Song of Solomon 6:8 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 6:8 mean?

Song of Solomon 6:8 describes a large group of royal women: sixty queens, eighty concubines, and countless young unmarried women. The verse highlights the impressive number and status of women in the king’s household, setting the scene for a comparison that follows in the next verses.

In this part of the Song, the speaker is likely describing Solomon’s harem to emphasize the beloved’s unique place among many. The verse uses specific numbers for queens and concubines, but says the virgins are “without number,” showing the vastness and prestige of the royal court. This sets up a contrast between the beloved and all others, underscoring her specialness in the eyes of the speaker.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 6:8

• שִׁשִּׁים (shishim, H8346) means “sixty” or “threescore.” The use of this specific number for queens suggests a sense of completeness or fullness in the royal household.
• מְלָכוֹת (melakhot, H4436) means “queens.” This word points to women of highest status, likely wives of the king with official rank.
• פִּילַגְשִׁים (pilagshim, H6370) means “concubines.” These women had a recognized but lower status than queens; mentioning eighty of them shows the king’s wealth and power.
• עֲלָמוֹת (alamot, H5959) means “virgins” or “young unmarried women.” The phrase “without number” (אֵין מִסְפָּר, ein mispar, H4557) stresses their great multitude, beyond counting.

Why Song of Solomon 6:8 matters

• This verse helps clarify the scale and grandeur of Solomon’s court, which can be missed if a reader imagines only a small group of women.
• By listing these numbers, the verse sets up a contrast for the next lines, where the beloved is singled out as unique among many.
• Understanding the different terms for queens, concubines, and virgins sheds light on the social structure of ancient royal households and the significance of being chosen or favored.