What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?

SONG OF SOLOMON 5:9KJV
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Song of Solomon 5:9 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 5:9 mean?

Song of Solomon 5:9 records a group of women asking the main woman what makes her beloved so special compared to others, and why she urges them so strongly about him. The verse highlights their curiosity about what sets her beloved apart from any other man.

The speakers here are the "daughters of Jerusalem," addressing the woman called the "fairest among women." They want to know why she is so passionate and insistent about her beloved, especially after hearing her speak about him. This question sets up the woman's detailed and affectionate description of her beloved in the verses that follow.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 5:9

  • "Beloved" (דּוֹד, dōd): This word is used several times in the verse and refers to a loved one, often a romantic partner. The repetition emphasizes the focus on what makes this particular beloved unique.
  • "Fairest" (יָפָה, yafah): This word means "beautiful" or "most beautiful," showing the high regard in which the woman is held by the other women.
  • "Women" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): This is the general word for "women," making it clear the question is addressed to the woman among her peers.
  • "Charge" (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means to make someone swear or strongly urge, highlighting how earnestly the woman has spoken to the others about her beloved.

Why Song of Solomon 5:9 matters

  • This verse shows the social setting of the Song, where the woman's love is public enough to draw attention and questions from others.
  • The question from the daughters of Jerusalem prepares the reader for the woman's poetic and vivid praise of her beloved in the next verses, deepening the emotional impact.
  • The verse highlights the theme of unique, personal love—what makes one person stand out among many—and invites the reader to consider what true devotion looks like.

Where else these words appear

“thou” Hebrew H3602 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:19 And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.
  • Psalms 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

“fairest” Hebrew H3303 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • 2 Samuel 14:25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
  • Song of Solomon 1:16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.

“beloved” Hebrew H1730 · used in 53 verses

  • Leviticus 10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
  • Song of Solomon 1:16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
  • Song of Solomon 6:1 Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.