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Song of Solomon 5:1-16

Altogether Lovely

Lyrics · Song of Solomon

Altogether Lovely

Song of Solomon 5:1-16

Lyrics

About this song

About this song

This song belongs to the Song of Solomon collection. One recording is available to play here, with the complete lyrics below.

Bible book
Song of Solomon
Collection
Song of Solomon
Musical styles
World Music
My beloved came into his garden; The feast was ready, fragrance filled the room. I slept, but still my heart remained awake; His voice was knocking softly at the door. He called me sister, love, and undefiled one; The night had covered him with dew. I waited, slow to rise from where I rested; When I opened, he had passed from view. My hands were wet with myrrh upon the handle; My soul went out when I remembered him. I sought him, but I could not find him; I called, but no reply returned. The watchmen struck me while I wandered; They took my veil and left me hurt. Daughters of Jerusalem, if you should find him, Tell him I am sick with love. What makes your beloved more than others? Why does your longing carry such a name? He is radiant, strong among ten thousand; His head is gold, his hair as dark as ravens. His eyes are doves beside the quiet waters; His cheeks and lips are gardens filled with spice. His hands are formed like gold around bright jewels; His body stands like ivory set with blue. His legs are pillars resting upon marble; His speech is sweetness, every part desired. This is my beloved and my closest friend; He is altogether lovely.

Named in this songJerusalem

About the passage

Song of Solomon 5: The open garden gives way to a closed door

Song Of Solomon 5 begins by answering the invitation that ended the previous chapter. The beloved enters the garden and enjoys its myrrh, spice, honey, wine, and milk, creating a brief sense of fullness before the book moves abruptly into another night scene. The woman hears him at the door while suspended between sleep and waking. Small domestic reluctance gives way to desire, but by the time she opens, he is gone. Her search repeats earlier language without repeating the earlier outcome. This time the watchmen strike, wound, and uncover her. When the daughters of Jerusalem ask why this beloved matters more than another, the woman answers with a long portrait of brightness, dark hair, doves, spices, gold, ivory, marble, cedar-like stature, and sweetness. The final word in that catalogue is not merely beauty. He is also her friend.

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