Song Of Solomon 3 1

Song Of Solomon 3:1 kjv

By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

Song Of Solomon 3:1 nkjv

By night on my bed I sought the one I love; I sought him, but I did not find him.

Song Of Solomon 3:1 niv

All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him.

Song Of Solomon 3:1 esv

On my bed by night I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him, but found him not.

Song Of Solomon 3:1 nlt

One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover.
I yearned for him, but he did not come.

Song Of Solomon 3 verses

Song Of Solomon 3 1 Meaning

The verse describes a seeking and finding experience, emphasizing the passionate and determined search for the beloved by "the watchmen who go about the city." It highlights vigilance, dedication, and the eventual successful discovery of the desired person.

Song Of Solomon 3 1 Context

In Song of Songs chapter 3, the narrative shifts to the perspective of the Shulamite woman. Having dreamt of her beloved searching for her and finding her, the chapter begins with her in a waking state. She recounts her restless night and her determined search for him. This verse marks the successful conclusion of her personal quest. It follows the anxiety of the previous verses where she experienced distress and a longing for her beloved. The "watchmen" can be interpreted as guards or citizens of the city, highlighting the public nature of this encounter within the poem's setting, or symbolically. The context emphasizes intense personal desire and the persistent effort to reconnect with the one held dear.

Song Of Solomon 3 1 Word Analysis

• “I found”: (Hebrew: מָצָאתִי - matzati) - This is the first-person singular perfect form of the verb mahtzah, meaning "to find," "to discover," or "to obtain." It signifies a completed action of discovery.

• “him”: (Hebrew: אֹתֹו - oto) - The direct object pronoun, referring back to the beloved.

• “whom”: (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר - asher) - A relative pronoun, introducing the clause that describes the beloved.

• “my soul”: (Hebrew: נַפְשִׁי - nafshi) - "Nefesh" denotes life, soul, spirit, or living being. Here it signifies her innermost being, her deepest desire.

• “loves”: (Hebrew: אָהַבְתִּי - ahavti) - This is the first-person singular perfect form of the verb ahav, meaning "to love." It denotes a deep affection and cherished fondness.

• “I held”: (Hebrew: אֲחַזְתִּי - achazti) - First-person singular perfect of achaz, meaning "to lay hold of," "to grasp," "to seize," or "to keep possession of." This emphasizes firm retention.

• “him”: (Hebrew: בּוֹ - bo) - Again, the direct object pronoun for the beloved.

• “and would not”: (Hebrew: וְלֹא - velo) - The conjunction "and" (vav) and the negative particle "not" (lo).

• “let go”: (Hebrew: אַרְפֶּה - arp'eh) - First-person singular imperfect from rapha, meaning "to let go," "to release," "to leave alone." The imperfect here expresses a continued state of refusal.

• “until”: (Hebrew: עַד - ad) - A preposition or conjunction indicating a limit of time or condition.

• “I brought”: (Hebrew: הֲבִיאוֹתִי - havioti) - First-person singular perfect of hava, meaning "to bring," "to lead in."

• “him”: (Hebrew: אֶל־ - el) - Preposition "to," indicating direction.

• “my mother's house”: (Hebrew: בֵּית־אִמִּי - beit-immi) - Literally "house of my mother," signifying her parental home.

• “into the chamber”: (Hebrew: חֶדֶר - cheder) - A room, chamber, or inner room.

• “of her”: (Hebrew: שָׁכָלְתָּה - shachal'tah) - Feminine singular participle from shakal, meaning "to conceive," "to bear." This refers to "her who conceived me" or "my mother."

• Phrase Group Analysis:

  • “I found him whom my soul loves”: This expresses the core of the experience—the successful discovery of the one intensely desired. The pairing of "found" and "soul loves" underscores the profound and deep personal connection.
  • “I held him, and would not let go”: This vividly portrays the resolute possessiveness and fear of losing the beloved once found. It shows a protective grip, born out of a deep longing.
  • “until I brought him into my mother's house, into the chamber of her who conceived me”: This sequence signifies the bringing of the beloved into the most intimate and secure sphere of her life—her familial home and, specifically, her private chamber, suggesting a bringing into full union and familial acceptance.

Song Of Solomon 3 1 Bonus Section

The watchmen in this verse are often interpreted allegorically in Jewish tradition as angelic beings or prophetic figures, representing spiritual or guiding entities. In a Christian interpretive framework, they can symbolize spiritual discernment, the church's vigilance, or even the Lord's messengers. The intimate holding and bringing into the mother's house are often seen as prefiguring the church’s embrace of Christ, bringing Him into the fullness of redeemed humanity. The Hebrew term Nefesh (nafshi - my soul) used here is significant, encompassing not just intellect but emotions and will, emphasizing the holistic nature of the love and pursuit. The act of not letting go underscores a profound commitment that transcends mere physical attraction, speaking to a deep, soul-level attachment.

Song Of Solomon 3 1 Commentary

This verse captures the ecstatic fulfillment of a determined search. The Shulamite’s longing for her beloved is so intense that finding him is a moment of profound joy and possessive holding. She will not release him until he is brought into the safest and most intimate space possible, her mother's house and chamber. This symbolizes a commitment to security and exclusivity in their relationship, moving from the anxiety of absence to the security of presence and union within the established family sphere. The watchmen, representing authority or public awareness, witness or are even part of this moment of finding, but the focus remains on the deeply personal connection and resolute possession.