King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 5:9 Mean?

Song of Solomon 5:9 in the King James Version says “What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?”

Song of Solomon 5:9 · King James Version

Context

7

The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.

8

I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love. that ye: Heb. what, etc

9

What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?

10

My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. the chiefest: Heb. a standard bearer

11

His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. bushy: or, curled

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? (mah dodekh midod hayaphah banashim, מַה־דּוֹדֵךְ מִדּוֹד הַיָּפָה בַּנָּשִׁים)—the daughters of Jerusalem challenge the bride to explain what makes her beloved so special. The repeated question (asked twice in this verse) presses for compelling answer. Why this overwhelming devotion? What distinguishes this beloved from all others?

What is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? The question isn't hostile but genuinely curious: what makes him worth such desperate seeking? This moment creates apologetic opportunity—the bride must articulate what makes her beloved supremely valuable. This represents the world asking believers: What makes Jesus different from other religious leaders? Why such exclusive devotion? The question invites testimony—explaining Christ's unique worth, compelling beauty, and incomparable love.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The daughters' question reflects genuine curiosity—the bride's passionate seeking has attracted attention. Her lovesickness, public searching, and solemn charge demand explanation. In polytheistic ancient Near East, exclusive devotion to one deity seemed odd—why not hedge bets with multiple gods? The daughters' question parallels the world's question to Christians: why exclusive faith in Christ alone? Early church apologists (Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Augustine) defended Christianity's exclusive claims against pagan pluralism. The Reformers emphasized solus Christus (Christ alone)—salvation through no other name (Acts 4:12). The Puritans taught that believers must be able to articulate why Christ is precious—not just inherited faith but personal, experiential knowledge. Modern readers face renewed religious pluralism—cultural pressure to accept all religious claims as equally valid. The daughters' question invites Christians to give "a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

Reflection Questions

  1. If someone asked you "What is your beloved more than another beloved?"—what makes Jesus uniquely valuable—could you give compelling answer?
  2. How does your life demonstrate that Christ is supremely valuable—worth desperate seeking, exclusive devotion, and public testimony?
  3. What experiential knowledge of Christ's character, works, and love enables you to explain His incomparable worth to skeptical questioners?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
מַה1 of 10
H4100

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

מִדּ֔וֹד2 of 10

“What is thy beloved”

H1730

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

מִדּ֔וֹד3 of 10

“What is thy beloved”

H1730

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

הַיָּפָ֖ה4 of 10

“O thou fairest”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

בַּנָּשִׁ֑ים5 of 10

“among women”

H802

a woman

מַה6 of 10
H4100

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

מִדּ֔וֹד7 of 10

“What is thy beloved”

H1730

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

מִדּ֔וֹד8 of 10

“What is thy beloved”

H1730

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

שֶׁכָּ֖כָה9 of 10

“that thou”

H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

הִשְׁבַּעְתָּֽנוּ׃10 of 10

“dost so charge”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 6:1Song of Solomon 1:8Song of Solomon 6:9-10Isaiah 53:2Psalms 45:13Matthew 16:13-17

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