Song of Solomon 1:5 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 1:5 mean?

Song of Solomon 1:5 describes the speaker, a woman, saying she is "black, but comely"—meaning she sees herself as dark-skinned yet beautiful—while addressing the "daughters of Jerusalem." She compares her appearance to the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon, both known for their striking looks.

The verse is spoken by the woman in the Song, likely the Shulammite, as she talks to the women of Jerusalem. She acknowledges her dark complexion, which in the ancient context likely came from working outdoors, and affirms her attractiveness. The tents of Kedar were made from dark goat hair, and Solomon's curtains were likely elegant, so she uses vivid images familiar to her audience to describe her appearance with honesty and dignity.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 1:5

• "black" (שְׁחוֹרָה, shechorah): This word means "dark" or "black" and refers to skin color. The speaker is openly describing her appearance, which was unusual in ancient poetry and highlights her confidence.
• "comely" (נָאוָה, navah): This word means "lovely" or "beautiful." The woman pairs her dark skin with a claim to beauty, challenging any negative assumptions about her appearance.
• "tents" (אֹהֶל, ohel) and "Kedar" (קֵדָר, Qedar): The tents of Kedar were made from black goat hair, making them a vivid symbol of darkness. By comparing herself to these tents, the woman uses a familiar image to describe her skin tone.
• "curtains" (יְרִיעָה, yeriah) and "Solomon" (שְׁלֹמֹה, Shelomoh): The curtains of Solomon likely refer to richly decorated, beautiful hangings. This comparison adds a sense of elegance and value to her self-description.

Why Song of Solomon 1:5 matters

• The verse challenges the idea that dark skin is undesirable, showing the woman's pride and sense of worth in her appearance.
• The comparisons to the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon use everyday images to communicate both humility and beauty, making the verse relatable and vivid.
• This verse sets the tone for the Song of Solomon as a whole, where honest self-expression and mutual admiration are central themes.