Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon front
Introduction to the Song of Songs
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Song of Songs
- The bride longs for the bridegroom to arrive (1:1–2:7)
- The bridegroom praises the woman he loves (2:8–3:5)
- The bridegroom arrives and praises the bride (3:6–5:1)
- The bride longs for the bridegroom (5:2–6:9)
- The bridegroom praises the beauty of his bride (6:1–8:4)
- Final thoughts about love between a man and a woman (8:5–14)
What is the Song of Songs about?
The Song of Songs is a poem or a series of poems that celebrate love and intimacy between a man and a woman. Jews traditionally have interpreted the book as a picture of God’s love for his people Israel. In the same way, many Christians interpret it as a picture of love between Christ and his bride, the church of all believers.
Who wrote the Song of Songs?
The first verse of the book (“The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s”) gives the idea that King Solomon of Israel wrote it. However, people have interpreted this verse in different ways, so not everyone is persuaded that Solomon wrote it.
How should the title of this book be translated?
This book is traditionally titled “Song of Songs,” which means the very best song, or “Song of Solomon.” It may also be called “Songs of Love,” “Great Poems of Love,” or “The Love Songs of Solomon.” (See: Как переводить имена и названия)
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What place do the descriptions of sexual behavior have in the Song of Songs?
The Song of Songs approves of sexual behavior expressing love between a husband his wife.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
How many characters are in the Song of Songs?
The two main characters in this book are the man and the woman, who love each other. The woman also speaks to a group of women called the “daughters of Jerusalem,” and these women make comments. However, it is possible that the group of women is not real and the woman is only imagining them.
Some interpreters believe there may be more characters than these, but this is not certain. The ULT and UST versions recognize only the man, the woman, and the group of women.
What are the lines about people speaking?
The Song of Songs is a poem that shows the thoughts and words of a man, a woman, and the woman’s friends. Throughout the poem, the author does not identify the speakers and their audience. So to help readers understand the poem, some translations attempt to identify the speaker and the audience. It is not always certain who the speaker is, so sometimes translations disagree about who is speaking.
Before each speech, the ULT identifies the speaker and the audience like this: “The woman speaking to the other women,” “The woman speaking to the man,” “The man speaking to the woman,” or “The woman speaking to herself.” Translators are encouraged to include these ways of identifying the speaker and the audience, and to format them differently from the scripture text. The translators should also include a note explaining that these explanations are not actually part of the scripture.
How should one translate the Song of Songs if the readers will view certain terms as coarse, vulgar, or improper?
Readers might consider many images or forms appearing in the Song of Songs as improper when translated. The translator should try to avoid offensive language if possible, by using expressions that will not cause offense. (See: Эвфемизм)
How do I translate metaphors and similes in this book?
There are many metaphors and similes in this book. These figures of speech are often unclear. If they have sexual meanings, figures of speech describing feelings or emotions are often used to avoid offense by hiding their meaning. However, since their meanings are often unclear, ambiguity in translation is encouraged. You can translate the words as they are written in order to avoid committing to a specific meaning. (See: Метафора)
Song of Solomon 1
Song of Songs 1 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Kisses
The kisses in this chapter are a type of kiss that was only done between a husband a wife. It is an intimate kiss. (See: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Love and affection
This chapter is centered on the feelings of love, affection, and attraction. Different cultural standards may make translation difficult and the translator may use euphemisms to avoid offending people. (See: Эвфемизм)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphors
In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: Метафора)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
“I am dark”
In the ancient Near East, rich people usually had lighter skin because they did not need to work outside in the sun. This young woman had to work out in the sun, and her skin became darker than it was when she was younger.
Song of Solomon 1:1
The song of songs which {is} of Solomon
Quote: שִׁ֥יר הַשִּׁירִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לִשְׁלֹמֹֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
This verse is the title of this book. Use whatever formatting convention is most natural in your language for indicating that something is the title of a poem or song. The ULT places this line further to the left than the other lines in this book to indicate that this verse is the title of the book.
The song of songs
Quote: שִׁ֥יר הַשִּׁירִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
The possessive form is being used here to indicate a comparison with other songs and to show that this song is the best or greatest of all songs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use another form to indicate this. Alternate translation: “The best song” or “The most excellent song” or “The greatest song”
is} of Solomon
Quote: לִשְׁלֹמֹֽה (1)The phrase of Solomon could mean: (1) Solomon wrote this song. Alternate translation: “Solomon wrote” (2) this song was dedicated to Solomon. Alternate translation: “is dedicated to Solomon” (3) this song was about Solomon. Alternate translation: “is about Solomon”
Song of Solomon 1:2-4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: יִשָּׁקֵ֨נִי֙ מִנְּשִׁיק֣וֹת פִּ֔יהוּ כִּֽי־טוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖יךָ מִיָּֽיִן׃ לְרֵ֨יחַ֙ שְׁמָנֶ֣יךָ טוֹבִ֔ים שֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑ךָ עַל־כֵּ֖ן עֲלָמ֥וֹת אֲהֵבֽוּךָ׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
These lines of poetry most likely indicate thoughts or words that the woman is speaking or thinking to herself while she is alone. Your language may have a way of indicating speech that is expressed toward a person who is not present to hear what is being said.
Song of Solomon 1:2
General Information:
The first part of the book begins with this verse.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of
Quote: יִשָּׁקֵ֨נִי֙ מִנְּשִׁיק֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
The author is using an emphatic form to indicate the fervor and intensity of the desired kisses. Consider using a natural way in your language to indicate this. Alternate translation: “Let him kiss me again and again with the kisses of” or “Let him cover my face with the kisses of”
your love
Quote: דֹּדֶ֖יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
In this book every occurrence of the words you and your are singular. Your language may require you to mark these forms.
better {is} your love
Quote: טוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the way you love me is better” or “your loving is better”
better {is} your love than wine
Quote: טוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖יךָ מִיָּֽיִן (1)Alternate translation: “I enjoy having you near me more than I enjoy drinking wine” or “your love is more pleasant than wine”
Song of Solomon 1:3
As for the smell of
Quote: לְרֵ֨יחַ֙ (1)The Hebrew word which the ULT translates as As for could: (1) indicate reference, in which case it should be translated as the ULT translates it or with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “In reference to the smell of” or (2) indicate emphasis or be making an assertion. Alternate translation: “Truly, the smell of” or “Indeed, the smell of”
your oils—{they are} good
Quote: שְׁמָנֶ֣יךָ טוֹבִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, oils refers to colognes or perfumes. In the authors culture pleasant smelling spices were mixed into olive oil in order to make a pleasant smelling perfume which was then put on the skin. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. If men do not use put pleasant smelling things on their skin in your culture you could say that the man being spoken of here smells pleasant. Alternate translation: “your colognes—they are good” or “your scented oils—they are good” or “your skin—it is good” or “your body—it is good”
oil poured out {is} your name
Quote: שֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The woman is describing the man she loves and his reputation by association with his name. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “oil poured out is your reputation” or “oil poured out is the honor that people give to you”
oil poured out {is} your name
Quote: שֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman makes a comparison between the man’s reputation (which she refers to as his name) and scented oil that is poured out after which the good smell of the oil spreads as the air moves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the comparison. Alternate translation: “your reputation spreads more and more like the scent of perfume which spreads after it has been poured out”
Therefore
Quote: עַל־כֵּ֖ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
The words translated as Therefore indicate that what follows is a result of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a result of what came before. Alternate translation: “As a result”
Song of Solomon 1:4
Draw me
Quote: מָשְׁכֵ֖נִי (1)Alternate translation: “Lead me”
after you
Quote: אַחֲרֶ֣יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word you refers to the man and so is singular. Your language may require you to mark this form. In this book every occurrence of the words you and your are singular.
let us run
Quote: נָּר֑וּצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word us refers to the young woman and the man that she is addressing so us is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “let you and I run”
let us run
Quote: נָּר֑וּצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the woman uses run as a poetic way of expressing her desire that she and the man she loves hurry and go away together. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “let us hurry” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)
The king
Quote: הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the woman speaks of the man she loves as if he were The king. Here, the term king is a term of endearment and is an affectionate way for the woman to refer to the man she loves. The woman is not speaking of an actual king but rather this is a poetic way of speaking. The woman is still speaking of the same man that she was speaking of in 1:2-3. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning by using a simile. Alternate translation: “He whom I love is like a king to me and” or “He who is like a king to me”
The king has brought me
Quote: הֱבִיאַ֨נִי הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The original language word which the ULT translates as he has brought me could be describing: (1) a request or wish that the woman has. If it would help your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “May the king bring me” (2) an action that has already happened. Alternate translation: “The king brought me”
has brought me
Quote: הֱבִיאַ֨נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
Your language may say “taken” rather than brought in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “has taken me”
Let us be glad and rejoice in you. Let us profess your love more than wine
Quote: נָגִ֤ילָה וְנִשְׂמְחָה֙ בָּ֔ךְ נַזְכִּ֤ירָה דֹדֶ֨יךָ֙ מִיַּ֔יִן (1)The us in these two lines could: (1) be a group of young women speaking about the man. Alternate translation: “We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will profess your love more than wine” (2) be the woman continuing to speak to the man she loves and using us to refer to herself. Alternate translation: “May I be glad and rejoice in you. May I profess your love more than wine” (3) be the woman continuing to speak and using us to refer to herself and the man. Alternate translation: “Let you and I be glad and rejoice in you. Let you and I profess your love more than wine”
let us run. … Let us be glad … Let us profess
Quote: נָּר֑וּצָה…נָגִ֤ילָה…נַזְכִּ֤ירָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word us* is inclusive all three times that it occurs in this verse. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See also: Исключающая и включающая формы «мы» (эксклюзив и инклюзив))
Let us be glad and rejoice
Quote: נָגִ֤ילָה וְנִשְׂמְחָה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms glad and rejoice mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Let us greatly rejoice” or “Let us rejoice greatly”
Let us profess
Quote: נַזְכִּ֤ירָה (1)Alternate translation: “Let us praise”
more than wine
Quote: מִיַּ֔יִן (1)The phrase more than wine could mean: (1) that the women would profess the man’s love as more delightful than wine. Alternate translation: “as being more delightful than wine” (2) that the women would profess the delightfulness of the man’s love more than they would profess the delightfulness of wine. Alternate translation: “more than we profess wine”
your love more than wine
Quote: דֹדֶ֨יךָ֙ מִיַּ֔יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the way you love is better than wine” or “the way you love me is better than wine”
rightly do they love you
Quote: מֵישָׁרִ֖ים אֲהֵבֽוּךָ (1)Here the speaker could be: (1) the woman speaking to the man about the young women who admire him. Alternate translation: “rightly do the young women love you” (2) the young women speaking of other women who admire the man. Alternate translation: “rightly do the other young women love you” or “rightly do the young women love you”. You may wish to indicate who the presumed speaker is here by placing a heading above this section as modeled by the UST.
do they love you
Quote: אֲהֵבֽוּךָ (1)Alternate translation: “do they admire you”
rightly do they love you
Quote: מֵישָׁרִ֖ים אֲהֵבֽוּךָ (1)Alternate translation: “it is right that other young women adore you” or “no wonder other young women adore you”
Song of Solomon 1:5
I {am} black
Quote: שְׁחוֹרָ֤ה אֲנִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, I am black means “My skin is black” or “My skin is very dark.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “My skin is black” or “My skin is very dark”
but lovely
Quote: וְֽנָאוָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Here, the word But is introducing a contrast. What follows the word But is in contrast to what was expected, because in the author’s culture it was not considered attractive for a woman to have skin that was dark as a result of much exposure to the sun. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “yet lovely” or “but still lovely”
daughters of Jerusalem
Quote: בְּנ֖וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
The woman is using the possessive form to poetically describe where the young women (whom she calls daughters) live. The phrase daughters of Jerusalem refers to the young women who were from the city of Jerusalem (These are probably the same women as the “marriageable women” in 1:3 and the women referred to as “they” in 1:4). If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could indicate the association between these young women and Jerusalem in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “daughters from Jerusalem” or “young women from Jerusalem”
like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon
Quote: כְּאָהֳלֵ֣י קֵדָ֔ר כִּירִיע֖וֹת שְׁלֹמֹֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The Kedar were a tribe of people who used black goat skins to make their tents, thus their tents were dark in color. The woman is comparing her skin to these tents which were dark in color. The phrase the curtains of Solomon refers to the curtains in Solomon’s palace which were very beautiful. The point of the first comparison is that the woman’s skin was dark (referring back to and further describing the word black) and the point of the second comparison is that the woman was beautiful (referring back to and further describing the word lovely). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent comparisons from your culture or you could retain these similes and express these meanings as plainly as possible. Alternate translation: “like the dark color of the tents of the people of the tribe Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon’s palace” or “as dark as the color of the tents of Kedar, as beautiful as the curtains in Solomon’s palace”
Song of Solomon 1:6
Do not look at me
Quote: אַל־ תִּרְא֨וּנִי֙ (1)The phrase Do not look at me could mean: (1) that the woman does not want people to look at her with contempt. Alternate translation: “Do not look at me with contempt” or “Do not look down on me” or “Do not look at me disapprovingly” (2) that the woman does not want people to stare at her in admiration of her beauty. Alternate translation: “Do not stare at me because I am so beautiful”
that I
Quote: שֶׁאֲנִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
The word that indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”
that I {am} black
Quote: שֶׁאֲנִ֣י שְׁחַרְחֹ֔רֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, I am black means “my skin is black” or “my skin is very dark” as it did in 1:5. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that my skin is black” or “that my skin is very dark”
that the sun scorched me
Quote: שֶׁשֱּׁזָפַ֖תְנִי הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
The word that indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because the sun scorched me”
that the sun scorched me
Quote: שֶׁשֱּׁזָפַ֖תְנִי הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase the sun scorched me refers to sunlight shining on the skin and means “the sun burned me” or “the sun tanned my skin dark.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that the sun burned me” or “that the sun turned my skin brown” or “that the sun tanned my skin.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)
as} keeper of the vineyards— my vineyard that {is} mine, I have not kept
Quote: נֹטֵרָ֣ה אֶת־הַכְּרָמִ֔ים כַּרְמִ֥י שֶׁלִּ֖י לֹ֥א נָטָֽרְתִּי (1)Alternate translation: “as caretaker of the vineyards—my vineyard that is mine, I have not taken care of”
my vineyard that {is} mine, I have not kept
Quote: כַּרְמִ֥י שֶׁלִּ֖י לֹ֥א נָטָֽרְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman is probably using the phrase my vineyard to refer to her complexion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my skin, I have not protected from the sun” or “my complexion, I have not protected from the sun”
Song of Solomon 1:7
you} whom my soul loves
Quote: שֶׁ֤אָהֲבָה֙ נַפְשִׁ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The woman is using one part of herself, her soul, to represent all of her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you whom I love”
where do you graze
Quote: אֵיכָ֣ה תִרְעֶ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The woman is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “where do you graze your flock” or “where do you graze your sheep”
where do you graze? Where do you make {your flocks} lie down at noontime
Quote: אֵיכָ֣ה תִרְעֶ֔ה אֵיכָ֖ה תַּרְבִּ֣יץ בַּֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrase where do you graze and the phrase Where do you make your flocks lie down at noontime mean basically the same thing. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if saying very similar things twice might confuse your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “Where do you pasture your flocks in the middle of the day”
For why should I be like a woman who covers herself beside the flocks of your companions
Quote: שַׁלָּמָ֤ה אֶֽהְיֶה֙ כְּעֹ֣טְיָ֔ה עַ֖ל עֶדְרֵ֥י חֲבֵרֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The woman is not asking for information, but is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate her words as a statement, a request, or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I do not want to be like a woman who covers herself beside the flocks of your companions” or “Please do not let me be like a woman who covers herself beside the flocks of your companions” or “Tell me so that I will not be like a woman who covers herself beside the flocks of your companions”
like a woman who covers herself beside the flocks of your companions
Quote: כְּעֹ֣טְיָ֔ה עַ֖ל עֶדְרֵ֥י חֲבֵרֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase covers herself means covers herself with a veil and the phrase your companions refers to the other shepherds who pastured their animals near the flocks of the man and were probably his friends. If it would help your readers, you could express these phrases explicitly. Alternate translation: “like a woman who covers herself with a veil beside the flocks of the other shepherds”
For why should I be like a woman who covers herself beside the flocks of your companions
Quote: שַׁלָּמָ֤ה אֶֽהְיֶה֙ כְּעֹ֣טְיָ֔ה עַ֖ל עֶדְרֵ֥י חֲבֵרֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
In the authors culture women who were prostitutes often covered their faces with a veil so that people would not recognize them. It would not be normal for a young unmarried woman to be wandering among shepherds and the woman did not want to be mistaken for a prostitute. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the basis of this comparison. Alternate translation: “Tell me where you pasture your flocks so that I will not need to wander around among the flocks of your companions like a prostitute when I am looking for you” or “For why should I be like a prostitute who covers herself with a veil and wanders about beside the flocks of your companions”
Song of Solomon 1:8
If you do not know, most beautiful among women, go out
Quote: אִם־ לֹ֤א תֵדְעִי֙ לָ֔ךְ הַיָּפָ֖ה בַּנָּשִׁ֑ים צְֽאִי־ לָ֞ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical
If it would help your readers to see that this is a conditional statement then you could supply a word like “then” in your translation. Alternate translation: “If you do not know, most beautiful among women, then go out”
If you do not know, most beautiful among women
Quote: אִם־ לֹ֤א תֵדְעִי֙ לָ֔ךְ הַיָּפָ֖ה בַּנָּשִׁ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language you could begin this verse with the phrase most beautiful among women. Alternate translation: “Most beautiful among women, if you do not know”
most beautiful among women
Quote: הַיָּפָ֖ה בַּנָּשִׁ֑ים (1)Alternate translation: “you who are the most beautiful of all women”
go out
Quote: צְֽאִי־ לָ֞ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
Your language may say “come” rather than go in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “come out”
and pasture your young goats
Quote: וּרְעִי֙ אֶת־ גְּדִיֹּתַ֔יִךְ (1)Alternate translation: “and let your young goats graze” or “and graze your young goats”
and pasture your young goats
Quote: וּרְעִי֙ אֶת־ גְּדִיֹּתַ֔יִךְ (1)Alternate translation: “graze your young goats” or “let your young goats eat”
Song of Solomon 1:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: לְסֻסָתִי֙ בְּרִכְבֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה דִּמִּיתִ֖יךְ רַעְיָתִֽ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language you could begin this verse with the phrase my darling. Alternate translation: “My darling, I liken you to a mare among the chariots of Pharaoh”
To a mare among the chariots of Pharaoh I liken you
Quote: לְסֻסָתִי֙ בְּרִכְבֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה דִּמִּיתִ֖יךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here, it is implied that the man is comparing the woman to the beauty of a mare and not to other other qualities of a horse. The king of Egypt’s horses were known to be the best in the world and so they would have been very beautiful. If it would help your readers you could explain the point of this comparison. Alternate translation: “Your beauty is like the beauty of Pharaoh’s chariot horses” or “I compare your beauty to the beauty of Pharaoh’s chariot horses”
among the chariots of Pharaoh
Quote: בְּרִכְבֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The man is using the phrase the chariots to mean “the horses that pull the chariots.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “among the horses that pull Pharaoh’s chariots” or “among the horses that pull the chariots of Pharaoh”
Pharaoh
Quote: פַרְעֹ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the term Pharaoh does not refer to a specific Egyptian king but is a title used to designate the acting king of Egypt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king of Egypt”
Song of Solomon 1:10
with earrings
Quote: בַּתֹּרִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term the man uses, which the ULT translates as earrings, is a term which refers to strings of small ornaments or jewels which apparently hung down the side of one’s face. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of jewelry you could use a more general term and, if you are using footnotes, you could make a footnote explaining this type of jewelry. Alternate translation: “with neck ornaments” or “strings of jewels”
with necklaces
Quote: בַּחֲרוּזִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
necklaces are a type of jewelry worn around the neck in order to make a person look more attractive. If your readers would not be familiar with necklaces, you could use the name of something similar in your area worn around the neck for the purpose of looking nice or you could use a more general term and, if it would help your readers, you could make a footnote explaining what a necklace is if you are using footnotes. Alternate translation: “with neck ornaments” or “strings of jewels”
Song of Solomon 1:11
Earrings of
Quote: תּוֹרֵ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
See how you translated the term “earrings” in the previous verse.
we will make
Quote: נַעֲשֶׂה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
The man speaks as if he were many people. Some versions change this to singular “I.” Other versions take these to be the words of the woman’s friends. (See also: Исключающая и включающая формы «мы» (эксклюзив и инклюзив))
with studs of silver
Quote: עִ֖ם נְקֻדּ֥וֹת הַכָּֽסֶף (1)Alternate translation: “with beads of silver” or “that are decorated with silver”
Song of Solomon 1:12
the king
Quote: שֶׁ֤הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the phrase “The king” in 1:4 where it is used with the same meaning.
was} on his couch
Quote: בִּמְסִבּ֔וֹ (1)The word which the ULT translates as couch could: (1) refer to a couch and be translated as couch as modeled by the ULT. (2) refer to a table. Alternate translation: “was at his table”
my nard
Quote: נִרְדִּ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term nard refers to pleasant smelling perfumed oil that was made from the roots of the nard plant. If your readers would not be familiar with nard* plants, you could use a general expression or describe what nard is. Alternate translation: “my perfumed oil” or “my pleasant smelling perfume made from the nard plant”
gave off its smell
Quote: נָתַ֥ן רֵיחֽוֹ (1)Alternate translation: “gave off its good smell” or “spread its pleasant smell”
Song of Solomon 1:13
A bundle of myrrh {is} my beloved to me; between my breasts it stays
Quote: צְר֨וֹר הַמֹּ֤ר ׀ דּוֹדִי֙ לִ֔י בֵּ֥ין שָׁדַ֖י יָלִֽין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In the author’s culture women would sometimes place a small bag or pouch of myrrh on a necklace so it would hang on their neck and they could enjoy its pleasant smell. The woman makes a comparison between the enjoyable experience of having a bag of myrrh near her and the enjoyable experience of having the man she loves near her. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a simile to show the comparison. Alternate translation: “I enjoy having my beloved near me throughout the night like I enjoy the smell of a bag of myrrh”
myrrh
Quote: הַמֹּ֤ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
myrrh was a pleasant smelling incense that was made from resin taken from the bark of a certain kind of tree. One of the things it was used for was to make a person smell good. If your readers would not be familiar with myrrh, you could use the name of something pleasant smelling in your area that might be used for this purpose or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “pleasant smelling perfume”
is} my beloved
Quote: דּוֹדִי֙ (1)Alternate translation: “is my lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: אֶשְׁכֹּ֨ל הַכֹּ֤פֶר ׀ דּוֹדִי֙ לִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
If using the word breasts would offend your readers, you could use an appropriate euphemism for breasts or state the meaning of the phrase between my breasts it stays using a more general expression. Alternate translation: “My beloved stays very close to me during the night, like a bundle of myrrh hanging near my chest”
it stays
Quote: יָלִֽין (1)Here, the original language word that the ULT translates with the phrase it stays is ambiguous regarding what it is that stays. This word could: (1) indicate that the bundle of myrrh is what stays, in which case it should be translated as something similar to it stays as modeled by the ULT. (2) mean that the man stays. Alternate translation: “he stays”
it stays
Quote: יָלִֽין (1)Here, the word stays could: (1) refer to staying in one place for a prolonged period of time in which case you could translate this word with something similar to stays as modeled by the ULT. (2) refer to lying down. Alternate translation: “it lies”
Song of Solomon 1:14
henna blossoms
Quote: הַכֹּ֤פֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The phrase henna blossoms refers to blossoms from the henna plant which produces clusters of flower blossoms which have a pleasant smell. If your readers would not be familiar with this plant, you could use the name of a plant in your area that has a pleasant smell, you could explain in your translation that henna is a plant that produces fragrant blossoms, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “fragrant flowers” or “fragrant blossoms from the henna plant”
A cluster of henna blossoms {is} my beloved to me, in the vineyards of Engedi
Quote: אֶשְׁכֹּ֨ל הַכֹּ֤פֶר ׀ דּוֹדִי֙ לִ֔י בְּכַרְמֵ֖י עֵ֥ין גֶּֽדִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, vineyards of En Gedi is probably a reference to the woman’s body because at that time vineyards were often used to convey a sexual meaning and because the phrase in the vineyards of Engedi is in parallel to phrase in the previous verse in which the woman refers to her body by saying that her “beloved” is like a “bundle of myrrh“ which “stays” (the night) “between” her “breasts.” In this verse the woman makes a comparison between the pleasurable experience of the smell of henna blossoms and her enjoyment of having the man she loves near her body. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a simile to show the comparison. Because the woman describes her body in a poetic way with images, it is recommended that you either maintain these images or select images from your context and language that communicate the same concepts. Alternate translation: “I enjoy being near my beloved’s body like I enjoy the smell of the henna flowers in the vineyards of Engedi” or “I delight in my beloved being near my body like I enjoy the smell of the henna flowers in the vineyards of Engedi”
Engedi
Quote: עֵ֥ין גֶּֽדִי (1)Song of Solomon 1:15
Look at you—{… Look at you
Quote: הִנָּ֤ךְ…הִנָּ֥ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamation
The man is using the term Behold to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Look at you! … Look at you!”
Look at you—{you are} beautiful, my darling. Look at you—{you are} beautiful; your eyes {are} doves
Quote: הִנָּ֤ךְ יָפָה֙ רַעְיָתִ֔י הִנָּ֥ךְ יָפָ֖ה עֵינַ֥יִךְ יוֹנִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The man uses the phrase Behold you—you are beautiful two times for emphasis. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one and provide emphasis in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Behold you—you are beautiful, my darling. Your eyes are doves”
my darling
Quote: רַעְיָתִ֔י (1)See how you translated the phrase my darling in 1:9
your eyes {are} doves
Quote: עֵינַ֥יִךְ יוֹנִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The man makes a comparison between the beauty and gentleness of doves and the woman’s eyes. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a simile to show the comparison or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your eyes are like doves” or “your eyes are gentle and beautiful”
Song of Solomon 1:16
Look at you
Quote: הִנְּךָ֨ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamation
The woman is using the term Look to focus attention on what she is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Behold!”
Look at you—{you are} handsome, my beloved, truly pleasant. Indeed, our couch is leafy
Quote: הִנְּךָ֨ יָפֶ֤ה דוֹדִי֙ אַ֣ף נָעִ֔ים אַף־ עַרְשֵׂ֖נוּ רַעֲנָנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language you could either begin or end this verse with the phrase my beloved.
my beloved
Quote: דוֹדִי֙ (1)See how you translated the phrase my beloved in 1:13. Alternate translation: “my lover”
truly pleasant
Quote: אַ֣ף נָעִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The woman is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “you are truly pleasant”
our couch is
Quote: עַרְשֵׂ֖נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, couch does not refer to a literal couch but rather to the place where the couple would lie down in the forest. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the place where we lie down is” or “the place we lie down on like a bed is”
leafy
Quote: רַעֲנָנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the original language word that the ULT translates as leafy refers to plants that are the green color. You could translate leafy in a general way such as “green” or if it would help your readers you could indicate specifically what vegetation the word leafy refers to. Here, leafy could refer to: (1) the grass that the couple layed down on. Alternate translation: “grass” (2) the branches above their meeting place in the forest. Alternate translation: “under the cover of branches” or “shaded by branches”
Song of Solomon 1:17
The beams of our house {are} cedars; our rafters {are} pine
Quote: קֹר֤וֹת בָּתֵּ֨ינוּ֙ אֲרָזִ֔ים רַהִיטֵ֖נוּ בְּרוֹתִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the woman is speaking of the forest as though it were a house, the cedar trees as if they were the beams of the house and pine trees as if they were the rafters of the house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly or use a simile as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “Our meeting place is shaded by cedar and pine trees” or “Branches of cedar and pine trees will be a canopy over our meeting place”
are} pine
Quote: בְּרוֹתִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
pine is a type of tree that grows tall and close to other trees so that they provide shade from the sun. If your readers would not be familiar with pine trees, you could use general phrase describing them or use the name of a tree that grows tall and densely in your area. Alternate translation: “tall leafy trees”
Song of Solomon 2
Song of Songs 2 General Notes
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphor
Women are compared to flowers in this chapter. This metaphor may describe a woman’s beauty and delicacy. (See: Метафора)
Euphemisms
It is possible that some of the metaphors used in this chapter are actually euphemisms. These euphemisms would refer to sex or the physical love between a husband a wife. (See: Эвфемизм)
Song of Solomon 2:1
I {am} a flower of Sharon, a lily of the valleys
Quote: אֲנִי֙ חֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת הַשָּׁר֔וֹן שֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת הָעֲמָקִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman is speaking of herself as if she is two different types of flowers in order to make a comparison between herself and these flowers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, explain the comparison, or use a simile as modeled by the UST. The reason the woman compares herself to these wildflowers is to express that she thinks she has only common beauty and is no more attractive than the other young women her age. Alternate translation: “I am as common as a wildflower of Sharon or a lily of the valleys” or “my beauty is as common as a wildflower in Sharon or a lily of the valleys”
am} a flower of
Quote: חֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The original word which the ULT translates as flower refers to a specific type of flower which grows on the ground. The exact type of flower that the original word refers to cannot be known with certainty so you could use the name of a pretty wildflower in your area or you could use a general term as modeled by the ULT.
Sharon
Quote: הַשָּׁר֔וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Sharon was the name of a specific plain (a flat area). The word Sharon refers to a flat, wide area and so by using the word Sharon the woman is probably referring to “plains” in general and expressing that she is like a wildflower that grows on the plains. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST.
I {am} a flower of Sharon, a lily of the valleys
Quote: אֲנִי֙ חֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת הַשָּׁר֔וֹן שֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת הָעֲמָקִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrase a flower of Sharon and the phrase a lily of the valleys mean very similar things. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if saying very similar things twice might confuse your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “I am a wildflower that grows in the plains and the valleys”
a lily of
Quote: שֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The woman is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “I am a lily of”
a lily of
Quote: שֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A lily is a type of flower. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of flower, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a flower of”
Song of Solomon 2:2
Like a lily among thorns, so {is} my darling among the daughters
Quote: כְּשֽׁוֹשַׁנָּה֙ בֵּ֣ין הַחוֹחִ֔ים כֵּ֥ן רַעְיָתִ֖י בֵּ֥ין הַבָּנֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The man compares the woman he loves to a lily among thorns. The point of this comparison is that in the same way that a lily is much more beautiful than thorns so the woman is much more beautiful than the other young women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “You my darling, are much more beautiful than all other women”
Like a lily
Quote: כְּשֽׁוֹשַׁנָּה֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
See how you translated the word lily in 2:1
is} my darling
Quote: רַעְיָתִ֖י (1)See how you translated the phrase my darling in 1:9.
the daughters
Quote: הַבָּנֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the phrase the daughters refers to the daughters of Jerusalem mentioned in 1:5 and probably refers not just to the young women of Jerusalem but also to all women. If it would help your readers you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the young women of Jerusalem” or “other young women”
Song of Solomon 2:3
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so {is} my beloved among the sons
Quote: כְּתַפּ֨וּחַ֙ בַּעֲצֵ֣י הַיַּ֔עַר כֵּ֥ן דּוֹדִ֖י בֵּ֣ין הַבָּנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The woman is saying that the man is like an apple tree because in the same way that an apple tree is more pleasant than the other trees of the forest, so the man she loves is more pleasant than other men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the basis of this comparison. Alternate translation: “As apple trees are more pleasant than other trees, so you my beloved are more pleasant than other men”
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so {is} my beloved among the sons
Quote: כְּתַפּ֨וּחַ֙ בַּעֲצֵ֣י הַיַּ֔עַר כֵּ֥ן דּוֹדִ֖י בֵּ֣ין הַבָּנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “Among the other young men my beloved is like an apple tree among the trees of the forest” or “Compared to other men my beloved is like an apple tree among the trees of the forest”
Like an apple tree
Quote: כְּתַפּ֨וּחַ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
An apple tree is a tree that produces pleasant tasting fruit and has a pleasant smell. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of tree, you could use the name of a similar tree in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “Like a tree that produces pleasant tasting fruit”
among the trees of the forest
Quote: בַּעֲצֵ֣י הַיַּ֔עַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase the trees of the forest refers to the other trees of the forest which were considered common when compared to an apple tree. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “among the other trees of the forest” or “compared to the common trees of the forest”
is} my beloved
Quote: דּוֹדִ֖י (1)See how you translated the phrase my beloved in 1:13.
among the sons
Quote: בֵּ֣ין הַבָּנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the phrase the sons refers to the other young men. In the previous verse the man compared the woman to the other “daughters” (young women). Here the woman compares the man she loves to the other young men, whom she calls the sons. If it would help your readers you could indicate explicitly what the sons means here. Alternate translation: “among the other young men” or “when compared to all the other men”
In his shadow, I passionately desired and I will sit, and his fruit {is} sweet to my palate
Quote: בְּצִלּוֹ֙ חִמַּ֣דְתִּי וְיָשַׁ֔בְתִּי וּפִרְי֖וֹ מָת֥וֹק לְחִכִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the woman continues speaking of the man as if he were an apple tree. The word *shadow refers to the shade of an apple tree which would give both protection from the sun and refreshment. To sit represents being near or in the presence of the man and his fruit being sweet means that he causes the woman to experience pleasurable feelings in a way that is comparable to eating sweet fruit. If it is possible in your language you should try to retain the images used here, or substitute a comparable image if needed. If you are not able to retain the metaphors without causing misunderstanding, you could use similes or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He provides me with refreshment and protection when I am in his presence, he gives me great pleasure” or “I sit in his presence and he refreshes and protects me, he is delightful to me like sweet fruit”
In his shadow
Quote: בְּצִלּוֹ֙ (1)Alternate translation: “In his shade”
Song of Solomon 2:4
He brought me
Quote: הֱבִיאַ֨נִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See how you translated the phrase “has brought me” in 1:4. The original language word which the ULT translates here as He brought me could be describing: (1) a request or wish that the woman has and not something that has already happened. If it would help your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “May he bring me” or ”I desire him to bring me” (2) an action that has already happened. Alternate translation: “He has brought me”
He brought me
Quote: הֱבִיאַ֨נִי֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
Your language may say “took” rather than brought in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “He took me”
Song of Solomon 2:3
I passionately desired
Quote: חִמַּ֣דְתִּי (1)Alternate translation: “I passionately desired”
Song of Solomon 2:4
the house of wine
Quote: בֵּ֣ית הַיָּ֔יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In the author’s culture the phrase house of wine was used to refer to a location that people went for the purpose of drinking wine. The phrase does not necessarily indicate a house or building so here it could be referring a private location that used as their meeting place, possibly the “house” (location) where they spent time together in the forest (described in 1:17). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly or use a general expression that allows for either meaning. Alternate translation: “the place where wine is drunk” or ”the place where wine is served” or ”our meeting place”
the house of wine
Quote: בֵּ֣ית הַיָּ֔יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Here, house of wine most likely does not refer to a literal house of wine but instead the woman is probably using this phrase to poetically describe a private meeting place where they could enjoy expressing their love for each other. She is describing their meeting place by using an image that was meaningful in that culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could retain the literal translation house of wine and explain the meaning in a footnote (if you are using them), or you could express the meaning using a different expression that is meaningful in your culture, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our meeting place so that we could enjoy our love” or ”the place where we could celebrate our love for each other” or ”the place where we could consummate our love”
and his banner over me {is} love
Quote: וְדִגְל֥וֹ עָלַ֖י אַהֲבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman is speaking of the man’s love for her as if it were a banner. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he publicly displays his love for me and his intention is to protect me” or “and he covers me with his love”
and his banner
Quote: וְדִגְל֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A banner is a flag made out of a large piece of cloth that is attached to the top of a long wooden pole. People groups and kings had their own unique banners by which they identified themselves. If your readers would not be familiar with this term, you could use the name of something used for a similar purpose in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “and his flag”
and his banner over me {is} love
Quote: וְדִגְל֥וֹ עָלַ֖י אַהֲבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form as modeled by the UST.
Song of Solomon 2:5
Sustain me with raisin cakes; refresh me with apples
Quote: סַמְּכ֨וּנִי֙ בָּֽאֲשִׁישׁ֔וֹת רַפְּד֖וּנִי בַּתַּפּוּחִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean very similar things. In the author’s culture both raisins and apples were believed to give people strength for love.The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if your readers are unfamiliar with raisins and/or apples and you do not have an equivalent food or foods that you could substitute for them here you could combine these two phrases into one and use a general expression. Alternate translation: “Sustain and refresh me with fruit” or “strengthen me with fruit” or “strengthen me for love with fruit”
Sustain me … refresh me
Quote: סַמְּכ֨וּנִי֙…רַפְּד֖וּנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
The phrases Sustain me and refresh me are plural imperative forms in the original language. The woman is addressing the man using plural forms to show the intensity of her feelings. Your language may allow you to do the same thing. The ULT indicates the intensity that these two plural forms indicate by placing an exclamation point at the end of this verse. Use a natural form in your language for showing intensity of emotion.
Sustain me with raisin cakes; refresh me with apples, for sick with love {am} I
Quote: סַמְּכ֨וּנִי֙ בָּֽאֲשִׁישׁ֔וֹת רַפְּד֖וּנִי בַּתַּפּוּחִ֑ים כִּי־ חוֹלַ֥ת אַהֲבָ֖ה אָֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of the phrases in this verse, since the second part gives the reason for the result that the first part describes. Alternate translation: “Because I am sick with love, sustain me with raisin cakes and refresh me with apples”
with raisin cakes
Quote: בָּֽאֲשִׁישׁ֔וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A raisin is a dried grape. Raisin cakes were cakes made of dried grapes pressed together. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of fruit, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “with cakes made of dried fruit”
with apples
Quote: בַּתַּפּוּחִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
An apple is a round pleasant tasting fruit that grows on a tree and is about the size of an adult human’s fist. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of fruit, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “fruit”
for sick with love {am} I
Quote: כִּי־חוֹלַ֥ת אַהֲבָ֖ה אָֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The woman speaks of feeling sick with love because her feelings of love are so strong for the man that they overwhelm her body as if they were a kind of sickness. She is exaggerating in order to emphasize the strength of her feelings for the man. Alternate translation: “for my love for you is so strong that I feel as if I were sick with love” or “because my love for you overwhelms me like a sickness”
love
Quote: אַהֲבָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form as modeled by the UST.
Song of Solomon 2:6
His left hand {is} under my head, and his right hand embraces me
Quote: שְׂמֹאלוֹ֙ תַּ֣חַת לְרֹאשִׁ֔י וִימִינ֖וֹ תְּחַבְּקֵֽנִי (1)This verse could be describing: (1) an action that the man was doing in which case it should be translated in a similar way to the way that the ULT translates it. (2) a request or wish that the woman has and not something that has already happened. Alternate translation: “ I hope he puts his left arm under my head and holds me close with his right arm” or ”I want him to put his left arm under my head and hold me close with his right arm”
Song of Solomon 2:7
I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem
Quote: הִשְׁבַּ֨עְתִּי אֶתְכֶ֜ם בְּנ֤וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Here the author portrays the woman as speaking to the daughters of Jerusalem as if they were present and could hear her but most likely they are not present but rather the author is depicting the woman as addressing the daughters of Jerusalem as a poetic way of giving voice to the woman’s feelings. Because the author does this intentionally for poetic effect it is suggested that you do the same. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate this in a footnote if you are using them.
I adjure you, … by the female gazelles or the does of the fields
Quote: הִשְׁבַּ֨עְתִּי אֶתְכֶ֜ם…בִּצְבָא֔וֹת א֖וֹ בְּאַיְל֣וֹת הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
I adjure you and the word by are both parts of Hebrew oath or promise formulas. You can use a natural way of making a promise in your culture that would be appropriate in this context. Alternate translation: “I urge you to promise me … with the female gazelles or the does of the field as our witnesses” or “Please, promise me … with the female gazelles or the does of the field as our witnesses” or “I want you to make an oath … with the female gazelles or the does of the field listening”
daughters of Jerusalem
Quote: בְּנ֤וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
See how you translated the phrase daughters of Jerusalem in 1:5.
by the female gazelles or the does of the fields
Quote: בִּצְבָא֔וֹת א֖וֹ בְּאַיְל֣וֹת הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, the woman is using the possessive form to describe that female gazelles and does live in fields and therefore are wild rather than domesticated animals. If your language would not use the possessive form for this, you could explain the meaning of the phrase of the field in your translation. Alternate translation: “by the wild female gazelles and does”
by the female gazelles or the does of
Quote: בִּצְבָא֔וֹת א֖וֹ בְּאַיְל֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A gazelle is an animal that is a small antelope and looks like a deer, moves quickly like a deer, and is very similar in size to a deer. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of animal, you could use the name of something similar in your area or if you do not have two deer-like animals in your area or if your language does not have two different words for deer-like animals you could combine the terms female gazelles and does into one term. Alternate translation: “by the female deer of” or “by the female gazelles of”
the does of
Quote: בְּאַיְל֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Does are female deer. If it would be helpful to your readers you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the female deer of”
do not awaken nor stir love until it desires
Quote: אִם־ תָּעִ֧ירוּ ׀ וְֽאִם־ תְּעֽוֹרְר֛וּ אֶת־ הָאַהֲבָ֖ה עַ֥ד שֶׁתֶּחְפָּֽץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here love is spoken of as if it were a person who could sleep and be awakened and as if it were a person who could have desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not encourage people to love romantically until the appropriate time” or “do not encourage people’s romantic feelings until the appropriate time”
do not awaken nor stir
Quote: אִם־תָּעִ֧ירוּ ׀ וְֽאִם־ תְּעֽוֹרְר֛וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
Here, the words awaken and stir mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used for emphasis. If your language does not use repetition to do this, you could use one phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “do not awaken”
love
Quote: הָאַהֲבָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form as modeled by the UST.
Song of Solomon 2:8
General Information:
The second part of the book begins here. It is not clear whether the woman is speaking to herself or to the daughters of Jerusalem.
The voice of my beloved
Quote: ק֣וֹל דּוֹדִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the original language word which the ULT translates as voice is being used to get the readers attention. If it would help your readers you can indicate that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “Listen, I hear my beloved speaking” or “Listen, I hear my beloved approaching”
Look
Quote: הִנֵּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamation
Behold is an exclamation word that is used to bring attention to something. Here it is used to bring attention to the man’s approach. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this. See how you translated “Behold” in 1:15. Alternate translation: “Look”
is coming
Quote: בָּ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
Your language may say “going” rather than coming in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “is going”
leaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills
Quote: מְדַלֵּג֙ עַל־ הֶ֣הָרִ֔ים מְקַפֵּ֖ץ עַל־ הַגְּבָעֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing. The woman says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to give emphasis to what she is saying. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing in your language, or if you do not have two words for steeply elevated inclines you could combine these two phrases and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “jumping over the mountains!” or “leaping over the hills!”
Song of Solomon 2:8-9
leaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills … My beloved is resembling a gazelle or a young
Quote: מְדַלֵּג֙ עַל־הֶ֣הָרִ֔ים מְקַפֵּ֖ץ עַל־הַגְּבָעֽוֹת & דּוֹמֶ֤ה דוֹדִי֙ לִצְבִ֔י א֖וֹ לְעֹ֣פֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The woman speaks of the man as if he were a gazelle or a young stag. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the basis of this comparison. Alternate translation: “leaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills. My beloved is agile and fast and he exudes freedom and strength like a gazelle or a young stag”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: מְדַלֵּג֙ עַל־הֶ֣הָרִ֔ים מְקַפֵּ֖ץ עַל־הַגְּבָעֽוֹת דּוֹמֶ֤ה דוֹדִי֙ לִצְבִ֔י א֖וֹ לְעֹ֣פֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “My beloved resembles a gazelle or a young stag, leaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills” or “My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag, leaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills”
Song of Solomon 2:9
a gazelle
Quote: לִצְבִ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
See how you translated the plural form “gazelles” in 2:7 and translate this word as the singular of “gazelles.”
stag
Quote: הָֽאַיָּלִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
A stag is a male deer. If it would help your readers you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “male deer”
Look, this one is standing
Quote: הִנֵּה־זֶ֤ה עוֹמֵד֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamation
Behold is an exclamation word that is used to bring attention to something. Here it is used to draw attention to the man’s arrival. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language in this context. Alternate translation: “Look! Here he is! Standing”
this one
Quote: זֶ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here, the phrase this one refers to the man who the woman calls My beloved in the first part of this verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “this man” or “my beloved”
behind our wall
Quote: אַחַ֣ר כָּתְלֵ֔נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here, the word our refers to the woman and her family and does not include the man, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Alternate translation: “behind the wall of my house” or “on the other side of the wall of my family’s house”
gazing through the windows, looking through the lattice
Quote: מַשְׁגִּ֨יחַ֙ מִן־הַֽחֲלֹּנ֔וֹת מֵצִ֖יץ מִן־הַֽחֲרַכִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “gazing through the windows, yes, looking through the lattice”
the windows, … the lattice
Quote: הַֽחֲלֹּנ֔וֹת…הַֽחֲרַכִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Here, the words windows and lattices are plural forms and could: (1) be used with singular meanings here. Because the author says that the man is standing instead of indicating that he is walking around the outside of the house, it is likely that these terms have singular meanings here. Alternate translation: “the window … the lattice” (2) have a plural meaning indicating that the man was walking around the house and looking into the house through different windows and lattices. If you decide that these two terms have a plural meaning here you can translate them in a similar way to the ULT.
the lattice
Quote: הַֽחֲרַכִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A “lattice” is a cover inside a window frame that is made by weaving strips of wood together. lattices have holes that people can look through. If your readers would not be familiar with lattices, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could describe lattices as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “the screen”
Song of Solomon 2:11
look, the winter
Quote: הִנֵּ֥ה הסתו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamation
The man is using the term Behold to focus attention on what he is about to say. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for communicating this. Alternate translation: “see that the winter”
for
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Here, the word for indicates that what follows is the motivation or reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”
the winter
Quote: הסתו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
In Israel winter is the time of year when it is cold and rains more heavily than during other seasons. If the seasons do not vary much in your location, you could explain this with a general expression such as “the cold season” as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “the cold rainy season” or “the cold wet season”
the winter has gone; the rain has passed
Quote: הסתו עָבָ֑ר הַגֶּ֕שֶׁם חָלַ֖ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “the winter has gone; yes, the rain has passed”
has gone
Quote: עָבָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
Your language may not say gone in contexts such as this. Alternate translation: “is finished” or “is over”
it went away
Quote: הָלַ֥ךְ לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
Your language may not say went in contexts such as this. Alternate translation: “it ended” or “it left”
has passed; it went away
Quote: חָלַ֖ף הָלַ֥ךְ לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms passed and went away mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “is over and gone” or “has gone away”
Song of Solomon 2:12
in the land
Quote: בָאָ֔רֶץ (1)Alternate translation: “throughout the land”
and the voice of the turtledove is heard
Quote: וְק֥וֹל הַתּ֖וֹר נִשְׁמַ֥ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The phrase the turtledove is heard can be translated in active form. If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it is people. Alternate translation: “and people hear the voice of the turtledove” or “and people hear the turtledove cooing”
Song of Solomon 2:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The fig tree ripens her green figs (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The tree is spoken of as if it were actively causing its fruit to ripen. This is a collective singular and can be translated as a plural. Alternate translation: “The figs on the trees are becoming ripe”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: vines are in blossom (0)Alternate translation: “vines are flowering” or “vines have flowers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they give off (0)The word “they” refers to the blossoms on the vines.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their fragrance (0)Alternate translation: “their sweet smell”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my love (0)“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:9
Song of Solomon 2:14
General Information:
The man is speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My dove (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Israelites considered doves beautiful birds with pleasant voices. The man thinks the woman’s face and voice are beautiful. If calling a woman a “dove” would be offensive, you could leave out the metaphor or use the name of a bird in your area that is considered pleasant. Alternate translation: “My beautiful woman”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the clefts (0)large cracks in the side of mountain rocks large enough for people to hide in
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mountain crags (0)Alternate translation: “the steep rocks on the sides of the mountains”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your face (0)Some versions translate this as “your appearance” or “your form” or “what you look like.”
Song of Solomon 2:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the foxes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These animals look like small dogs and were often used in love poetry to represent eager young men who would spoil a young woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for us … our vineyard (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The words us and our could possibly be: (1) exclusive, referring to the woman herself, as in Song of Songs 1:4, or (2) inclusive, referring to the woman and the man, or (3) exclusive, referring to the woman and the rest of her family.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: foxes (0)Another possible meaning is “jackals.” A jackal is a type of thin wild dog with long legs.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the little foxes that spoil (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Foxes spoil or destroy vineyards by digging holes and eating vines and grapes. This could be a metaphor for young men who spoil young women.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in blossom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This implies that the vineyard is healthy and the grapes have appeared, but they are not ready for harvest. This could be a metaphor for a young lady ready for marriage and bearing children. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:13.
Song of Solomon 2:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My beloved is mine (0)Alternate translation: “My beloved belongs to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am his (0)Alternate translation: “I belong to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he grazes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“feeds” or “eats grass.” The woman speaks of the man as if he were “a gazelle or a young stag” (verse 17) that eats plants among the lilies. Grazing is probably a metaphor for lovemaking (Song of Songs 2:1–2).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lilies (0)sweet-smelling flowers that grow in places where there is much water. Translate as the plural of “lily” in Song of Songs 2:1.
Song of Solomon 2:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “my dear one” or “my lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dawn (0)the part of the day when the sun is rising
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the shadows flee away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman describes the shadows as though they were running away from the light of the sun. Alternate translation: “the shadows disappear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a gazelle or a young stag (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gazelle (0)an animal that looks like a deer and moves quickly. Translate as the singular of “gazelles” as in Song of Songs 2:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stag (0)an adult male deer
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rugged mountains (0)Alternate translation: “rocky mountains” or “rough mountains”
Song of Solomon 3
Song of Songs 3 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Longing
This chapter describes a feeling of longing, or the waiting in anticipation of the one you love. (See: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Metaphors
In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: Метафора)
Song of Solomon 3:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was longing for him … could not find him (0)Alternate translation: “I had a strong desire to be with him … loves, but he was not there”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: him whom my soul loves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The soul is a metonym for the whole person. Here it makes a stronger statement of the woman’s love for the man than “my beloved” (Song of Songs 1:14).
Song of Solomon 3:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: go through the city (0)Alternate translation: “walk through the city”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: through the streets and squares (0)The word “squares” indicates the center area of a town where streets or roads come together. It is often an area where people sell items, a market, and a place where people come together to talk.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will search (0)Alternate translation: “will to look for”
Song of Solomon 3:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: watchmen (0)men who have the job of keeping guard of the town at night to keep the people safe
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as they were making their rounds in the city (0)Alternate translation: “who were walking around the city on the walls”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: him whom my soul loves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The soul is a metonym for the whole person. Here it makes a stronger statement of the woman’s love for the man than “my beloved” (Song of Songs 1:14). See how you translated this in Song of Songs 3:1.
Song of Solomon 3:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the bedroom (0)Alternate translation: “the room for sleeping”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the one who had conceived me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for her mother.
Song of Solomon 3:5
General Information:
Translate this verse as in Song of Songs 2:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: daughters of Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
“young women of Jerusalem.” These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by the gazelles and the does of the fields (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Although the daughters of Jerusalem are not there to hear her, the woman is calling speaking to them as if they were witnesses.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gazelles (0)animals that look like deer and move quickly.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: does (0)female deer
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of the fields (0)“that live in the countryside.” This refers to land that has not been farmed.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not awaken or arouse love until she pleases (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “love” is spoken of as if it were a person asleep that does not want to be awakened. This is a metaphor that represents the man and woman who do not want to be disturbed until they are finished making love. Alternate translation: “will not disturb us until we have finished making love” (See also: Метафора)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not awaken or arouse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
If your language has only one word for waking people out of sleep, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “will not awaken”
Song of Solomon 3:6
General Information:
The third part of the book begins here. It begins with a description of sixty men carrying Solomon’s bed up from the wilderness to Jerusalem.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is that coming up from the wilderness (0)The group of people is traveling from the wilderness to Jerusalem. They must go up in order to reach Jerusalem because the wilderness is low in the Jordan valley and Jerusalem is high in the mountains.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is that (0)Many versions translate this “Who is that.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a column of smoke (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The dust looked like smoke from far away because the people raised much dust in the air as they traveled.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: perfumed with myrrh and frankincense (0)Alternate translation: “with the sweet smell of myrrh and frankincense”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with all the powders sold by merchants (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “perfumed with” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “perfumed with all the powders sold by merchants” or “and with the sweet smell of all the powders that merchants sell”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: powders (0)a fine dust made by crushing something solid
Song of Solomon 3:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Look (0)“Listen carefully” or “What I am about to say is important.” You could use a word in your language that tells the hearer to listen carefully. The speaker now discovers the answer to the question in verse 6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is the bed (0)This refers to a bed with a cover that can be carried from one place to another.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sixty warriors surround it, sixty soldiers of Israel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases refer to the same sixty people. The second phrase clarifies that the “warriors” are “soldiers of Israel.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: warriors (0)men who fight
Song of Solomon 3:8
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundA description of the bed itself begins in verse 9. You could use words in your language that show that this is background information.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are experienced in warfare (0)Alternate translation: “can fight battles well”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: armed against (0)Alternate translation: “so that he can fight against”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: terrors of the night (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here, “terrors” is a metonym for evil people who frighten others by attacking them. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terrors, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “evil people who attack others at night” (See also: Метонимия)
Song of Solomon 3:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sedan chair (0)This is a chair or couch for important people to sit or lie on. It rests on long poles that people can use to carry it
Song of Solomon 3:10
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundThe description of the bed itself that began in Song of Songs 3:9 continues.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Its posts (0)The word “its” refers to King Solomon’s sedan chair.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: posts (0)The word “posts” here refers to pieces either made of silver or made of wood covered with silver that hold up the tent of cloth around his chair.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Its interior was (0)Alternate translation: “The inside of it was”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with love (0)This could mean: (1) “with love,” indicating that the women made the sedan beautiful in a special way to show their love for Solomon, or (2) “with leather.”
Song of Solomon 3:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: daughters of Zion (0)Alternate translation: “you young women who live in Zion”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gaze on King Solomon (0)“look at King Solomon.” The word “gaze” refers to look at someone or something for a long time, usually with strong emotional feeling.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bearing the crown (0)Alternate translation: “wearing the crown”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the day of the joy of his heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “heart” is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “the day on which he truly rejoiced” or “the happiest day of his life”
Song of Solomon 4
Song of Songs 4 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Beauty
The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same the same standards of beauty.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Metaphors
In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: Метафора)
“My sister, my bride”
The woman described is not the sister of her husband. They are not related. Instead, this is a reference to a woman who is a fellow Israelite.
Song of Solomon 4:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryGeneral Information:
(See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your eyes are doves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
One possibility is that the man is speaking of the woman’s white eyeballs or the shape of her eyes, the shape of a dove. Another possibility is that the Israelites considered doves to be gentle and soft birds, and the man considers the woman’s eyes beautiful because the way the woman looks at him makes him think she is gentle. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:15. Alternate translation: “You are very gentle”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my love (0)“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your hair is like a flock of goats going down from Mount Gilead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Goats in Israel were usually dark in color. The woman’s hair was probably dark. You may need to specify that the goats were dark or even use another simile that the reader will understand that refers to something dark and beautiful. People thought of Mount Gilead as beautiful and fertile. The speaker considered the woman beautiful and ready to become the mother of his children. If you remove the simile of the goats, you may have to remove the simile of the mountain as well. Alternate translation: “Your hair is as dark as storm clouds above a fertile land”
Song of Solomon 4:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn ewes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
After sheep have their wool cut off, they are washed and their skin looks very white. The woman’s teeth are white.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a flock of newly shorn ewes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a flock of ewes whose wool people have cut off”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: coming up from the washing place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The ewes are coming up out of the water. Alternate translation: “that are coming up out of the water after people have washed them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Each one has a twin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Sheep usually give birth to two lambs at one time. These twin lambs usually look like one another. Each of the woman’s teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: none among them is bereaved (0)Each of the woman’s teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. She has not lost any of her teeth.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bereaved (0)lost a loved one who has died
Song of Solomon 4:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are like a thread of scarlet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Scarlet is a beautiful red color, and scarlet thread was very expensive. The woman’s lips were red. Alternate translation: “are a deep red like scarlet thread” or “are red and very beautiful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scarlet (0)a dark red color that is very similar to the color of blood
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is lovely (0)Alternate translation: “is beautiful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are like pomegranate halves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Pomegranates are smooth, round, and rich red. The man thinks the woman’s cheeks are beautiful and show that she is healthy. Alternate translation: “are red and round like two halves of a pomegranate” or “are red and full and healthy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behind your veil (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:1.
Song of Solomon 4:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your neck is like the tower of David (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
No one knows if this was a real tower. A tower is a tall, slender building, and saying that David built it implies that it was beautiful. The man considered the woman’s neck long and slender and so beautiful. Alternate translation: “Your neck is long and beautiful like the tower of David”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of David (0)Alternate translation: “that David built”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: built in rows of stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Women had necklaces that covered their entire necks with rows of decorations. The man compares these rows of decorations with the rows of stone on the tower. Alternate translation: “that has many rows of stone” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with a thousand shields (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The man compares the decorations of the woman’s necklace with shields hanging on the tower. The necklace probably went around her neck many times.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a thousand shields (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“1,000 shields.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the shields of soldiers (0)Alternate translation: “all of the shields belong to mighty warriors”
Song of Solomon 4:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two breasts (0)If the word “two” seems unnecessary and so out of place, you could omit it.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like two fawns, twins of a gazelle (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The man implies that the woman’s breasts are matching, soft, and pleasant to look at.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twins (0)the babies of a mother who gave birth to two babies at one time
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gazelle (0)an animal that looks like a deer and moves quickly. Translate as the singular of “gazelles” as in Song of Songs 2:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grazing among the lilies (0)“eating plants among the lilies.” While it is clear that the man “grazing among the lilies” is a metaphor for making love (Song of Songs 2:16), it is not clear what these words refer to. It is best to translate them literally.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lilies (0)sweet-smelling flowers that grow in places where there is much water. Translate as the plural of “lily” in Song of Songs 2:1.
Song of Solomon 4:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee away (0)Translate similar wording in this line as you did the line in Song of Songs 2:17.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The “mountain of myrrh” and “hill of frankincense” are metaphors for the woman’s breasts (Song of Songs 1:13). Alternate translation: “I will lie close to your breasts, which are like mountains that smell like myrrh and frankincense” or “I will lie close to your breasts, which smell very sweet” or “I will go to the sweet-smelling mountains”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mountain of myrrh (0)Alternate translation: “the mountain made of myrrh” or “the mountain that has myrrh growing on it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hill of frankincense (0)Alternate translation: “the hill where there are clouds of smoke from burning frankincense in the air”
Song of Solomon 4:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are beautiful in every way (0)Alternate translation: “Every part of you is beautiful” or “All of you is beautiful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my love (0)“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no blemish in you (0)Alternate translation: “you have no blemish”
Song of Solomon 4:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from Lebanon (0)Alternate translation: “away from Lebanon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my bride (0)This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son’s wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Amana (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
the name of a mountain north of Israel
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Senir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
the name of a mountain near Amana and Hermon. Some people think that this refers to the same mountain as Hermon.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dens (0)places where lions and leopards live, like caves or holes in the ground
Song of Solomon 4:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have stolen my heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom could mean: (1) “My heart now belongs completely to you” or (2) “I strongly desire to make love to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. Alternate translation: “my dear” or “my darling”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my bride (0)This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son’s wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: heart, with just one look at me, with just one jewel (0)“heart. All you have to do is look at me once or show me just one jewel.” Both the woman’s eyes and her jewelry attract the man to her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: necklace (0)This necklace probably went around her neck many times (Song of Songs 4:4).
Song of Solomon 4:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How beautiful is your love (0)Alternate translation: “Your love is wonderful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:9. Alternate translation: “my dear” or “my darling”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my bride (0)This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son’s wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How much better is your love than wine (0)“Your love is much better than wine.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Song of Songs 1:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fragrance of your perfume than any spice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “how much better is the fragrance of your perfume than the fragrance of any spice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fragrance … perfume (0)See how you translated these words in Song of Songs 1:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spice (0)dried plants or seeds that have a good smell or taste
Song of Solomon 4:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your lips … drip honey (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Possible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for (1) the sweet taste of the woman’s kisses or (2) the woman’s words.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: honey and milk are under your tongue (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Because “milk and honey” is a common phrase in the Bible, you should translate literally. Possible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for: (1) the sweet taste of the woman’s kisses or (2) the woman’s words. Milk is a metaphor for luxury, owning many things that help people enjoy life. When the woman kisses the man, he enjoys life.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon (0)“the smell of your clothes is like the smell of Lebanon.” Many cedar trees grew in Lebanon. Cedar trees smell very good, so Lebanon would have smelled sweet and fresh.
Song of Solomon 4:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:9. Alternate translation: “My dear” or “My darling”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my bride (0)This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son’s wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is a garden locked up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“is a garden that no one can enter.” The garden is a metaphor for the woman, and the lock is a metaphor for her still being a virgin.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spring that is sealed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“a spring with a cover on it.” The spring or well is a metaphor for the woman, and the cover is a metaphor for her being a virgin.
Song of Solomon 4:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your branches (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
branches or channels of rivers, a clear euphemism for the female body part. If any reference to this would be offensive, translate it as a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “You” (See also: Синекдоха)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a grove (0)a place where many trees grow together
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with choice fruits (0)Alternate translation: “with the best kinds of fruits”
nard
Quote: נְרָדִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
See how you translated the word nard in 1:12.
Song of Solomon 4:14
nard
Quote: נֵ֣רְדְּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
See how you translated the word nard in 1:12.
Song of Solomon 4:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: henna (0)small desert trees that people used as a perfume. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:14.
Song of Solomon 4:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: saffron (0)a spice that comes from the dried parts from the yellow thread in the center of a certain flower
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: calamus (0)a reed with a pleasant smell that people used to make anointing oil.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cinnamon (0)a spice made from the bark of a tree that people used for cooking
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: myrrh (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: aloes (0)a type of large plant that had a very sweet smell
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the finest spices (0)Alternate translation: “all the best spices”
Song of Solomon 4:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are a garden spring (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“You are a spring in a garden.” A garden spring gives sweet, clean water that people enjoy drinking. The man enjoys being close to the woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fresh water (0)water that is good to drink
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: streams flowing down from Lebanon (0)Because Lebanon had mountains covered with trees, the streams from Lebanon were clean and cool.
Song of Solomon 4:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Awake, north wind; come, south wind; blow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The woman speaks to the north wind and the south wind as though they were people. Alternate translation: “I wish the north wind and south wind would come and blow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Awake, north wind (0)Alternate translation: “North wind, start blowing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blow on my garden (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The garden is a metaphor for her body, which she has covered with sweet-smelling oils (Song of Songs 4:14).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may give off their fragrance (0)Alternate translation: “may send out their good smells”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May my beloved … choice fruit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman is inviting the man to make love to her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “my dear one” or “my lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: choice fruit (0)Alternate translation: “wonderful fruit”
Song of Solomon 5
Song of Songs 5 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Verses 2–7 describe a dream the woman had.
Special concepts in this chapter
Beauty
The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same standards of beauty.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphors
In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: Метафора)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
“My sister, my bride”
The woman described is not the sister of her husband. They are not related. Instead, this is a reference to a woman who is a fellow Israelite.
Song of Solomon 5:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryGeneral Information:
(See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have come (0)It is clearly the woman’s lover who is speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have come into my garden (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “garden” is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love. (See also: Эвфемизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:9. Alternate translation: “my dear” or “my darling”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my bride (0)This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son’s wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: myrrh … spice … honeycomb … honey … wine … milk (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These are all metaphors for the man enjoying the woman’s body (Song of Songs 1:13, Song of Songs 2:4, Song of Songs 4:11, and Song of Songs 4:14).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spice (0)plants that have a strong smell or taste
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Eat … drink … be drunk with love (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eating and drinking are metaphors for making love. Alternate translation: “Make love … make love … make love until you are fully satisfied”
Song of Solomon 5:2
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismGeneral Information:
The fourth part of the book begins here. The young woman uses euphemisms to describe her dream so that it can be interpreted in two different ways: (1) the woman describes a dream about a night when the man came to visit her at her house; and (2) the woman describes a dream about starting to sleep with the man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but my heart was awake (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The heart is the center of thought and feeling. Alternate translation: “but I could think clearly” or “but I knew what I was feeling”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “my dear one” or “my lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Open to me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) literal, “Open the door for me,” or (2) metaphorical, “Let me make love to you.” (See also: Метафора)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:9. Alternate translation: “my dear” or “my darling”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my love (0)“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my dove (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:14.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: undefiled one (0)Alternate translation: “my perfect one” or “my faithful one” or “my innocent one”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dew (0)drops of water or mist that form as the night becomes cool
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hair with the night’s dampness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “is wet” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “my hair is wet with the night’s dampness”
Song of Solomon 5:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: “I have taken off my robe … dirty?” (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
This is what the woman thought to herself when she heard the man speak. (Song of Songs 5:2). This could be translated with the woman saying that this is what she was thinking, or the woman could just explain the situation and her thoughts as in the UST. Alternate translation: “I thought to myself, ‘I have taken off my robe … dirty?’” or “I had taken off my robe and I did not want to put it on again. I had washed my feet and I did not want to get them dirty.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: robe (0)thin linen clothing that people wore on their skin
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: must I put it on again? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to put it on again.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have washed my feet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
While the word “feet” can be a euphemism for private parts, this probably refers to literal feet. The woman seems more likely to want to make love than to want to refrain from lovemaking because she has just bathed.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: must I get them dirty? (0)If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to get them dirty.”
Song of Solomon 5:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My beloved put in his hand through the opening of the door latch (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Possible interpretations are: (1) literal, the lover reaches into the house through a hole in the door in order to open the door or (2) euphemisic, they have begun to make love.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “My dear one” or “My lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: door latch (0)Alternate translation: “door lock”
Song of Solomon 5:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I got up to open the door for my beloved (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) literal, the young woman got out of bed in order to let the man into the house, or (2) metaphorical. Alternate translation: “I prepared myself to make love with my beloved”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hands … my fingers … door handle (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
While these may be euphemisms for the woman’s and man’s bodies, it is best to translate literally.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with moist myrrh (0)Alternate translation: “with liquid myrrh”
Song of Solomon 5:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart sank (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The heart is a metaphor for the person, and sinking, going down, is a metaphor for becoming weak or sad. Alternate translation: “I was very sad”
Song of Solomon 5:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The watchmen (0)men who have the job of keeping guard of the town at night to keep the people safe. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 3:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as they were making their rounds in the city (0)“who were walking around the city on the walls.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 3:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: found me (0)found the woman
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: struck me (0)Alternate translation: “beat me” or “hit me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wounded me (0)Alternate translation: “injured me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the guards on the walls (0)Alternate translation: “the men who guard the walls”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cloak (0)a garment that people wore over the other clothing on their upper body when they went outdoors in public
Song of Solomon 5:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I want you to swear (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: daughters of Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
“young women of Jerusalem.” These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved—What will you make known to him?—that I am (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The woman uses a question to introduce what she wants the daughters of Jerusalem to tell her beloved. Alternate translation: “my beloved, this is what I want you to say to him: tell him that”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sick from love (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
She loves the man so strongly that she feels sick.
Song of Solomon 5:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for the other women to refer to him as “your lover.” See how you translated “my beloved” in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “your dear one” or “your lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: most beautiful among women (0)“you who are the most beautiful of all women.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why is your beloved better (0)Alternate translation: “What makes your beloved better”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that you ask us to take an oath like this (0)Alternate translation: “and causes you to have us take this oath”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an oath like this (0)the oath in Song of Songs 5:8
Song of Solomon 5:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “My dear one” or “My lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is radiant and ruddy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase refers to his complexion. Alternate translation: “has radiant and ruddy skin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: radiant (0)“is completely healthy” or “is pure.” The man has skin that does not have any problems.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ruddy (0)a healthy color of the skin that is brownish red
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: outstanding among ten thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“the best of 10,000.” Alternate translation: “better than anyone else” or “no one else is like him.” (See also: Числительные)
Song of Solomon 5:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His head is the purest gold (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The man’s head is as precious to the woman as the purest gold.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a raven (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
a bird with very black feathers
Song of Solomon 5:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His eyes are like doves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Translate “eyes are like doves” as in Song of Songs 1:15. This could mean: (1) the Israelites considered doves to be gentle and soft birds, and the woman considers the man’s eyes beautiful because the way the man looks at her makes her think he is gentle. Alternate translation: “His eyes are gentle like doves” or (2) the woman is speaking of the man’s white eyeballs or the shape of his eyes, the shape of a dove.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: doves beside streams of water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Birds that the Israelites considered gentle sitting beside a gently flowing stream are a metaphor for a gentle person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: streams of water (0)Alternate translation: “gently flowing water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bathed in milk (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Milk is a metaphor for the whiteness of the doves. Alternate translation: (1) “doves that are white like milk” or (2) milk is a metaphor for the white part of the man’s eyes. Alternate translation: “his pupils are like doves bathing in white milk”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mounted like jewels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
His eyes are beautiful. Jewels that a craftsman has carefully put in place are beautiful.
Song of Solomon 5:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His cheeks … aromatic scents (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This explains that his cheeks are like beds of spices because they both give off wonderful smells.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: beds of spices (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. Spices give people pleasure. The man’s body gives the woman pleasure.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: yielding aromatic scents (0)Alternate translation: “that give off wonderful smells.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His lips are lilies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman probably compares his lips with lilies because they are beautiful and smell wonderful.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lilies (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dripping liquid myrrh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“that drip with the best myrrh.” His lips are moist and have a wonderful smell like myrrh.
Song of Solomon 5:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His arms are rounded gold set with jewels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“His arms are cylinders of gold that have jewels all over them.” The woman uses this image to say that his arms are beautiful and precious. The first readers would have understood this as a metaphor for the male body part (Song of Songs 5:3), but this would be difficult to bring out in translation.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his abdomen is ivory covered with sapphires (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“his belly is smooth ivory that has sapphires all over it.” The woman uses this image to say that his belly is beautiful and precious.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ivory (0)the white tusk or tooth of an animal that is similar to bone. People use ivory to make smooth and shiny pieces of art.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sapphires (0)valuable stones that are either: (1) blue or (2) clear and either blue or golden
Song of Solomon 5:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His legs are pillars of marble, set on bases of pure gold (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Marble and gold are strong and beautiful.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: marble (0)a very strong stone that has many different colors and that people polish to make very smooth
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his appearance is like Lebanon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“he looks like Lebanon.” Lebanon was a very beautiful area with many mountains and cedar trees.
Song of Solomon 5:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His mouth is most sweet (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The mouth is a metonym for either: (1) the man’s sweet kisses or (2) the sweet words that he says.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is completely lovely (0)Alternate translation: “every part of him is lovely” or “all of him is lovely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is my beloved, and this is my friend (0)The word “This” refers to the man that the woman has just finished describing. Alternate translation: “That is what the one I love is like, and that is what my friend is like”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “my dear one” or “my lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: daughters of Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
“young women of Jerusalem.” These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:7.
Song of Solomon 6
Song of Songs 6 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Beauty
The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same standards of beauty.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Metaphors
In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: Метафора)
Song of Solomon 6:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryGeneral Information:
The fifth part of the book begins here. (See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In what direction has your beloved gone (0)Alternate translation: “Which way did your beloved go”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for the other women to refer to him as “your lover.” See how you translated “my beloved” in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “your dear one” or “your lover” or “the man you love”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: most beautiful among women (0)“you who are the most beautiful of all women.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gone, so that we may seek him with you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The words “tell us” are understood from the context. They can be stated clearly Alternate translation: “gone? Tell us, so that we can look for him with you.”
Song of Solomon 6:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My beloved has gone down to his garden (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “garden” is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love. See the explanation of this metaphor in Song of Songs 5:1. (See also: Эвфемизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: beds of spices (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 5:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to graze in the garden and to gather lilies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These words are metaphors for the man enjoying her body.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: graze (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“feeds” or “eats grass.” The woman speaks of the man as if he were “a gazelle or a young stag” (Song of Songs 2:17) that eats plants among the lilies. Grazing is probably a metaphor for lovemaking (Song of Songs 2:1–2). See how you translated “he grazes” in Song of Songs 2:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to gather lilies (0)Alternate translation: “to pick lilies”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lilies (0)sweet-smelling flowers that grow in places where there is much water. Translate as the plural of “lily” in Song of Songs 2:1.
Song of Solomon 6:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “my dear one” or “my lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine (0)See how you translated the similar phrase “My beloved is mine, and I am his” in Song of Songs 2:16.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he grazes among the lilies with pleasure (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:16.
Song of Solomon 6:4
General Information:
Here begins Part Five of the book
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as beautiful as Tirzah, my love, as lovely as Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These cities were famous for being beautiful and pleasant to be in. The man thinks the woman is beautiful, and he takes pleasure in being with her.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my love (0)“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lovely (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:5.
Song of Solomon 6:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your hair … from the slopes of Gilead (0)Translate “Your hair … from Mount Gilead” as in Song of Songs 4:1.
Song of Solomon 6:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your teeth are like a flock of ewes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
After sheep have their wool cut off, they are washed and their skin looks very white. The woman’s teeth are white. See how “Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn ewes” is translated in Song of Songs 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: coming up from the washing place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The ewes are coming up out of the water. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:2. Alternate translation: “that are coming up out of the water after people have washed them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Each one has a twin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Sheep usually give birth to two lambs at one time. These twin lamb usually look like one another. Each of the woman’s teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: none among them is bereaved (0)Each of the woman’s teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. She has not lost any of her teeth. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bereaved (0)lost a loved one who has died. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:2.
Song of Solomon 6:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are like pomegranate halves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Pomegranates are smooth, round, and rich red. The man thinks the woman’s cheeks are beautiful and show that she is healthy. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:3. Alternate translation: “are red and round like two halves of a pomegranate” or “are red and full and healthy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behind your veil (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:1.
Song of Solomon 6:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My dove (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Israelites considered doves beautiful birds with pleasant voices. The man thinks the woman’s face and voice are beautiful. If calling a woman a “dove” would be offensive, you could leave out the metaphor. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:14. Alternate translation: “You beautiful woman”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my undefiled (0)“my perfect one” or “my faithful one” or “my innocent one.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 5:2.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the woman who bore her (0)“the woman who gave birth to her.” This phrase refers to her mother.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: young women … queens … concubines (0)the women spoken of in Song of Songs 6:8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called her blessed (0)Alternate translation: “said that things had gone especially well for her”
Song of Solomon 6:10
General Information:
The ULT understands this to be what the queens and the concubines said about the woman. However, some versions understand these to be the words of the man.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is this who appears like the dawn … banners? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
They are using this question to say that they think the young woman is amazing. Alternate translation: “This is an amazing woman! She comes into view like the dawn … banners!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who appears like the dawn (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The dawn is beautiful. The woman is beautiful. Alternate translation: “who comes into view like the dawn”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as awe-inspiring as an army with its banners (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
See how you translated the similar phrase “terrifying like bannered armies” in 6:4.
Song of Solomon 6:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grove (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:13.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: young growth (0)Alternate translation: “young plants” or “new shoots”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: had budded (0)“had grown their buds.” Buds are the small round parts of plants which open up into flowers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: were in bloom (0)Alternate translation: “were opening their flowers”
Song of Solomon 6:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was so happy that I felt I was riding in the chariot of a prince (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The man uses this image to express how happy he is.
Song of Solomon 6:13
General Information:
This is 7:1, the first verse of chapter seven, in some versions. The ULT understands this to be the friends and the woman talking to each other. Some versions understand this to be the man speaking to the woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn back … gaze on you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Possible meanings here are: (1) the friends are speaking to the woman or (2) the man is referring to himself in plural.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Turn back, turn back (0)“Come back, come back.” This is repeated for emphasis.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we may gaze (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Some versions understand the plural to refer to the man speaking of himself. Alternate translation: “I may gaze”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gaze (0)look intently for a long time
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you gaze on the perfect woman … armies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Possible meanings here are: (1) the woman refers to herself as another person and is speaking to the friends or (2) the woman is speaking to the man as if he were many men.
Song of Solomon 7
Song of Songs 7 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Beauty
The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same the same standards of beauty.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Similes
There are many similes in this chapter. Their purpose is to describe the beauty of the woman. (See: Сравнение)
Song of Solomon 7:1
General Information:
This is 7:2, the second verse of chapter seven, in some versions.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: prince’s daughter (0)Another possible interpretation is “you who have a noble character.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The curves of your thighs are like jewels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The shape of the woman’s thighs remind the speaker of a beautiful precious stone that a skilled workman has carved. Alternate translation: “The curves of your thighs are beautiful like the beautiful curves of jewel that a skilled craftsman has made”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the work of the hands of a master craftsman (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The hands are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “the work of a master craftsman” or “something that a master craftsman has made”
Song of Solomon 7:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your navel is like a round bowl (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A bowl is round. The woman’s navel is round.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: navel (0)the spot on the stomach left from the cord that attaches a baby to its mother
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may it never lack mixed wine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People used large bowls to mix wine with water or spices at feasts. Drinking wine is a metaphor for enjoying beauty. The litotes can be translated as a positive. Alternate translation: “may it always contain mixed wine” or “may I always enjoy its beauty” (See also: Идиоматическое отрицание)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your belly is like a mound of wheat encircled with lilies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The Israelites thought mounds of wheat and lilies were pleasant to look at. Much wheat was a sign that there would be much food to eat. They threshed wheat in high, dry places, and lilies grow in low, wet places, so this simile combines beautiful sights that people would not usually see at the same time.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your belly is like a mound of wheat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
People thought that the color of wheat was the most beautiful color of skin and that round piles of wheat were beautiful. Alternate translation: “Your belly has a beautiful color and is round like a pile of wheat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a mound of wheat (0)This is a pile of the grains of wheat after people remove the parts of it that they do not use.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: encircled with lilies (0)Alternate translation: “with lilies all around it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lilies (0)sweet-smelling flowers that grow in places where there is much water. Translate as the plural of “lily” in Song of Songs 2:1.
Song of Solomon 7:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: two breasts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
See how you translated this in 4:5.
Song of Solomon 7:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your neck is like a tower of ivory (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A tower is long and straight. Ivory is white. The woman’s neck is long and straight, and her skin is light in color.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a tower of ivory (0)Alternate translation: “a tower that people have decorated with ivory”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ivory (0)the white tusk or tooth of an animal that is similar to bone. People use ivory to make art and to make things look beautiful.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your eyes are the pools in Heshbon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman’s eyes are spoken of as if they are clear pools of water. Pools of water are clear and sparkle in the sunlight and so are pleasant to look at. The woman’s eyes are clear and sparkle and so are pleasant to look at. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: “your eyes are as clear as the pools in Heshbon” (See also: Сравнение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Heshbon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city east of the Jordan River
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bath Rabbim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a city.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nose is like the tower in Lebanon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A tower is tall and straight, and her nose is tall and straight.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that looks toward Damascus (0)Alternate translation: “facing toward Damascus”
Song of Solomon 7:5
Your head on you {is} like Carmel, and the loose hair of your head {is} like purple
Quote: רֹאשֵׁ֤ךְ עָלַ֨יִךְ֙ כַּכַּרְמֶ֔ל וְדַלַּ֥ת רֹאשֵׁ֖ךְ כָּאַרְגָּמָ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dark purple (0)Other possible translations are: (1) “dark black” or (2) “dark red.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The king is held captive by its tresses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Your hair that hangs down is so beautiful that the king is not able to stop admiring it” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tresses (0)the clusters of hair that hang down from a woman’s head
Song of Solomon 7:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my love, with delights (0)Alternate translation: “my love. You delight me”
Song of Solomon 7:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Your height is like that of a date palm tree (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“You stand up like a date palm tree.” Date palm trees are tall and straight, and their branches are only at the top, with the fruit under the branches.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: date palm tree (0)a tall, straight tree that produces a sweet, brown, and sticky fruit that grows in groups
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your breasts like clusters of fruit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The dates on a palm tree grow soft and round in large bunches that hang from the tree just below the branches, which are all at the top. The woman’s breasts are soft and round and are just lower than her arms.
Song of Solomon 7:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I said (0)“I thought” or “I said to myself.” The man said this silently.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: may the fragrance of your nose be like apricots (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The word “nose” is a metonym for the breath coming out of the nose. Alternate translation: “may the breath coming from your nose smell sweet like apricots”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: apricots (0)sweet yellow fruit
Song of Solomon 7:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: May your palate be like the best wine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The palate is a metonym for the lips. Wine tastes good. The man wants to kiss the woman’s lips. (See also: Сравнение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: flowing smoothly for my beloved (0)“that flows smoothly for the one I love.” The man enjoys the smooth kisses of the woman.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gliding over the lips of those who sleep (0)Alternate translation: “that flows over our lips as we sleep”
Song of Solomon 7:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am my beloved’s (0)See how you translated a similar phrase in Song of Songs 6:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved’s (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “my dear one’s” or “my lover’s”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he desires me (0)Alternate translation: “he wants to make love to me” or “he wants me”
Song of Solomon 7:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: spend the night in the villages (0)Though the words here translated “spends the night” and “villages” appear together in Song of Songs 1:13–14 as “spends the night” and “henna flowers,” and the context both here and there is lovemaking, the ULT chooses this reading because the immediate metaphor is of the man and woman sleeping in the village, rising in the morning, and going out into the vineyards. The word for “henna plants” and the word for “villages” sound exactly the same.
Song of Solomon 7:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rise early (0)Alternate translation: “get up early” or “wake up early”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have budded (0)Alternate translation: “have begun to bloom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: blossoms (0)flowers when they are open
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are in flower (0)Alternate translation: “have flowers open on the plant”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will give you my love (0)Alternate translation: “I will make love with you”
Song of Solomon 7:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mandrakes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This is the name of plants that give off a strong but pleasant scent. The scent is slightly intoxicating and stimulating, which increases the desire to make love.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: give off their fragrance (0)Alternate translation: “produce their scent” or “smell very nice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the door (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The doors belong to their house. Alternate translation: “above the entrances of our house” or “by the doors of our house”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: are all sorts of choice fruits, new and old (0)Alternate translation: “is every kind of the best fruit, both old fruit and new fruit”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stored up for you (0)Alternate translation: “saved so I can give to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “my dear one” or “my lover”
Song of Solomon 8
Song of Songs 8 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Kisses
The kisses in this chapter are a type of kiss that was only done between a husband a wife. It is an intimate kiss. (See: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Passion
Chapter 8 describes the passion that can exist between a husband a wife. The feeling of strong desire for one another.
Song of Solomon 8:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryGeneral Information:
(See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you were like my brother (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A woman could show affection for her brother in public. This woman wanted to be able to show affection for the man in public.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you outside (0)Alternate translation: “you in public”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I could kiss you (0)A woman would probably kiss her brother on his cheek order to greet him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: would despise me (0)Alternate translation: “would think that I am a bad person”
Song of Solomon 8:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would give you spiced wine to drink and some of the juice of my pomegranates (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman uses these images to say that she will give herself to the man and make love with him.
Song of Solomon 8:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His left hand … embraces me (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: left hand … right hand (0)Alternate translation: “left arm … right arm”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: embraces me (0)Alternate translation: “holds me”
Song of Solomon 8:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I want you to swear (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: daughters of Jerusalem (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
“young women of Jerusalem.” These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:7.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that you will … until it pleases (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:7.
Song of Solomon 8:5
General Information:
The fifth part of the book begins here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is this who is coming up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
They are using this question to say that they think the young woman is amazing. A similar phrase was translated in Song of Songs 6:10. Alternate translation: “Look at this amazing woman as she comes up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I awakened you (0)Alternate translation: “I woke you up” or “I aroused you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the apricot tree (0)a tree that produces a small yellow fruit that is very sweet. If your readers will not know what this is, you could use the word for another fruit tree or the general word “fruit tree.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:3.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there (0)under the apricot tree
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: she delivered you (0)Alternate translation: “she bore you”
Song of Solomon 8:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Set me as a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) because seals were very important, people always kept them around their neck or on their hand. The woman wants to be with the man constantly like a seal, or (2) a seal shows who owns the thing that has the seal on it, and the woman wants herself as the seal on the man’s heart and arm to show that all of his thoughts, emotions, and actions belong to her. (See also: Сравнение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for love is as strong as death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Death is very strong because it overcomes even the most powerful people of the world.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as unrelenting as Sheol (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“as tough as Sheol.” Sheol never allows people to come back to life after they have already died. Love is as persistent as Sheol because it never changes.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its flames burst out … any other fire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Love is very powerful like fire.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: burst out (0)Alternate translation: “burn suddenly”
Song of Solomon 8:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surging waters cannot quench love (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Love is so strong that it is like a fire that is so hot that it cannot be put out even with an ocean full of water.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surging waters (0)Alternate translation: “Oceans of water” or “Huge amounts of water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cannot quench (0)Alternate translation: “cannot extinguish” or “cannot put out”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nor can floods sweep it away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Love never changes and always stays the same so it is like something that not even a powerful flood can move.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: floods (0)In Israel, water from the rain flows into deep and narrow valleys. This creates a flood of water so powerful that it can move huge boulders and trees.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sweep it away (0)Alternate translation: “carry it away” or “wash it away”
If a man will give all {the} wealth of his house in exchange for love, they will utterly despise him
Quote: אִם־יִתֵּ֨ן אִ֜ישׁ אֶת־כָּל־ה֤וֹן בֵּיתוֹ֙ בָּאַהֲבָ֔ה בּ֖וֹז יָב֥וּזוּ לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical
The author is using a hypothetical situation to illustrate a truth. Alternate translation: “Even if a man will give all the wealth of his house in exchange for love, they will utterly despise him” or “Suppose a man will give all the wealth of his house in exchange for love, they will utterly despise him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave (0)offered to give
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the possessions in his house (0)Alternate translation: “everything he owns”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for love (0)Alternate translation: “in order to get love” or “in order to buy love”
Song of Solomon 8:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: little sister (0)Alternate translation: “young sister”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What can we do … in marriage? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The speaker uses this question to introduce what he wants to say. Alternate translation: “This is what we will do … in marriage.”
Song of Solomon 8:9
General Information:
The young woman’s brothers continue to speak among themselves.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If she is a wall … If she is a door (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The little sister (Song of Songs 8:8) has very small breasts that either have not grown or are very small.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we will build on her a tower of silver … we will adorn her with boards of cedar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The brothers decide to decorate the little sister with silver and cedar, symbols of riches, so that she will be more likely to attract a good husband.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will adorn her (0)Alternate translation: “will decorate her”
Song of Solomon 8:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was a wall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The phrase I was a wall is a metaphor.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my breasts are now like fortress towers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Fortress towers are tall.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am in his eyes as one (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here eyes are a metonym for judgment or value. Alternate translation: “I am in his judgment as one” or “he thinks of me as one”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brings peace (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
You may need to make explicit to whom the woman brings peace. Alternate translation: “brings him peace”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: peace (0)Alternate translation: “well-being”
Song of Solomon 8:11
General Information:
Possible interpretations: (1) The woman contrasts the way she wants to give herself to the man, who will give her his love, to the way Solomon leases out his vineyard to those who will give him money. (2) The man contrasts the woman, whom he will not give to another man, to Solomon’s vineyard, which he gave to other men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Baal Hamon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a town in the northern part of Israel.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gave the vineyard (0)leased, agreed to let other people pay him so they could grow grapes in the vineyard
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to those who would maintain it (0)Alternate translation: “to people who would take care of it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Each one was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
It may be helpful to state that this payment was for the fruit of the vineyard. Alternate translation: “Each man was supposed to give Solomon a thousand shekels as payment for the fruit of the vineyard”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to bring a thousand shekels of silver (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney
“to bring 1,000 shekels of silver.” (See also: Числительные)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shekels (0)Alternate translation: “coins”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Solomon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Some versions understand the woman to be speaking directly to Solomon. Others understand her to be speaking in an apostrophe to her friends, to the man, or to herself.
Song of Solomon 8:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My vineyard, my very own (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The woman refers to herself as a vineyard, as in Song of Songs 1:6. Here she emphasizes that she and no one else will decide what she does with the “vineyard.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is before me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom that means the a person has the right to do what they want with something. Alternate translation: “is at my disposal” or “is mine to do with as I desire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon (0)The woman knows that Solomon has leased out the vineyard so he can get money, but she does not want money.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the two hundred shekels (0)The speaker has not mentioned these before, but the hearer would understand that she is speaking of the money that those who worked the vineyard would have left for their own after they paid Solomon.
Song of Solomon 8:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You who live (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The man is speaking to the woman, so “you” and “live” are feminine singular.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: listening for your voice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The voice is a metonym for what the person says. If your language has a word for thinking only of what one is listening for, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “waiting to hear you start speaking” or “waiting to hear what you have to say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let me hear it (0)Alternate translation: “let me hear your voice.”
Song of Solomon 8:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my beloved (0)This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as “my lover.” See how you translated this in Song of Songs 1:13. Alternate translation: “my dear one” or “my lover”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a gazelle or a young stag (0)See how you translated this in Song of Songs 2:9.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gazelle (0)a type of slender deer-like animal with long curved horns
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stag (0)an adult male deer
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the mountains of spices (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“the mountains that have spices all over them.” The woman uses this metaphor to invite the man to make love to her. See how the man uses the metaphor of a mountain of myrrh and a hill of frankincense in Song of Songs 4:6.
Song of Solomon 7
Song of Solomon 7:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gazelle (0)Song of Solomon 2
Song of Solomon 2:6
Alternate translation: “holds me”
Song of Solomon 2:8
This could mean: (1) “Listen carefully to what I am about to say.” You could use a word in your language that tells the hearer to listen carefully, or (2) “Listen so you can hear him coming.”