King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:3 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:3 in the King James Version says “Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.”

Song of Solomon 1:3 · King James Version

Love

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.

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The bride continues praising her beloved: 'Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.' The 'good ointments' (shemanim tovim, שְׁמָנִים טוֹבִים) refer to fragrant oils and perfumes highly valued in ancient Israel. Ointments represented luxury, celebration, and attractiveness. The beloved's 'name' (shem, שֵׁם) signifies his character, reputation, and essential identity. Saying his 'name is as ointment poured forth' (shemen turaq shemekha, שֶׁמֶן תּוּרַק שְׁמֶךָ) creates a wordplay: shemen (oil) sounds like shem (name). When ointment is poured out, its fragrance spreads widely—similarly, the beloved's reputation and character attract admiration. The result: 'the virgins love thee' (alamot ahevukha, עֲלָמוֹת אֲהֵבוּךָ)—young women universally admire him. This verse teaches that godly character creates attractive 'fragrance' drawing others. Christ's name is supremely fragrant (2 Corinthians 2:14-15), and believers are called to spread His aroma.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Perfumes and ointments were precious commodities in the ancient Near East—made from imported spices, they signified wealth and celebration. Anointing with oil marked special occasions: coronations (1 Samuel 16:13), festive meals (Psalm 23:5), and preparation for burial (Mark 14:3-9). The connection between fragrance and reputation resonates in Mary's anointing of Jesus: 'the house was filled with the odour of the ointment' (John 12:3)—her sacrificial love created fragrant memorial. Early church fathers saw Christ as the one whose 'name is as ointment poured forth'—His character and work attracting people from every nation. Paul wrote that believers are 'a sweet savour of Christ' (2 Corinthians 2:15), spreading His fragrance. The virgins loving the bridegroom prefigures the Church's collective love for Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fragrance' does your character and reputation spread—does it attract others to Christ or repel them?
  2. How is Christ's name like 'ointment poured forth' in your experience—spreading fragrance that draws you to love and follow Him?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
לְרֵ֙יחַ֙1 of 10

“Because of the savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

שֶׁ֖מֶן2 of 10

“is as ointment”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

טוֹבִ֔ים3 of 10

“of thy good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

שֶׁ֖מֶן4 of 10

“is as ointment”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

תּוּרַ֣ק5 of 10

“poured forth”

H7324

to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty

שְׁמֶ֑ךָ6 of 10

“thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עַל7 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֖ן8 of 10
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עֲלָמ֥וֹת9 of 10

“therefore do the virgins”

H5959

a lass (as veiled or private)

אֲהֵבֽוּךָ׃10 of 10

“love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

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 1:3 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 7:1Song of Solomon 4:10Exodus 30:23-28John 12:3Psalms 45:7-8Philippians 2:9-10

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