Song Of Solomon 3:11

KJV

Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

Go forth {H3318}, O ye daughters {H1323} of Zion {H6726}, and behold {H7200} king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} with the crown {H5850} wherewith his mother {H517} crowned {H5849} him in the day {H3117} of his espousals {H2861}, and in the day {H3117} of the gladness {H8057} of his heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Daughters of Tziyon, come out, and gaze upon King Shlomo, wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him on his wedding day, his day of joy!

Berean Standard Bible

Come out, O daughters of Zion, and gaze at King Solomon, wearing the crown his mother bestowed on the day of his wedding— the day of his heart’s rejoicing.

American Standard Version

Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon, With the crown wherewith his mother hath crowned him In the day of his espousals, And in the day of the gladness of his heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 3:11 is a vibrant and celebratory invitation to the women of Jerusalem, the "daughters of Zion," to witness King Solomon in his full royal splendor. The verse culminates a majestic procession, focusing on the king adorned with the crown bestowed upon him by his mother on the momentous occasion of his wedding day. This day is explicitly described as a time of profound personal joy and gladness for the king, marking a public and communal celebration of his espousals.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grand finale to a vivid poetic description of a royal procession in [Song of Solomon 3:6-11](/song_of_solomon/3-6 "Song of Solomon 3:6-11 - The Royal Procession"). The preceding verses paint a picture of a magnificent palanquin or sedan chair, possibly carrying the king, emerging from the wilderness, guarded by sixty mighty warriors. This imagery emphasizes security, wealth, and royal authority. Verse 11 then shifts from describing the procession to an direct, excited command to the "daughters of Zion" to come forth and behold the king. It sets the stage for the intimate dialogues between the lovers that follow in [Song of Solomon 4:1ff](/song_of_solomon/4 "Song of Solomon 4 - The King's Praise of His Bride"), making this verse a pivotal moment of public celebration before the private expressions of marital love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern royal weddings were not merely private affairs but significant public events, often involving elaborate processions, communal feasting, and symbolic rituals that affirmed the monarch's status and the legitimacy of his union. The "daughters of Zion" (the female inhabitants of Jerusalem) would have been expected to participate in such celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere. The detail of the king's mother crowning him is particularly significant. In many ancient cultures, the mother's role in a son's wedding or ascension could symbolize a blessing, a transfer of familial honor, or a public affirmation of his new status and the importance of the union, connecting the king's personal life to the continuity of the royal line and the well-being of the kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 3:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Royal Splendor and Celebration**, portraying King Solomon in his full majesty, adorned with symbols of his kingship on a day of immense joy, inviting all to partake in the festivity. The central event, "the day of his espousals," underscores **The Significance of Marriage and Covenantal Union**, presenting it as a foundational institution, a source of profound gladness, and a new beginning. The act of the mother crowning her son emphasizes **Maternal Blessing and Familial Honor**, weaving personal affection and tradition into the public display of power. Finally, the imperative "Go forth... and behold" serves as an **Invitation to Witness Joy and Participate**, fostering a sense of shared community and national pride in the king's happiness, mirroring the communal joy often associated with divine blessings and covenant fidelity throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [Psalm 45:9](/psalm/45-9 "Psalm 45:9 - Queens at Your Right Hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, this word refers to female offspring, but in a broader sense, it can denote a group or inhabitants associated with a place, as in "daughters of Zion." Here, it specifically addresses the young women of Jerusalem, inviting them to participate in the royal celebration, highlighting the communal and public nature of the event.
* **espousals (Hebrew, _chăthunnâh'_):** From H2861, this term directly translates to "a wedding" or "espousal." It signifies the formal and public ceremony of marriage, emphasizing the definitive act of union and the accompanying festivities. It marks the culmination of the betrothal period and the commencement of married life, a pivotal moment in the life of the king and the kingdom.
* **gladness (Hebrew, _simchâh'_):** From H8057, this word conveys blithesomeness, glee, and intense joy, often associated with religious festivals or significant celebrations. In this context, "the gladness of his heart" signifies a deep, authentic, internal joy that emanates from the king's innermost being, directly tied to the fulfillment and celebration of his marital union. It speaks to profound inner contentment and delight, not merely an outward display.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion,"**: This is an imperative command, an eager summons to the women of Jerusalem. It implies an urgent and exciting call to action, inviting them out of their homes to witness a significant event. The address "daughters of Zion" personifies the city and its female inhabitants, drawing them into the narrative as active participants.
* **"and behold king Solomon"**: The purpose of their going forth is to gaze upon their monarch. "Behold" suggests more than a casual glance; it implies an act of intentional observation, an admiration of his presence and splendor. The focus is singularly on King Solomon, the central figure of this grand occasion.
* **"with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him"**: This clause provides a specific, intimate, and highly significant detail about the king's attire. The crown is a symbol of his royalty and authority, but the fact that his mother bestowed it adds a layer of personal affection, familial blessing, and perhaps a public affirmation of his status by the queen mother, a figure of considerable influence in ancient Israelite courts.
* **"in the day of his espousals,"**: This identifies the precise occasion for this grand display and the king's crowning. It is his wedding day, marking a new chapter in his life and a foundational event for the kingdom. This phrase grounds the celebration in a specific, joyous, and covenantal event.
* **"and in the day of the gladness of his heart."**: This final phrase emphasizes the king's emotional state. It is not merely a ceremonial day, but a day characterized by deep, personal joy and contentment. The "gladness of his heart" indicates that the wedding is a source of profound inner delight for Solomon, making the celebration not just a public spectacle but a genuine expression of happiness.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 3:11 is rich with literary artistry. The opening phrases, "Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold," employ a direct **Imperative** mood, creating a sense of urgency and direct address that draws the audience immediately into the scene and invites their active participation. The verse is replete with **Imagery**, painting a vivid mental picture of a grand royal procession, a crowned king, and a festive, communal atmosphere. This visual imagery evokes a sense of awe and excitement. The **Symbolism** of the crown is profound, representing not only Solomon's royal authority and majesty but also the honor and blessing bestowed upon him, particularly by his mother. The "day of his espousals" **Symbolizes** a covenantal union, new beginnings, and a profound cause for celebration. There is also a subtle **Parallelism** between "the day of his espousals" and "the day of the gladness of his heart," linking the external event directly to the internal emotional state of the king, emphasizing that the joy is deeply rooted in the marital union itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 3:11, while literally depicting King Solomon's wedding, resonates with profound theological and thematic connections that extend beyond its immediate context. It celebrates the beauty and joy of covenantal love and union, themes foundational to biblical understanding of relationships. The "day of his espousals" speaks to the sacredness of marriage as a divine institution, designed for profound joy and companionship. Theologically, the Song of Solomon has often been interpreted allegorically, most prominently as a depiction of the intense love between God and His people Israel, and subsequently, between Christ and His Church. In this allegorical sense, King Solomon, the beloved king, becomes a type of Christ, and the "daughters of Zion" (or the bride herself) represent the Church. The crowning and the gladness of the king's heart foreshadow the ultimate joy and glory of the divine Bridegroom united with His redeemed people.

* [Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")
* [John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - John the Baptist on the Bridegroom")
* [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31 "Ephesians 5:31-32 - The Mystery of Christ and the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 3:11 invites us to contemplate the profound joy and significance of covenantal relationships, whether in human marriage or, allegorically, in our relationship with God. It reminds us that marriage, as ordained by God, is a cause for immense gladness, a sacred union to be celebrated and honored. For the believer, this verse serves as a beautiful prophetic picture of Christ, our King and Bridegroom, and His deep, unwavering love for His Church. We are the "daughters of Zion" called to "go forth and behold" His glory, not merely as distant observers but as His beloved bride, anticipating with profound joy the ultimate consummation of our eternal union with Him. This passage encourages us to cultivate hearts of gladness in our relationships, to honor the sacred bonds we form, and to live in joyful expectation of Christ's return, when the ultimate "day of espousals" will arrive for His Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for the institution of marriage, both human and divine?**
* **In what ways are you invited to "go forth and behold" Christ's glory in your daily life?**
* **What does the "gladness of his heart" in this verse teach us about the joy found in covenantal relationships?**

### FAQ
**Who are the 'daughters of Zion' and why are they invited to behold King Solomon?**

Answer: The "daughters of Zion" refers to the female inhabitants of Jerusalem, often used in poetic and prophetic literature to personify the city itself or its people. They are invited to "go forth and behold" King Solomon because his wedding day was not merely a private affair but a significant public and national event. Royal weddings in ancient Israel were occasions of great celebration, reinforcing the king's status, the continuity of the royal line, and the well-being of the kingdom. Their presence and participation would have added to the grandeur and communal joy of the occasion, making it a shared experience of national pride and festivity.

**What is the significance of Solomon's mother crowning him on his wedding day?**

Answer: The detail that Solomon's mother crowned him on his wedding day adds a deeply personal and culturally significant layer to the ceremony. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the queen mother often held a position of considerable influence and honor (see [1 Kings 2:19](/1_kings/2-19 "1 Kings 2:19 - Bathsheba's Influence")). Her act of crowning her son on such a momentous occasion could symbolize several things: a personal blessing and affirmation of his new status as a married man and king, a public acknowledgment of his legitimacy and the importance of his union, or even a transfer of honor and responsibility within the royal family. It underscores the familial dimension of this grand public event and the mother's pivotal role in the king's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 3:11 literally describes the wedding of King Solomon, its profound imagery and themes find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon, the wise and glorious king, serves as a type of the greater King, Jesus, who is the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). Just as the daughters of Zion were invited to behold Solomon in his royal splendor and the gladness of his heart on his wedding day, so too are believers, the Church, invited to behold Christ, our heavenly Bridegroom. He is crowned not by an earthly mother, but with [glory and honor](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Crowned with Glory and Honor") by His Father, having completed His redemptive work on the cross and ascended to His throne. The "day of his espousals" foreshadows the ultimate union of Christ with His Church, His beloved bride, a union anticipated in passages like [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church") and culminating in the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). The "gladness of his heart" that Solomon experienced pales in comparison to the eternal joy of Christ in His redeemed Church, for whom He [endured the cross for the joy set before Him](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith"). Thus, this verse beautifully anticipates the glorious, joyful, and eternal union between Christ and His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 62:5

For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Jeremiah 2:2

Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land [that was] not sown.

Hosea 2:19

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.

Hosea 2:20

I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

Hebrews 13:13

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

Psalms 9:14

That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.