Book 22 of 66 · Old Testament

Song of Solomon

A love poem between a bride and her beloved — read as a celebration of love, and of God's love for his people.

8 chapters117 versesWritten in HebrewSet A poem of love between a bride and bridegroom

Overview

The Song of Solomon is unlike anything else in the Bible: a passionate love poem, a dialogue between a bride and her beloved (with a chorus of friends), full of desire, longing, and delight in each other. It celebrates human love as good. From ancient times it has also been read as a picture of the love between God and his people, or Christ and the church.

Book facts

Author: Solomon (traditionally)Its title means "Solomon's Song of Songs"; the authorship is uncertain.
Date written: c. 950 BC or laterTraditionally Solomon; the date is debated.
Original language: HebrewSome of the most beautiful and difficult love poetry in Hebrew.
Setting: A poem of love between a bride and bridegroomSet in gardens, vineyards, and the countryside of Israel.

How it came to be

The book's title means "the Song of Songs, which is Solomon's." It reads as a series of exchanges between two lovers, with a chorus.

Its authorship, and even its structure, are debated; it may be one poem or a collection.

What is arguedWho wrote it, how it is structured, and whether to read it as human love, an allegory of divine love, or both.

The whole book, chapter by chapter

Chapter	What this chapter covers
A song of love — the exchanges of the lovers, chapters 1–8
Chapter 1The kiss of love	The bride longs for her beloved, and the lovers begin to praise each other.
Chapter 2The rose of Sharon	"I am the rose of Sharon"; the beloved comes leaping over the hills.
Chapter 3The search by night	The bride searches the city for her love, and Solomon's procession appears.
Chapter 4The garden enclosed	The bridegroom praises his bride, "a garden enclosed."
Chapter 5The lost beloved	The bride misses her beloved and searches for him again.
Chapter 6The garden of nuts	The lovers are reunited; the bride is praised as unique among all.
Chapter 7The dance of Shulamite	The bridegroom delights in his bride.
Chapter 8The seal of love	"Love is strong as death"; set me as a seal upon thine heart.

All 8 chapters. Start reading →

Worth knowing

Known for

Some of the book's best-known lines — tap the verse to read it.

"I am the rose of Sharon"Song of Solomon 2:1
"His banner over me was love"Song of Solomon 2:4
"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine"Song of Solomon 6:3
"Love is strong as death"Song of Solomon 8:6