King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:15 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:15 in the King James Version says “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. my love: or, my companion” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. my love: or, my companion”

Song of Solomon 1:15 · KJV

Love

Context

13

A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

14

My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. camphire: or, cypress

15

Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. my love: or, my companion

16

Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.

17

The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir. rafters: or, galleries

Read Song of Solomon 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bridegroom speaks to the bride: 'Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.' The doubled declaration 'thou art fair... thou art fair' (Hebrew 'yaphah,' יָפָה) emphasizes emphatic affirmation and delight. The word 'behold' (hinnakh, הִנָּךְ) is an exclamation drawing attention to beauty that captures the speaker's complete focus. The comparison 'thou hast doves' eyes' employs the dove, symbol of purity, gentleness, and faithfulness in ancient Israel. Doves' eyes are soft, tender, and singularly focused—they don't dart around but gaze steadily. This suggests the bride's undivided attention and devoted focus on her beloved. The bridegroom delights not merely in physical beauty but in the bride's inner character—her purity, gentleness, and exclusive devotion. This verse demonstrates how covenant love includes aesthetic appreciation ('thou art fair') and character affirmation ('doves' eyes'). The church fathers saw Christ declaring His Church 'fair' despite her sinfulness, made beautiful through His cleansing (Ephesians 5:26-27). The dove eyes represent the Spirit's presence and the believer's single-minded devotion to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern love poetry frequently employed nature imagery—doves, gazelles, cedars, lilies—to celebrate beauty. However, Israel's poetry connected such imagery to covenant faithfulness, not merely physical attraction. Doves were used in temple sacrifice (Leviticus 1:14), associated with purity and dedication to God. The dove symbolized the Holy Spirit at Jesus's baptism (Matthew 3:16), reinforcing the typological reading of this verse as Christ delighting in His Spirit-filled Church. Early church fathers like Origen emphasized that believers become 'fair' through sanctification—not inherently beautiful but made so by Christ's transforming grace. The Puritans taught that spouses should actively cultivate verbal affirmation, taking seriously the biblical mandate to delight in and affirm one's beloved. Modern application includes both the literal practice of celebrating one's spouse's beauty and character, and the spiritual reality that Christ sees His redeemed people as beautiful, adorned with His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's declaration that His Church is 'fair' transform your understanding of your identity and worth in Him, despite your remaining imperfections?
  2. In what practical ways can you cultivate 'doves' eyes'—undivided, faithful focus on Christ—amid life's many distractions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הִנָּ֤ךְ1 of 7
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

יָפָ֖ה2 of 7

“Behold thou art fair”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

רַעְיָתִ֔י3 of 7

“my love”

H7474

a female associate

הִנָּ֥ךְ4 of 7
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

יָפָ֖ה5 of 7

“Behold thou art fair”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

עֵינַ֥יִךְ6 of 7

“eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יוֹנִֽים׃7 of 7

“thou hast doves”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Song of Solomon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Song of Solomon 1:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Song of Solomon 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 4:1Song of Solomon 5:12Song of Solomon 4:72 Corinthians 11:2-3Ephesians 1:17-18Malachi 2:14

Test Your Knowledge

Song of Solomon 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterSong of Solomon Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Song of Solomon 1 with CommentaryAll Song of Solomon ChaptersComplete Song of Solomon QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes