Song of Solomon 1:7
What does Song of Solomon 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 1:7 means
She addresses “thou whom my soul loveth,” asking where he grazes and rests his flock at midday. She desires clear direction to avoid wandering among others like “one that is veiled,” a phrase suggesting a woman out of place or of questionable reputation. Her plea honors propriety and exclusivity: she wants to be with him without confusion or scandal. The scene shifts from palace to pasture, picturing love that seeks ordinary, daily togetherness—workday rhythms and shared rest—not only special banquets or royal chambers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock, Where thou makest it to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock, Where thou makest it to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Say, O love of my soul, where you give food to your flock, and where you make them take their rest in the heat of the day; why have I to be as one wandering by the flocks of your friends?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Declare to me, thou whom my soul hath loved, Where thou delightest, Where thou liest down at noon, For why am I as one veiled, By the ranks of thy companions?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If thou know not thyself, O fairest among women, go forth, and follow after the steps of the flocks, and feed thy kids beside the tents of the shepherds.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Tell me, thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest [thy flock], Where thou makest it to rest at noon; For why should I be as one veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions?
Context
From explaining her background, she moves to pursuit. Vulnerability gives way to active seeking: love wants to be near its object. The shepherd setting recalls earlier references to vineyards and will be answered with practical guidance. In verse 8 the beloved replies with both direction and affirmation, easing her fears. The flow keeps emotional honesty and moral clarity together—she wants the right place, the right way, and the right person—so the relationship can deepen without misunderstanding.
v.6Look not upon me, because I am swarthy, Because the sun hath scorched me. My mother’s sons were incensed against me; They made me keeper of the vineyards; But mine own vineyard have I not kept.
v.7This passage
v.8If 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 5:4
And he shall stand, and shall feed his flock in the strength of Jehovah, in the majesty of the name of Jehovah his God: and they shall abide; for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
- Song of Solomon 2:3
As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
- Revelation 7:17
for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.
- Song of Solomon 5:16
His mouth is most sweet; Yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
- John 6:67
Jesus said therefore unto the twelve, Would ye also go away?
- Colossians 3:14
and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.
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