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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 />Dark am I, yet lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, dark like the tents of Kedar, like the tent curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/songs/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem— dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/songs/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I am very dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/songs/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/songs/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I <i>am</i> black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/songs/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I <i>am</i> dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/songs/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I am black and beautiful, You daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/songs/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/songs/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/songs/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/songs/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I am deeply tanned but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, [I am dark] like the tents of [the Bedouins of] Kedar, Like the [beautiful] curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/songs/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Daughters of Jerusalem, I am dark like the tents of Kedar, yet lovely like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/songs/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Daughters of Jerusalem, I am dark like the tents of Kedar, yet lovely like the curtains of Solomon. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/songs/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I am black, but comely, Oh ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, As the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/songs/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My skin is dark and beautiful, like a tent in the desert or like Solomon's curtains. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/songs/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/songs/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Young women of Jerusalem, I am dark and lovely like Kedar's tents, like Solomon's curtains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/songs/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Women of Jerusalem, I am dark but beautiful, dark as the desert tents of Kedar, but beautiful as the draperies in Solomon's palace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/songs/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The daughters of Jerusalem, I'm dark and lovely like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/songs/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/songs/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I am dark but lovely, O maidens of Jerusalem, dark like the tents of Qedar, lovely like the tent curtains of Salmah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/songs/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar's tents, like Solomon's curtains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/songs/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/songs/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/songs/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I [am] dark and lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, as tents of Kedar, as curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/songs/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Dark am I, and comely, daughters of Jerusalem, As tents of Kedar, as curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/songs/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/songs/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I am black but beautiful, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Cedar, as the curtains of Solomon. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/songs/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Bride to Chorus: <font color=#0000CC>O daughters of Jerusalem: I am black, but shapely, like the tabernacles of Kedar, like the tents of Solomon.</font><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/songs/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I am black and beautiful, Daughters of Jerusalem — Like the tents of Qedar, like the curtains of Solomon. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/songs/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/songs/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I have dark skin, but I am comely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/songs/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I am black and beautiful, daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Qedar and like the curtains of Solomon<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/songs/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, As the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/songs/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I am black, but beautiful, ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/songs/1-5.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=45" 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">4</span>Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/7838.htm" title="7838: šə·ḥō·w·rāh (Adj-fs) -- Black. Or shachowr; from shachar; properly, dusky, but also Jetty.">am dark,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5000.htm" title="5000: wə·nā·wāh (Conj-w:: Adj-fs) -- Comely, seemly. From na'ah or naveh; suitable, or beautiful.">yet lovely,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bə·nō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">O daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: yə·rū·šā·lim (N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">of Jerusalem,</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: kə·’ā·ho·lê (Prep-k:: N-mpc) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">like the tents</a> <a href="/hebrew/6938.htm" title="6938: qê·ḏār (N-proper-fs) -- Perhaps swarthy, a son of Ishmael, also his desc. From qadar; dusky; Kedar, a son of Ishmael; also Bedouin.">of Kedar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3407.htm" title="3407: kî·rî·‘ō·wṯ (Prep-k:: N-fpc) -- Curtain. From yara'; a hanging.">like the curtains</a> <a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: šə·lō·mōh (N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">of Solomon.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Do not stare because I am dark, for the sun has gazed upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have neglected.…<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="/psalms/45-11.htm">Psalm 45:11</a></span><br />and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-14.htm">Psalm 139:14</a></span><br />I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Genesis 1:27</a></span><br />So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">1 Peter 3:3-4</a></span><br />Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a></span><br />I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a></span><br />Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a></span><br />Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25-27</a></span><br />Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7-8</a></span><br />Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. / She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-21.htm">Jeremiah 8:21</a></span><br />For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am crushed. I mourn; horror has gripped me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/4-8.htm">Lamentations 4:8</a></span><br />But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-1.htm">Isaiah 52:1</a></span><br />Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-14.htm">Ezekiel 16:14</a></span><br />Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a></span><br />You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I am black, but comely, O you daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.</p><p class="hdg">black</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Isaiah 53:2</a></b></br> For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, <i>there is</i> no beauty that we should desire him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-25.htm">Matthew 10:25</a></b></br> It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more <i>shall they call</i> them of his household?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">1 Corinthians 4:10-13</a></b></br> We <i>are</i> fools for Christ's sake, but ye <i>are</i> wise in Christ; we <i>are</i> weak, but ye <i>are</i> strong; ye <i>are</i> honourable, but we <i>are</i> despised… </p><p class="hdg">comely</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-17.htm">Psalm 90:17</a></b></br> And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/149-4.htm">Psalm 149:4</a></b></br> For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a></b></br> I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh <i>himself</i> with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth <i>herself</i> with her jewels.</p><p class="hdg">o ye</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/45-9.htm">Psalm 45:9</a></b></br> Kings' daughters <i>were</i> among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34</a></b></br> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen <i>doth gather</i> her brood under <i>her</i> wings, and ye would not!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/4-26.htm">Galatians 4:26</a></b></br> But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.</p><p class="hdg">as the tents</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/120-5.htm">Psalm 120:5</a></b></br> Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, <i>that</i> I dwell in the tents of Kedar!</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/7-9.htm">Black</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-1.htm">Curtains</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-2.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Form</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/psalms/120-5.htm">Kedar</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-7.htm">Kedar's</a> <a href="/psalms/135-3.htm">Lovely</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-1.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/songs/1-1.htm">Solomon's</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-11.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">Tents</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/1-6.htm">Black</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-2.htm">Curtains</a> <a href="/songs/1-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/songs/2-2.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/songs/1-8.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/songs/2-14.htm">Form</a> <a href="/songs/2-7.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-16.htm">Kedar</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-7.htm">Kedar's</a> <a href="/songs/1-10.htm">Lovely</a> <a href="/songs/3-7.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/songs/3-7.htm">Solomon's</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-8.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/songs/1-8.htm">Tents</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>I am dark, yet lovely</b><br>This phrase reflects the speaker's self-awareness and confidence in her beauty despite her dark complexion. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a darker skin tone often indicated a life of labor under the sun, possibly suggesting her work in the vineyards (<a href="/songs/1-6.htm">Song of Solomon 1:6</a>). This contrasts with the cultural preference for lighter skin, which was associated with nobility and leisure. Theologically, this can be seen as an affirmation of inherent worth and beauty, regardless of societal standards. It echoes the biblical theme that God values the heart over outward appearance (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).<p><b>O daughters of Jerusalem</b><br>The "daughters of Jerusalem" are likely a group of women who serve as a chorus or audience within the Song. They represent the societal norms and expectations of the time. Their presence in the text highlights the communal aspect of love and relationships, as well as the societal pressures that can influence personal identity and self-perception. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of Jerusalem as a central place of worship and community, often symbolizing the people of God (<a href="/isaiah/52-9.htm">Isaiah 52:9</a>).<p><b>like the tents of Kedar</b><br>Kedar was a nomadic tribe descended from Ishmael, known for their black tents made from goat hair. These tents were functional and durable, symbolizing strength and resilience. The comparison suggests a beauty that is both practical and enduring, not merely superficial. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's life, which is often marked by trials and perseverance, yet remains beautiful in God's eyes (<a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7-10</a>).<p><b>like the curtains of Solomon</b><br>The curtains of Solomon likely refer to the luxurious and ornate fabrics used in the royal palaces or the temple. This comparison elevates the speaker's beauty to a level of regal splendor and divine craftsmanship. It suggests a connection to the wisdom and wealth of Solomon, who built the temple as a dwelling place for God (1 Kings 6). This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple, embodying God's presence among His people (<a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_shulammite_woman.htm">The Shulammite Woman</a></b><br>The speaker in this verse, often interpreted as the bride or beloved in the Song of Solomon. She expresses her self-awareness and beauty despite her dark complexion.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/daughters_of_jerusalem.htm">Daughters of Jerusalem</a></b><br>A group of women addressed by the Shulammite, often seen as a chorus or audience within the poem, representing societal norms or expectations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/tents_of_kedar.htm">Tents of Kedar</a></b><br>Kedar was a nomadic tribe known for their black goat-hair tents. This imagery highlights the Shulammite's dark complexion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/curtains_of_solomon.htm">Curtains of Solomon</a></b><br>These likely refer to the luxurious and beautiful curtains in King Solomon's palace, symbolizing beauty and splendor.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>The attributed author of the Song of Solomon, representing wisdom and wealth, and often seen as the bridegroom in the allegory.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/embrace_your_god-given_identity.htm">Embrace Your God-Given Identity</a></b><br>The Shulammite's declaration of being "dark, yet lovely" encourages believers to embrace their unique identity and beauty as created by God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/challenge_societal_standards.htm">Challenge Societal Standards</a></b><br>The contrast between the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon invites reflection on how societal standards of beauty can be challenged and redefined.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_inner_beauty.htm">Value Inner Beauty</a></b><br>The reference to the "curtains of Solomon" suggests that true beauty is not just external but also reflects inner qualities and character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_self-perception.htm">Community and Self-Perception</a></b><br>The address to the "daughters of Jerusalem" highlights the role of community in shaping self-perception and the importance of affirming one another's worth.<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/does_song_1_5-6_show_cultural_inconsistencies.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5–6 emphasizes the speaker’s dark complexion and social status. Does this suggest cultural or ethnic inconsistencies with known historical contexts? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_she_call_herself_dark.htm">Why did the Shulammite woman describe herself as dark?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_pharaoh's_cavalry_in_solomon's_era.htm">Is there archaeological or historical evidence of Pharaoh's cavalry that supports the mare comparison in Song of Solomon 1:9 from Solomon's era?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_60_queens_fit_solomon's_700_wives.htm">(Song of Solomon 6:8) How can sixty queens and eighty concubines align with Solomon's reputed 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3)?</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>(5) <span class= "bld">As the tents of Kedar</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., Dark as the Kedareen tents of black goats' hair, beautiful as the royal pavilions with their rich hangings. </span>For a similar style of parallelism, comp. <a href="/isaiah/15-3.htm" title="In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.">Isaiah 15:3</a> : "On her housetops, and to her open streets, every one howleth, descendeth with weeping." For <span class= "ital">Kedar, </span>see <a href="/genesis/25-13.htm" title="And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,">Genesis 25:13</a>.<p>As the poet puts this description of the lady's complexion into her own mouth, we must understand it as a little playful raillery, which is immediately redeemed by a compliment. It also prepares the way for the reminiscence of an interesting passage in her early life. See next verse.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/songs/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.</span> The word "black" (<span class="hebrew">שְׁחורָה</span>) does not necessarily mean that the skin is black, but rather sunburnt, dark brown, as in <a href="/lamentations/4-8.htm">Lamentations 4:8</a>, where the same word signifies the livid or swarthy appearance of one who has suffered long from famine and wretchedness. There is certainly no reason to take the word as an argument for the bride being Pharaoh's daughter; but it points to what is confirmed by the rest of the poem - the rustic birth and northern blood of the bride. She has been living in the fields, and is browned with the ruddy health of a country life. The best explanation of the words is that they are drawn out by the fact that the bride is surrounded by her ladies. Some think that they look askance at her, or with indignation at the boldness of her words; but that is quite unnecessary, and would be inconsistent with the dignity of the bride. The country maiden feels the greatness of the honour, that she is chosen of the king, and with simple modesty, in the presence of courtly ladies around her, sets forth her claim. The simile is not uncommon in poetry, as in Theocritus and Virgil. <span class="accented">Comely</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> attractive, agreeable. <span class="accented">Kedar</span> (whether from the Arabic, meaning "powerful," or from the Hebrew, "black") designates the tribes of the North Arabian descendants of Ishmael (<a href="/genesis/25-13.htm">Genesis 25:13</a>; <a href="/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17</a>), Kedareens, referred to by Pliny, and remaining in Arabia until the time of the Mohammedans. The Bedouin still calls his tent his "hair house;" it is covered with goat's-hair cloth, mostly black or grey. Whether the reference is to the colour of the goat's hair or to the tents being browned or blackened by the heat of the sun, we cannot doubt that the allusion is to the complexion, and the rest of the simile would then be applicable to the lovely shape and features of the maiden, the curtains of Solomon being the curtains of a pavilion, or pleasure tent, spread out like "a shining butterfly," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the beautiful cloth or tapestry which formed the sides of the tent or the tent coverings, the clothing of the framework, or tent hangings (see <a href="/isaiah/54-2.htm">Isaiah 54:2</a>; <a href="/exodus/26-36.htm">Exodus 26:36</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/7.htm">2 Samuel 7</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/17-1.htm">1 Chronicles 17:1</a>, etc.). Egyptian hangings were particularly prized. The custom prevailed among Eastern monarchs of sojourning once in the year in some lovely rural district, and at such times their tents would be very magnificent. The LXX. has, <span class="greek">ὡς δεῥῤείς Σολομὼν</span>, "as the skins of Solomon;" but this is a mistake. The word is derived from a root "to tremble," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "to glitter in the sun." Those who desire to find an allegorical interpretation think there is an evident allusion here to the sojourn of Israel in the wilderness, or the admission of the Gentiles into the covenant; but there is no reason for any such strain upon the meaning. The simile is merely poetical. The soul realizes its own acceptance before God, but ascribes that acceptance to his grace. "The bride, the Lamb's wife," sees the beauty of the Lord reflected in herself, and rejoices in her own attractions for his sake. There is no immodesty in the consciousness of merit so long as that merit is ascribed to him from whom it comes. There is often more pride in the assumption of humility than in the claim to be acknowledged. The same apostle who declared himself less than the least of all saints also maintained that he was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/songs/1-5.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">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am dark</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁחוֹרָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ḥō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7838.htm">Strong's 7838: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dusky, jetty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yet lovely,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽנָאוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·wāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5000.htm">Strong's 5000: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suitable, beautiful</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O daughters</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Jerusalem,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like the tents</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאָהֳלֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’ā·ho·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Kedar,</span><br /><span class="heb">קֵדָ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(qê·ḏār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6938.htm">Strong's 6938: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kedar -- perhaps 'swarthy', a son of Ishmael, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like the curtains</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּירִיע֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(kî·rî·‘ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3407.htm">Strong's 3407: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hanging</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Solomon.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·mōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8010.htm">Strong's 8010: </a> </span><span class="str2">Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/songs/1-5.htm">Song of Solomon 1:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/songs/1-5.htm">OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 1:5 I am dark but lovely you daughters (Song Songs SS So Can)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/songs/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Song of Solomon 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Song of Solomon 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/songs/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Song of Solomon 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Song of Solomon 1:6" /></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>