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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Song of Solomon 1:1 This is Solomon's Song of Songs.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/songs/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/22_Sng_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Song of Solomon 1:1 - The Bride Confesses Her Love" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is Solomon's Song of Songs." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/songs/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/songs/1-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/songs/">Songs</a> > <a href="/songs/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 12:14">◄</a> Song of Solomon 1:1 <a href="/songs/1-2.htm" title="Song of Solomon 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/songs/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/songs/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Solomon&#8217s Song of Songs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/songs/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This is Solomon’s song of songs, more wonderful than any other. Young Woman<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/songs/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/songs/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is Solomon’s Song of Songs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/songs/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The song of songs, which <i>is</i> Solomon's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/songs/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The song of songs, which <i>is</i> Solomon’s.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/songs/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/songs/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The Song of Songs, which is Solomon&#8217s.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/songs/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/songs/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/songs/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The Song of Songs [the best of songs], which is Solomon’s.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/songs/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s. Woman<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/songs/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br /> Solomon&#8217s Finest Song. W<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/songs/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The Song of songs, which is Solomon's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/songs/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />This is Solomon's most beautiful song. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/songs/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The Song of songs, which is Solomon's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/songs/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The most beautiful song of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/songs/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The most beautiful of songs, by Solomon. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/songs/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The Most Beautiful Song by Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/songs/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is Solomon?s Song of Songs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/songs/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Solomon's Most Excellent Love Song. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/songs/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The Song of songs, which is Solomon's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/songs/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The song of songs, which is Solomon's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/songs/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Song of songs, which is Solomon’s. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/songs/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The Song of Songs, that [is] of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/songs/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The Song of Songs, that is Solomon's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/songs/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The song of songs which is to Solomon.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/songs/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/songs/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />- - -<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/songs/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/songs/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/songs/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THE song of songs, which is Solomon's, the son of David king of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/songs/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The Song of Songs of Solomon, son of David, King of Israel, which is Song of Songs, and called in Hebrew, Song of Songs<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/songs/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />THE song of songs, which is Solomon's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/songs/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The Song of songs, which is Solomon's.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/songs/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9D_QEk8ZdxU?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/songs/1.htm">The Bride Confesses Her Love</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">This is</a> <a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: liš·lō·mōh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">Solomon’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: šîr (N-msc) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">Song</a> <a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: haš·šî·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">of Songs.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-32.htm">1 Kings 4:32</a></span><br />Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">Proverbs 1:1</a></span><br />These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:1</a></span><br />These are the words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-3.htm">1 Kings 11:3</a></span><br />He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1</a></span><br />Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-42.htm">Matthew 12:42</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-31.htm">Luke 11:31</a></span><br />The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-1.htm">2 Chronicles 9:1</a></span><br />Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">2 Samuel 23:1</a></span><br />These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a></span><br />behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-12.htm">1 Kings 5:12</a></span><br />And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-26.htm">1 Kings 9:26-28</a></span><br />King Solomon also assembled a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea. / And Hiram sent his servants, sailors who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. / They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents—and delivered it to Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23-24</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/1-12.htm">2 Chronicles 1:12</a></span><br />therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">2 Chronicles 9:22-23</a></span><br />So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The song of songs, which is Solomon's.</p><p class="hdg">solomon's</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-32.htm">1 Kings 4:32</a></b></br> And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/4-3.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-3.htm">Solomon's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Song</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Songs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/1-4.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/songs/1-5.htm">Solomon's</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-1.htm">Song</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-10.htm">Songs</a><div class="vheading2">Song of Solomon 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/1-1.htm">the church's love unto Christ</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/1-5.htm">She confesses her deformity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/1-7.htm">and prays to be directed, to his flock</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/1-8.htm">Christ directs her to the shepherd's tents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/1-9.htm">and showing his love to her</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/1-11.htm">gives her gracious promises</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/songs/1-12.htm">the church and Christ congratulate one another</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/songs/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/songs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/songs/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>This is</b><br>The phrase "This is" introduces the text as a distinct and significant work. It sets the stage for what follows, indicating that the content is of particular importance. In biblical literature, such introductions often serve to highlight the unique nature of the text, preparing the reader for a work that stands apart from others.<p><b>Solomon’s</b><br>Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is traditionally credited as the author of this book. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive writings, Solomon's reign is often seen as a golden age in Israel's history. His authorship suggests a time of peace and prosperity, allowing for the exploration of themes such as love and beauty. Solomon's connection to the temple and his role in building it also provide a backdrop of spiritual significance, as the temple is a type of Christ, symbolizing God's presence among His people.<p><b>Song of Songs</b><br>The phrase "Song of Songs" is a Hebrew idiom indicating the superlative, meaning this is the greatest of all songs. This title suggests that the content is of the highest quality and importance, much like "Holy of Holies" refers to the most sacred place. The book is a poetic exploration of love, often interpreted as an allegory of Christ's love for the Church. The use of song and poetry reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where oral tradition and lyrical expression were central to worship and storytelling. The Song of Songs is unique in its celebration of human love, yet it also points to the divine love between God and His people, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>The attributed author of the Song of Solomon, Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, Solomon is a central figure in the Old Testament. His reign is often seen as a time of peace and prosperity for Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/song_of_songs.htm">Song of Songs</a></b><br>This is a poetic book in the Old Testament, also known as the Song of Solomon or Canticles. It is a collection of lyrical poems that celebrate love, often interpreted as an allegory of God's love for His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which Solomon reigned as king. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time is essential for understanding the themes and imagery in the Song of Songs.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_biblical_poetry.htm">Understanding Biblical Poetry</a></b><br>The Song of Songs is a unique book of poetry in the Bible. It uses rich imagery and metaphor to convey deep truths about love and relationships. Recognizing the poetic nature helps us appreciate its beauty and depth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/allegory_of_divine_love.htm">Allegory of Divine Love</a></b><br>Traditionally, the Song of Songs has been interpreted as an allegory of God's love for His people. This perspective encourages believers to reflect on the depth and passion of God's love for us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/celebration_of_marital_love.htm">Celebration of Marital Love</a></b><br>On a literal level, the Song of Songs celebrates the beauty and sanctity of marital love. It serves as a reminder of the importance of love, commitment, and intimacy in marriage.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_relationships.htm">Wisdom in Relationships</a></b><br>As a work attributed to Solomon, known for his wisdom, the Song of Songs invites us to seek wisdom in our relationships, valuing love, respect, and mutual admiration.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_song_of_solomon_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_substantiate_solomon's_authorship.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 attributes the text to Solomon, yet there is limited archaeological evidence for his personal authorship or historical reign. How can this claim be substantiated? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_themes_are_in_song_of_solomon.htm">What themes are explored in the Song of Solomon?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_love_theme_in_song_of_solomon.htm">What is the theme of love in Song of Solomon?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_song_of_solomon.htm">Who is the author of Song of Solomon?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/songs/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><a href="/songs/1-1.htm" title="The song of songs, which is Solomon's.">Song of Solomon 1:1</a> contains the title of the book: literally, <span class= "ital">A song of the songs </span>(Heb., <span class= "ital">Shir hashirim</span>)<span class= "ital">, which to Solomon, i.e., of which Solomon is author. </span>This has been understood as meaning "one of Solomon's songs," with allusion to the 1,005 songs (<a href="/1_kings/4-32.htm" title="And he spoke three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.">1Kings 4:32</a>) which that monarch composed. But when in Hebrew a compound idea is to be expressed definitely, the article is prefixed to the word in the genitive. So here not merely <span class= "ital">"a </span>song of songs" (comp. holy of holies), <span class= "ital">i.e., "</span>a very excellent song," but "<span class= "ital">The </span>song of songs," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the most excellent or surpassing song. For the question of authorship and date of poem, see <span class= "ital">Excursus </span>I.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/songs/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The song of songs, which is Solomon's.</span> This is certainly the title of the book which follows, although in our present Hebrew Bible it is the first verse of the book preceded by the shorter form, 'The Song of Songs.' The Septuagint has simply the title <span class="greek">Ασμα</span>, So that our English title in the Authorized Version, 'The Song of Solomon,' has no ancient authority. It is well altered in the Revised Version to 'The Song of Songs.' The word "song" (<span class="hebrew">שִׁיר</span>) does not necessarily convey the meaning. composed to be sung to music. If the performance of the words were chiefly in view, the word would have been <span class="hebrew">מִוְמור</span>, <span class="accented">carmen</span>, "lyric poem," "hymn," or "ode." The Greek <span class="greek">Ασμα ἀσμάτων</span>, and the Latin of the Vulgate<span class="accented">, Canticum canticorum</span>, accord with the Hebrew in representing the work as taking a high place either in the esteem of the Church or, on account of the subject, in the esteem of the writer. Luther expresses the same idea in the title he attaches to it, 'Das Hohelied,' that is, the chief or finest of songs. The reference may be to the excellence of the literary form, but probably that which suggested the title was the supreme beauty of the love which prompted the songs. The title may be regarded as applied to the whole book, or to the first portion of it giving the name to the whole. If it be a collection of separate songs strung together, as some think) by mere resemblance in style and subject, then the words, "which is Solomon's" (<span class="hebrew">לְִשל מו אֲשֶׁר</span>) apply to the first song alone. But the unity which is clearly to be traced through the book to the end makes it probable that the title is meant to ascribe the work to the authorship of Solomon. This is the opinion of the majority of critics. It must have come either from the wise king himself, or from some one of his contemporaries or immediate successors. The preposition is the <span class="accented">lamedh auctoris.</span> If the meaning were "referring to," another preposition (<span class="hebrew">עַל</span>) would have been employed. It has been remarked by Delitzsch that the absence of any description of Solomon as "King of Israel" or "son of David," as in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, confirms the view that Solomon himself was the sole author. Some have argued against the authenticity of the title on the ground that the longer form of the relative, <span class="hebrew">אֲשֶׁר</span>, is used in it, whereas in the book itself the shorter form, <span class="hebrew">שְׁ</span>, is found, but no dependence, can be placed on that argument regarded by itself, for the same writer employs both forms, as <span class="accented">e.g.</span> Jeremiah, who uses the longer form in his prophecies and the shorter in Lamentations. The shorter form is, in fact, the elder, being Old Canaanitish or Phoenician, <span class="hebrew">אשׁ</span>, which is a lengthened form of <span class="hebrew">שׁ</span>, and afterwards became <span class="hebrew">אֲשֶׁר</span>. One writer, however Fleischer), holds that the relative pronoun as a substantive origin, and compares it with the Arabic <span class="accented">ithe</span> and the Assyrian <span class="accented">asar</span>, meaning "track" or "place," like the German <span class="accented">welcher</span>, which comes from <span class="accented">wo.</span> But whether this be so or not, it is certainly unsafe to date any book by the form found in it of the, relative pronoun. We know that in poetry the abbreviated form is common. It was probably a North Palestine provincialism, as we see in the Book of Kings. It became common in prose writings after the Captivity because of the degradation of Hebrew, but it was not unknown before that time either in prose or poetry. With regard to the exact description of the poetic form of the Song of Songs, the difference among critics is considerable, but the question is scarcely worth discussing. There undoubtedly is unity of conception in the songs which are brought together, but it cannot be of importance to prove that there is dramatic unity strictly speaking; there is no dramatic procedure, nor can we suppose that there is any ultimate aim at dramatic representation. But the Exposition which follows will suffice to show that there are facts of history in the background of the poem; if the suggestions of the language and scenery be followed, the facts are very beautiful and even romantic - the love of the great king for one of his own subjects, a lovely northern maiden, whose simplicity and purity of character are a great attraction and lend much force to the religious sentiment of the song. In <a href="/1_kings/5-12.htm">1 Kings 5:12</a> we read that "the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him." That divinely inspired wisdom enabled him, notwithstanding his own personal errors, to idealize and sanctify the lovely episode of his lifo which lies at the foundation of his poem. And the Church of God in every age has appreciated, more or less widely, the inspiration, both of matter and of form, which breathed in it. We are told that Solomon composed one thousand and five songs (<a href="/1_kings/4-32.htm">1 Kings 4:32</a>); whether this is a part of that collection or not we cannot certainly say, but that it is a mere <span class="accented">fasciculus</span>, or collection of separate songs, strung together by their general erotic character, is what we cannot believe. No doubt, as Dr. Mason Good has observed, the Arabian poets were accustomed to arrange their poems in what they compared to a string of pearls, but we can scarcely carry such a fact into the Bible, and deal with sacred books as mere literary remains. There must be a deep religious meaning in such language, and it is in accordance with Eastern usage that amatory songs should be so employed. What the meaning is we must persistently ask, and however much has been wrongly said in the past, while we believe in the Divine authority of the Old Testament we must not renounce the endeavour to find the Song of Songs worthy of its title and its place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/songs/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Solomon’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Song</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֥יר</span> <span class="translit">(šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Songs.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשִּׁירִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šî·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/songs/1-1.htm">OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 1:1 The Songofsolomon which is Solomon's (Song Songs SS So Can)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 12:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 12:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/songs/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Song of Solomon 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Song of Solomon 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>