My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

SONG OF SOLOMON 6:9KJV
Know the Bible

Song of Solomon 6:9 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 6:9 mean?

Song of Solomon 6:9 describes a woman who is unique and precious, set apart from all others, and admired by everyone around her. The verse highlights her singularity, purity, and the honor she receives from both women and royalty.

In the context of the Song of Solomon, the man is speaking about his beloved, praising her as his "dove" and "undefiled," emphasizing that she is the only one for him. The verse paints a picture of her being cherished not just by him, but also recognized and praised by other women, queens, and concubines, showing her exceptional status and the admiration she inspires.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 6:9

  • "dove" (יוֹנָה, yonah): This word is often used in the Song of Solomon as a term of endearment, suggesting gentleness, beauty, and faithfulness. Calling her "my dove" sets a tone of affection and purity.
  • "undefiled" (תַּמָּתִי, tammati): This word means "blameless" or "pure," underlining her moral and relational integrity. It adds to the sense that she is set apart from others.
  • "one" (אֶחָד, echad): Repeated in the verse, this word stresses her uniqueness and singular value to the speaker. She is not just one among many, but the only one in his eyes.
  • "choice" (בָּרוּר, barur): This word means "chosen" or "select," highlighting that she stands out as the best or most excellent among others.

Why Song of Solomon 6:9 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that the beloved is just one among many; instead, she is described as unique and irreplaceable, both to the speaker and to those around her.
  • The admiration from "daughters," "queens," and "concubines" shows that her worth is recognized by all levels of society, not just by her lover, which elevates her status even more.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of the Song of Solomon, where love is portrayed as exclusive, deeply valued, and worthy of public honor, not just private affection.

Where else these words appear

“choice” Hebrew H1249 · used in 7 verses

  • Job 11:4 For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
  • Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

“undefiled” Hebrew H8535 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 25:27 And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
  • Job 8:20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
  • Psalms 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

“blessed” Hebrew H833 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
  • Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
  • Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

“dove” Hebrew H3123 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • Leviticus 14:22 And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.
  • Song of Solomon 4:1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.