King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 6:1 Mean?

Song of Solomon 6:1 in the King James Version says “Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with ...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.”

Song of Solomon 6:1 · KJV

Context

1

Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.

2

My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

3

I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? The daughters of Jerusalem respond to the bride's passionate description (5:10-16) by asking where they can find such a remarkable beloved. The Hebrew anah halakh dodeikh (אָנָה הָלַךְ דּוֹדֵךְ, where has your beloved gone?) reveals genuine interest sparked by the bride's testimony. By calling her yaphah banashim (יָפָה בַּנָּשִׁים, fairest among women), they acknowledge that covenant love beautifies the lover.

Their offer—that we may seek him with thee—demonstrates how authentic witness to Christ draws others into seeking relationship with Him. The bride's eloquent praise created contagious desire. Church tradition saw this as the world asking believers, 'Where is this Christ you serve?' Effective evangelism flows from passionate personal love for Christ, not mere argumentation. When believers truly delight in Christ, others want to share that pursuit (John 1:45-46).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'daughters of Jerusalem' appear throughout the Song as a chorus representing the broader community observing the couple's relationship. In ancient Israelite culture, women often gathered together for social interaction, weddings, and communal activities. Their question reflects genuine curiosity—the bride's testimony has made them want to know this beloved themselves. Church fathers interpreted this as the Gentiles responding to Israel's witness, or as seekers drawn to Christ through believers' testimony. The pattern appears in John 4:39-42, where the Samaritan woman's testimony led her townspeople to seek Jesus. Bernard of Clairvaux emphasized that the soul inflamed with love for God becomes an evangelist simply by expressing that love authentically.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your passionate love for Christ create curiosity in others, making them want to seek Him?
  2. What can you learn from the bride's effective witness—describing Christ so compellingly that others want to find Him?
  3. When was the last time your testimony about Christ made someone say, 'I want to seek Him with you'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אָ֚נָה1 of 10
H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

הָלַ֣ךְ2 of 10

“gone”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דוֹדֵ֔ךְ3 of 10

“Whither 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

אָ֚נָה6 of 10
H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

פָּנָ֣ה7 of 10

“turned aside”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

דוֹדֵ֔ךְ8 of 10

“Whither is thy beloved”

H1730

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

וּנְבַקְשֶׁ֖נּוּ9 of 10

“that we may seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

עִמָּֽךְ׃10 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 6:1 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 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 1:8Song of Solomon 5:9Jeremiah 14:8Ruth 2:12Ruth 1:16-17Song of Solomon 6:4

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