3:2 3:2

Song Of Solomon 3:3

3:4 3:4

Bible Versions

The watchmen that go about the city found me: [to whom I said], Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?
The watchmen {H8104} that go about {H5437} the city {H5892} found {H4672} me: to whom I said, Saw {H7200} ye him whom my soul {H5315} loveth {H157}?
The guards roaming the city found me. "Have you seen the man I love?"
I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city: “Have you seen the one I love?”
The watchmen that go about the city found me; To whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

Song of Solomon 3:3 describes a pivotal moment in the Shulamite’s earnest search for her beloved. Having risen from her bed to seek him in the city, she encounters the night watchmen, and her singular focus is immediately revealed by her urgent question about the one "whom my soul loveth."

Context

This verse is part of a dream sequence or a vivid recollection by the Shulamite, detailing her intense longing and search for her beloved. In the ancient Near East, watchmen (`shomerim`) were crucial for the security of a city, patrolling its streets, especially at night. Their encounter with the Shulamite highlights her desperation; she is so consumed by her search that she directly approaches these figures of authority, not fearing them but seeing them as potential sources of information. This scene sets the stage for her eventual reunion, underscoring the depth of her devotion. A similar encounter, albeit with a different outcome, is found in Song of Solomon 5:7, where the watchmen are less sympathetic.

Key Themes

  • Intense Longing and Devotion: The phrase "whom my soul loveth" powerfully conveys a deep, all-encompassing affection. It signifies a love that permeates her entire being, driving her persistent search.
  • Persistent Search: The Shulamite's willingness to go out into the city at night, enduring potential dangers or discomforts, illustrates the active and unwavering nature of her pursuit. This mirrors the spiritual journey of seeking God diligently.
  • Hope Amidst Obstacles: The watchmen, while figures of authority, are not perceived as a direct threat but as potential aids in her quest, demonstrating her hopeful and proactive approach to finding her beloved.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase, "whom my soul loveth," translates the Hebrew אֵת שֶׁאָהֲבָה נַפְשִׁי (`'et she'ahavah nafshi`). The word nafshi (my soul/my being) emphasizes that her love is not merely superficial or physical, but rather a profound, intrinsic connection that involves her entire self. It speaks to the deepest part of her existence, highlighting a holistic and consuming passion. This expression underscores the depth of her emotional and spiritual attachment.

Practical Application

For believers, Song of Solomon 3:3 can be seen as an allegory for the soul's earnest pursuit of God or Christ. Just as the Shulamite intensely sought her beloved, so too are believers called to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind. This verse encourages a proactive, passionate, and unwavering spiritual quest, even when facing challenges or periods of spiritual dryness. It reminds us that a genuine relationship with the Divine often involves diligent seeking, a readiness to inquire, and a deep, soul-level longing that transcends mere intellectual assent.

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.
  • Song Of Solomon 5:7

    The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
  • Isaiah 21:6

    For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.
  • Isaiah 21:8

    And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:
  • Isaiah 21:11

    ¶ The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
  • Isaiah 21:12

    The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.
  • Ezekiel 33:2

    Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
  • Ezekiel 33:9

    Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
 Back

Search Scripture