Song of Solomon 1:5

Translations

Modern

I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.

Traditional

I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

Literal

Black am I, and lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.

Latin

Nigra sum, sed formosa, filiæ Jerusalem, sicut tabernacula Cedar, sicut pelles Salomonis.

Original

Hebrew

English

I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.

Notes

Song of Solomon 1:5–6

The woman's dark skin is not related to her race; the sun has darkened her complexion. Despite this, she maintains her self-respect and asserts her beauty. She looks healthy from working in vineyards and caring for goats (see also Song of Solomon 1:8).
Solomon had caretakers for his fields, vineyards, herds, and flocks; the herders lived in dark tents made of goats' hair.

Song of Solomon 1:5–11

If the Song is a three-character drama and the shepherd is her lover, the couple was apart while she was in the king’s palace. In this passage, she wants to know where to find him when she leaves. Twice, she is frantic about losing him again (Song of Solomon 3:1–4; 5:2–8). At other times, her concern is more subtle (Song of Solomon 2:14).

Song of Solomon 1:2–14

The song starts with the woman expressing her desire to be close to the man she loves. In the song, the woman often begins the relationship. The chorus, called the "Young Women of Jerusalem" in the New Living Translation, supports her choice of this man.
According to a three-character dramatic interpretation, the song begins by describing the woman's situation. The king is about to bring her into his palace, but she truly loves her shepherd. She hopes her lover will save her from the king (Song of Solomon 1:4).

Related verses

Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Song of Solomon 2:14
O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is lovely.
Song of Solomon 5:16
His mouth is most sweet; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Psalm 120:5
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Song of Solomon 2:7
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.
Song of Solomon 5:8
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love.
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Romans 13:14
Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
Matthew 22:11
But when the king came in to see the guests, he spotted a man who was not dressed in wedding clothes.
Song of Solomon 6:4
You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners.
Matthew 10:25
It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

Parallels

Ephesians 5:22–33 1 Peter 3:1–7

People

Kedar: A son of Ishmael and a nomadic tribe Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Kedar Song of Solomon

Topics

Kedar: A Nomadic Clan of the Ishmaelites Tapestry in Palaces Tents of the Jews Contrasted with Those of the Arabs Woman: Dark from Exposure to the Sun

Song of Solomon 1:5

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?