King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 5:16 Mean?

Song of Solomon 5:16 in the King James Version says “His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusal...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. mouth: Heb. palate”

Song of Solomon 5:16 · KJV

Context

14

His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.

15

His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

16

His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. mouth: Heb. palate

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride concludes her description of her beloved: 'His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.' The phrase 'his mouth is most sweet' (Hebrew 'chikko mamtaqim,' חִכּוֹ מַמְתַקִּים) suggests both his speech (words are sweet, gracious, true) and his kisses (physical intimacy is delightful). The climactic declaration 'he is altogether lovely' (Hebrew 'khullo machamadim,' כֻּלּוֹ מַחֲמַדִּים) literally means 'all of him is desirable/precious'—from the Hebrew root chamad (חָמַד), meaning to desire, delight in, or treasure. Every aspect of the beloved is precious and desirable; there is nothing unlovely about him. The bride then identifies him with two terms: 'my beloved' (dodi, דּוֹדִי) emphasizes romantic love and passion, while 'my friend' (re'i, רֵעִי) highlights companionship, trust, and partnership. This combination presents complete covenant relationship—both passionate love and intimate friendship. The verse teaches that ideal covenant love encompasses total admiration ('altogether lovely'), passionate romance ('beloved'), and deep friendship ('friend').

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Historical & Cultural Context

The wasf (detailed description) in 5:10-16 follows ancient Near Eastern literary conventions but reaches a climax here with comprehensive affirmation: 'altogether lovely.' Every part of the beloved, from head (verse 11) to legs (verse 15), merits praise. The phrase 'altogether lovely' (khullo machamadim) is particularly striking because 'machamad' (desirable thing) appears elsewhere for treasures and precious possessions (2 Chronicles 36:19; Daniel 11:37-38). The beloved is supremely treasured. Combining 'beloved' and 'friend' in marriage echoes Proverbs' wisdom: 'rejoice with the wife of thy youth... let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love' (Proverbs 5:18-19). Early church tradition immediately applied 'altogether lovely' to Christ—the incomparably beautiful Savior who possesses every excellence. Charles Spurgeon preached, 'If all the virtues of the most excellent were bound in one bundle, they would not equal Christ.' The Puritans meditated on Christ as the supreme Friend (John 15:15) and Beloved. Modern readers affirm both marital love's ideal (passion plus friendship) and Christ's supreme loveliness.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways is Jesus 'altogether lovely' to you—is there any aspect of His character, work, or person that you find difficult to treasure and delight in?
  2. How does the combination of 'beloved' and 'friend' inform your understanding of complete relationship with both your spouse and with Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
חִכּוֹ֙1 of 10

“His mouth”

H2441

properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)

מַֽמְתַקִּ֔ים2 of 10

“is most sweet”

H4477

something sweet (literally or figuratively)

וְכֻלּ֖וֹ3 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַחֲּמַדִּ֑ים4 of 10

“yea he is altogether lovely”

H4261

delightful; hence, a delight, i.e., object of affection or desire

זֶ֤ה5 of 10
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דוֹדִי֙6 of 10

“This is my beloved”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

וְזֶ֣ה7 of 10
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

רֵעִ֔י8 of 10

“and this is my friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

בְּנ֖וֹת9 of 10

“O daughters”

H1323

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

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃10 of 10

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 45:2Song of Solomon 7:9Song of Solomon 2:161 Peter 2:6-7Isaiah 9:6-7Jeremiah 15:16

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
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