Song Of Solomon 5:2

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I sleep {H3463}, but my heart {H3820} waketh {H5782}: it is the voice {H6963} of my beloved {H1730} that knocketh {H1849}, saying, Open {H6605} to me, my sister {H269}, my love {H7474}, my dove {H3123}, my undefiled {H8535}: for my head {H7218} is filled {H4390} with dew {H2919}, and my locks {H6977} with the drops {H7447} of the night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[She] I am asleep, but my heart is awake. Listen! I hear my darling knocking! [He] Open for me, my sister, my love, my dove, my flawless one! For my head is wet with dew, my hair with the moisture of the night.

Berean Standard Bible

I sleep, but my heart is awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.”

American Standard Version

I was asleep, but my heart waked: 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, My locks with the drops of the night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:2 vividly portrays a pivotal moment of longing and pursuit, depicting the Shulamite woman in a state of physical rest yet profound spiritual alertness. Her beloved arrives at her door in the quiet of the night, earnestly seeking entry with tender pleas, his discomfort from the night's elements underscoring his deep affection and unwavering devotion. This scene initiates a period of separation and yearning that will ultimately test the depth of their bond and the readiness of her response, highlighting the tension between complacency and the call to deeper intimacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant narrative shift within the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as a dream sequence or a dramatic interlude that challenges the established intimacy. Chapters 1-3 intricately detail the blossoming of their love, culminating in their marriage and shared joy. Chapter 4 is a magnificent ode of praise from the beloved to the Shulamite, celebrating her unparalleled beauty and purity. Chapter 5:1 serves as a divine affirmation of their union, inviting them to "eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved." Immediately following this celebratory invitation, 5:2 introduces a moment of potential disconnect. The beloved's nocturnal visit and the Shulamite's delayed response set the stage for her subsequent anxious search for him in the city (Song of Solomon 5:6-8), highlighting themes of lost and found love, and the spiritual cost of complacency or delayed obedience. This transition from shared delight to a period of testing is crucial for the maturation of their love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, nocturnal visits by a suitor or husband, particularly to the private chambers of his beloved, were not uncommon and often symbolized profound affection and a desire for intimate communion. However, social customs also dictated a certain level of propriety, and a woman's sleeping quarters were considered her sanctuary. The beloved's description of his "head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night" is a culturally resonant detail. Dew and night drops were common occurrences in the cool, often damp desert evenings of the region, emphasizing the discomfort and earnestness of his vigil. This detail would have powerfully conveyed to an ancient audience the extent of his self-sacrificial love and persistence. The endearing titles—"my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled"—were deeply embedded in the lexicon of ancient Near Eastern love poetry and marital discourse, signifying not only romantic passion but also a bond of purity, friendship, and shared familial respect, elevating the relationship beyond mere physical attraction.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 5:2 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Foremost among these is **Yearning and Pursuit**, powerfully exemplified by the beloved's persistent knocking and heartfelt entreaty, which vividly demonstrates his active and enduring desire for communion. His vulnerability, exposed to the elements, underscores the earnestness and cost of his love, echoing the theme of love's unyielding strength found in [Song of Solomon 8:6-7](/song_of_solomon/8-6-7 "Song of Solomon 8:6-7 - The Power and Endurance of Love"). Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Responsiveness and Complacency**. The Shulamite's paradoxical state, "I sleep, but my heart waketh," masterfully portrays the tension between physical rest or spiritual inertia and inner spiritual awareness. This internal conflict highlights the universal human struggle with immediate readiness to respond to a divine call for deeper intimacy, a theme that finds profound resonance in the New Testament's depiction of Christ's persistent invitation to the human heart, as seen in [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door"). Finally, the beloved's use of **Intimacy, Purity, and Esteem** in his titles for the Shulamite—"my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled"—reveals the profound respect, tender affection, and high regard he holds for her. "My sister" suggests a pure, familial bond alongside romantic love, while "my undefiled" (Hebrew: _tammati_) signifies her perfect, complete, and unblemished character in his eyes, much like the lavish praise found in [Song of Solomon 4:7](/song_of_solomon/4-7 "Song of Solomon 4:7 - You are all fair, my love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sleep (Hebrew, _yâshên'_):** From a root meaning 'sleepy', this word denotes a state of physical slumber or rest. In this context, it stands in stark contrast to the inner alertness of the heart, setting up the central tension of the verse between outward inaction and an underlying spiritual awareness. It suggests a state of repose that is not entirely oblivious, but rather a state where full engagement is momentarily deferred.
* **waketh (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** A primitive root meaning 'to wake' (literally or figuratively), indicating an opening of the eyes or a stirring from inactivity. Here, it specifically refers to the heart's active awareness, responsiveness, and inner perception, even while the body is at rest. This highlights a profound inner spiritual sensitivity that is capable of discerning the beloved's presence and recognizing his call.
* **undefiled (Hebrew, _tâm'_):** From a root meaning 'complete', 'pious', 'gentle', or 'dear'. This term signifies purity, integrity, and blamelessness in the beloved's perception. It speaks to the exceptionally high esteem and unblemished view the beloved has of his Shulamite, reinforcing the sanctity and perfection of their bond. It implies she is whole, complete, and without fault in his sight, a testament to her character and his unwavering admiration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I sleep, but my heart waketh:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the Shulamite's complex internal state. Physically, she is in a state of rest or slumber, perhaps deep in a dream-like reverie. Yet, her "heart"—the biblical seat of her emotions, intellect, will, and spiritual perception—remains fully awake and aware. This striking juxtaposition highlights a profound tension between her physical comfort and her inner spiritual sensitivity, suggesting an awareness that transcends her outward passivity.
* **"it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me,"** The Shulamite's inner awareness is immediately attributed to the unmistakably recognizable "voice" of her beloved. His arrival is marked by a persistent "knocking," an active, insistent, and urgent attempt to gain entry and initiate communion. His direct command, "Open to me," is not a demand but an earnest, tender plea for immediate access and intimacy, revealing the depth of his desire for her presence.
* **"my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled:"** The beloved addresses the Shulamite with a series of deeply affectionate, respectful, and multi-layered titles. "My sister" suggests a bond of pure friendship, equality, and familial intimacy that complements their romantic love. "My love" (Hebrew: _raʻyâh_) signifies her as his intimate companion and cherished friend. "My dove" (Hebrew: _yôwnâh_) is a common term of endearment, symbolizing gentleness, purity, innocence, and beauty. "My undefiled" (Hebrew: _tammati_) conveys his profound perception of her as perfect, complete, and unblemished, emphasizing the sanctity, integrity, and high regard he holds for her character and being.
* **"for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night."** This clause provides the compelling reason for his urgent plea and vividly underscores his perseverance and vulnerability. The "dew" and "drops of the night" indicate the cold, damp, and uncomfortable conditions of an ancient Near Eastern night, implying he has been waiting outside for an extended period, enduring significant discomfort for her sake. This detail emphasizes the earnestness of his desire, the cost of his pursuit, and his willingness to suffer for the sake of their communion.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:2 is rich with **Imagery**, particularly in the vivid description of the beloved's state ("my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night"), which powerfully conveys the cold and dampness of the night, emphasizing his discomfort, patience, and perseverance. The verse employs striking **Juxtaposition** in the opening clause, "I sleep, but my heart waketh," creating a profound tension between the physical state of slumber and the inner alertness of the soul. This is further enhanced by subtle **Personification**, as the heart is depicted as actively "waking" and perceiving. The repeated use of **Terms of Endearment** ("my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled") serves as a powerful form of **Appellation**, revealing the beloved's deep affection, profound respect, and the multifaceted, pure nature of his relationship with the Shulamite. For many readers, the entire scene functions as an **Allegory**, symbolizing the divine-human relationship, with the beloved representing God or Christ, and the Shulamite representing the soul or the Church, highlighting universal themes of divine pursuit and human responsiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the persistent, yearning nature of divine love and the often-hesitant, sometimes complacent, human response. The beloved's earnest knocking and tender pleas, despite his discomfort and exposure to the elements, mirror God's relentless and costly pursuit of humanity, desiring intimate communion even when we are spiritually complacent or distracted by earthly concerns. The Shulamite's "waking heart" signifies an inner spiritual sensitivity that recognizes the divine call, even if the "sleeping" body represents a reluctance to fully engage due to comfort, fear, or spiritual lethargy. This tension highlights the ongoing invitation from God to a deeper, more responsive relationship, an invitation that often requires us to overcome our own inertia and open the door of our hearts. The beloved's pure and endearing titles for the Shulamite also speak to God's view of His people—as cherished, undefiled, and beautiful in His sight, despite our imperfections and hesitations.

* [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door of the Heart")
* [Matthew 25:1-13](/matthew/25-1-13 "Matthew 25:1-13 - Parable of the Ten Virgins")
* [Luke 12:35-36](/luke/12-35-36 "Luke 12:35-36 - Be Ready for the Master's Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 5:2 serves as a profound mirror for our own spiritual lives, inviting us to examine the state of our hearts in response to God's persistent and loving call. The beloved's willingness to endure the cold of the night for the sake of communion challenges us to deeply appreciate the immeasurable depth of divine love that pursues us, often at great cost and with unwavering patience. Are we cultivating a "waking heart" that is attuned to the subtle promptings and clear invitations of the Holy Spirit, or are we allowing spiritual slumber and the comforts of life to dull our responsiveness? This passage encourages us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to faith and into a dynamic, responsive, and intimate relationship with God, where we are quick to open the door when He knocks. It reminds us that true intimacy with God requires not only His gracious initiation but also our willing, timely, and earnest participation, valuing His presence and communion above our own comfort or convenience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might your "heart be sleeping" while your "heart waketh," indicating a spiritual tension or delay in responsiveness to God's call?**
* **How does the beloved's perseverance in the cold night challenge your understanding of God's earnest desire for intimacy and communion with you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more consistently "waking heart" that is quick to recognize and respond to the voice of your Beloved?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the beloved's titles for the Shulamite in this verse?**

Answer: The titles "my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled" are profoundly significant, revealing the multifaceted nature of the beloved's affection and esteem for the Shulamite. "My sister" (Hebrew: _ʼâchôwth_) emphasizes a bond of pure friendship, equality, and familial closeness, signifying a deep, respectful relationship that transcends mere physical attraction. "My love" (Hebrew: _raʻyâh_) is a common term of endearment, highlighting their intimate companionship and cherished bond. "My dove" (Hebrew: _yôwnâh_) symbolizes gentleness, innocence, and beauty, often associated with purity and tenderness. Most notably, "my undefiled" (Hebrew: _tâm_) signifies her as complete, perfect, and unblemished in his eyes, highlighting his perception of her purity, integrity, and inherent worth. Together, these titles paint a picture of a love that is not only passionate but also pure, respectful, and deeply appreciative of her character and essence, underscoring the sanctity and high regard he holds for her. This echoes the divine perspective of the Church as "without spot or wrinkle" in [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:2 finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the persistent, self-sacrificial love of the Beloved. Just as the beloved stands outside, enduring the "dew" and "drops of the night," so too did Christ humble Himself, leaving the unimaginable glories of heaven to enter a world filled with spiritual darkness, human indifference, and outright hostility. His incarnation was an act of profound vulnerability, a divine "knocking" at the door of humanity's heart, enduring the "cold" of rejection, suffering, and ultimately, the cross for our sake ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The Shulamite's paradoxical state of "I sleep, but my heart waketh" powerfully mirrors the human condition: often spiritually drowsy, complacent, or preoccupied, yet possessing an inner capacity, given by grace, to recognize the unmistakable voice of our true Shepherd ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Christ's earnest plea, "Open to me," is echoed in His ongoing, gracious invitation to intimate communion with His Church and individual believers, as powerfully stated in [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door of the Heart"). He calls us "my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled," not because of our inherent perfection or merit, but because He has made us pure, blameless, and complete in His sight through His atoning sacrifice and sanctifying grace ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ")). His persistent pursuit, even when met with hesitation or delayed response, culminates in His ultimate desire for an intimate, unbroken fellowship with His bride, the Church, a union foreshadowed in this ancient love poem and fully realized in the New Covenant and His glorious return ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church and Her Sanctification")).

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

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Song Of Solomon 2:14

¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

Song Of Solomon 6:9

My dove, my undefiled is [but] one; she [is] the [only] one of her mother, she [is] the choice [one] of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; [yea], the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

Zechariah 4:1

¶ And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,

Psalms 119:1

¶ ALEPH. Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

Song Of Solomon 8:7

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if [a] man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.