Add parallel Print Page Options

11 I went down to the nut orchard
    to look at the blossoms of the valley,
to see whether the vines had budded,
    whether the pomegranates were in bloom.(A)
12 Before I was aware, my desire set me
    in a chariot beside my prince.[a]

13 [b]Return, return, O Shulammite!
    Return, return, that we may look upon you.

Why should you look upon the Shulammite,
    as upon a dance before two armies?[c](B)

Expressions of Praise

How graceful are your feet in sandals,
    O queenly maiden!
Your rounded thighs are like jewels,
    the work of a master hand.(C)
Your navel is a rounded bowl;
    may it never lack mixed wine.
Your belly is a heap of wheat,
    encircled with lilies.
Your two breasts are like two fawns,
    twins of a gazelle.(D)
Your neck is like an ivory tower.
Your eyes are pools in Heshbon,
    by the gate of Bath-rabbim.
Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon,
    overlooking Damascus.(E)
Your head crowns you like Carmel,
    and your flowing locks are like purple;
    a king is held captive in the tresses.(F)

How fair and pleasant you are,
    O loved one, delectable maiden![d](G)
You are stately[e] as a palm tree,
    and your breasts are like its clusters.
I said, “I will climb the palm tree
    and lay hold of its branches.”
O may your breasts be like clusters of the vine,
    and the scent of your breath like apples,(H)
and your kisses[f] like the best wine
    that goes down[g] smoothly,
    gliding over lips and teeth.[h]

10 I am my beloved’s,
    and his desire is for me.(I)
11 Come, my beloved,
    let us go forth into the fields
    and lodge in the villages;
12 let us go out early to the vineyards;
    let us see whether the vines have budded,
whether the grape blossoms have opened
    and the pomegranates are in bloom.
There I will give you my love.(J)
13 The mandrakes give forth fragrance,
    and over our doors are all choice fruits,
new as well as old,
    which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.(K)

Footnotes

  1. 6.12 Cn: Meaning of Heb uncertain
  2. 6.13 7.1 in Heb
  3. 6.13 Or dance of Mahanaim
  4. 7.6 Syr: Heb in delights
  5. 7.7 Heb This your stature is
  6. 7.9 Heb palate
  7. 7.9 Heb to my lover
  8. 7.9 Gk Syr Vg: Heb lips of sleepers