Song Of Solomon 5:9

KJV

¶ 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:9 captures a pivotal moment where the "Daughters of Jerusalem," a chorus of city women, directly challenge the Shulamite woman. Having just heard her fervent declaration of lovesickness and her desperate plea for help in finding her absent beloved, they respond with a probing question: "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 repeated inquiry underscores their curiosity and perhaps bewilderment at the extraordinary depth of her devotion, setting the stage for her eloquent and detailed description of her unique lover.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a dramatic shift in the Song of Solomon. Immediately preceding it, in [Song of Solomon 5:8](/song_of_solomon/5-8 "Song of Solomon 5:8 - The Shulamite's Plea"), the Shulamite has poured out her heart to the Daughters of Jerusalem, declaring herself "sick of love" and imploring them to tell her beloved that she is lovesick if they find him. Her intense emotional state and urgent request provoke the question in [Song of Solomon 5:9](/song_of_solomon/5-9 "Song of Solomon 5:9 - The Daughters' Question"). This verse serves as a crucial literary device, prompting the Shulamite's magnificent and detailed physical and character description of her beloved in the subsequent verses, from [Song of Solomon 5:10-16](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10-16 - The Shulamite Describes Her Beloved"), effectively moving the narrative from her desperate longing to a vibrant articulation of her beloved's unparalleled worth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon, set in ancient Israel, reflects a society where love, marriage, and beauty were highly valued, often celebrated through rich poetic imagery. The "Daughters of Jerusalem" likely represent the women of the city, serving as a Greek chorus-like element within the narrative. Their role is to interact with the Shulamite, providing a sounding board for her emotions and prompting further revelation. In a culture where arranged marriages were common, the intense, passionate, and seemingly exclusive love portrayed by the Shulamite for her beloved would have been striking. Her beauty, acknowledged by the Daughters as "fairest among women," makes their question even more pointed: why would such a desirable woman be so utterly consumed by a love that appears to transcend all others? The dialogue highlights the public nature of relationships and the societal interest in expressions of profound affection within that cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** [Song of Solomon 5:9](/song_of_solomon/5-9 "Song of Solomon 5:9 - The Daughters' Question") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **Profound Devotion**, showcasing the Shulamite's overwhelming and singular love for her beloved, which is so striking that it demands an explanation from onlookers. Secondly, it introduces the theme of the **Uniqueness of True Love**, as the Daughters' question challenges the Shulamite to articulate what distinguishes her beloved from all other men. This query implies that her beloved must possess extraordinary qualities to warrant such deep and exclusive affection, setting him apart from "another beloved." Finally, the verse builds **Anticipation of Revelation**, serving as a critical narrative pivot. It creates 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 seen in [Song of Solomon 5:10](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10 - Her Beloved's Radiance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** 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 this context, "beloved" is a term of deep intimacy and affection, used throughout the Song of Solomon to refer to the male lover, emphasizing a passionate and exclusive romantic bond rather than a familial one. Its repetition highlights the Daughters' focus on the object of the Shulamite's intense love.
* **fairest (Hebrew, _yâpheh'_):** From יָפָה; beautiful (literally or figuratively); [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. This word describes the Shulamite herself, acknowledging her exceptional beauty. The Daughters' recognition of her as "fairest among women" makes their subsequent question about her beloved even more potent, as it implies that a woman of such remarkable beauty could have many suitors, yet she is consumed by love for only one.
* **charge (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** 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. The Shulamite's previous words in [Song of Solomon 5:8](/song_of_solomon/5-8 "Song of Solomon 5:8 - The Shulamite's Solemn Appeal") were not merely a request but a weighty adjuration, indicating the extreme urgency and earnestness of her lovesickness. The Daughters' question reflects their recognition of the gravity of her plea.

#### 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 perhaps a degree of bewilderment. They acknowledge the Shulamite's own exceptional beauty ("fairest among women"), which implies she would have many admirers. Given her own desirability, they are puzzled by the singular, overwhelming nature of her devotion to one man, prompting them to inquire about his unique qualities that set him apart from any other potential lover.
* **"what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?"**: The repetition of the question emphasizes its significance and the Daughters' insistence on an answer. The second part of the question directly references the Shulamite's solemn adjuration in the previous verse ([Song of Solomon 5:8](/song_of_solomon/5-8 "Song of Solomon 5:8 - The Shulamite's Solemn Plea")), where she "charged" them to find her beloved. This indicates that her plea was not a casual request but a weighty, almost oath-bound command, highlighting the depth of her distress and the urgency of her longing, which the Daughters find so striking that it compels their inquiry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes effective use of several literary devices. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, as the Daughters of Jerusalem pose a question not necessarily for a simple "yes" or "no" answer, but to prompt a detailed explanation and revelation from the Shulamite. This device serves to advance the narrative and build anticipation for the Shulamite's forthcoming description. **Repetition** of the phrase "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?" underscores the Daughters' curiosity, bewilderment, and the profound nature of the Shulamite's devotion. This reiteration emphasizes the central inquiry of the verse, highlighting the perceived uniqueness of her love. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** implied: the Shulamite's acknowledged beauty ("fairest among women") is set against the implied ordinariness of "another beloved," making her intense, singular devotion to her specific beloved even more remarkable and worthy of inquiry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 5:9, while a celebration of human love, holds profound theological resonance, particularly when viewed through an allegorical lens concerning God's relationship with His people, or Christ's relationship with the Church. The Daughters' question, "What is thy beloved more than another beloved?", echoes a challenge often faced by believers: to articulate the unique, incomparable worth of God or Christ in a world filled with competing affections and pursuits. The Shulamite's love is so evident and consuming that it prompts inquiry, just as a Christian's radical devotion to Christ should be so compelling that it causes others to ask about the source of their hope and joy. This verse reminds us that our love for God should not be ordinary or easily dismissed, but a profound, distinguishing characteristic that testifies to His unparalleled glory and beauty.

* [Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")
* [Psalm 73:25](/psalm/73-25 "Whom Have I in Heaven but You?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful mirror for personal reflection on the nature of our own devotion to God. When the world observes our lives, our priorities, and our passions, does our love for Christ stand out in such a way that it prompts a similar 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 just in words but through the evident transformation of our lives? The Shulamite's love was so consuming it caused her to be "lovesick," indicating a profound and all-encompassing affection. This challenges us to examine the depth of our own spiritual affections. Is our love for God a mere preference, or is it a passionate, distinguishing characteristic that sets us apart and invites inquiry from a skeptical or curious world? This verse calls us to cultivate a love for God that is so genuine and profound that it naturally overflows into our interactions, providing opportunities to share the reason for our hope and the beauty of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my love for Jesus Christ manifest in my daily life such that it might prompt others to ask about Him?**
* **What specific qualities of Christ make Him uniquely precious and incomparable to any other pursuit or relationship in my life?**
* **Am I prepared, like the Shulamite, to eloquently and passionately articulate the worth of my Beloved to those who inquire?**

### 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. They are addressed multiple times by the Shulamite woman and serve several key roles. Primarily, they act as a sounding board for the Shulamite's emotions, allowing her to express her longing, joy, and distress. They also provide a narrative device, prompting the Shulamite to describe her beloved (as seen in [Song of Solomon 5:9](/song_of_solomon/5-9 "Song of Solomon 5:9 - The Daughters' Question") and the subsequent verses) or to articulate her perspective on love. Their questions and observations 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. 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. However, a growing number of contemporary scholars also emphasize a literal interpretation, viewing the book primarily as a 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 divinely inspired 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](/song_of_solomon/5-9 "Song of Solomon 5:9 - The Daughters' Question") can be appreciated on both levels.

### 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" ([Song of Solomon 5:10](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10 - The Shulamite's Description of Her Beloved")) to the soul that truly knows Him. The New Testament consistently portrays Christ as the ultimate Bridegroom and the Church as His Bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Our love for Him should be so profound 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 and devotion. He is the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")), the one who "loved us and gave himself up for us" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")), and the one whose worth surpasses all things ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ")). 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 return, crying out "Come, Lord Jesus!" ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha")). In Christ, we find the Beloved who truly has no equal, and whose love for us is the ultimate answer to every "what is your beloved more than another?"

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 1:8

If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

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.

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.

Song Of Solomon 6:10

Who [is] she [that] looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, [and] terrible as [an army] with banners?

Psalms 87:3

Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

Psalms 45:13

The king's daughter [is] all glorious within: her clothing [is] of wrought gold.

Isaiah 53:2

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.