Song of Solomon 5:9

Translation
King James Version
¶ What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
What is thy beloved H1730 more than another beloved H1730, O thou fairest H3303 among women H802? what is thy beloved H1730 more than another beloved H1730, that thou H3602 dost so charge H7650 us?
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
[Chorus] How does the man you love differ from any other, you most beautiful of women? How does the man you love differ from any other, that you should give us this charge?
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
How is your beloved better than others, O most beautiful among women? How is your beloved better than another, that you charge us so?
Ask
American Standard Version
What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? What is thy beloved more than another beloved, That thou dost so adjure us?
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
How is your beloved better than another beloved, you fairest among women? How is your beloved better than another beloved, that you do so adjure us? Beloved
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
O the fairest among women, what is thy welbeloued more then other welbeloued? what is thy welbeloued more then another louer, that thou doest so charge vs?
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
What is thy beloved above any beloved, O fair among women? What is thy beloved above any beloved, That thus thou hast adjured us?
Ask
See also
Song of Solomon 1:8Song of Solomon 6:1Song of Solomon 6:9Song of Solomon 6:10Psalms 87:3Psalms 45:13Isaiah 53:2
In the KJVVerse 17,608 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Song of Solomon 5:9 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, as the "Daughters of Jerusalem" directly address the Shulamite woman. Having just heard her fervent and urgent declaration of lovesickness and her plea for assistance in finding her absent beloved, they respond with a probing, repeated inquiry: "What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?" This pointed question underscores their curiosity and perhaps bewilderment at the extraordinary depth and exclusivity of her devotion, setting the stage for her subsequent eloquent and detailed description of her unique lover's unparalleled qualities.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically positioned as a dramatic turning point within the Song of Solomon. It immediately follows the Shulamite's intense outpouring of emotion in Song of Solomon 5:8, where she declares herself "sick of love" and implores the Daughters of Jerusalem to convey her lovesickness to her beloved if they encounter him. Her passionate and almost desperate adjuration serves as the direct catalyst for the Daughters' challenging question in Song of Solomon 5:9. This question functions as a crucial literary device, shifting the narrative from the Shulamite's internal yearning to an external demand for justification. It masterfully prompts her magnificent and detailed physical and character description of her beloved in the subsequent verses, from Song of Solomon 5:10-16, thereby transforming her desperate longing into a vibrant and articulate celebration of her beloved's unparalleled worth.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Song of Solomon, set in the pastoral and urban landscapes of ancient Israel, reflects a society where love, marriage, and personal beauty were deeply valued and often celebrated through rich poetic and symbolic language. The "Daughters of Jerusalem" represent a chorus of city women, functioning much like a Greek chorus, interacting with the Shulamite and providing a communal backdrop for her intensely personal expressions of love. Their role is to serve as a sounding board for her emotions and, critically, to prompt further revelation. In a culture where arranged marriages were common and familial or societal considerations often played a significant role in unions, the Shulamite's intense, passionate, and seemingly exclusive devotion to one man would have been remarkably striking. Her acknowledged beauty, recognized by the Daughters as "fairest among women," makes their question even more incisive: why would such a desirable woman be so utterly consumed by a love that appears to transcend all others? This dialogue highlights both the public nature of relationships and the societal interest in profound expressions of affection within that cultural milieu.
  • Key Themes: Song of Solomon 5:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes the theme of Singular Devotion, showcasing the Shulamite's overwhelming and exclusive love for her beloved, a love so striking that it demands an explanation from onlookers. Her "lovesickness" is not a fleeting emotion but an all-consuming state. Secondly, the Daughters' question, "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?", introduces the theme of the Uniqueness of True Love. This query challenges the Shulamite to articulate what truly distinguishes her beloved from all other men, implying that he must possess extraordinary qualities to warrant such deep and exclusive affection, thereby setting him apart from any "another beloved." Finally, the verse masterfully builds Anticipation of Revelation. It serves as a critical narrative pivot, creating a tension that is resolved in the following verses where the Shulamite eloquently answers their challenge with a detailed and passionate description of her beloved, revealing the depth of her perception and the intensity of her emotional bond, as vividly portrayed in Song of Solomon 5:10.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • beloved (Hebrew, dôwd', H1730): From an unused root meaning properly, to boil, i.e.; (figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle; (well-) beloved, father's brother, love, uncle. In the context of the Song of Solomon, "beloved" is the quintessential term of deep intimacy and passionate affection, consistently used to refer to the male lover, emphasizing a profound and exclusive romantic bond rather than a familial one. Its repetition in the Daughters' question highlights their focus on the singular object of the Shulamite's intense and seemingly unparalleled love.
  • fairest (Hebrew, yâpheh', H3303): From יָפָה; beautiful (literally or figuratively); [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. This adjective describes the Shulamite woman herself, acknowledging her exceptional beauty. The Daughters' recognition of her as "fairest among women" makes their subsequent question about her beloved even more pointed and potent. It implies that a woman of such remarkable desirability could attract many suitors, yet she is consumed by an exclusive love for only one, prompting their inquiry into his extraordinary qualities.
  • charge (Hebrew, shâbaʻ', H7650): A primitive root; properly to be complete, but used only as a denominative from שֶׁבַע; to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times); adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for שָׂבַע), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. The use of "charge" here implies a solemn, almost oath-like appeal or command, reflecting the gravity and urgency of the Shulamite's previous words. Her plea in Song of Solomon 5:8 was not a casual request but a weighty adjuration, indicating the extreme earnestness and distress of her lovesickness. The Daughters' question reflects their recognition of the profound seriousness of her plea, compelling them to understand the cause of such an intense emotional state.

Verse Breakdown

  • "What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women?": This initial rhetorical question, posed by the Daughters of Jerusalem, expresses their profound curiosity and a degree of bewilderment. They acknowledge the Shulamite's own exceptional beauty, recognizing her as "fairest among women," which implies she would have numerous admirers and options. Given her own desirability, they are puzzled by the singular, overwhelming nature of her devotion to one particular man, prompting them to inquire about his unique qualities that set him apart from any other potential lover or relationship.
  • "what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?": The immediate repetition of the question underscores its significance, emphasizing the Daughters' insistence on a comprehensive answer and their profound intrigue. The latter part of the question directly references the Shulamite's solemn adjuration in the preceding verse (Song of Solomon 5:8), where she "charged" them to find her beloved. This indicates that her plea was perceived not as a casual request but as a weighty, almost oath-bound command, highlighting the extreme depth of her emotional distress and the urgency of her longing, which the Daughters find so striking that it compels their direct and insistent inquiry.

Literary Devices

The verse makes masterful use of several literary devices to achieve its dramatic and narrative effect. The most prominent is Rhetorical Question, as the Daughters of Jerusalem pose a question not for a simple factual answer, but to elicit a detailed, passionate, and revelatory explanation from the Shulamite. This device serves to advance the narrative, build significant anticipation for the Shulamite's forthcoming description, and highlight the extraordinary nature of her love. Repetition of the phrase "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?" powerfully underscores the Daughters' curiosity, bewilderment, and the profound, almost inexplicable nature of the Shulamite's devotion. This reiteration emphasizes the central inquiry of the verse, highlighting the perceived uniqueness and intensity of her love. Furthermore, there is an implicit Contrast at play: the Shulamite's acknowledged, exceptional beauty ("fairest among women") is implicitly set against the implied ordinariness of "another beloved," making her intense, singular devotion to her specific beloved even more remarkable and worthy of such a probing inquiry.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Song of Solomon 5:9, while a celebration of human love, resonates with profound theological depth, especially when viewed through an allegorical or typological lens concerning God's covenantal relationship with His people, or Christ's intimate bond with the Church. The Daughters' challenging question, "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?", echoes a fundamental challenge often faced by believers: to articulate the unique, incomparable worth of God or Christ in a world saturated with competing affections, idols, and pursuits. The Shulamite's love is so evident, consuming, and distinct that it prompts inquiry from outsiders, just as a Christian's radical devotion to Christ should be so compelling and transformative that it causes others to ask about the source of their hope, joy, and unwavering commitment. This verse serves as a potent reminder that our love for God should not be a mere preference or a casual adherence, but a profound, distinguishing characteristic that testifies to His unparalleled glory, beauty, and redemptive power.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This verse serves as a powerful and introspective mirror for personal reflection on the nature and depth of our own devotion to God. When the world observes our lives—our priorities, our passions, our commitments—does our love for Christ stand out in such a way that it prompts a similar, genuine question: "What is your Beloved more than another beloved?" Are we able to articulate the unique, incomparable worth of Jesus Christ in a compelling manner, not merely through theological propositions but through the evident transformation of our lives, our joy in His presence, and our willingness to sacrifice for His kingdom? The Shulamite's love was so consuming that it caused her to be "lovesick," indicating a profound and all-encompassing affection that transcended ordinary sentiment. This challenges us to examine the depth of our own spiritual affections. Is our love for God a mere intellectual assent, a cultural habit, or a passionate, distinguishing characteristic that sets us apart and invites sincere inquiry from a skeptical or curious world? This verse calls us to cultivate a love for God that is so genuine, profound, and evident that it naturally overflows into our interactions, providing authentic opportunities to share the reason for our hope and the incomparable beauty of our Savior.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does my love for Jesus Christ manifest in my daily life in a way that might prompt others to ask about Him?
  • What specific, unique qualities of Christ make Him supremely precious and incomparable to any other pursuit, relationship, or ambition in my life?
  • Am I prepared, like the Shulamite, to eloquently and passionately articulate the worth of my Beloved to those who inquire about the source of my hope and devotion?

FAQ

Who are the "Daughters of Jerusalem" and what is their role in the Song of Solomon?

Answer: The Daughters of Jerusalem function as a chorus or a group of female onlookers within the Song of Solomon, typically representing the women of the city or court. They are addressed multiple times by the Shulamite woman and serve several key literary and narrative roles. Primarily, they act as a sounding board for the Shulamite's intense emotions, allowing her to express her longing, joy, distress, and devotion. They also provide a crucial narrative device, prompting the Shulamite to describe her beloved (as seen in Song of Solomon 5:9 and the subsequent verses) or to articulate her perspective on the nature of love and relationship. Their questions, observations, and occasional warnings help to externalize the Shulamite's inner world and provide a communal context for the intensely personal love story, often reflecting common societal perspectives or simply serving to advance the plot by eliciting further declarations from the main characters.

Is the Song of Solomon meant to be interpreted literally, allegorically, or both?

Answer: The interpretation of the Song of Solomon has been a subject of ongoing discussion among scholars and theologians for centuries. Historically, it has often been interpreted allegorically, particularly within Jewish tradition as representing the love between God and Israel, and within Christian tradition as representing the love between Christ and His Church. This allegorical approach allows for rich theological application, seeing the passion and devotion described as a model for spiritual love and divine covenant. However, a growing number of contemporary scholars also emphasize a literal interpretation, viewing the book primarily as a divinely inspired celebration of human marital love, sexuality, and the beauty of intimacy within the bounds of a committed relationship. Many now advocate for a "both/and" approach, recognizing its literal meaning as a celebration of human love while also acknowledging its profound allegorical and typological applications for understanding the divine-human relationship. The intense devotion expressed in Song of Solomon 5:9 can be appreciated on both levels, as human love often serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual realities.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The Shulamite's profound and singular devotion to her beloved, which prompts the Daughters of Jerusalem to ask, "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?", finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the Shulamite's lover was uniquely beautiful and worthy of her exclusive affection, so too is Christ incomparably glorious, "the fairest of ten thousand" to the soul that truly knows Him, as the Shulamite later declares in Song of Solomon 5:10. The New Testament consistently portrays Christ as the ultimate Bridegroom and the Church as His cherished Bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). Our love for Him should be so profound, exclusive, and all-consuming that it makes other worldly loves and pursuits pale in comparison, causing those who do not know Him to question the source of our joy, peace, and unwavering devotion. He is the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3), the one who "loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2), and the one whose surpassing worth makes all other things seem like loss (Philippians 3:8). The Shulamite's lovesickness for her beloved foreshadows the spiritual longing of the believer for Christ's presence and the Church's eager anticipation of His glorious return, crying out, "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). In Christ, we find the Beloved who truly has no equal, and whose boundless love for us is the ultimate and most compelling answer to every "what is your beloved more than another?"

Copy as
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
Copy as
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
How is your beloved better than another beloved, etc. It is open for a faithful brother to say to another faithful brother: I beseech you, because I find that you are fervent in the love of the Redeemer, also speak to me of Him, confirm me with a salutary exhortation, so that the same love in my heart may grow by His benefits and gifts. Indeed, for a long time, conscious of my sins, I began to have fear of Him, but now, with the strength of the mind increasing, having become more secure about the forgiveness of sins, I am delighted to hear something about His love. Therefore, tell me, go ahead, what is your beloved like from your beloved? That is, from the part where he should rather be loved than feared. You have also such a word in the Song of Isaiah: A vineyard was made for my beloved in a horn, in a fertile place, and so forth, until it says: The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the man of Judah, his pleasant plant (Isaiah V). However, the beloved from the beloved can be understood as the Son from the Father, just as light from light, God from God, which is rightly believed and confessed. For just as there is one love and one divinity of the Father and the Son, so there is one affection, with John bearing witness, who says: And everyone who loves Him who generated, loves him who is born of Him (1 John III). A worthy response follows from the part of the bride.
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.
Copy as

Continue studying Song of Solomon 5:9 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.