Song of Solomon Chapter 6 — The Beauty of the Beloved
The beloved is sought and found in his garden, leading to a poetic celebration of the woman's unique beauty and their mutual commitment.
1Where has your beloved gone, you fairest among women?
2My beloved has gone down to his garden,
3I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.
4You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah,
5Turn away your eyes from me,
6Your teeth are like a flock of ewes,
7Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind your veil.
8There are sixty queens, eighty concubines,
9My dove, my perfect one, is unique.
10Who is she who looks out as the morning,
11I went down into the nut tree grove,
12Without realizing it,
13Return, return, Shulammite!
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Song of Solomon 6:3
“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”
This verse is a central expression of the exclusive and reciprocal commitment between the couple.
Song of Solomon 6:9
“My dove, my perfect one, is unique.”
It emphasizes the woman's peerless value to her beloved compared to all others.
Chapter Summary
Song of Solomon Chapter 6 begins with an inquiry about the beloved's location, followed by the revelation that he has gone to his garden to gather lilies. The text reaffirms the mutual possession between the two lovers, stating they belong to each other. The man then describes the woman’s beauty using vivid imagery, comparing her features to cities like Tirzah and Jerusalem and to natural elements. He distinguishes her from all other women, including queens and concubines, calling her his unique and perfect one. Others observe her radiance, comparing her to the morning, the moon, and the sun. The chapter concludes with a reflection on a visit to a nut tree grove and a passionate plea for the Shulammite woman to return so she may be gazed upon further.
Frequently Asked Questions
The text states that the beloved has gone down to his garden to browse and gather lilies. This setting serves as a recurring backdrop for the couple's interaction and reunion.
He uses geographical and natural metaphors, comparing her to the cities of Tirzah and Jerusalem. He also praises her features, such as her teeth and temples, using imagery of flocks and pomegranates.
The Shulammite is the title given to the woman who is the focus of the beloved's affection. The name likely refers to her place of origin or acts as a feminine counterpart to the name Solomon.
Study Note
The mention of Tirzah in verse 4 refers to a city noted for its beauty, which served as an early capital of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Related Chapters
Song of Solomon 2
Both chapters use garden and lily imagery to describe the setting of the relationship.
Song of Solomon 4
Chapter 4 contains similar detailed poetic descriptions of the woman's physical features.
Psalm 45
This Psalm is another biblical song celebrating a royal wedding and the beauty of a bride.
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