Song Of Solomon 7:6

Song of Solomon 7:6 KJV: "How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!"

Context of Song of Solomon 7:6

This verse is part of a passionate exchange between the King (often understood as Solomon) and his beloved Shulamite woman. Chapter 7 of the Song of Solomon is primarily a detailed and admiring description of the woman's beauty, moving from her feet upwards to her head. The King is expressing his profound admiration and desire for her. This specific verse acts as an overarching summary of his feelings, encapsulating his deep appreciation for her physical attractiveness, her character, and the joy she brings him. It sets the stage for the King's invitation to intimacy and shared delight that follows in the chapter.

Key Themes and Messages

• Profound Admiration and Praise: The verse overflows with the King's deep appreciation for his beloved. The exclamatory "How fair and how pleasant art thou" speaks to an overwhelming sense of beauty and agreeableness that captivates him. It emphasizes the importance of verbal affirmation and praise within a loving relationship.
• The Nature of Love and Beauty: While the preceding verses detail physical attributes, verse 6 elevates the description to "O love," suggesting that the King's delight is not merely in physical appearance but in the person whom he loves. This "love" (Hebrew: 'ahabah) encompasses affection, desire, and a deep connection, highlighting that true beauty is intrinsically linked to love.
• Mutual Delight and Intimacy: The phrase "for delights" underscores the purpose and outcome of this profound love—shared joy, pleasure, and intimate satisfaction. It portrays a relationship where both partners find immense happiness and fulfillment in each other's presence, echoing the sentiment found in Proverbs 5:18, which encourages delight in the wife of one's youth.

Linguistic Insights

• "Fair" (Hebrew: yapheh): This word signifies beauty or handsomeness, often referring to physical attractiveness. It's used throughout Song of Solomon to describe both the King and the Shulamite, emphasizing their mutual appeal.
• "Pleasant" (Hebrew: na'em): Beyond just beauty, na'em implies something delightful, agreeable, or lovely. It suggests a charm and pleasantness of character that complements her physical allure.
• "Love" (Hebrew: 'ahabah): While often translated simply as "love," in this context, it can be seen as an address to the beloved herself, personifying her as the very embodiment of love. It points to the deep, affectionate, and committed bond between them, a celebration of mutual, exclusive love.
• "Delights" (Hebrew: ta'anugim): This plural noun refers to pleasures, luxuries, or enjoyments. It highlights the profound joy and satisfaction found within the intimate relationship, portraying it as a source of deep contentment and happiness.

Practical Application

Song of Solomon 7:6 serves as a beautiful reminder of the value of expressing admiration and delight within relationships, particularly marriage. It encourages partners to:

• Affirm and Praise: Regularly vocalize appreciation for their spouse's beauty, character, and the joy they bring. Such affirmations strengthen bonds and foster mutual respect.
• Cultivate Delight: Actively seek to find joy and pleasure in their spouse, recognizing that true intimacy is a source of profound delight and fulfillment.
• See Beyond the Surface: While physical attraction is part of the Song, the address "O love" reminds us that genuine delight comes from loving the whole person, their inner qualities as much as their outward appearance.

Beyond the literal, many biblical scholars interpret the Song of Solomon as an allegory for God's love for His people, or Christ's love for the Church. In this broader sense, the verse can speak to God's profound delight in His beloved people, finding them "fair and pleasant" because of His grace and their yieldedness to Him.