TRV
Translation
King James Version
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
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I opened to my beloved; But my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone.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.
World English Bible Messianic
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved left; and had gone away. My heart went out when he spoke. I looked for him, but I didn’t find him. I called him, but he didn’t answer.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I opened to my welbeloued: but my welbeloued was gone, and past: mine heart was gone when hee did speake: I sought him, but I coulde not finde him: I called him, but hee answered mee not.
Young's Literal Translation
I opened to my beloved, But my beloved withdrew--he passed on, My soul went forth when he spake, I sought him, and found him not. I called him, and he answered me not.
See also
In the KJVVerse 17,605 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Gregory of NyssaAD 395
HOMILIES ON THE SONG OF SONGS 12
The bride says, “I sought him, but found him not.” How can the bridegroom be found when he does not reveal anything of himself? He has no color, form, quality, quantity, place, appearance, evidence, comparison or resemblance. Rather, everything we can discover always transcends our comprehension and completely escapes our search. Therefore the bride says, “I have sought him by my soul’s capacities of reflection and understanding. He completely transcended them, and he escaped my mind when it drew near to him.”How can that which is always beyond everything we know be designated by a name? For this reason the bride understands every function of a name as a sign of the ineffable good. The significance of each word falls short and shows something inferior to the truth.…
The soul thus calls the Word as best it can. It cannot do so as it wishes, for the soul desires more than it is capable of. The soul does not wish what it is incapable of receiving, such as God himself, but its choice is in accord with its wish. Since the one called is unattainable, the bride says, “I called him, but he did not answer.”
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Concerning Virginity 11:67
“I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had gone.” What is this going? Simply that he has penetrated into the center of the mind as it was said to Mary, “And his sword will pierce your soul.” For the living Word of God, as piercing as a sharp sword, comprehends both the limits of bodily thoughts and the secret places of the heart.
John CassianAD 435
CONFERENCE 13:12
The Lord seeks us, when he says: “I sought and there was no one. I called, and there was no one to answer.” And he himself is sought by his bride who mourns with tears: “On my bed by night I sought him whom my soul loved. I sought him and did not find him. I called him, and he gave me no answer.”
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 25
Hence again she says: "My soul melted when the beloved spoke." For the mind of a person not seeking the form of its Creator is badly hardened, because it remains cold in itself. But if it has now begun to burn with desire to follow him whom it loves, melted by the fire of love it runs. It becomes anxious with desire, all things in the world that pleased grow worthless, there is nothing that delights outside the Creator, and things that formerly delighted the soul afterward become grievously burdensome. Nothing consoles its sadness, as long as he who is desired is not yet seen. The mind grieves, the very light is wearisome; and by such fire the rust of guilt is refined in the mind, and the kindled soul, as if in the manner of gold, because through use it lost its appearance, becomes bright through burning.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
I sought him, and did not find him, etc. This is the voice of those in the holy Church who are accustomed, having transcended the care of fleeting things, to walk only in the highest goods and to always love the entrance to the heavenly homeland: about whom there is no doubt that they cannot always be affected by the same power of sweetness with the desire for heavenly things as they will, because certainly this virtue is not in the will of the mind elevated to heavenly things, but only in the gift of the God who elevates and illuminates. Therefore, as often as the chaste soul either desires to depart to the Lord, or, while placed in the flesh, to be raised by the taste of future beatitude, and yet immediately does not obtain what it seeks, it must then say with a groan: Because I sought him, and did not find him; I called, and he did not answer me. For he is always found by those who seek well, to have mercy; he always responds to those who call well, to care for them for perpetual salvation: but he does not always respond to this end, or offer himself to be found, that what he promises to those arriving in the homeland, he extends to those still journeying on the road of this exile. Finally, let us say more often daily with bowed knee to the Father: Thy kingdom come; nor do we distrust that we are heard, nor do we immediately receive what we ask for, but we patiently and joyfully endure the effect of our prayer, until we obtain it at the end.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
But he turned aside, etc. For this is what the Psalmist says: "Man approaches a deep heart, and God will be exalted" (Psalm 63). For the more the human heart, purified by faith and prayer, is lifted up to contemplate the glory of the divine vision, the more it finds what it seeks to be higher, and to which it should ascend at the time of the promised reward. Ecclesiastes is similar: "I have said, I will become wise; and it moved further away from me, and much more than it was" (Ecclesiastes 7). It should not be overlooked that he does not simply say, "I opened my door," but he says, "I opened the lock of the door for my beloved." For he had closed the chamber of his heart with a lock lowered deeply, so that no profane or insidious person might enter it, according to Solomon: "With all keeping, keep your heart; for from it flows life" (Proverbs 4). He opened it again for his beloved, so that, with all the impure throngs repelled, he might provide a free space for the Creator. Nor should it be considered contradictory that we said before, that the bride opens to her beloved in the droplets of night and the dewy cold, when the Church or the faithful soul ignites the heart of neighbors to the praise of the Creator, whom they did not know or did not care for, and now we interpret that she unlocks the lock of her door for the same beloved, in that she, through the progress of compunction, more widely opened her mind to his entrance: for the same moment achieves both, because the internal aspiration that sets anyone to gather souls for God equally kindles him to love the same Creator more ardently. And no other cause rightly motivates anyone to teach than the love of God. And while anyone delights in opening the soul of a neighbor to receive the gifts of divine mercy through teaching, he necessarily renews his own mind by these actions and opens it more widely to the entrance of heavenly grace. Finally, it is clearly revealed by the following words to the bridegroom how much she progressed, as she cared to open the hearts of neighbors, which she saw darkened, to the Lord, grievously enduring that he whom she was burning for was weighed down, as if by dewy cold and drops of night, by the infidel torpor of others. For it follows:
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
My soul melted, etc. The sweeter, he says, that I received the voice and proximity of my beloved through the aperture of secret compunction, the more sublimely whatever coldness was in me heated up; whatever was rigid, melted; so much so that I found nothing sweet except to be resolved into tears; and he whom I was unable to retain, though touched by his grace at a moment, I now delight to seek in his departure with weeping and lamentation. And this also, while I was melting from my former rigidity and pouring out my soul within me, gave me no small increase: seeing how the charity of many grows cold, as he himself complains, that it is beset by the drops of the night, that is, the dark tumults of the wicked. And because the wicked have destroyed his law, therefore I have taken more care to love his commandments above gold and topaz.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:6 vividly portrays the Shulamite woman's profound regret and desperate longing after a moment of complacency. Having delayed 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 and spiritual distress, prompting an immediate and frantic search for him, yet her earnest efforts are met with silence and unresponsiveness, intensifying her sorrow and the perceived loss of his cherished presence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is a pivotal moment within a significant dream sequence that commences in Song of Solomon 5:2. The beloved arrives at the Shulamite's door in the dead of night, his head wet with dew, earnestly requesting entry. Her initial reaction is one of hesitation and self-indulgence, offering excuses about her comfort and reluctance to disturb her state of rest. This delay, born of complacency, directly precipitates the crisis and emotional turmoil described in Song of Solomon 5:6. The narrative immediately following this verse, in Song of Solomon 5:7-8, depicts her continued, increasingly desperate search through the city streets, enduring mistreatment from the watchmen, and her poignant plea to the daughters of Jerusalem to aid her in finding him. This progression underscores the escalating consequences of her initial inaction and the depth of her subsequent longing.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, personal interactions, especially between lovers, were often governed by specific social customs and expectations. A suitor's nighttime visit, though perhaps common, carried implications of intimacy and urgency. The imagery of the beloved's "head filled with dew" (Song of Solomon 5:2) suggests he has traveled a distance or spent time outdoors, emphasizing the sincerity and earnestness of his desire to be with her. The Shulamite's initial reluctance to "put off my coat" or "wash my feet" (Song of Solomon 5:3) reflects a very human inclination to prioritize personal comfort over immediate responsiveness—a theme that transcends specific cultural boundaries. Her subsequent desperate search through the city streets, a place potentially perilous for a woman alone at night, and her encounter with the watchmen who "smote me, they wounded me" (Song of Solomon 5:7), powerfully convey the societal dangers she braves and the profound depth of her emotional distress and commitment to restoring her beloved's presence.
Key Themes: Song of Solomon 5:6 is a rich nexus for several enduring themes within the Song of Solomon and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the theme of Delayed Response and Its Consequences, demonstrating how complacency or hesitation in a relationship, particularly one of intimacy, can lead to a perceived absence of the beloved. Her initial comfort swiftly gives way to profound distress, underscoring the spiritual principle that opportunities, once missed, may require strenuous effort to regain, echoing the warnings found in passages like Proverbs 1:28. Secondly, the verse powerfully emphasizes Earnest Pursuit and Intense Longing. Despite her initial failing, the Shulamite's reaction is one of immediate and desperate seeking, revealing the immense value she places on her beloved's presence and the depth of her love. This passionate pursuit mirrors the biblical call to seek God with all one's heart. Finally, and perhaps most significantly for theological interpretation, the passage serves as a potent Spiritual Allegory of Seeking God's Presence. Many theological traditions 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, a call to draw near to God and He will draw near to us.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:6 is rich with several powerful literary devices that amplify its emotional and thematic impact. Pathos is profoundly evident in the Shulamite's overwhelming emotional distress, as her "soul failed" and she frantically searches and calls for her beloved in vain, eliciting deep sympathy and empathy 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 poignant sense of tragic inevitability and missed opportunity. The entire dream sequence, including this verse, functions as an Allegory, widely interpreted as representing the soul's dynamic relationship with God or Christ, where the beloved embodies the divine and the Shulamite represents the believer. The beloved's sudden departure and the Shulamite's subsequent desperate search serve as potent Symbolism for the perceived absence of God's presence due to spiritual complacency and the subsequent fervent pursuit required to regain intimacy. The repetition of "my beloved" underscores the personal and intense nature of the relationship, while the parallel structure of "I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer" amplifies the sense of loss, futility, and the profound silence she encounters, heightening the emotional tension.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 5:6 serves as a powerful spiritual parable, illustrating the delicate yet profound nature of our relationship with the divine. It underscores the truth that while God's love and faithfulness are unwavering, our subjective experience of His presence and intimacy 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 or prioritizing personal comfort over spiritual responsiveness can lead to a perceived spiritual dryness or distance. 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, heartfelt engagement, and a readiness to respond to His invitations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This poignant verse from Song of Solomon offers profound and timeless lessons for the contemporary believer. It serves as a stark reminder that our relationship with God, while founded on His unchanging love and grace, is dynamic and requires our active participation and prompt responsiveness. The Shulamite's deep 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 allow comfort, convenience, or worldly distractions to foster spiritual inertia? Do we genuinely cherish God's active presence in our lives, or do we allow complacency to create a perceived 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 through the city, we are called to diligently seek the Lord through prayer, diligent study of His Word, consistent worship, and faithful 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, ensuring our spiritual sensitivity remains keen.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Song of Solomon 5:6 a literal event or a dream?
Answer: While the entire Song of Solomon is rich with poetic and allegorical elements, the sequence from Song of Solomon 5:2 through Song of Solomon 5:8 is widely interpreted by biblical scholars as a dream. Several internal clues point to this: the beloved's sudden, almost ethereal appearance and equally swift disappearance; the Shulamite's initial, somewhat illogical excuses for not opening the door ("I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on?"); 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 deep inner anxieties, desires, and spiritual truths 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 powerfully communicates that her spirit or vitality drained out of her. This can be interpreted in two primary, complementary ways: 1) The impact of his earlier words (his earnest call to open the door in Song of Solomon 5:2) suddenly registered with overwhelming force and regret once she realized he was gone, causing her immense despair over the missed opportunity. 2) The sheer shock and sorrow of realizing his departure, and the immediate, painful consequence of her delay, caused her such profound distress that she felt her very life-force ebbing away. It is a vivid expression of deep anguish, regret, and spiritual desolation.
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 the individual believer). The beloved's persistent call to the Shulamite echoes Christ's enduring invitation to communion, often symbolized as Him standing at the door and knocking, patiently waiting for us to open our hearts and lives to Him. The Shulamite's initial hesitation, driven by comfort or spiritual complacency, serves as a poignant reminder of our own human tendency towards 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 intense longing that arise when we perceive a distance from Christ due to our unresponsiveness or sin. Yet, in Christ, this narrative finds its ultimate redemptive arc. While the Shulamite's beloved departs, Jesus, our true and faithful Beloved, promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" and assures us that He is "with you always, even to the end of the age". Her longing becomes a foreshadowing of the Church's yearning for Christ's glorious return and the continuous desire for deeper, uninterrupted 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 and draw near to God.