King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:7 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:7 in the King James Version says “Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I b...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? as one: or, as one that is veiled”

Song of Solomon 1:7 · KJV

Context

5

I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

6

Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

7

Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? as one: or, as one that is veiled

8

If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

9

I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride asks, 'Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?' The phrase 'thou whom my soul loveth' (she'ahavah naphshi, שֶׁאָהֲבָה נַפְשִׁי) expresses deep soul-love. The bride seeks the shepherd-beloved's location—'where thou feedest' (eyphoh tir'eh, אֵיפֹה תִרְעֶה) and 'where thou makest thy flock to rest.' The question 'why should I be as one that turneth aside' (otyah, עֹטְיָה) may mean 'veil myself' or 'wander.' The bride wants direct access to her beloved, not to search among others' flocks. This verse celebrates the soul's desire for intimate knowledge of and access to the beloved. Spiritually, it represents the believer seeking Christ's presence directly—not content with second-hand religion but pursuing personal communion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Shepherds in ancient Palestine moved flocks to different pastures—morning, midday, evening. The noonday rest was crucial in hot climate. The bride's question reflects courtship customs: seeking the beloved's location for legitimate encounter. The phrase 'as one that turneth aside' might reference veiled women or wandering outsiders—the bride desires open, direct access, not furtive searching. Early church fathers saw this as the soul seeking Christ the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), asking, 'Where do you feed your flock?'—answered through Word, sacrament, and fellowship. Bernard of Clairvaux's sermons emphasized that the soul must seek Christ Himself, not merely doctrinal knowledge about Him. The Puritans distinguished between head knowledge and heart knowledge—theological information versus experiential communion with God. Modern readers recognize the difference between religious activity and personal relationship with Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you seeking Christ Himself or merely religious information about Him?
  2. Where do you find spiritual nourishment and rest—and are you pursuing direct communion with God or settling for second-hand religion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הַגִּ֣ידָה1 of 15

“Tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִּ֗י2 of 15
H0
שֶׁ֤אָהֲבָה֙3 of 15

“loveth”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

נַפְשִׁ֔י4 of 15

“me O thou whom my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֵיכָ֖ה5 of 15

“where”

H349

how? or how!; also where

תִרְעֶ֔ה6 of 15

“where thou feedest”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

אֵיכָ֖ה7 of 15

“where”

H349

how? or how!; also where

תַּרְבִּ֣יץ8 of 15

“thou makest thy flock to rest”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

בַּֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִם9 of 15

“at noon”

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

שַׁלָּמָ֤ה10 of 15

“for”

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אֶֽהְיֶה֙11 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּעֹ֣טְיָ֔ה12 of 15

“why should I be as one that turneth aside”

H5844

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

עַ֖ל13 of 15
H5921

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

עֶדְרֵ֥י14 of 15

“by the flocks”

H5739

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

חֲבֵרֶֽיךָ׃15 of 15

“of thy companions”

H2270

an associate

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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 3:1-4Isaiah 13:20Psalms 23:1-2Genesis 37:16Psalms 28:1Jeremiah 33:12

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