern context.

Context

This verse is part of the opening dialogue of the Song of Solomon, a lyrical poem celebrating the beauty and intimacy of human love. The beloved has just expressed her longing for her lover and her humble self-perception (Song of Solomon 1:5-6). In response, the lover showers her with praise, elevating her status and beauty. The reference to "Pharaoh's chariots" immediately brings to mind images of unparalleled wealth, power, and military might in the ancient world. Egyptian chariots, especially those of the Pharaoh, were renowned for their speed, strength, and impressive appearance, often featuring the finest horses.

Key Themes

  • Exquisite Beauty and Majesty: The primary message is one of profound admiration. The horses of Pharaoh's chariots were not merely functional; they were magnificent, well-groomed, and often adorned, symbolizing the pinnacle of regal splendor and impressive display. By comparing his beloved to such a sight, the lover elevates her beauty to the highest possible standard of his day.
  • Strength and Grace: This comparison highlights not just static beauty but also dynamic qualities. The horses were powerful, swift, and moved with a coordinated grace. The lover sees in his beloved a combination of strength, vitality, and elegant movement.
  • High Esteem and Value: To compare someone to something so valuable and impressive was a hyperbolic expression of deep affection. It conveys that she is precious, commanding, and awe-inspiring in his eyes, worthy of the greatest honor and admiration.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "company" (sūsâ) can specifically mean a mare or a troop of mares, which often carry an connotation of elegance and grace, perhaps even more so than stallions. The phrase "Pharaoh's chariots" (merkebōth par‘ōh) would have immediately evoked images of the grandest and most powerful military and ceremonial processions known to the ancient world, representing ultimate splendor and might.

Related Scriptures

This expression of praise is consistent with other verses in Song of Solomon where the lover extols his beloved's beauty, such as in Song of Solomon 4:7, where he declares, "Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." The immediate context of the beloved's appearance and longing for her shepherd can be explored in Song of Solomon 1:8.

Practical Application

For a general audience, Song of Solomon 1:9 offers several timeless insights:

  • The Power of Affirmation: It underscores the importance of expressing genuine and enthusiastic admiration for those we love. Such praise elevates and affirms the beloved, strengthening the bond of affection.
  • Seeing Beyond the Obvious: The lover sees in his beloved qualities that transcend conventional beauty, recognizing her unique strength, grace, and majesty. This encourages us to look for and appreciate the unique, often hidden, qualities in others.
  • Love's Elevated Perspective: True love often sees the beloved through a magnified lens, highlighting their virtues and valuing them above all others. This verse beautifully illustrates how love can transform perception, making the ordinary extraordinary.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Song Of Solomon 2:13

    The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines [with] the tender grape give a [good] smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:10

    My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

  • John 15:14

    Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

  • John 15:15

    Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:2

    ¶ I sleep, but my heart waketh: [it is] the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, [and] my locks with the drops of the night.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:15

    Behold, thou [art] fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves' eyes.

  • Isaiah 31:1

    ¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
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