Song Of Solomon 1 9

Song Of Solomon 1:9 kjv

I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.

Song Of Solomon 1:9 nkjv

I have compared you, my love, To my filly among Pharaoh's chariots.

Song Of Solomon 1:9 niv

I liken you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariot horses.

Song Of Solomon 1:9 esv

I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots.

Song Of Solomon 1:9 nlt

You are as exciting, my darling,
as a mare among Pharaoh's stallions.

Song Of Solomon 1 9 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Ps 45:11"So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him."King delights in his beloved's beauty.
Ps 45:9"Kings' daughters were among thy honorable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir."Royalty, honor, and adorned women.
Prov 31:10"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."High value placed on a woman's character/worth.
Job 39:19-25"Hast thou given the horse strength?... The glory of his nostrils is terrible."Describes strength, majesty, and power of horses.
Zech 10:3"...I have made them as my goodly horse in the battle."God's people made strong and victorious.
Rev 19:14"And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses..."Illustrates majesty, power, and following the King.
Ezek 16:13"Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and embroidered work..."God adorns Israel beautifully.
Eph 5:25-27"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church...that he might present her to himself a glorious church..."Christ's cleansing and beautifying His bride.
Isa 60:6"The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord."Rich possessions, conveying glory.
1 Tim 2:9"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;"Focus on inner adornment and appropriate conduct.
1 Pet 3:3-4"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair...but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible..."Emphasis on lasting inner beauty.
Song 4:7"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee."King's ultimate praise of beloved's flawlessness.
Song 5:10-16Comprehensive description of the King's beloved, full of vivid comparisons.Detailed praise of beloved's unique qualities.
Song 6:4"Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners."Comparing beloved to beautiful and awe-inspiring places/forces.
Song 7:6-7"How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! This thy stature is like to a palm tree..."Further exclamations of her beauty and delight.
Isa 53:2"...he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him."Contrasts with descriptions of desired beauty, often for Christ in human form.
Jer 8:6"Every one turneth to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle."Horse's charging, conveying power and determination.
Prov 21:31"The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD."Horse as instrument of strength and preparation.
Eccl 9:11"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong..."Acknowledges the power of strength, but points to God's ultimate control.
Exod 15:19"For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea..."Mentions Pharaoh's chariots in context of power and ultimate defeat.
Ps 33:17"A horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength."Emphasizes reliance on God over worldly power.

Song Of Solomon 1 verses

Song Of Solomon 1 9 Meaning

In Song of Solomon 1:9, the lover (the king) expresses profound admiration and esteem for his beloved by comparing her to a mare chosen from among Pharaoh's prestigious chariots. This vivid imagery conveys her exceptional beauty, value, power, grace, and unique distinction. It speaks of her being highly prized and standing out even in the most elite and formidable of settings.

Song Of Solomon 1 9 Context

Song of Solomon chapter 1 opens with the Shulammite woman expressing her deep desire for the king's affection. She yearns for his intimate presence and remembers the love between them. She acknowledges her appearance, sun-tanned from working in the vineyards, and her family's dismissive treatment. In response, the king offers this passionate compliment in verse 9. This verse marks a pivotal moment where the king praises her, countering any insecurities she may have had and affirming her profound value in his eyes. It elevates their budding relationship, showing his high regard for her character and distinct beauty. The book is an allegorical celebration of pure love, also pointing to the divine love between Christ and His church, or God and Israel.

Song Of Solomon 1 9 Word analysis

  • I liken you: Hebrew: dibbîtîk (דִּמִּיתִ֥יךְ). From the root dāmāh, meaning "to be like," "to resemble," or "to compare." This is an active and intentional comparison, indicating thoughtful observation and a considered judgment. It implies he sees a deep, inherent similarity beyond superficial resemblance, suggesting she embodies the qualities of what she's compared to.
  • my love: Hebrew: rā‘yātî (רַעְיָתִ֛י). This is a term of endearment specific to the Song of Solomon, used frequently by the lover for his beloved. It comes from a root meaning "to shepherd," and refers to a "companion," "friend," or "partner." It emphasizes not just romantic desire but a deep, cherished fellowship and shared journey.
  • to a mare: Hebrew: sûsâ (סוּסָה). Refers specifically to a female horse. In the ancient world, particularly in Egypt, horses, especially warhorses, were exceptionally valuable, representing military might, wealth, and prestige. A mare, in this context, might denote unique grace, vitality, breeding potential, and an untamed spirit, even within a controlled setting. It’s a creature of beauty, strength, and noble lineage.
  • among Pharaoh’s chariots: Pharaoh's chariots were the pinnacle of ancient military technology and status. Egyptian horses were renowned for their strength, speed, and training. To place a mare "among" them suggests she is of exceptional quality, standing out not merely by her surroundings but in them. She is uniquely beautiful, spirited, and precious, possessing an incomparable stature, even among the best and most formidable assets of a mighty king. It implies her beauty and character command attention and respect among even the most elite and powerful elements.

Song Of Solomon 1 9 Bonus section

  • The image of a mare suggests an inner strength and spirit, not just outward adornment. It implies that she has a powerful, vital nature which is both attractive and commanding.
  • The Pharaoh's chariots were symbols of earthly might and transient power, often associated with opposition to God's people (e.g., in Exodus). By likening her among them, the king is elevating her to a position of greater majesty and true value, transcending mere worldly glory. She is the jewel even amidst such overwhelming display of human strength.
  • In ancient cultures, gifts of horses or chariots between monarchs were symbols of great honor and alliance. The king is essentially declaring her worth as unparalleled, even among the finest tokens of international diplomacy or warfare.
  • The subtle implication of fertility and ability to produce "royal" offspring (like a fine mare for breeding) might also be present, emphasizing her potential contribution to his lineage, though the primary focus remains on her personal qualities.
  • The comparison is hyperbole used to convey profound emotional truth—his immense affection and high regard for her, indicating she possesses noble bearing and unique allure that separates her from all others.

Song Of Solomon 1 9 Commentary

The king's comparison of his beloved to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots is one of the most striking compliments in the Song of Solomon. It is not a casual remark but a highly esteemed appraisal. This imagery goes far beyond merely calling her "beautiful." It implies that she possesses a combination of exquisite beauty, refined grace, spirited vitality, and inherent power. A mare among chariots stands out: she is valuable, likely for breeding elite stock, ensuring lineage and perpetuating power. This highlights the beloved's supreme value in the king's eyes.

Her "standing out" implies her distinctiveness. Even amidst the most impressive displays of wealth and military might, her unique qualities are evident and captivating. The comparison reflects deep respect, recognizing her strength and character as much as her physical attractiveness. She is not merely an object of desire but a prized, dignified, and spirited companion who enriches his life profoundly. The compliment assures her of her irreplaceable position and his unwavering admiration.