Song Of Solomon 5:5

KJV

I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped [with] myrrh, and my fingers [with] sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.

KJV (with Strong's)

I rose up {H6965} to open {H6605} to my beloved {H1730}; and my hands {H3027} dropped {H5197} with myrrh {H4753}, and my fingers {H676} with sweet smelling {H5674} myrrh {H4753}, upon the handles {H3709} of the lock {H4514}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I got up to open for the man I love. My hands were dripping with myrrh pure myrrh ran off my fingers onto the handle of the bolt.

Berean Standard Bible

I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh on the handles of the bolt.

American Standard Version

I rose up to open to my beloved; And my hands dropped with myrrh, And my fingers with liquid myrrh, Upon the handles of the bolt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:5 captures a pivotal moment of awakening and earnest desire in the Shulamite woman, as she finally rises to open the door to her beloved after a period of hesitation. The vivid imagery of her hands and fingers dripping with myrrh upon the lock underscores the profound preciousness and intoxicating fragrance associated with her beloved's presence, symbolizing a deep, intimate affection and the readiness of her heart to receive him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a vivid dream sequence, or night vision, of the Shulamite woman, which begins in [Song of Solomon 5:2](/song_of_solomon/5-2 "Song of Solomon 5:2 - The Beloved's Call"). Her beloved arrives at her door late at night, pleading to be let in, his head "filled with dew" from the night. The Shulamite's initial response, detailed in [Song of Solomon 5:3-4](/song_of_solomon/5-3 "Song of Solomon 5:3-4 - The Shulamite's Hesitation"), reveals a reluctance due to her having prepared for bed. She hesitates, making excuses, but her heart is deeply stirred by his presence and his attempt to open the door. Verse 5 marks her decisive shift from hesitation to action, prompted by her inner longing and perhaps the lingering scent of her beloved. The immediate consequence of her delay is revealed in [Song of Solomon 5:6](/song_of_solomon/5-6 "Song of Solomon 5:6 - The Beloved's Departure"), where she discovers he has departed, leading to a frantic search.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Myrrh (Hebrew: _môr_) was an extremely valuable and highly aromatic resin in the ancient Near East, used extensively for perfumes, incense, anointing oils, medicinal purposes, and embalming. Its presence here signifies luxury, beauty, and a sacred or cherished quality. The act of "dropping with myrrh" could suggest either the beloved's hands, having attempted to open the lock, left a fragrant residue, or that the Shulamite's intense desire and anticipation caused her own hands to be supernaturally imbued with this precious scent as she reached for the lock. Ancient locks were typically simple wooden bolts or bars, often operated by a key inserted into a hole, making the "handles of the lock" a tangible point of contact and intimacy. The cultural expectation of hospitality, especially towards a beloved, would make the Shulamite's initial delay somewhat unusual, highlighting her internal conflict.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon - The Song of Songs"). The primary theme is **Awakening and Desire**, as the Shulamite transitions from slumber and reluctance to an active, passionate pursuit of her beloved. This mirrors the soul's spiritual awakening and fervent desire for communion. Secondly, the **Preciousness of Presence** is powerfully conveyed through the abundance of myrrh, symbolizing the immense value, beauty, and sacredness of the beloved's (and allegorically, God's or Christ's) presence. It speaks to a relationship permeated with divine fragrance and worth. Thirdly, the theme of **Preparation and Intimacy** is evident in her rising to open, signifying an act of welcoming and preparing for deep communion. The myrrh can also allude to her own anointing or readiness to meet him. Finally, though not explicit in this verse, it subtly introduces the **Consequence of Delay**, as her beloved's subsequent departure in [Song of Solomon 5:6](/song_of_solomon/5-6 "Song of Solomon 5:6 - The Beloved's Departure") underscores the cost of spiritual procrastination or missed opportunities for intimate fellowship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** This term, used throughout the Song of Solomon, signifies a deeply cherished and affectionate relationship. Derived from a root meaning "to boil" or "to love," it encapsulates the intense, passionate, and intimate bond between the Shulamite and her lover. It moves beyond mere affection to denote a profound, singular devotion, highlighting the unique and central place the beloved holds in her heart.
* **Dropped (Hebrew, _nâṭaph'_):** This primitive root means "to ooze" or "distil gradually," implying a slow, continuous, and abundant flow. In this context, it vividly portrays the myrrh not just as present, but as overflowing from her hands and fingers. This emphasizes the profusion of the precious substance, suggesting an overwhelming sensory experience and perhaps the spontaneous manifestation of the beloved's essence or her own intense devotion.
* **Myrrh (Hebrew, _môr'_):** As an aromatic resin, myrrh is consistently associated with preciousness, fragrance, and anointing throughout the ancient world and biblical texts. Its presence here, particularly in such abundance, symbolizes the rich, intoxicating, and sacred nature of the love and intimacy between the two lovers. It evokes a sense of spiritual beauty, purity, and a costly offering, permeating the very act of reaching for the lock.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I rose up to open to my beloved":** This phrase marks a crucial turning point in the Shulamite's internal struggle. After her initial hesitation and excuses, her deep longing and the beloved's persistent presence compel her to action. "Rose up" (Hebrew _qûwm_) implies a decisive and active movement, a determination to overcome the barriers (both physical and psychological) that prevented her from immediately responding to his call. It signifies a shift from passive longing to active pursuit of intimacy.
* **"and my hands dropped with myrrh":** As she reaches for the lock, her hands are depicted as literally "dropping" or "distilling" with myrrh. This striking imagery suggests an overwhelming abundance of the fragrant substance. It could imply that the beloved's hand, having attempted to open the lock, left its fragrant residue, or that her own intense desire and spiritual readiness caused this precious anointing to manifest on her, preparing her for his presence. It speaks to a deep, sensory experience of love.
* **"and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the previous one, emphasizing the profusion of myrrh and its intoxicating aroma. The repetition highlights the sensory richness of the moment and the preciousness of the substance. "Sweet smelling" (Hebrew _ʻâbar_) here implies a pleasant, pervasive aroma, reinforcing the idea that the entire atmosphere around the lock—the point of access and intimacy—is saturated with this valuable fragrance.
* **"upon the handles of the lock":** This specific detail grounds the mystical experience in a tangible reality. The myrrh is not just generally present, but specifically on the "handles of the lock," the very mechanism of access. This signifies that the point of entry, the barrier to intimacy, is itself permeated with the preciousness of their love, making the act of opening not merely physical but deeply symbolic of a spiritual unveiling and welcoming.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:5 is rich with **Sensory Imagery**, primarily through the overwhelming presence of "myrrh," which appeals directly to the sense of smell and touch. The description of hands and fingers "dropping" or "distilling" with myrrh creates a vivid, almost palpable, sensation of abundance and preciousness. **Symbolism** is central, with myrrh representing not only the beloved's presence and the richness of their love but also possibly an anointing or spiritual readiness. The "lock" itself functions as a symbol of access and intimacy, or the barrier that must be overcome. The entire scene can be read as a **Metaphor** for the soul's passionate pursuit of divine communion, where hesitation gives way to fervent desire, and the act of opening oneself to the beloved is accompanied by a spiritual anointing or fragrance. The **Repetition** of "myrrh" and the parallel structure of "my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh" serve to emphasize the abundance and significance of this precious substance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, within the allegorical interpretation of the Song of Solomon, powerfully illustrates the soul's journey towards deeper communion with God. It speaks to the critical moment of spiritual awakening and the earnest desire to respond to the divine call, even after a period of spiritual lethargy or hesitation. The overflowing myrrh can symbolize the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the preciousness of Christ's presence, or the fragrant testimony of a life dedicated to God. It highlights that true intimacy with the Beloved (Christ) is not passive but requires an active, intentional "rising up" to open the door of our hearts. The potential cost of delay, though not explicit here, is foreshadowed by the beloved's departure in the subsequent verse, serving as a poignant reminder for believers to cultivate spiritual vigilance and immediate responsiveness to God's invitations for fellowship.

* [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus knocking at the door")
* [Psalm 45:8](/psalm/45-8 "Psalm 45:8 - Myrrh and aloes in the King's garments")
* [2 Corinthians 2:14-16](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14-16 - The aroma of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 5:5 offers a profound spiritual mirror for our own walk with God. It challenges us to examine our responsiveness to the Lord's presence and invitations. Just as the Shulamite eventually rose, stirred by love and the lingering scent of her beloved, we are called to overcome spiritual inertia, distraction, or self-preoccupation to actively pursue deeper communion with Christ. The myrrh-filled hands suggest that our very engagement with God—our reaching out, our opening up—can be permeated with the preciousness and fragrance of His Spirit. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not merely intellectual but deeply experiential, inviting us to cherish His presence and respond with eager anticipation. This verse encourages us to be vigilant, recognizing that moments of divine invitation are precious and should be seized with a ready heart, allowing our lives to become a fragrant offering of worship and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What might be the "locks" or "handles" in your life that you hesitate to open fully to the Lord?**
* **In what ways does your spiritual life "drop with myrrh," signifying the preciousness and fragrance of Christ's presence within you?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of urgency and readiness to respond to God's invitations for deeper intimacy?**
* **What are the potential costs of spiritual delay or procrastination in your walk with God?**

### FAQ

**What does the myrrh symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: Myrrh, a costly and fragrant resin, symbolizes several things in this verse: the preciousness and value of the beloved's presence, the intoxicating and alluring nature of their love, and possibly a spiritual anointing or readiness. Its abundance suggests an overflowing of this precious essence, permeating the very act of seeking intimacy. In an allegorical sense, it can represent the preciousness of Christ's presence and the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

**Is this verse part of a dream or a real event?**

Answer: Most scholars interpret the sequence from [Song of Solomon 5:2](/song_of_solomon/5-2 "Song of Solomon 5:2 - The Beloved's Call") through [Song of Solomon 5:8](/song_of_solomon/5-8 "Song of Solomon 5:8 - The Shulamite's Search") as a dream or night vision. The vivid, almost surreal imagery (like hands spontaneously dripping with myrrh) and the beloved's sudden disappearance (as described in [Song of Solomon 5:6](/song_of_solomon/5-6 "Song of Solomon 5:6 - The Beloved's Departure")) are characteristic of a dream narrative. However, even as a dream, it powerfully conveys the emotional and spiritual realities of the Shulamite's longing and the dynamics of their relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:5 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church, or the individual believer. Just as the beloved knocks and seeks entry, so too does Christ stand at the door of our hearts, knocking and desiring intimate fellowship, as beautifully depicted in [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus knocking at the door"). The Shulamite's eventual "rising up to open" mirrors the believer's response to the Holy Spirit's prompting, moving from spiritual complacency or hesitation to an active pursuit of Christ. The imagery of hands "dropping with myrrh" upon the lock is a powerful prefigurement of the anointing of the Holy Spirit that accompanies our yielding to Christ. It signifies that our very acts of welcoming Him—our worship, our obedience, our surrender—are permeated with the precious, fragrant presence of the Spirit, making us the "aroma of Christ" to the world ([2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - The Aroma of Christ")). This verse ultimately points to the glorious reality that our communion with Christ is not a dry, intellectual exercise but a rich, sensory, and deeply spiritual encounter, marked by His precious presence and our Spirit-filled response, leading to a profound and transformative intimacy, much like the intimacy described between the bride and bridegroom in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's love for the Church").

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

Song Of Solomon 5:13

His cheeks [are] as a bed of spices, [as] sweet flowers: his lips [like] lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

2 Corinthians 7:9

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

2 Corinthians 7:11

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Song Of Solomon 3:6

¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

Song Of Solomon 5:2

¶ 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.

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.