Song Of Solomon 5:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

His mouth {H2441} is most sweet {H4477}: yea, he is altogether lovely {H4261}. This is my beloved {H1730}, and this is my friend {H7453}, O daughters {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His words are sweetness itself; he is altogether desirable. This is my darling, and this is my friend, daughters of Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

His mouth is most sweet; Yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:16 serves as the climactic and comprehensive declaration by the Shulamite woman to the "daughters of Jerusalem," summarizing her profound adoration for her beloved. Following her detailed, head-to-toe description, this verse encapsulates his supreme desirability, portraying him as one whose very communication is delightful, whose entire being is utterly captivating, and who perfectly embodies the dual roles of passionate lover and trusted, intimate companion. It is a powerful testament to a love that is both deeply romantic and profoundly relational, affirming his unparalleled worth in her eyes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the emphatic conclusion to the Shulamite's elaborate and intimate description of her beloved, which began in [Song of Solomon 5:10](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10 - The Shulamite's Detailed Praise"). The preceding narrative (Song of Solomon 5:2-8) depicts a poignant dream sequence where the Shulamite experiences a longing search for her absent lover, underscoring her deep affection and the pain of separation. This yearning sets the stage for the "daughters of Jerusalem," who act as a curious chorus, to pose a pivotal question in [Song of Solomon 5:9](/song_of_solomon/5-9 "Song of Solomon 5:9 - The Daughters of Jerusalem's Inquiry"): "What is thy beloved more than another beloved...?" Verse 16 is her culminating and definitive answer, synthesizing all the physical perfections and character virtues she has just extolled into a singular, overwhelming statement of his complete loveliness and her unwavering devotion. It functions as the grand finale to her eloquent defense and passionate praise, leaving no doubt about his unique and supreme place in her heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon, rooted in the ancient Near East, reflects the rich tradition of love poetry prevalent in that era. While specific historical figures are not definitively identified, the imagery skillfully blends royal splendor with pastoral simplicity, suggesting a setting that transcends a single historical moment and resonates with universal themes of love. The "daughters of Jerusalem" likely function as a literary device, representing a community or courtly audience before whom such declarations of love might be made, framing the intimate dialogue between the lovers. The detailed physical descriptions, a common feature in ancient love poetry, serve not merely as an inventory of features but as a profound means to convey the beloved's perfection and the lover's intense admiration. The emphasis on both physical attractiveness and the beloved's character, particularly his role as a "friend," aligns with the ancient understanding of a desirable partner, where companionship, trustworthiness, and shared life were as highly valued as physical beauty.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 5:16 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book's message. Firstly, it highlights **Unreserved Adoration and Total Devotion**. The emphatic phrase "altogether lovely" (Hebrew: *kulo machmadim*) signifies a comprehensive and overwhelming appreciation that transcends mere physical attraction, encompassing the beloved's entire being—his character, his presence, and his very essence. Secondly, the verse underscores the concept of **Holistic Love**, seamlessly blending passionate romantic affection, indicated by "my beloved," with deep, enduring companionship and trust, conveyed by "my friend." This dual emphasis suggests that true love encompasses both intense desire and profound relational intimacy, a theme echoed throughout the Song, such as in the declaration of mutual possession in [Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - My Beloved is Mine, and I Am His"). Finally, the Shulamite's public declaration to the "daughters of Jerusalem" exemplifies the theme of **Public Affirmation of Love**, demonstrating her unwavering commitment and the unique, irreplaceable position her beloved holds in her heart, a testament to the depth and exclusivity of their bond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sweet (Hebrew, _mamtaq'_):** From H4477, meaning "something sweet (literally or figuratively)." In this context, applied to the mouth, it conveys the delightful and pleasing nature of the beloved's words, kisses, and overall communication. It suggests that everything proceeding from him is agreeable, pleasant, and highly desirable to the Shulamite, indicating a profound satisfaction derived from his expressions and intimacy.
* **lovely (Hebrew, _machmâd'_):** From H4261, meaning "delightful; hence, a delight, i.e. object of affection or desire; beloved, goodly, pleasant (thing)." When combined with "altogether" (Hebrew: *kulo*, "all of him"), it forms the powerful phrase *kulo machmadim*, indicating that every aspect of his being—his character, his presence, his very essence—is utterly desirable, precious, and captivating to her. It speaks to a profound, comprehensive attractiveness that transcends superficial beauty, denoting a complete and overwhelming desirability.
* **friend (Hebrew, _rêaʻ'_):** From H7453, meaning "an associate (more or less close); brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour." This word emphasizes the deep bond of companionship, trust, and shared life that complements the romantic passion implied by "beloved." It highlights the relational depth, mutual respect, and unwavering loyalty that forms the enduring foundation of their love, signifying a partner in life's journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His mouth is most sweet:"** This clause focuses on the beloved's communication and intimacy. The "mouth" (H2441, *chêk*, palate/mouth) signifies not only his kisses, which are a strong theme in the Song (e.g., [Song of Solomon 1:2](/song_of_solomon/1-2 "Song of Solomon 1:2 - Let Him Kiss Me")), but also his words, his counsel, and his very breath. The quality of being "most sweet" (H4477, *mamtaq*) suggests that everything he utters or expresses is delightful, pleasant, and profoundly satisfying to the Shulamite, indicating a harmonious and deeply cherished form of communication and physical affection.
* **"yea, he is altogether lovely."** This is the climactic declaration, a comprehensive affirmation of his supreme desirability. The Hebrew *kulo machmadim* (literally "all of him [is] delights/desirable things") conveys that every part of his being, both physical and characterological, is utterly captivating and worthy of her affection. It moves beyond specific attributes to an overarching statement of his complete perfection in her eyes, making him the ultimate object of her desire and admiration. This phrase encapsulates the sum total of her adoration.
* **"This is my beloved,"** This phrase reasserts the intense romantic and passionate dimension of their relationship. "Beloved" (H1730, *dôwd*) is the primary term of endearment used throughout the Song, signifying a deep, intimate, and exclusive love. It confirms his unique status as the one chosen and cherished above all others, emphasizing the passionate and deeply personal bond they share.
* **"and this is my friend,"** This clause complements the previous one by adding a crucial dimension of their relationship: deep companionship and trust. "Friend" (H7453, *rêaʻ*) emphasizes shared life, mutual understanding, and unwavering loyalty. The combination of "beloved" and "friend" portrays a holistic and mature love that encompasses both passionate intimacy and enduring, reliable partnership, highlighting the depth of their relational foundation.
* **"O daughters of Jerusalem."** This final address reiterates that the Shulamite's declaration is a public testimony. The "daughters of Jerusalem" (H1323, *bath*, and H3389, *Yᵉrûwshâlaim*) serve as the audience to whom she is proclaiming the unparalleled excellence of her beloved, solidifying her commitment and pride in their relationship before her community and affirming the truth of her profound love.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify the Shulamite's profound declaration. The phrase "he is altogether lovely" employs **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used to convey the overwhelming intensity of her adoration and the beloved's supreme desirability, suggesting a perfection that transcends ordinary human attributes. The declaration "His mouth is most sweet" utilizes **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, where the physical attribute of the mouth represents not only pleasant kisses but also delightful speech, wise counsel, and the very essence of his communication, which is profoundly pleasing and satisfying to her. The verse also features **Parallelism** in the pairing of "This is my beloved, and this is my friend," where two complementary phrases are used to describe the same person, highlighting the dual nature of their relationship—both passionately romantic and deeply companionate. Finally, the direct address "O daughters of Jerusalem" is an instance of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses a specific group of listeners, drawing them into the emotional intensity and public affirmation of her declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 5:16, while a celebration of human love, resonates with profound theological truths about the nature of divine love and the relationship between God and His people. The Shulamite's unreserved adoration and declaration of her beloved as "altogether lovely" mirrors the biblical call to worship God with our whole being, recognizing His supreme beauty, holiness, and desirability. The blending of "beloved" and "friend" reflects the multifaceted nature of God's relationship with humanity: He is the ultimate Bridegroom, passionately pursuing His Church, yet also the faithful Friend who walks alongside us, offering companionship and unwavering loyalty. This verse thus provides a template for understanding a holistic, covenantal love that is both deeply emotional and profoundly relational, reflecting the depth of God's commitment to His creation and His desire for an intimate, all-encompassing relationship with His people, one that is both passionate and steadfast.

* [Psalm 45:2](/psalm/45-2 "The King's Beauty")
* [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "The Lord Delights in You")
* [John 15:15](/john/15-15 "Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 5:16 offers timeless wisdom for cultivating and appreciating deep, healthy relationships in our own lives. The Shulamite's unreserved affirmation of her beloved challenges us to consider how we express admiration and appreciation for those we cherish most. In a world often quick to criticize or take others for granted, her declaration of "altogether lovely" reminds us to intentionally seek out and articulate the comprehensive beauty and worth we see in our partners, friends, and family members. Furthermore, the powerful combination of "beloved" and "friend" underscores that the most enduring and fulfilling relationships are built upon a foundation of both passionate affection and genuine, trustworthy companionship. It encourages us to nurture both the romantic spark and the deep, abiding friendship that allows for vulnerability, shared life, mutual support, and unwavering loyalty. This verse calls us to move beyond superficial attraction, to truly see and celebrate the whole person, fostering connections that are resilient, affirming, and deeply satisfying, reflecting the holistic love God intends for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I intentionally affirm the "altogether lovely" qualities I see in my closest relationships, and how might I do so more consistently?**
* **In what ways do I actively nurture both the passionate and the companionate aspects of my significant relationships, ensuring both are thriving?**
* **What does it mean for me to have a "sweet mouth"—to use my words to build up, encourage, and delight those I love, rather than to tear down?**
* **How does the Shulamite's public declaration inspire me to be more open and unashamed in expressing my love and commitment to those who are most precious to me?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "His mouth is most sweet"?**

Answer: This phrase, "His mouth is most sweet" (Hebrew: *chêk mamtaq*), goes beyond a literal description of taste. In the context of the Song of Solomon, the mouth is often associated with kisses ([Song of Solomon 1:2](/song_of_solomon/1-2 "Song of Solomon 1:2 - Let Him Kiss Me")) and speech. Therefore, "most sweet" implies that everything proceeding from her beloved's mouth—his words, his expressions of love, his counsel, and his kisses—is profoundly delightful, pleasant, and satisfying to the Shulamite. It speaks to the harmonious and cherished nature of their intimate communication and physical affection, indicating that his every utterance and touch brings her deep joy.

**What does "altogether lovely" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "altogether lovely" is a translation of the powerful Hebrew *kulo machmadim*, which literally means "all of him [is] desirable things" or "all of him [is] delights." It signifies a comprehensive and overwhelming desirability. It's not just that he possesses some lovely qualities, but that his entire being—his physical appearance, his character, his personality, his very essence—is utterly captivating and the supreme object of her affection and desire. It expresses a holistic and unreserved adoration, making him perfect in her eyes and the singular focus of her deepest admiration.

**Why is it important that he is both "my beloved" and "my friend"?**

Answer: This dual declaration highlights the holistic and mature nature of their love. "My beloved" (Hebrew: *dôwd*) emphasizes the passionate, romantic, and exclusive aspect of their relationship, signifying deep affection and desire. "My friend" (Hebrew: *rêaʻ*) underscores the foundational element of companionship, trust, mutual respect, and shared life. The combination suggests that their love is not merely based on fleeting passion but is deeply rooted in a bond of true friendship, which provides stability, understanding, and enduring support. This blend of romantic love and deep friendship is often considered the ideal for a lasting and fulfilling relationship, as seen in biblical examples of intimate bonds, such as that between David and Jonathan in [1 Samuel 18:1](/1_samuel/18-1 "1 Samuel 18:1 - The Soul of Jonathan Knit to David").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:16 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the divine Bridegroom of the Church. The Shulamite's declaration of her beloved as "altogether lovely" points profoundly to Christ as the one who is supremely beautiful, perfectly holy, and utterly desirable in every aspect of His being, truly the "fairest of ten thousand." His "mouth is most sweet" foreshadows the gracious words that proceeded from His lips, words of eternal life that bring healing, truth, and profound comfort to those who hear them ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). He is the one whose very presence is delightful and whose every utterance is perfect, bringing light and salvation to all who believe. Moreover, Christ perfectly embodies both the "beloved" and the "friend." He is the divine Bridegroom who loves the Church with an incomparable, self-sacrificial love, giving Himself up for her sanctification and purity ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Sacrificial Love for the Church")). Yet, He also calls us His "friends," inviting us into intimate fellowship and revealing the Father's heart to us, demonstrating a loyalty and companionship that surpasses all earthly bonds ([John 15:15](/john/15-15 "John 15:15 - Jesus Calls Disciples Friends")). Thus, the qualities lauded in the Shulamite's beloved are perfectly and eternally realized in Christ, making Him the supreme object of our worship, adoration, and devotion, the one who is truly "altogether lovely" and worthy of our deepest love and friendship for all eternity.

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

Psalms 45:2

Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Song Of Solomon 7:9

And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth [down] sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.

Song Of Solomon 2:16

My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Psalms 119:103

¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Psalms 19:10

More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.