Song of Solomon 3:9
What does Song of Solomon 3:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 3:9 means
King Solomon made himself a palanquin from the wood of Lebanon—likely cedar, famed for strength and fragrance. This is deliberate royal preparation, not a borrowed splendor. The king provides a fitting vehicle for love’s procession, employing the best materials of his realm. The verse hints at care and intentionality; love is not only guarded but also thoughtfully adorned. The palanquin serves both as a symbol of royal authority and as a conveyance of intimate joy. It unites majesty and tenderness: a king crafting a beautiful space for the approach of his bride, befitting the public honor that marriage deserves.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000King Solomon made himself a palanquin Of the wood of Lebanon.
KJV
King James Version · 1611King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901King Solomon made himself a palanquin Of the wood of Lebanon.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949King Solomon made himself a bed of the wood of Lebanon.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A palanquin king Solomon made for himself, Of the wood of Lebanon,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752King Solomon hath made him a litter of the wood of Libanus:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890King Solomon made himself a palanquin Of the wood of Lebanon.
Context
After describing the protective escort (vv. 7–8), the focus turns to the object at the center of the procession: the palanquin Solomon prepared. Verse 9 begins the craftsmanship motif that verse 10 will elaborate with precious metals, royal colors, and love-filled adornment. The sequence emphasizes that this event is no haphazard display but a carefully constructed celebration. The narrative is moving toward a climactic unveiling. With protection established and beauty displayed, the final call in verse 11 will invite the daughters of Zion to witness Solomon crowned on his wedding day—the joyful culmination of the procession.
v.8They all handle the sword, andare expert in war: Every man hath his sword upon his thigh, Because of fear in the night.
v.9This passage
v.10He made the pillars thereof of silver, The bottom thereof of gold, the seat of it of purple, The midst thereof being paved with love, From the daughters of Jerusalem.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 3:7
Behold, it is the litter of Solomon; Threescore mighty men are about it, Of the mighty men of Israel.
- Revelation 14:6
And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people;
- 2 Samuel 23:5
Verily my house is not so with God; Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things, and sure: For it is all my salvation, and allmydesire, Although he maketh it not to grow.
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