Song of Solomon 5:16
His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse doesn't just describe physical beauty; it highlights how the speaker sees her beloved as altogether desirable. This isn't just about looks, but a complete and wholehearted longing for him, a deep attraction that encompasses his entire being. It's a powerful reminder that true desire often sees and cherishes the whole person.
After the woman’s beloved has finally come, she joyfully describes him to her friends, extolling his virtues and beauty in an outpouring of love. This follows her anxious searching for him in the preceding verses, and sets the stage for the rich, intimate dialogue that unfolds between them in the rest of the chapter.
The bride’s description of her beloved goes beyond mere physical attraction. What does it mean for someone to be 'altogether desirable' in a deeper sense?
A Love That Transcends
The bride uses passionate language to describe her beloved. "His mouth is most sweet" and "he is altogether desirable." While this certainly speaks to the intimacy of their relationship, it points to a desire that’s rooted in his very being, not just his appearance or actions.
This isn't just about physical beauty; it's about a profound appreciation for the person he is. His character, his spirit, his way of being – all of it makes him utterly captivating. It’s a desire that sees and cherishes the whole person.
She calls him both 'my beloved' and 'my friend.' How do these two powerful words together define the pinnacle of relationship?
Beloved and Friend: A Sacred Blend
The bride powerfully defines her relationship by using two distinct, yet complementary, terms: "my beloved" and "my friend."
When combined, "beloved" and "friend" paint a picture of the ultimate relationship – one that is both deeply passionate and incredibly stable. It’s the ideal: someone you desire intimately and can also count on through everything.
Understand the original words
ḥēk · Hebrew Noun
The organ of speech and taste; in Scripture, it is often associated with the expression of the heart, the articulation of wisdom, and the source of loving speech or kisses.
mamtaqqîm · Hebrew Adjective
Describing that which is characterized by pleasantness or agreeableness. In a theological sense, it often pertains to the delightful nature of God’s word or the covenantal intimacy between lovers, reflecting sweetness to the senses and the soul.
dôd · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the Song of Solomon, this refers to the one who is the object of profound affection, attraction, and devotion. It denotes a relationship marked by covenantal love and emotional attachment.
rēa‘ · Hebrew Noun
This Psalm echoes the deep affection and praise expressed in Song of Solomon, highlighting God's goodness and the joy found in Him, much like the lover's delight in her beloved.
Matthew 3:17The Father's declaration of His beloved Son at Jesus' baptism mirrors the profound love and affirmation found in Song of Solomon, showcasing a divine expression of cherished relationship.
John 15:13-15Jesus speaks of laying down His life for His friends, directly connecting the concepts of belovedness and friendship found in Song of Solomon to the ultimate act of sacrificial love.
Philippians 3:8Paul's intense desire to 'gain Christ' and consider everything else rubbish illustrates a comparable level of all-consuming desire and value placed on a relationship, akin to the lover's ultimate focus on her beloved.
This verse doesn't just describe physical beauty; it highlights how the speaker sees her beloved as altogether desirable. This isn't just about looks, but a complete and wholehearted longing for him, a deep attraction that encompasses his entire being. It's a powerful reminder that true desire often sees and cherishes the whole person.
After the woman’s beloved has finally come, she joyfully describes him to her friends, extolling his virtues and beauty in an outpouring of love. This follows her anxious searching for him in the preceding verses, and sets the stage for the rich, intimate dialogue that unfolds between them in the rest of the chapter.
After the woman’s beloved has finally come, she joyfully describes him to her friends, extolling his virtues and beauty in an outpouring of love. This follows her anxious searching for him in the preceding verses, and sets the stage for the rich, intimate dialogue that unfolds between them in the rest of the chapter.
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One who stands in a relationship of mutual trust, loyalty, and companionship. Biblically, a friend is one who shares intimate counsel and remains steadfast in commitment, mirroring the covenantal loyalty (hesed) found in God’s relationship with His people.
yĕrûšālayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The capital city of Judah, the site of the Temple, and the symbolic center of God's dwelling among His people. It represents the community of faith, often addressed in poetic literature to witness the praise or struggles of the speaker.
"His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." — This verse doesn't just describe physical beauty; it highlights how the speaker sees her beloved as altogether desirable. This isn't just about looks, but a complete and wholehearted longing for hi…
