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Song Of Solomon 3:2

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I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

I will rise {H6965} now, and go about {H5437} the city {H5892} in the streets {H7784}, and in the broad ways {H7339} I will seek {H1245} him whom my soul {H5315} loveth {H157}: I sought {H1245} him, but I found {H4672} him not.

"I will get up now and roam the city, through the streets and the open places, I will look for the man I love." I looked for him, but I didn't find him.

I will arise now and go about the city, through the streets and squares. I will seek the one I love. So I sought him but did not find him.

I said, I will rise now, and go about the city; In the streets and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

Commentary

Song of Solomon 3:2 depicts the Shulamite woman's fervent search for her beloved in the city during the night. This verse is part of a dream sequence or allegorical narrative, underscoring the intensity of her affection and the distress caused by his temporary absence.

Context

This verse comes from a section (Song of Solomon 3:1-5) where the Shulamite recounts a nocturnal quest for her beloved. It mirrors a similar search described earlier (Song of Solomon 1:7) and foreshadows the later dream in Song of Solomon 5:6. While literally describing the longing of a lover, the Song of Solomon is often interpreted allegorically as representing God's passionate love for Israel, or Christ's deep affection for His Church, and the believer's earnest desire for intimacy with God.

Key Themes

  • Passionate Pursuit: The Shulamite's immediate action, "I will rise now, and go about the city," demonstrates her urgent and active pursuit. Her search extends through "streets" and "broad ways," signifying a comprehensive and public effort to find him.
  • Profound Affection: The phrase "him whom my soul loveth" highlights the depth of her emotional and spiritual attachment. This is not a casual liking but a profound, whole-person love, emphasizing the centrality of her beloved to her very being.
  • The Pain of Absence: The concluding lament, "I sought him, but I found him not," conveys the distress and longing that accompany separation from the one deeply cherished. This temporary absence heightens the sense of yearning and emphasizes the value of his presence.
  • Spiritual Seeking: Allegorically, this verse speaks to the believer's persistent search for God's presence and intimacy, even when He seems distant or hidden.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "soul" here is nephesh, which often refers to the whole person, their very being, not just the emotional part. So, "whom my soul loveth" implies a love that encompasses her entire existence. The verb "sought" (Hebrew biqqaš) denotes an earnest, diligent, and purposeful search, not a casual glance.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for the spiritual journey:

  • Active Faith: Like the Shulamite, believers are called to actively seek God, not passively wait for Him. This involves prayer, studying His Word, and engaging in fellowship.
  • Perseverance in Dry Seasons: There are times when God may feel distant, or answers to prayer are not immediately apparent. Song of Solomon 3:2 reminds us to persist in our seeking, trusting that He is ultimately findable for those who diligently search (Matthew 7:7).
  • The Value of Intimacy: The urgency of the Shulamite's search underscores the immense value she places on her beloved's presence. Similarly, our spiritual longing reveals how much we truly desire intimacy and communion with Christ.
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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Romans 13:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

  • Psalms 43:2 (2 votes)

    For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

  • Psalms 43:5 (2 votes)

    Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

  • Proverbs 8:2 (2 votes)

    She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

  • Proverbs 8:3 (2 votes)

    She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

  • Psalms 42:7 (2 votes)

    Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

  • Psalms 42:9 (2 votes)

    I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?