Song of Solomon 1:15
What does Song of Solomon 1:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 1:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 1:15 means
He answers with simple, repeated affirmation: “Behold, thou art fair.” Her eyes are like doves—gentle, pure, and steady. He looks into her face and sees peace, not pretense. This praise speaks to the insecurity she voiced earlier about her appearance; he esteems her as truly beautiful. Love’s gaze discerns the person, not only features, and calls goodness to the surface. The dove image suggests a calm, faithful spirit that draws him, assuring her that she is safe and treasured in his sight.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, thou art fair, my love; Behold thou art fair; Thine eyes are as doves.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, thou art fair, my love; Behold thou art fair; Thine eyes are as doves.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See, you are fair, my love, you are fair; you have the eyes of a dove.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lo, thou <FI>art<Fi> fair, my friend, Lo, thou <FI>art<Fi> fair, thine eyes <FI>are<Fi> doves!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Behold thou art fair, my beloved, and comely. Our bed is flourishing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, thou art fair, my love; Behold, thou art fair: thine eyes are doves.
Context
His words respond to her series of praises in verses 12–14 and, more deeply, to her earlier fears in verses 5–6. The conversation turns from how he is to her (fragrance, refreshment) to how she is to him (beauty, gentleness). The balanced exchange continues in verse 16 as she answers with admiration of him and a picture of shared rest in a green place. This mutuality anchors the chapter’s portrayal of exclusive, delighted love.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 2:10
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
- Song of Solomon 2:13
The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs, And the vines are in blossom; They give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
- Song of Solomon 6:4
Thou art fair, O my love, as Tirzah, Comely as Jerusalem, Terrible as an army with banners.
- Song of Solomon 1:8
If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
- Song of Solomon 4:7
Thou art all fair, my love; And there is no spot in thee.
- Song of Solomon 7:6
How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!
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