Song of Solomon 3:6
What does Song of Solomon 3:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 3:6 means
A new scene bursts forth with a question of wonder: Who is this coming up from the wilderness, like pillars of smoke, fragrant with myrrh, frankincense, and merchant’s spices? The imagery suggests a stately approach, perhaps a caravan or procession marked by rising incense and costly perfumes. The wilderness backdrop contrasts with cultivated city life, heightening the sense of arrival and significance. The aromatic clouds signify celebration and honor, announcing someone of great importance. This verse functions like a herald’s trumpet—inviting all to look. Love, once hidden and anxious, is now public and triumphant, clothed in scent and spectacle suitable for a royal occasion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness Like pillars of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all powders of the merchant?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness Like pillars of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all powders of the merchant?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who is this coming out of the waste places like pillars of smoke, perfumed with sweet spices, with all the spices of the trader?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who <FI>is<Fi> this coming up from the wilderness, Like palm-trees of smoke, Perfumed <FI>with<Fi> myrrh and frankincense, From every powder of the merchant?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who is she that goeth up by the desert, as a pillar of smoke of aromatical spices, of myrrh, and frankincense, and of all the powders of the perfumer?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who is this, [she] that cometh up from the wilderness Like pillars of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all powders of the merchant? ...
Context
Following the private scene and its protective refrain, the narrative pivots to a grand public tableau. Verse 6 opens the second half with a question that beckons attention and curiosity. The wilderness approach and perfumed smoke set a majestic tone, preparing the reader to recognize the identity of the one approaching in verse 7. This is not merely another meeting of lovers but a formal event, likely a wedding procession. The next verses will name Solomon, describe his guarded litter, and detail the luxury of his palanquin, culminating in the crowning moment of espousals in verse 11.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 2:11
And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
- Jeremiah 2:2
Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith Jehovah, I remember for thee the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals; how thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.
- Jeremiah 31:2
Thus saith Jehovah, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
- Song of Solomon 1:3
Thine oils have a goodly fragrance; Thy name is as oil poured forth; Therefore do the virgins love thee.
- Exodus 30:34
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight;
- Song of Solomon 5:5
I rose up to open to my beloved; And my hands dropped with myrrh, And my fingers with liquid myrrh, Upon the handles of the bolt.
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