King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 3:11 Mean?

Song of Solomon 3:11 in the King James Version says “Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of ...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.”

Song of Solomon 3:11 · KJV

Context

9

King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. a chariot: or, a bed

10

He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.

11

Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

Read Song of Solomon 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The poet commands: 'Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.' This verse shifts to third-person observation of the bridegroom, identified as 'king Solomon.' The 'daughters of Zion' (Jerusalem's women) are summoned to witness the wedding celebration. The 'crown wherewith his mother crowned him' presents a tender image—not the royal diadem of political authority but a wedding crown placed by his mother, signifying maternal blessing and joy. The parallel phrases 'in the day of his espousals' (wedding day) and 'in the day of the gladness of his heart' emphasize the bridegroom's joy—this isn't political alliance or duty but heartfelt delight. The verse teaches that covenant love brings profound joy, warranting celebration and community witness. The bridegroom's gladness models that love is meant to be joyful, not burdensome. Theologically, this prefigures Christ the Bridegroom's joy over His Church (Isaiah 62:5; Zephaniah 3:17) and the eschatological marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israelite weddings were communal celebrations involving the broader community, not merely private ceremonies. Wedding processions, feasting, and public festivities marked these occasions (Matthew 25:1-13; John 2:1-11). The reference to Solomon's mother (Bathsheba) crowning him on his wedding day introduces poignant historical context: Bathsheba's relationship with David began in adultery and tragedy (2 Samuel 11), yet God's redemptive grace transformed that brokenness. Her crowning of Solomon at his wedding represents covenant blessing flowing from repentance and restoration. Wedding crowns were common in ancient Near Eastern marriage customs, symbolizing honor, joy, and the couple's royalty within their own household. Early church fathers saw this as prophetic: Christ crowned with thorns at His passion (John 19:2) is later crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9), ultimately receiving the Church as His bride. The Puritans emphasized that Christian marriage should be marked by joy, not merely duty—reflecting Christ's delight in His Church. Modern applications celebrate both literal wedding joy and the anticipation of Christ's return for His beloved Church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of the bridegroom's 'gladness of heart' on his wedding day inform our understanding of Christ's joy over His Church despite her imperfections?
  2. In what ways should Christian marriage and community celebrate covenant commitments with public witness and joyful festivity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
צְאֶ֧ינָה׀1 of 15

“Go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וּֽרְאֶ֛ינָה2 of 15

“and behold”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּנ֥וֹת3 of 15

“O ye daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֖וֹן4 of 15

“of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

בַּמֶּ֣לֶךְ5 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה6 of 15

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בָּעֲטָרָ֗ה7 of 15

“with the crown”

H5850

a crown

שֶׁעִטְּרָה8 of 15

“crowned”

H5849

to encircle (for attack or protection); especially to crown (literally or figuratively)

לּ֤וֹ9 of 15
H0
אִמּוֹ֙10 of 15

“wherewith his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וּבְי֖וֹם11 of 15

“and in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חֲתֻנָּת֔וֹ12 of 15

“of his espousals”

H2861

a wedding

וּבְי֖וֹם13 of 15

“and in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שִׂמְחַ֥ת14 of 15

“of the gladness”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

לִבּֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“of his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 62:5Hosea 2:19-20Jeremiah 2:2Psalms 9:14Hebrews 13:13Revelation 1:7

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Song of Solomon 3 →

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