Song Of Solomon 6:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

My dove {H3123}, my undefiled {H8535} is but one {H259}; she is the only one {H259} of her mother {H517}, she is the choice {H1249} one of her that bare {H3205} her. The daughters {H1323} saw {H7200} her, and blessed {H833} her; yea, the queens {H4436} and the concubines {H6370}, and they praised {H1984} her.

Complete Jewish Bible

but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, her mother's only child, the darling of the one who bore her.

Berean Standard Bible

but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of the mother who bore her. The maidens see her and call her blessed; the queens and concubines sing her praises.

American Standard Version

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 called her blessed; Yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 6:9 captures the King's profound and exclusive adoration for the Shulamite woman, declaring her singular beauty, purity, and unmatched status above all others. This verse emphasizes her unique position as the one chosen and cherished by him, a reality so evident that even those who might be her rivals—the daughters, queens, and concubines—acknowledge her exceptional grace and praise her. It is a powerful testament to her intrinsic worth and the depth of the King's devoted affection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the dialogue between the King (Solomon) and the Shulamite. It immediately follows the Shulamite's passionate and detailed description of her beloved in [Song of Solomon 5:10-16](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10-16 - The Shulamite's Praise for Her Beloved"), where she extols his perfections to the "daughters of Jerusalem." The King's response in [Song of Solomon 6:1-10](/song_of_solomon/6 "Song of Solomon 6 - The King's Adoration") then mirrors her praise, culminating in this declaration of her absolute uniqueness. He has already compared her beauty to the majestic cities of Tirzah and Jerusalem in [Song of Solomon 6:4](/song_of_solomon/6-4 "Song of Solomon 6:4 - King's Praise of the Shulamite's Beauty"), and now he elevates her above all other women, emphasizing her singular place in his heart. This verse serves as a climactic expression of his exclusive devotion, reinforcing the theme of mutual admiration and commitment that runs through the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, polygamy and concubinage were common practices, especially among royalty. Kings often maintained large harems as a display of wealth, power, and to secure alliances. Given this backdrop, the King's declaration in Song of Solomon 6:9 that the Shulamite is "but one," "the only one," and "the choice one" among all women, including his "queens and concubines," is remarkably significant. It highlights an extraordinary level of exclusive devotion that transcends the typical societal norms of the time. This emphasis on her singular status underscores a profound personal affection that goes beyond mere political or procreative considerations, pointing to a deep, personal, and unparalleled love. The mention of "daughters" likely refers to the young women of the court or city, who, along with the royal women, serve as witnesses to her undeniable allure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Song of Solomon. First, it underscores the theme of **Exclusive Love and Devotion**, portraying a relationship where one partner is uniquely cherished above all others, a concept foundational to biblical marriage as seen in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union"). Second, the description of her as "my undefiled" speaks to **Purity and Unblemished Character**, suggesting that true beauty encompasses not just physical appearance but also moral and spiritual integrity, aligning with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 31:30](/proverbs/31-30 "Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is Deceitful, Beauty is Vain"). Finally, the universal admiration she receives from "daughters," "queens," and "concubines" highlights the theme of **Acknowledged Excellence and Virtue**, where the beloved's worth is so evident that even potential rivals offer praise, echoing the public recognition of a virtuous woman in [Proverbs 31:28](/proverbs/31-28 "Proverbs 31:28 - Her Children Rise Up and Call Her Blessed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **undefiled (Hebrew, _tâm'_):** From H8535, meaning "complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear; coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright." This term signifies more than just physical purity; it speaks to a moral and spiritual wholeness, integrity, and blamelessness. The King sees her as perfect, unblemished, and complete in character, making her truly precious and dear to him.
* **one (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** From H259, meaning "properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first; a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together." The repeated use of "one" emphasizes her singular, unique, and unparalleled status. She is not merely *one among many*, but *the one*, distinct and preeminent above all others in the King's eyes.
* **choice (Hebrew, _bar'_):** From H1249, meaning "from בָּרַר (in its various senses); beloved; also pure, empty; choice, clean, clear, pure." This word denotes her as the select, the most excellent, the finest quality. It implies a deliberate and discerning selection, affirming that she is the King's preferred and most highly valued individual, embodying the epitome of purity and desirability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My dove, my undefiled is but one;":** The King begins with intimate terms of endearment, calling her "my dove," a common symbol of gentleness, beauty, and innocence. He then declares her "undefiled," emphasizing her pure and blameless character. The phrase "is but one" immediately establishes her unique and singular status, indicating that she stands alone in his affections, without rival.
* **"she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her.":** This clause reiterates and intensifies the declaration of her uniqueness. By stating she is "the only one of her mother" and "the choice one of her that bare her," the King highlights her singular origin and inherent excellence from birth. It suggests that even from her family lineage, she is distinct and preeminent, a testament to her innate qualities and perhaps her mother's singular pride in her.
* **"The daughters saw her, and blessed her;":** This marks a shift from the King's private adoration to public acknowledgment. "The daughters" likely refers to the young women of the court or city, who, upon seeing the Shulamite, recognized her exceptional qualities and "blessed her," an act of affirming her beauty, grace, and favored status. This blessing signifies approval and admiration, rather than envy.
* **"yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.":** This final phrase is highly significant. In a culture where rivalry among royal women was common, the fact that even the "queens and the concubines"—women who might otherwise be competitors for the King's attention—not only "saw" but "praised" her, underscores the undeniable and universal appeal of the Shulamite. Her beauty and virtue were so compelling that even those in positions of potential rivalry were moved to commend her, validating the King's profound devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 6:9 is rich with **Hyperbole**, as the King's praise elevates the Shulamite to an almost mythical status, declaring her "the only one" among all women, including queens and concubines. This exaggeration serves to emphasize the depth and exclusivity of his love. The repeated use of the word "one" (Hebrew: *ʼechâd*) is a clear instance of **Repetition**, which powerfully reinforces the theme of her singular and unparalleled nature. The term "my dove" is a **Metaphor**, portraying her gentleness, purity, and beauty through the imagery of a beloved bird. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the Shulamite's unique status with the multitude of "queens and concubines," highlighting how her exceptional qualities transcend the typical dynamics of a royal harem. The act of "blessing" and "praising" by other women, rather than showing jealousy, serves as a form of **Validation**, underscoring the undeniable and universally acknowledged excellence of the Shulamite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully articulates the concept of exclusive, devoted love, a foundational principle in the biblical understanding of marriage and covenant. The King's declaration of the Shulamite as "but one" and "the only one" reflects the divine ideal of a monogamous union where partners cherish each other as unique and irreplaceable. This singular devotion mirrors God's covenant faithfulness to His people, whom He chooses and sets apart as His own, distinct from all other nations. The Shulamite's "undefiled" status further points to the value of purity and blamelessness in relationships, both human and divine, emphasizing that true beauty and worth are rooted in character and integrity.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")
* [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Undefiled Bride")
* [Proverbs 31:28](/proverbs/31-28 "Proverbs 31:28 - The Virtuous Woman Praised")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 6:9 offers a profound model for human relationships, particularly marriage, emphasizing the beauty and power of exclusive, devoted love. It challenges us to cherish our chosen partner as uniquely valuable, recognizing their intrinsic worth and celebrating their distinct qualities above all others. This verse encourages us to cultivate a love that sees beyond superficial comparisons, affirming the "undefiled" character and spirit of our beloved. It also reminds us that true admiration often transcends rivalry; when we genuinely appreciate the virtues in others, it can lead to blessing and praise rather than envy. For the believer, this passage can inspire us to reflect on how God views His people—as His cherished, undefiled "one," uniquely chosen and deeply loved, prompting us to live in a manner worthy of such divine affection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the King's exclusive devotion to the Shulamite challenge modern societal views on relationships and commitment?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a love that sees our partner as "the only one" and "the choice one," even amidst the distractions of the world?**
* **What does "undefiled" mean in the context of a relationship, and how can we strive for such purity in our own lives and interactions?**
* **How can we learn to genuinely bless and praise others, even those who might be perceived as rivals, recognizing their inherent worth?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the King calling the Shulamite "my dove, my undefiled"?**

Answer: The King's use of "my dove" (Hebrew: *yôwnâh*) is an intimate term of endearment, symbolizing gentleness, innocence, and beauty, a recurring motif throughout the Song of Solomon (e.g., [Song of Solomon 1:15](/song_of_solomon/1-15 "Song of Solomon 1:15 - King's Praise of Shulamite's Eyes")). Calling her "my undefiled" (Hebrew: *tâm'*) signifies not only her physical purity but, more profoundly, her moral completeness, blamelessness, and integrity. It suggests she is perfect in his eyes, unblemished in character, and wholly devoted to him, making her uniquely precious and set apart from all others.

**Why is it significant that "queens and concubines" also praised her?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, kings often maintained large harems, and rivalry among royal women was common. Therefore, the fact that "the queens and the concubines" (Hebrew: *malkâh* and *pîylegesh*) saw and praised the Shulamite is highly significant. It underscores that her beauty, grace, and perhaps even her virtuous character, were so undeniable and compelling that even potential rivals were moved to acknowledge her exceptional qualities. This universal admiration validates the King's profound and exclusive devotion to her, demonstrating that her worth was evident to all, not just to him. It highlights her intrinsic excellence and the power of genuine virtue to command respect and admiration from unexpected sources.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 6:9, with its exquisite portrayal of exclusive love and the beloved's undefiled perfection, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the King declares the Shulamite "but one" and "the only one," so too is the Church uniquely chosen and set apart by Christ as His beloved Bride. She is His "undefiled" one, not by inherent merit, but by His redemptive work, for He "loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The Church, though diverse in its members, is "one body in Christ" ([Romans 12:5](/romans/12-5 "Romans 12:5 - One Body in Christ")), united in Him as His cherished possession. Even as the queens and concubines praised the Shulamite, so too will all creation ultimately acknowledge the glorious beauty and unique position of Christ's Bride, redeemed and made perfect by the Lamb of God, who is worthy of all praise ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")). This verse, therefore, prefigures the intimate, exclusive, and eternally pure union between Christ and His blood-bought Church, reflecting the depth of His unwavering love and commitment.

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 2:14

¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

Genesis 30:13

And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.

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.

Psalms 45:9

Kings' daughters [were] among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

Galatians 4:26

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Proverbs 31:28

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 31:29

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.