King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 6:9 Mean?

Song of Solomon 6:9 in the King James Version says “My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The dau...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.”

Song of Solomon 6:9 · KJV

Context

7

As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.

8

There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

9

My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

10

Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?

11

I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded.

Read Song of Solomon 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My dove, my undefiled is but one (אַחַת הִיא יוֹנָתִי תַמָּתִי)—following the enumeration of many potential lovers, the bridegroom declares his bride is unique. Yonati (יוֹנָתִי, my dove) emphasizes purity, faithfulness, and singular devotion. Tammati (תַמָּתִי, my perfect/undefiled one) means complete, whole, without blemish—morally and relationally pure. The word achat (אַחַת, one) stresses both her uniqueness and his exclusive commitment.

She is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her—the bride is her mother's unique treasure, the chosen and favored one. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her—even potential rivals recognize her excellence and bless her. Church tradition saw Christ declaring His Church 'one'—united in Him despite many members (John 17:21-23; Ephesians 4:4-6). Believers are undefiled not inherently but through Christ's cleansing (Ephesians 5:26-27).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The term 'dove' carried rich symbolism in Israel—purity, innocence, faithfulness, and the Holy Spirit. Being called 'the only one of her mother' emphasizes both the uniqueness of the bride and her mother's particular love for her—echoing how God calls Israel 'my son, even my firstborn' (Exodus 4:22). The fact that even queens and concubines (the multitude just mentioned) praise the bride demonstrates her undeniable excellence. Early church fathers saw the 'one dove' as the catholic (universal) Church—many congregations but one body in Christ. Augustine emphasized that the Church is 'undefiled' because Christ presents her without spot or wrinkle, cleansed by His sacrifice. The Reformation highlighted believers' positional righteousness in Christ—declared 'undefiled' through justification while being progressively sanctified.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does being called Christ's 'one dove, undefiled' transform your identity, especially when you feel unworthy or flawed?
  2. What does it mean practically to live as the 'choice one'—chosen and treasured by God Himself?
  3. How should the Church's unity ('my undefiled is but one') shape your relationships with other believers, even across denominational lines?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אַחַ֥ת1 of 16

“is but one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הִיא֙2 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יוֹנָתִ֣י3 of 16

“My dove”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

תַמָּתִ֔י4 of 16

“my undefiled”

H8535

complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear

אַחַ֥ת5 of 16

“is but one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הִיא֙6 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְאִמָּ֔הּ7 of 16

“of her mother”

H517

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

בָּרָ֥ה8 of 16

“she is the choice”

H1249

beloved; also pure, empty

הִ֖יא9 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְיֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑הּ10 of 16

“one of her that bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

רָא֤וּהָ11 of 16

“saw”

H7200

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

בָנוֹת֙12 of 16

“her The daughters”

H1323

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

וַֽיְאַשְּׁר֔וּהָ13 of 16

“her and blessed”

H833

to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper

מְלָכ֥וֹת14 of 16

“her yea the queens”

H4436

a queen

וּפִֽילַגְשִׁ֖ים15 of 16

“and the concubines”

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

וַֽיְהַלְלֽוּהָ׃16 of 16

“and they praised”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 2:14Genesis 30:13Psalms 45:9Song of Solomon 5:2Revelation 21:9-10Proverbs 31:28-29

Test Your Knowledge

Song of Solomon 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterSong of Solomon Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Song of Solomon 6 with CommentaryAll Song of Solomon ChaptersComplete Song of Solomon QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes