King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 1:3 Mean?
“Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.”
Context
1
The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
2
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. thy: Heb. thy loves
3
Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
4
Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. the upright: or, they love thee uprightly
5
I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **Because of the savour.**—The general sense of this verse is plain, though grammatical difficulties render the literal translation doubtful. It should be divided into three clauses, not into two only, as in the Authorised Version: “Because of their odour (or, with regard to their fragrance) thy ointments (are) sweet.” There is no authority for taking *riach = *sense of smell, or we should naturally translate “to the smell thy ointments are sweet.” The rendering of the next clause, “thy name is (like) oil poured forth,” is to be preferred, though it necessitates making either *shemen *= oil, or *shem = *name, feminine, for which there is no example, since the alternative, which takes *tûrak *= poured forth, second masculine instead of third feminine, is harsh: “Thou art poured forth like oil with regard to thy name.” The image is an obvious one (comp. Ecclesiastes 7:1). There is a play on words in *shemen *and *shemka.*
**Virgins**.—Heb., *alamôth*;* young girls. *(See Note, Song of Solomon 6:8.) Those who understand Solomon to be the object of the desire expressed in these verses understand by *alamôth *“the ladies of the harem.” In the original these three verses plainly form a stanza of five lines
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:3 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 1:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge