Song Of Solomon 5:6

KJV

I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, [and] was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

KJV (with Strong's)

I opened {H6605} to my beloved {H1730}; but my beloved {H1730} had withdrawn {H2559} himself, and was gone {H5674}: my soul {H5315} failed {H3318} when he spake {H1696}: I sought {H1245} him, but I could not find {H4672} him; I called {H7121} him, but he gave me no answer {H6030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I opened for my darling, but my darling had turned and gone. My heart had failed me when he spoke I sought him, but I couldn't find him; I called him, but he didn't answer.

Berean Standard Bible

I opened for my beloved, but he had turned and gone. My heart sank at his departure. I sought him, but did not find him. I called, but he did not answer.

American Standard Version

I opened to my beloved; But my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone. My soul had failed me when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:6 captures a moment of profound regret and desperate longing experienced by the Shulamite woman. After delaying her response to her beloved's call, she finally opens the door only to discover he has departed. This sudden absence plunges her into deep emotional distress, prompting an immediate and frantic search for him, yet her efforts are met with silence, intensifying her sorrow and the perceived loss of his cherished presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to a vivid dream sequence that begins in [Song of Solomon 5:2](/song_of_solomon/5-2 "Song of Solomon 5:2 - The Beloved's Call"). The beloved arrives at the Shulamite's door late at night, his hair wet with dew, and asks her to open. Initially, she hesitates, offering excuses related to her comfort and reluctance to disturb herself. This delay, born of complacency, directly precipitates the crisis described in Song of Solomon 5:6. The subsequent verses ([Song of Solomon 5:7-8](/song_of_solomon/5-7 "Song of Solomon 5:7-8 - The Watchmen and Her Distress")) depict her continued, increasingly desperate search through the city streets, enduring mistreatment from the watchmen, and her plea to the daughters of Jerusalem to help her find him, highlighting the depth of her longing and the painful consequences of her initial inaction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, nighttime visits by a suitor were common, but also carried social implications regarding modesty and decorum. The act of opening the door to a beloved at night, especially after he had already departed, would have been a deeply personal and vulnerable action for a woman. The imagery of the beloved's "head filled with dew" suggests a long journey or a night spent outdoors, emphasizing his earnest desire to be with her. The Shulamite's initial reluctance to "put off my coat" or "wash my feet" reflects a desire for personal comfort over immediate responsiveness, a common human failing that transcends time and culture. Her subsequent desperate search through the city, even encountering the watchmen who mistreat her, underscores the societal dangers and the depth of her emotional distress and commitment to finding her beloved.
* **Key Themes:** [Song of Solomon 5:6](/song_of_solomon/5-6 "Song of Solomon 5:6 - The Shulamite's Regret") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Song of Solomon and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Delayed Response and Its Consequences**, illustrating how complacency or hesitation in a relationship can lead to a perceived absence of the beloved. Her initial comfort quickly gives way to profound distress, underscoring the spiritual principle that opportunities, once missed, may require strenuous effort to regain, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 1:28](/proverbs/1-28 "Proverbs 1:28 - When Wisdom is Rejected"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Earnest Pursuit and Intense Longing**. Despite her initial failing, the Shulamite's reaction is one of immediate and desperate seeking, revealing the depth of her love and the immense value she places on her beloved's presence. This passionate pursuit mirrors the biblical call to [seek God with all one's heart](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). Finally, the passage serves as a potent **Spiritual Allegory of Seeking God's Presence**. Many theological interpretations view this narrative as a representation of the believer's fluctuating experience with divine presence, where periods of spiritual complacency can lead to a perceived withdrawal of God, prompting a renewed and fervent pursuit to restore intimacy, echoing the call to [draw near to God](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From H1730, this term signifies a lover, friend, or one who is cherished. It derives from a root meaning "to boil," figuratively suggesting intense love or affection. In this verse, its repetition ("my beloved... my beloved") underscores the deep personal connection and the profound emotional impact of his absence on the Shulamite, highlighting the intimacy of the relationship that is now seemingly broken.
* **Withdrawn (Hebrew, _châmaq'_):** From H2559, this primitive root means "to wrap" or "to depart (i.e. turn about)." It conveys a swift, decisive, and perhaps deliberate turning away or slipping off. This is not a casual step aside but a complete withdrawal, emphasizing the finality of his departure in that moment and the immediate, stark reality of his absence.
* **Failed (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From H3318, this word means "to go out" or "to fail." When applied to "soul" (nephesh), it vividly describes a profound emotional collapse, a feeling of one's life force or spirit draining away. "My soul failed when he spake" captures the overwhelming shock, despair, and physical weakness that overcomes the Shulamite upon realizing the consequence of her delay and the beloved's departure, or perhaps the lingering power of his earlier words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I opened to my beloved;"**: This clause marks the Shulamite's delayed but eventual act of obedience and desire for reconciliation. After her initial excuses and hesitation, she finally overcomes her inertia, signifying a change of heart and a renewed willingness to engage. This action, however, comes too late.
* **"but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone:"**: This is the pivotal moment of realization and reversal. The conjunction "but" starkly contrasts her belated action with his prior departure. The double emphasis on "withdrawn himself" and "was gone" (using _châmaq_ and _ʻâbar_) conveys a complete and decisive absence, highlighting the immediate and painful consequence of her delay.
* **"my soul failed when he spake:"**: This phrase vividly describes her immediate and overwhelming emotional and physical reaction. "My soul failed" (Hebrew _yâtsâʼ nephesh_) means her very life force or spirit seemed to depart from her. This could refer to the impact of his earlier words (his call to open) now fully registering with the weight of missed opportunity, or the profound shock and despair that overtook her at the moment she realized he was gone. It signifies a deep spiritual and emotional collapse.
* **"I sought him, but I could not find him;"**: This clause initiates her frantic and desperate search. The immediate transition from despair to active pursuit demonstrates the depth of her love and the urgency of her desire to restore his presence. The painful reality of "could not find him" underscores the immediate futility of her efforts, amplifying her distress.
* **"I called him, but he gave me no answer."**: This final clause emphasizes the complete silence and unresponsiveness she encounters. Her vocal pleas are met with an echoing void, signifying not only his physical absence but also a perceived emotional or relational distance. This lack of answer intensifies her sense of loss and isolation, highlighting the profound consequence of her earlier inaction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Pathos** is evident in the Shulamite's profound emotional distress, as her "soul failed" and she frantically searches and calls for her beloved in vain, eliciting sympathy from the reader. **Dramatic Irony** is present in her belated action of opening the door, which contrasts sharply with the beloved's prior departure, creating a sense of tragic inevitability. The entire dream sequence, including this verse, functions as an **Allegory**, often interpreted as the soul's relationship with God or Christ, where the beloved represents the divine and the Shulamite represents the believer. The beloved's departure and the Shulamite's desperate search serve as **Symbolism** for the perceived absence of God's presence due to spiritual complacency and the subsequent fervent pursuit to regain intimacy. The repetition of "my beloved" and the parallel structure of "I sought him... I called him" followed by the negative outcomes ("could not find him... no answer") amplify the sense of loss and the futility of her immediate efforts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 5:6 serves as a powerful spiritual parable, illustrating the delicate nature of our relationship with the divine. It underscores the profound truth that while God's love is steadfast, our experience of His presence can be deeply affected by our responsiveness and spiritual diligence. The Shulamite's initial complacency and subsequent desperate search mirror the believer's journey, reminding us that neglecting God's promptings can lead to a perceived spiritual dryness or distance, prompting a renewed and fervent pursuit. This passage is a poignant reminder of the value of immediate obedience and the potential consequences of spiritual lethargy, emphasizing that genuine intimacy with God requires consistent attentiveness and heartfelt engagement.

* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 55:6](/isaiah/55-6 "Isaiah 55:6 - Seeking the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Proverbs 1:28](/proverbs/1-28 "Proverbs 1:28 - When Wisdom is Rejected")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This poignant verse from Song of Solomon offers profound lessons for the contemporary believer. It serves as a stark reminder that our relationship with God, while founded on His unchanging love, is dynamic and requires our active participation and prompt responsiveness. The Shulamite's regret upon finding her beloved gone after her delay should prompt us to examine our own spiritual lives: Are we quick to respond to the Holy Spirit's promptings, or do we prioritize comfort and convenience over immediate obedience? Do we cherish God's presence, or do we allow distractions and complacency to create distance? When we experience seasons of spiritual dryness or feel a perceived absence of God, this passage encourages not despair, but a renewed and fervent pursuit. Just as the Shulamite tirelessly sought her beloved, we are called to diligently seek the Lord through prayer, His Word, and fellowship, trusting that He is always near to those who genuinely seek Him. This verse ultimately calls us to cultivate a heart of readiness and attentiveness, valuing God's presence above all else and responding with alacrity to His divine invitations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be delaying your response to God's promptings?**
* **How does the Shulamite's frantic search resonate with your own experience of seeking God when He feels distant?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart of greater readiness and attentiveness to God's voice?**
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of the value you place on God's active presence in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Is Song of Solomon 5:6 a literal event or a dream?**

Answer: While the entire Song of Solomon contains poetic and allegorical elements, 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 - Her Continued Search") is widely interpreted by scholars as a dream. Several clues point to this: the beloved's sudden appearance and disappearance, the Shulamite's initial excuses ("I have put off my coat"), and her subsequent, unhindered (yet fruitless) search through the city streets at night, encountering watchmen who mistreat her. The dream context allows for a heightened emotional intensity and symbolic meaning, reflecting inner anxieties and desires rather than a purely literal chronological event.

**What does "my soul failed when he spake" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "my soul failed when he spake" (KJV) translates the Hebrew _yâtsâʼ nephesh bidvārō_. This conveys a profound emotional and possibly physical collapse. The Hebrew word _yâtsâʼ_ (H3318) means "to go out" or "to fail," and _nephesh_ (H5315) refers to the soul, life-force, or inner being. Thus, it means her spirit or vitality drained out of her. This could be interpreted in two primary ways: 1) The impact of his earlier words (his call to open the door) suddenly registered with overwhelming force and regret once she realized he was gone, causing her immense despair. 2) The shock and sorrow of realizing his departure, and the immediate consequence of her delay, caused her such distress that she felt her very life-force ebbing away. It powerfully communicates her deep anguish and regret.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:6, through its allegorical lens, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment, illuminating the dynamic relationship between Christ, the ultimate Beloved, and His bride, the Church (or individual believer). The beloved's call to the Shulamite echoes Christ's persistent invitation to communion, often symbolized as Him [standing at the door and knocking](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Knocking at the Door"), waiting for us to open. The Shulamite's initial hesitation, driven by comfort or complacency, serves as a poignant reminder of our own spiritual lethargy or preoccupation with worldly comforts that can cause us to delay or neglect Christ's promptings. Her subsequent despair upon finding him gone, and her frantic search, powerfully illustrate the spiritual emptiness and longing that arise when we perceive a distance from Christ due to our unresponsiveness. Yet, in Christ, this narrative finds its redemptive arc. While the Shulamite's beloved departs, Jesus, our true Beloved, promises, "[I will never leave you nor forsake you](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave Us")" and assures us that He is "[with you always, even to the end of the age](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")". Her longing becomes a foreshadowing of the Church's yearning for Christ's return and the continuous desire for deeper intimacy with Him, even when our spiritual senses are dulled. This verse, therefore, calls us to cultivate a vigilant heart, quick to respond to the Spirit's voice, lest we miss precious opportunities for communion, yet it also points to the unwavering faithfulness of Christ, who, unlike the beloved in the dream, ultimately remains accessible to those who genuinely [seek Him with all their heart](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart").

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 5:2

¶ 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 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Song Of Solomon 6:1

¶ Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.

Hosea 5:15

I will go [and] return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

Luke 22:61

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Luke 22:62

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

1 Samuel 28:6

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.