Song of Solomon 5:3

Modern

I have taken off my robe—must I put it back on? I have washed my feet—must I soil them again?

Traditional

I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?

Literal

I have taken off my garment—how do I put it on? I have washed my feet—how do I soil them?

Latin

Expoliavi me tunica mea: quomodo induar illa? lavi pedes meos: quomodo inquinabo illos?

Hebrew

English

I have taken off my robe—must I put it back on? I have washed my feet—must I soil them again?

One verse earlier, the couple fully enjoys their intimate union. Now the woman feels the pain of separation. In the dramatic interpretation, the woman has been separated from the man twice before and has searched for him (Song of Solomon 1:4–7; 3:1–4). This last time, the separation occurs in her dreams—it is only a nightmare. Her dream seems to continue to Song of Solomon 6:3, given the natural flow of questions and answers between the woman and the young women of Jerusalem.
If the Song is a collection of poems, these poems explore love rather than recounting actual events. This poem reminds us that an intimate relationship is not always easy or perfectly satisfying.

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 11:7
And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. My door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’
Proverbs 13:4
The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.
Matthew 26:38–43
Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
Romans 7:22–23
For in my inner being I delight in God’s law.
Proverbs 3:28
Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”—when you already have the means.
Matthew 25:5
When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
Proverbs 22:13
The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”