Song of Solomon 3:7
What does Song of Solomon 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 3:7 means
The question is answered: it is the litter of Solomon, surrounded by threescore mighty men—sixty warriors from among Israel’s best. The focus shifts from perfume to protection. Royal love is not left vulnerable; it is honored and guarded. The litter (a portable couch or carriage) signals dignity and ceremony, befitting a king. Sixty, a round and impressive number, underscores the grandeur and security of the moment. The verse assures that the king’s approach is both splendid and safe. Love here is celebrated in community and defended by strength—an image of covenantal joy safeguarded against any who would disturb it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, it is the litter of Solomon; Threescore mighty men are about it, Of the mighty men of Israel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, it is the litter of Solomon; Threescore mighty men are about it, Of the mighty men of Israel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See, it is the bed of Solomon; sixty men of war are about it, of the army of Israel,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lo, his couch, that <FI>is<Fi> Solomon's, Sixty mighty ones <FI>are<Fi> around it, Of the mighty of Israel,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Behold threescore valiant ones of the most valiant of Israel, surrounded the bed of Solomon?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold his couch, Solomon's own: Threescore mighty men are about it, Of the mighty of Israel.
Context
This verse identifies the mysterious approach of verse 6 as Solomon’s royal conveyance. It anchors the spectacle in Israel’s king and emphasizes the escort’s strength. The detail fills out the procession’s character before zooming in further. Next, verse 8 will stress the warriors’ readiness and nighttime vigilance, reinforcing protection themes. Verses 9–10 will then shift to the palanquin’s craftsmanship and beauty, moving from the entourage to the very seat of royal love’s display. The narrative builds step by step toward the climactic public recognition of the king’s espousals in verse 11.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 14:27
And king Rehoboam made in their stead shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who kept the door of the king’s house.
- 1 Samuel 28:2
And David said to Achish, Therefore thou shalt know what thy servant will do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of my head for ever.
- 1 Samuel 14:52
And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
- Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
- 2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, Jehovah, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
- Song of Solomon 1:16
Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: Also our couch is green.
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