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“I command that you take an oath, O daughters of Jerusalem,
If you find my beloved,
As to what you tell him—
[Say that] I am sick from love [sick from being without him].”(A)

(The Chorus)


“What is your beloved more than another beloved,
O most beautiful among women?
What is your beloved more than another beloved,
That you should so command us to take an oath?”(B)

Admiration by the Bride

(The Shulammite Bride)

10 
“My beloved is exquisitely handsome and ruddy,
Outstanding among ten thousand.(C)
11 
“His head is like [precious] gold, pure gold;
His hair is [curly] like clusters of dates
And black as a raven.
12 
“His eyes are like doves
Beside streams of water,
Bathed in milk
And reposed in their setting.
13 
“His cheeks are like a bed of balsam,
Banks of sweet, fragrant herbs.
His lips are lilies
Dripping sweet-scented myrrh.
14 
“His hands are rods of gold
Set with beryl;
His abdomen is a figure of carved ivory
Inlaid with sapphires.
15 
“His legs are [strong and steady] pillars of alabaster
Set upon pedestals of fine gold.
His appearance is like Lebanon,
Stately and choice as the cedars.
16 
“His mouth is full of sweetness;
Yes, he is altogether lovely and desirable.
This is my beloved and this is my friend,
O daughters of Jerusalem.”(D)

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(A)Swear to me, you daughters of Jerusalem,
If you find my beloved,
As to what you will tell him:
For (B)I am lovesick.”

The Chorus

[a]What kind of beloved is your beloved,
O (C)most beautiful among women?
[b]What kind of beloved is your beloved,
That you make us swear in this way?”

Admiration by the Bride

The Bride

10 “My beloved is dazzling and [c](D)reddish,
(E)Outstanding among ten thousand.
11 His head is like gold, pure gold;
His (F)locks are like clusters of dates
And black as a raven.
12 His (G)eyes are like doves
Beside streams of water,
Bathed in milk,
And perched in their (H)setting.
13 His cheeks are like a (I)bed of balsam,
[d]Banks of herbal spices;
His lips are (J)lilies
(K)Dripping with drops of myrrh.
14 His hands are rods of gold
Set with (L)topaz;
His abdomen is panels of ivory
Covered with [e](M)sapphires.
15 His thighs are pillars of alabaster
Set on pedestals of pure gold;
His appearance is like (N)Lebanon,
Choice as the (O)cedars.
16 His [f](P)mouth is full of sweetness.
And he is wholly (Q)desirable.
This is my beloved and this is my friend,
You daughters of Jerusalem.”

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Footnotes

  1. Song of Solomon 5:9 Or What is your beloved more than another beloved
  2. Song of Solomon 5:9 Or What is your beloved more than another beloved
  3. Song of Solomon 5:10 I.e., of reddish hair or skin
  4. Song of Solomon 5:13 Lit Towers
  5. Song of Solomon 5:14 Lit lapis lazuli
  6. Song of Solomon 5:16 Lit palate