Song of Solomon 5:16
What does Song of Solomon 5:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 5:16 means
She closes with his mouth: most sweet. Then she gathers all pieces into one verdict—he is altogether lovely. It is a comprehensive judgment, not a fixation on one trait. Finally, she names him in relation: “This is my beloved, and this is my friend.” Passion and companionship meet; desire and trust coexist. She does not merely admire; she belongs with him, and he with her. This confession answers the daughters’ question fully: his uniqueness is matched by intimacy. Remembrance warms resolve. She knows exactly whom she seeks and why she cannot rest until he is found.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000His mouth is most sweet; Yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
KJV
King James Version · 1611His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901His mouth is most sweet; Yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His mouth is most sweet; yes, he is all beautiful. This is my loved one, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862His mouth is sweetness--and all of him desirable, This <FI>is<Fi> my beloved, and this my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752His throat most sweet, and he is all lovely: such is my beloved, and he is my friend, O ye daughters of Jerusalem.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890His mouth is most sweet: Yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, yea, this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Context
This final verse crowns the wasf with relational affirmation. After listing excellences, the bride claims the Beloved as lover and friend, answering why her longing is so intense. The chapter thus moves from celebration to separation to searching, and ends not with reunion but with a clarified vision of the one sought. That clarity prepares for the continued movement of the Song toward renewed meeting and mutual delight.
v.15His legs areaspillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: His aspect is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
v.16This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
- Song of Solomon 7:9
And thy mouth like the best wine, That goeth down smoothly for my beloved, Gliding through the lips of those that are asleep.
- Psalms 45:2
Thou art fairer than the children of men; Grace is poured into thy lips: Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
- Psalms 148:13
Let them praise the name of Jehovah; For his name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and the heavens.
- Song of Solomon 1:16
Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: Also our couch is green.
- Song of Solomon 1:2
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; For thy love is better than wine.
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