Song of Solomon Chapter 1 — The Beginning of Love's Song
Song of Solomon 1 introduces a series of poetic exchanges between two lovers who express their deep affection and mutual admiration.
1The Song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
2Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth;
3Your oils have a pleasing fragrance.
4Take me away with you.
5I am dark, but lovely,
6Don’t stare at me because I am dark,
7Tell me, you whom my soul loves,
8If you don’t know, most beautiful among women,
9I have compared you, my love,
10Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings,
11We will make you earrings of gold,
12While the king sat at his table,
13My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh,
14My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms
15Behold,*“Behold”, from “הִנֵּה”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. you are beautiful, my love.
16Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, yes, pleasant;
17The beams of our house are cedars.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Song of Solomon 1:5
“I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.”
This verse addresses the speaker's physical identity and her context among her peers.
Song of Solomon 1:15
“Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are like doves.”
This verse establishes the pattern of mutual affirmation and natural metaphor used throughout the book.
Chapter Summary
Song of Solomon Chapter 1 begins a collection of lyrical poems often attributed to Solomon. The chapter opens with the woman expressing her deep desire for her beloved, praising the fragrance of his oils and his pleasing presence. She describes herself as 'dark, but lovely,' explaining that her skin has been darkened by working in the vineyards. She seeks to find where her beloved pastures his flock to be with him. The man responds by calling her the 'most beautiful among women' and comparing her grace to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots. The dialogue continues with both characters exchanging compliments, using metaphors of nature—such as henna blossoms, myrrh, and cedar beams—to describe their mutual attraction and the pleasant environment they share. The chapter establishes the primary themes of the book, focusing on the high value of romantic love and the aesthetic appreciation of the beloved's appearance and character.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter primarily features a dialogue between a woman and her beloved man. A group referred to as the 'daughters of Jerusalem' also appears briefly, serving as a chorus that interacts with the main speakers.
She explains that her skin has been tanned by the sun because she was made to work in the vineyards by her brothers. Despite the physical toll of her labor, she asserts her beauty and worthiness of affection.
The man is compared to pleasing oils, a sachet of myrrh, and a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi. The woman is compared to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots and described as having eyes like doves.
Study Note
The title 'Song of songs' is a Hebrew superlative, signifying that this is the most excellent or greatest of all songs.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.