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“A Summation of Her Desirability”· Song of Solomon 7:6–9
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Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Post-NiceneEarly Medieval
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The laurel and the palm are the symbols of victory. The heads of the victors are crowned with laurel, and the hand of the conqueror is adorned with a palm. Hence the Church says: "I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of its branches." Seeing the excellence of the Word and hoping that she can ascend to His height and the summit of knowledge, she says: "I will go up to the palm tree," so that she may leave behind all lower things and strive for higher things, for the reward of Christ, so that she may enjoy and taste the sweet fruits of His love. For the fruit of virtue is sweet.
The church is beautiful in [those recently baptized]. So that God the Word says to her: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no blemish in you,” for guilt has been washed away. “Come here from Lebanon, my spouse, come here from Lebanon, from the beginning of faith you will pass through and pass on,” because, renouncing the world, she passed through things temporal and passed on to Christ. And again, God the Word says to her, “How beautiful and sweet are you made, O love, in your delights! Your stature is become like that of a palm tree, and your breasts like bunches of grapes.”
Therefore, imitate her, o man, so that it may be said of you as well: "Your stature has become like a palm tree." Preserve the greenness of your childhood and that natural innocence which you received from the beginning, so that, being planted beside the flowing waters, you may have your fruit prepared in your time, and your leaf may not wither. ... Therefore, remain planted in the house of the Lord, so that in His courts you may flourish like a palm, and let the grace of the Church ascend in you, and let the fragrance of your nostrils be like apples, and your mouth like the best wine, so that you may be intoxicated in Christ.
How beautiful you are, etc.! Previously, in the praise of the bride, it was said, You are beautiful, my friend, sweet and lovely like Jerusalem, terrible like an army set in array. There, therefore, along with beauty and loveliness, she is said to be terrible as an army set in array; here, she is stated to be beautiful and lovely in delights. However, according to human custom, it is difficult for one and the same person both to lead a life in delights and to be terrible as an army set in array, because indeed delights soften the mind and do not allow it to focus on warlike matters. But where the delights are spiritual, that is, where the desire for eternal sweetness fills the mind’s throat, there the soul becomes terrible to spiritual enemies, and as if an ordered army, it crushes all their weapons; rather, the more it comprehends the taste of internal satisfaction, the more terrifying it becomes to those who have completely lost the glory of the sweetness of heaven, for which they were created, to the bitterness of proud tyranny. And well did the lover of the holy soul say, How beautiful you are, how lovely! that is, how perfect in faith and work, and immediately he added, Most dear in delights. For it is fitting that the soul, which is seen to be devoted to heavenly delights, should be most dear to the Lord, because indeed the more the pure mind tastes the food of life, the more it is inflamed with that love, and the more fervently it loves the heavenly, the more perfectly it is loved by the author and giver of celestial goods themselves. Therefore, the holy soul is most dear to the Lord in delights, because while it ardently hungers for the joys of internal refreshment, the love for its Creator increases in it; and since such a soul also fore-tastes no small portion of the delights of the future reward in the struggle of the present life, it is rightly added:
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 7:6 encapsulates the King's profound admiration and passionate delight in his beloved Shulamite, serving as a climactic declaration that transcends mere physical appreciation. This verse summarizes the detailed physical descriptions preceding it, elevating the King's affection to an encompassing love that finds deep satisfaction and pleasure in the very essence of his beloved. It underscores the reciprocal joy and intimate fulfillment inherent in their relationship, portraying a bond characterized by deep emotional and physical contentment.
Context
Literary Context
Song of Solomon 7:6 is strategically positioned as the culmination of the King's effusive praise for the Shulamite woman. The preceding verses, Song of Solomon 7:1-5, meticulously detail her physical attributes, moving from her graceful steps to her rounded thighs, navel, belly, breasts, neck, eyes, and nose. This systematic and sensuous cataloging builds a sense of anticipation, leading to verse 6, which transcends a simple physical appraisal. It shifts from objective observation to a deeply subjective, emotional response, signifying that her beauty evokes profound delight and affection. This verse acts as a pivotal transition, setting the stage for the King's subsequent invitation for intimacy and shared experience, as seen in Song of Solomon 7:11-13.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Song of Solomon operates within the rich tradition of ancient Near Eastern love poetry, often associated with expressions of marital affection and wedding celebrations. In this cultural milieu, explicit and effusive praise of a spouse's beauty and character was not only acceptable but celebrated as a vital component of a healthy marital union. The vivid descriptions, while sensuous, are deeply rooted in the imagery of the natural world (e.g., "lilies," "gazelles," "pomegranates") and the opulence of royal life, reflecting the common literary conventions of the era. The book uniquely showcases a relationship built on mutual respect, admiration, and desire, challenging modern assumptions about ancient patriarchal societies by giving significant voice and agency to the woman, a dynamic evident in her responses throughout the book, including her declaration in Song of Solomon 6:3.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several central themes of the Song of Solomon and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights Profound Admiration and Affirmation within a loving relationship, emphasizing the importance of verbal praise and genuine delight in one's partner's being. Secondly, it speaks to the Holistic Nature of Love and Beauty, suggesting that true attraction extends beyond mere physical attributes to encompass character, personality, and the spiritual connection between individuals. The direct address "O love" elevates the beloved to the very embodiment of affection itself. Lastly, the concluding phrase "for delights" underscores the theme of Mutual Delight and Intimacy, portraying marriage as a God-ordained context for profound joy, pleasure, and emotional and physical fulfillment, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 5:18-19.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a primitive root meaning "to be bright," this word signifies beauty or handsomeness, conveying a sense of radiant attractiveness. It emphasizes the visual appeal and pleasing appearance of the beloved, suggesting a captivating aesthetic quality that deeply draws the King's gaze and admiration. It speaks to an inherent, luminous beauty.
A primitive root meaning "to be agreeable," this term extends beyond mere physical beauty to encompass charm, delightfulness, and a pleasing disposition. It suggests that the beloved is not only beautiful to behold but also possesses an inner quality that makes her agreeable, lovely, and sweet, contributing to the King's overall sense of joy and contentment in her presence.
This feminine noun, meaning "affection (in a good or a bad sense)," here denotes a profound, positive emotional attachment. In this verse, it functions as a direct address to the beloved, personifying her as the very embodiment of love. It signifies the deep, passionate, and committed bond between the King and the Shulamite, highlighting that she is the object and source of his deepest affection and devotion.
This noun, derived from a root meaning "luxury," refers to pleasures, enjoyments, or sources of profound satisfaction. The plural form (implied by the KJV "delights") underscores the manifold joys and profound contentment found within the intimate relationship. It speaks to the deep gratification and happiness that the beloved brings to the King, portraying their union as a source of immense pleasure and fulfillment.
Verse Breakdown
"How fair and how pleasant art thou"
This exclamatory phrase expresses the King's overwhelming sense of awe and admiration. "Fair" speaks to her physical beauty, while "pleasant" points to her agreeable character and the overall delight she brings. The repetition of "how" intensifies the declaration, indicating an almost inexpressible degree of captivating charm and loveliness. It is a declaration of profound appreciation for both her outward appearance and her inner qualities that make her so appealing.
"O love"
This is a direct, intimate address to the beloved, personifying her as the very essence of love. It elevates the King's perception beyond mere physical attraction to a deep, affectionate, and holistic appreciation of her as the embodiment of his affection. This phrase underscores the profound emotional bond and the King's complete devotion to her, seeing her as the living manifestation of the love they share.
"for delights!"
This concluding phrase reveals the ultimate purpose and outcome of her fairness and pleasantness. She is beautiful and agreeable precisely because she is a source of profound joy, pleasure, and satisfaction. It speaks to the mutual fulfillment and deep contentment found within their intimate relationship, where both partners experience immense happiness and gratification in each other's presence, highlighting the richness of their shared experience.
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 7:6 masterfully employs several Literary Devices to convey its profound message of love and admiration. The most prominent is Exclamation, indicated by the "How...!" construction, which conveys the speaker's overwhelming emotion and awe, emphasizing the depth and intensity of his admiration for the beloved. Personification is powerfully evident in the direct address "O love," where the beloved is not merely an object of love but is addressed as if she is love itself, embodying the very quality that binds them. This elevates the description beyond the physical to the spiritual and emotional essence of their bond. While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the preceding verses of chapter 7 heavily rely on Imagery (e.g., her navel as a rounded goblet, her breasts as clusters of grapes), and this verse serves as a summary of the delightful sensations evoked by that imagery, culminating in the ultimate "delights." Furthermore, the use of Hyperbole in "How fair and how pleasant art thou" suggests an almost immeasurable degree of beauty and agreeableness, reflecting the passionate intensity of the King's feelings and his inability to fully quantify her captivating charm.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The Song of Solomon, while a celebration of human love and marital intimacy, has long been interpreted allegorically within Christian tradition as a profound portrayal of God's fervent love for His people, and specifically Christ's love for the Church. In this theological lens, Song of Solomon 7:6 reveals a divine delight in the redeemed, where God finds His people "fair and pleasant" not because of their inherent perfection, but through the beauty of His grace and the righteousness imputed to them through faith. This verse thus speaks to the intimate, joyful, and deeply satisfying relationship God desires with humanity, where He takes profound pleasure in His beloved, and where His presence brings ultimate delight. It underscores the concept of a covenantal love that is both beautiful and deeply satisfying, mirroring the divine-human romance that culminates in eternal communion.
Reflection and Application
Song of Solomon 7:6 offers timeless wisdom for cultivating healthy and vibrant relationships, particularly within the covenant of marriage. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of verbal affirmation and genuine appreciation. In a world often quick to criticize or take for granted, this verse calls us to intentionally see and articulate the beauty and pleasantness in our loved ones—not just their physical attributes, but their character, their spirit, and the unique joy they bring into our lives. By actively expressing admiration, we foster an atmosphere of security, value, and mutual delight, strengthening the bonds of affection and intimacy. Furthermore, recognizing the "delights" found in a relationship encourages us to prioritize and cultivate shared joy, making our relationships sources of profound contentment and spiritual nourishment, reflecting the very nature of God's delight in His creation and His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Song of Solomon 7:6 primarily about physical beauty?
While Song of Solomon 7:6 certainly acknowledges physical beauty ("How fair"), it transcends it by adding "how pleasant" and the address "O love," culminating in "for delights." "Pleasant" suggests agreeable character and charm, while "O love" personifies the beloved as the embodiment of affection itself. The phrase "for delights" points to the profound joy and satisfaction derived from the entire person, encompassing both inner and outer qualities. Thus, the verse celebrates a holistic beauty that includes physical attractiveness but ultimately finds its deepest expression in the beloved's character and the intimate connection shared. The preceding verses, Song of Solomon 7:1-5, detail physical attributes, but this verse elevates the King's appreciation to a deeper, more encompassing love.
How can this verse be applied to relationships outside of marriage?
While the primary context of Song of Solomon is marital love, the principles of admiration, appreciation, and finding delight can be broadly applied to all relationships. The verse encourages us to cultivate an appreciative eye, recognizing and affirming the "fairness" (goodness, virtue, positive qualities) and "pleasantness" (agreeableness, joy-bringing presence) in friends, family members, and even colleagues. Expressing genuine appreciation and finding joy in the positive attributes of others fosters stronger bonds, builds community, and enriches all human interactions, reflecting the value God places on each individual. This principle is echoed in passages like Philippians 4:8, which encourages focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Song of Solomon 7:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His relationship with the Church, His beloved Bride. Just as the King expresses overwhelming delight in the Shulamite, so Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, gazes upon His Church with infinite love and finds her "fair and pleasant," not because of her inherent perfection, but because she is clothed in His righteousness. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ has cleansed and sanctified His Church, presenting her to Himself "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:25-27). His love is the source of her beauty, transforming her into an object of divine "delights." The "delights" spoken of in the verse foreshadow the eternal joy and intimate communion that believers will share with Christ in the new heavens and new earth, culminating in the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). In Christ, we are truly seen as beautiful and pleasant, and in Him, we find the ultimate source of all true and lasting delight (Psalm 16:11).