Keraia
Song of Solomon 3

Song of Solomon 3:2

The Bride’s Dream · Song of Solomon 3:1–5
Read Song of Solomon 3

Translations

Modern
I will arise now and go about the city, through the streets and squares. I will seek the one I love. So I sought him but did not find him.
Traditional
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
Literal
Now I will rise and go about the city, in the streets and in the broad places; I will seek the one whom my soul loves. I sought him, and I did not find him.
Latin
Surgam, et circuibo civitatem: per vicos et plateas quæram quem diligit anima mea: quæsivi illum, et non inveni.

Original

Hebrew
English
I will arise now and go about the city, through the streets and squares. I will seek the one I love. So I sought him but did not find him.

Notes

Song of Solomon 3:2

  • The poem partly describes a lover's determination to overcome all obstacles to be with their beloved.

  • Since the women of Jerusalem are mentioned often (Song of Solomon 3:5), the city is likely Jerusalem. Searching all its streets and squares was a bold effort.

  • The king of Israel would probably not be outside in the city at night. If he had his sixty-man entourage with him (Song of Solomon 3:7–8), she would find him easily. Instead, the woman seems to be looking for an ordinary man in everyday places.

Song of Solomon 2:16–3:5

In this dramatic scene, the woman is already apart from her lover and is terrified that she will not see him soon. One night, her worries push her out of bed to search frantically for him. She finds him and takes him to meet her mother.

Theme notes and profiles

Human Sexuality

Glossary

Song of Solomon

Topics

Cities: Visible Church Love to Christ: Manifested in Seeking Him Seekers: General Scriptures Concerning Seeking God: Saints: Earnest In