Song Of Solomon 1:3

Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

Because of the savour {H7381} of thy good {H2896} ointments {H8081} thy name {H8034} is as ointment {H8081} poured forth {H7324}, therefore do the virgins {H5959} love {H157} thee.

Your anointing oils have a wonderful fragrance; your name is like anointing oil poured out. This is why young women love you

The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you.

Thine oils have a goodly fragrance; Thy name is as oil poured forth; Therefore do the virgins love thee.

Commentary

Commentary on Song of Solomon 1:3

Song of Solomon 1:3, "Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee," is a rich expression of admiration and affection, setting the tone for the passionate dialogue within this unique poetic book.

Context

This verse is part of the opening declarations in the Song of Solomon, a book often interpreted as a celebration of human love between a bride (the Shulamite) and her beloved (King Solomon). It is also widely understood allegorically to depict the divine love between Christ and His Church, or God and Israel. In these early verses, the Shulamite expresses her deep desire for the king. The praise here, likely spoken by the Shulamite or the "daughters of Jerusalem" (see Song of Solomon 1:5), highlights the beloved's attractive qualities, specifically focusing on his personal allure and reputation.

Key Themes

  • Alluring Character and Reputation: The "savour of thy good ointments" and the idea that "thy name [is as] ointment poured forth" speak to the beloved's reputation and inherent character being profoundly attractive and pervasive. His very identity, his "name," is presented as fragrant, desirable, and widely known. This concept echoes the value placed on a good name being more desirable than great riches.
  • Love and Devotion: The concluding phrase, "therefore do the virgins love thee," signifies a pure, unblemished affection drawn by the beloved's compelling character. This love is not superficial but arises from the deep attractiveness of his presence and renown. In an allegorical sense, it points to the pure devotion of believers drawn by the incomparable character and exalted name of Christ.
  • Sensory Language: The Song of Solomon frequently employs rich sensory imagery, and here, the sense of smell is central. Ointments and fragrances were highly valued in ancient cultures for their pleasant aroma, medicinal properties, and ceremonial use in anointing (e.g., Psalm 133:2). They symbolized wealth, status, and pleasure.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "ointment" or "oil" is shemen, which often refers to fragrant, rich oil used for anointing, cosmetics, and pleasure. The phrase "poured forth" suggests a lavish, abundant, and unrestrained outpouring, implying that the beloved's influence and attractiveness are not limited but freely and widely diffused. The term "virgins" (Hebrew: ‘almah) denotes young, unmarried women, emphasizing their purity and the unblemished nature of their affection.

Practical Application

Song of Solomon 1:3 offers several timeless insights. Firstly, it highlights the profound impact of one's character and reputation ("name"). A good name, built on integrity and attractive qualities, can draw others and inspire affection. Secondly, for believers, this verse can symbolize the drawing power of Christ. His character, His "name," is truly "ointment poured forth"—a divine fragrance that attracts those with pure hearts. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this attractive nature, becoming a "fragrance of Christ" to the world, drawing others to Him through our lives and testimony (see 2 Corinthians 2:15). The verse ultimately celebrates the beauty and magnetic power of genuine love and admirable character.

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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 7:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

  • Exodus 30:23 (8 votes)

    Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],

  • Exodus 30:28 (8 votes)

    And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:10 (8 votes)

    How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

  • John 12:3 (8 votes)

    Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

  • Philippians 2:9 (7 votes)

    Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

  • Philippians 2:10 (7 votes)

    That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;