SNG front intro an3g 0 # Introduction to the Song of Songs<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>#### Outline of the Song of Songs<br><br>1. The bride longs for the bridegroom to arrive (1:1–2:7)<br>1. The bridegroom praises the woman he loves (2:8–3:5)<br>1. The bridegroom arrives and praises the bride (3:6–5:1)<br>1. The bride longs for the bridegroom (5:2–6:9)<br>1. The bridegroom praises the beauty of his bride (6:1–8:4)<br>1. Final thoughts about love between a man and a woman (8:5–14)<br><br>#### What is the Song of Songs about?<br><br>The Song of Songs is a poem or a series of poems that celebrate love and intimacy between a man and a woman. Jews traditionally have interpreted the book as a picture of God's love for his people Israel. In the same way, many Christians interpret it as a picture of love between Christ and his bride, the church of all believers.<br><br>#### Who wrote the Song of Songs?<br><br>The first verse of the book ("The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's") gives the idea that King Solomon of Israel wrote it. However, people have interpreted this verse in different ways, so not everyone is persuaded that Solomon wrote it.<br><br>#### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>This book is traditionally titled "Song of Songs," which means the very best song, or "Song of Solomon." It may also be called "Songs of Love," "Great Poems of Love," or "The Love Songs of Solomon." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>#### What place do the descriptions of sexual behavior have in the Song of Songs?<br><br>The Song of Songs approves of sexual behavior expressing love between a husband his wife.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>#### How many characters are in the Song of Songs?<br><br>The two main characters in this book are the man and the woman, who love each other. The woman also speaks to a group of women called the "daughters of Jerusalem," and these women make comments. However, it is possible that the group of women is not real and the woman is only imagining them.<br><br>Some interpreters believe there may be more characters than these, but this is not certain. The ULT and UST versions recognize only the man, the woman, and the group of women.<br><br>#### What are the lines about people speaking?<br><br>The Song of Songs is a poem that shows the thoughts and words of a man, a woman, and the woman’s friends. Throughout the poem, the author does not identify the speakers and their audience. So to help readers understand the poem, some translations attempt to identify the speaker and the audience. It is not always certain who the speaker is, so sometimes translations disagree about who is speaking.<br><br>Before each speech, the ULT identifies the speaker and the audience like this: "The woman speaking to the other women," "The woman speaking to the man," "The man speaking to the woman," or "The woman speaking to herself." Translators are encouraged to include these ways of identifying the speaker and the audience, and to format them differently from the scripture text. The translators should also include a note explaining that these explanations are not actually part of the scripture.<br><br>#### How should one translate the Song of Songs if the readers will view certain terms as coarse, vulgar, or improper?<br><br>Readers might consider many images or forms appearing in the Song of Songs as improper when translated. The translator should try to avoid offensive language if possible, by using expressions that will not cause offense. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])<br><br>#### How do I translate metaphors and similes in this book?<br><br>There are many metaphors and similes in this book. These figures of speech are often unclear. If they have sexual meanings, figures of speech describing feelings or emotions are often used to avoid offense by hiding their meaning. However, since their meanings are often unclear, ambiguity in translation is encouraged.
SNG 01 intro xrm2 0 # Song of Songs 01 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Kisses<br>The kisses in this chapter are a type of kiss that was only done between a husband a wife. It is an intimate kiss. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>##### Love and affection<br>This chapter is centered on the feelings of love, affection, and attraction. Different cultural standards may make translation difficult and the translator may use euphemisms to avoid offending people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphors<br>In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### "I am dark"<br>In the ancient Near East, rich people usually had lighter skin because they did not need to work outside in the sun. This young woman had to work out in the sun, and her skin became darker than it was when she was younger.<br>
SNG 01 01 fna4 writing-poetry 0 General Information: See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
SNG 01 01 qbe2 0 The Song of Songs "The Best Song" or "The Most Excellent Song"
SNG 01 01 r5ns 0 which is Solomon's Possible meanings are "which is about Solomon" or "which Solomon composed."
SNG 01 02 j5xq 0 General Information: The first part of the book begins with this verse.
SNG 01 02 nze7 0 your love is better than wine "I enjoy having you near me more than I enjoy drinking wine"
SNG 01 03 si36 0 Your anointing oils "The oils that you put on your body"
SNG 01 03 d9r7 0 have a delightful fragrance "smell wonderful"
SNG 01 03 z9t3 figs-simile 0 your name is like flowing perfume Perfume has a good smell that spreads as the air moves. The name is either a metonym for 1) the person's reputation, what other people think of him. Here the speaker says that people always think that the hearer is a good person, or 2) the person himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 01 04 v83t figs-you 0 with you "The word "you" refers to the man and so is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
SNG 01 04 gec8 figs-metaphor 0 Take "Pull" or "Drag." Here the woman described as being like a captive who is willing to follow her captor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 01 04 ty2p figs-inclusive 0 we will run The word "we" refers to the young woman together with the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
SNG 01 04 isr6 figs-pronouns 0 We are glad ... We rejoice ... let us celebrate The woman speaks of herself as if she were more than one person. Many versions change the pronoun to "I" as the UST does. Other versions present these as the words of the woman's friends speaking about either the woman or the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
SNG 01 04 at7l 0 about you "because of you"
SNG 01 04 geq4 0 let us celebrate "let us praise"
SNG 01 04 ag8r 0 It is natural for the other women to adore you "Women who adore you are doing as they should do"
SNG 01 05 ez2x 0 I am dark but lovely "My skin is dark, but I am still beautiful" or "Even though my skin is dark, I am beautiful"
SNG 01 05 rbb3 figs-simile 0 dark like the tents of Kedar The nomadic tribes in Kedar used black goat skins to build their homes. The woman is comparing her skin to these tents. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 01 05 dc13 figs-simile 0 lovely like the curtains of Solomon Solomon produced beautiful curtains either for his own palace or for the Temple. She says that her skin is beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 01 06 thz7 figs-hyperbole 0 scorched This exaggeration for "burned" or "made black" refers to the sun changing her skin from light to dark. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
SNG 01 06 fz9h 0 My mother's sons "My half-brothers." These brothers probably had the same mother as the woman but not the same father.
SNG 01 06 v86f 0 made me keeper of the vineyards "made me take care of the vineyards"
SNG 01 06 w18k figs-metaphor 0 but my own vineyard I have not kept The woman compares herself to a vineyard. Alternate translation: "but I have not been able to take care of myself" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 01 07 f9hi figs-metonymy 0 my soul loves The soul is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "I love" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 01 07 v54w 0 feed your flock "graze your flocks"
SNG 01 07 f5eb 0 rest your flock "have your flock lie down"
SNG 01 07 v6rs figs-rquestion 0 Why should I be like someone who wanders beside the flocks of your companions? The woman asks this question to emphasize that she has a closer relationship to the man than other women do. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "Tell me so that I will not need to wander around among the flocks of your companions when I am looking for you." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
SNG 01 07 bq95 figs-metaphor 0 who wanders "who goes all around." She does not want to have to look for the man. Perhaps she is afraid other men will think she is a prostitute looking for business. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 01 07 b552 0 your companions "your friends" or "your co-workers"
SNG 01 08 nky4 0 most beautiful among women "you who are the most beautiful of all women"
SNG 01 08 al9c 0 follow the tracks of my flock "follow along behind the flock"
SNG 01 08 i8sl 0 tracks marks of the hooves of the flock on the ground
SNG 01 08 fis9 0 pasture your young goats "graze your young goats" or "let your young goats eat"
SNG 01 09 v2yv 0 General Information: The man continues speaking to the woman.
SNG 01 09 gw76 figs-simile 0 I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariot horses The Jews of those days considered horses beautiful, and the Pharaoh's horses would have been the most beautiful he could find. The man considers the young woman beautiful. Alternate translation: "My love, you are as beautiful as any of Pharaoh's chariot horses" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 01 09 l3q7 0 my love "you whom I love"
SNG 01 09 zyj5 0 Pharaoh's chariot horses "the horses that pull Pharaoh's chariots"
SNG 01 10 u7h9 figs-metaphor 0 Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments These ornaments could be 1) jewels hanging from a band around the head or 2) earrings or 3) a metaphor for her long hair. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 01 11 dza7 figs-pronouns 0 We will make The man speaks as if he were many people. Some versions change this to singular "I." Other versions take these to be the words of the woman's friends. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
SNG 01 11 bp6l 0 with silver studs "with spots of silver"
SNG 01 12 zt7d 0 lay on his couch "sat eating his special meal." This probably refers to one of the couches on which people would lie around a table at a banquet. You could translate using the common word for what people do with their bodies when they eat special meals.
SNG 01 12 ur66 0 nard an oil that people got from the expensive nard or spikenard (valerian plant with small pink or white flowers) and used to make their skin soft and to have a pleasant odor.
SNG 01 12 lp8f 0 emitted its fragrance "gave off its good smell"
SNG 01 13 vc5v figs-simile 0 My beloved is to me like a bag of myrrh ... breasts Women would place a small bag or pouch of myrrh on a necklace so it would lie between their breasts and they could enjoy its pleasant fragrance. This woman enjoys having her beloved close to her. She adds "to me" to show that she does not expect anyone else to enjoy her beloved in this way. Alternate translation: "I enjoy my beloved as much as I enjoy having a bag of myrrh ... breasts" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 01 13 bzs7 0 My beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." Alternate translation: "My dear one" or "My lover"
SNG 01 13 f8y8 figs-euphemism 0 lying between my breasts If this phrase would offend your readers, you could use a euphemism. Alternate translation: "close to me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
SNG 01 14 zh75 figs-simile 0 My beloved is to me like a cluster of henna flowers Henna flowers have a fragrance that people enjoy. The woman enjoys her beloved. She adds "to me" to show that she does not expect anyone else to enjoy her beloved in this way. Alternate translation: "I enjoy my beloved as much as I enjoy the smell of clusters of henna flowers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 01 14 a6jk 0 henna flowers flowers from a small desert tree that people used as a perfume
SNG 01 15 x2d5 0 Listen, you "Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: you"
SNG 01 15 m114 0 my love "you whom I love." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](./09.md)
SNG 01 15 fb4x figs-metonymy 0 your eyes are doves Possible meaning are 1) the Israelites considered doves to be gentle and soft birds, and the man considers the woman's eyes beautiful because the way the woman looks at him makes him think she is gentle. Alternate translation: "you are very gentle" or 2) the man is speaking of the woman's white eyeballs or the shape of her eyes as being like the shape of a dove. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 01 16 sbi4 0 Listen, you "Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: you"
SNG 01 16 km29 0 handsome Use the word in your language that describes a good-looking man.
SNG 01 16 x3pr 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 01 16 q43e figs-metaphor 0 lush plants are our bed This speaks of the lush plants as if they were a bed. Alternate translation: "lush plants are what we lie down on to sleep" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 01 16 xed8 0 The lush plants plants that are green, moist, and grow abundantly
SNG 01 17 v14z figs-metaphor 0 The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firs The woman describes the forest as though it were a house in which they were lying down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 01 17 q6r8 0 beams ... rafters Possible meanings are 1) "beams" refers to large logs used to support everything above the walls and "rafters" refers to the large pieces of wood to which the roof is attached or 2) "beams" refers to the rafters and "rafters" refers to the strips attached to the beams, onto which the builders attached the roofing materials.
SNG 01 17 c3e5 translate-unknown 0 cedars ... firs Cedars were large and strong trees. The word translated "firs" is a general term for trees like cedars but smaller. If cedar and fir trees are unknown in your area, you could use general terms for the tallest and strongest trees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
SNG 02 intro u8uv 0 # Song of Songs 02 General Notes<br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphor<br>Women are compared to flowers in this chapter. This metaphor may describe a woman's beauty and delicacy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>##### Euphemisms<br>It is possible that some of the metaphors used in this chapter are actually euphemisms. These euphemisms would refer to sex or the physical love between a husband a wife. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])<br>
SNG 02 01 bw25 writing-poetry 0 General Information: See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
SNG 02 01 cne2 figs-metaphor 0 I am a meadow flower of Sharon The woman speaks as if she were one of many flowers in a land known for beautiful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 01 ni5p 0 Sharon the name of a land that is flat, has no trees, and grows many different kinds of grasses and flowers
SNG 02 01 vve6 figs-metaphor 0 lily of the valleys The woman speaks as if she were one of many flowers in a land known for beautiful flowers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 01 nt8f 0 lily a sweet smelling flower that grows in places where there is much water. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:1-2](./01.md).
SNG 02 01 e9ke 0 valleys flat areas between mountains and near water
SNG 02 02 ibi6 figs-simile 0 As a lily among thorns ... young women A flower is much more beautiful than a thorn bush. The man thinks the woman is much more beautiful than the other women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 02 02 bi45 0 my love "you whom I love." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
SNG 02 02 y9bu 0 the young women "the other young women"
SNG 02 03 xz7y figs-simile 0 As an apricot tree ... the young men People enjoy the fruit of an apricot tree, but the trees of the forest do not bear fruit. The woman enjoys being with the man, but not with the other young men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 02 03 yr6x 0 apricot tree a tree that produces a small yellow fruit that is very sweet. If your readers will not know what this is, you could use the word for another fruit tree or the general word "fruit tree."
SNG 02 03 wf4u 0 the forest The Hebrew word here refers to land where trees grow for which people have no use.
SNG 02 03 q7kl 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 02 03 pii3 figs-metaphor 0 I sit down under his shadow with great delight The woman finds great joy and comfort in being so near to the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 03 b5ai figs-metaphor 0 his fruit is sweet to my taste The woman enjoys eating sweet fruit, and she enjoys being near to the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 04 ift6 0 the house of wine Possible meanings are 1) the very large room where the king would serve many people large meals with wine or 2) a small booth in a vineyard where the man and woman could be alone together.
SNG 02 04 rp8q figs-metonymy 0 his banner over me was love Possible meanings are 1) the banner is a metonym for a military escort. And, the military escort is a metaphor that represents the man's love which gives courage to the woman who was nervous to enter the large room where the king served many people. Alternate translation: "but his loving protection guided me and gave me courage" or 2) the woman knew that the man wanted to make love to her from the way he looked at her. Alternate translation: "he looked at me lovingly" or "when he looked at me, I knew he wanted to make love to me" or 3) they made love. Alternate translation: "he lovingly covered me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 05 uxb2 0 Revive me "Return my strength" or "Give me energy"
SNG 02 05 khc1 0 with raisin cakes "by giving me raisin cakes to eat." Raisin cakes were cakes made of dried grapes pressed together.
SNG 02 05 gs2a 0 refresh me with apricots "support me by giving me apricots" or "help me by giving me apricots"
SNG 02 05 y4qy figs-metaphor 0 for I am weak with love The woman speaks of feeling weak because her love is so strong as if love were a kind of sickness. Alternate translation: "because my love is so strong that I feel feeble" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 06 m6ys 0 left hand ... right hand "left arm ... right arm"
SNG 02 06 fq8w 0 embraces me "holds me"
SNG 02 07 l67b figs-apostrophe 0 daughters of Jerusalem "young women of Jerusalem." These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
SNG 02 07 n4wq figs-apostrophe 0 by the gazelles and the does of the fields Although the daughters of Jerusalem could not hear her, the woman speaks to them as if they could hear saying that the gazelles and the does will punish them they break their promise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
SNG 02 07 sz5c 0 the gazelles These are animals that look like deer and move quickly.
SNG 02 07 nt79 0 does female deer
SNG 02 07 w94r 0 of the fields "that live in the countryside." This was land that has not been farmed.
SNG 02 07 ekc3 figs-personification 0 will not awaken or arouse love until she pleases Here "love" is spoken of as if it were a person asleep that does not want to be awakened. This is a metaphor that represents the man and woman who do not want to be disturbed until they are finished making love. Alternate translation: "will not disturb us until we have finished making love" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 07 fz3j figs-doublet 0 will not awaken or arouse If your language has only one word for waking people out of sleep, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: "will not awaken" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
SNG 02 08 aay2 0 General Information: The second part of the book begins here. It is not clear whether the woman is speaking to herself or to the daughters of Jerusalem.
SNG 02 08 j2nl 0 Listen Possible meanings are 1) "Listen carefully to what I am about to say." You could use a word in your language that tells the hearer to listen carefully, or 2) "Listen so you can hear him coming."
SNG 02 08 rn51 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 02 08 dm9e 0 leaping ... jumping The woman shows that she is excited to see the man come by using as few words as possible to describe what he is doing. Your language may have a different way of showing that the speaker is excited about what is happening.
SNG 02 08 fr67 figs-metaphor 0 leaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills "leaping on the mountains, running quickly on the hills." The woman speaks of the man as if he were "a gazelle or a young stag" (verse 9) coming quickly toward her over rough ground. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 09 l5ni 0 gazing ... peering The woman shows that she is excited to see the man come by using as few words as possible to describe what he is doing. Your language may have a different way of showing that the speaker is excited about what is happening.
SNG 02 09 f2lu figs-simile 0 like a gazelle or a young stag Gazelles and young stags move quickly over rough ground. The woman imagines the man coming as fast as he can to be with her. You could translate using animals in your language that people think of as fast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 02 09 kq5f 0 a gazelle This is an animal that looks like a deer and moves quickly. Translate as the singular of "the gazelles" as in [Song of Songs 2:7](./07.md).
SNG 02 09 qbs9 0 a young stag "a young male deer"
SNG 02 09 s6z4 0 look "listen carefully" or "what I am about to say is important." You could use a word in your language that tells the hearer to listen carefully.
SNG 02 09 umf5 0 behind our wall "on the other side of our wall." The woman is in a house and the man is outside the house.
SNG 02 09 be2w figs-exclusive 0 our wall The word "our" refers to the woman and the other people in the house with her. If she is speaking to herself, it is inclusive, but if she is speaking to the daughters of Jerusalem, whether she is referring to herself and her companions or to herself only in plural, as in "We are glad ... We rejoice ... let us celebrate" ([Song of Songs 1:4](../01/01.md)), it is exclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
SNG 02 09 kf9u 0 gazing through the window "he stares in through the windows"
SNG 02 09 s9xt 0 peering through the lattice "he peeks through the lattice"
SNG 02 09 z1bl 0 lattice a cover for a window or some other entrance that someone has made by weaving long strips of wood together. Lattices have holes that people can look through.
SNG 02 10 hl12 0 My beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "My dear one" or "My lover"
SNG 02 10 pah1 0 Arise, my love "Get out of bed, my love"
SNG 02 10 fff7 0 my love "you whom I love." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md)
SNG 02 11 yv91 0 Look "Listen carefully" or "What I am about to say is important." You could use a word in your language that tells the hearer to listen carefully.
SNG 02 11 eyh9 0 the winter is past; the rain is over and gone In winter it is too cold and wet to make love outside, but the cold, wet time has passed.
SNG 02 11 e658 0 the winter is past Winter is the cold time of year when plants do not grow and people prefer to stay inside their houses. You could use the term in your language for that time of year.
SNG 02 11 f4hz 0 the rain is over and gone In Israel it only rains during the winter. The rain here is cold and unpleasant, not the refreshing rain of the hot season.
SNG 02 12 wfw3 0 The flowers have appeared "People can see flowers"
SNG 02 12 j8f3 0 in the land "all over this land"
SNG 02 12 sv72 0 for pruning for cutting off branches from a plant so that it will produce more fruit or look better
SNG 02 12 x3li 0 the singing of birds "for birds to sing"
SNG 02 12 zmw4 figs-activepassive 0 the sound of the doves is heard This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people can hear the sound of doves" or "the doves are cooing" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
SNG 02 13 mk2y figs-personification 0 The fig tree ripens her green figs The tree is spoken of as if it were actively causing its fruit to ripen. This is a collective singular and can be translated as a plural. Alternate translation: "The figs on the trees are becoming ripe" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
SNG 02 13 ef3j 0 vines are in blossom "vines are flowering" or "vines have flowers"
SNG 02 13 xhn3 0 they give off The word "they" refers to the blossoms on the vines.
SNG 02 13 wjr7 0 their fragrance "their sweet smell"
SNG 02 13 m4mt 0 my love "you whom I love." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md)
SNG 02 14 a7lp 0 General Information: The man is speaking.
SNG 02 14 wv7q figs-metaphor 0 My dove The Israelites considered doves beautiful birds with pleasant voices. The man thinks the woman's face and voice are beautiful. If calling a woman a "dove" would be offensive, you could leave out the metaphor. Alternate translation: "My beautiful woman" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 14 eju1 0 the clefts large cracks in the side of mountain rocks large enough for people to hide in
SNG 02 14 afg5 0 the mountain crags "the steep rocks on the sides of the mountains"
SNG 02 14 bhl6 0 your face Some versions translate this as "your appearance" or "your form" or "what you look like."
SNG 02 15 pu8l figs-you 0 Catch This is plural, as if the woman is speaking to more than one man, but most versions translate who she is speaking to as the man, so you could translate this as singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
SNG 02 15 xns5 figs-metaphor 0 the foxes These animals look like small dogs and were often used in love poetry to represent eager young men who would spoil a young woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 15 v31m figs-exclusive 0 for us ... our vineyard The words "us" and "our" could possibly be 1) exclusive, referring to the woman herself, as in [Song of Songs 1:4](../01/01.md), or 2) inclusive, referring to the woman and the man, or 3) exclusive, referring to the woman and the rest of her family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
SNG 02 15 dac9 0 foxes Another possible meaning is "jackals." A jackal is a type of thin wild dog with long legs.
SNG 02 15 wl95 figs-metaphor 0 the little foxes that spoil Foxes spoil or destroy vineyards by digging holes and eating vines and grapes. This could be a metaphor for young men who spoil young women. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 15 r16k figs-metaphor 0 in blossom This implies that the vineyard is healthy and the grapes have appeared, but they are not ready for harvest. This could be a metaphor for a young lady ready for marriage and bearing children. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:13](./12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 16 zb2r 0 My beloved is mine "My beloved belongs to me"
SNG 02 16 lxy4 0 I am his "I belong to him"
SNG 02 16 n6c3 figs-metaphor 0 he grazes "feeds" or "eats grass." The woman speaks of the man as if he were "a gazelle or a young stag" (verse 17) that eats plants among the lilies. Grazing is probably a metaphor for lovemaking ([Song of Songs 2:1-2](./01.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 16 x5db 0 lilies sweet-smelling flowers that grow in places where there is much water. Translate as the plural of "lily" in [Song of Songs 2:1](./01.md).
SNG 02 17 b3kg 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 02 17 p2uq 0 dawn the part of the day when the sun is rising
SNG 02 17 lz3y figs-metaphor 0 the shadows flee away The woman describes the shadows as though they were running away from the light of the sun. Alternate translation: "the shadows disappear" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 02 17 d8mw 0 like a gazelle or a young stag See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:9](./08.md).
SNG 02 17 vlw3 0 gazelle an animal that looks like a deer and moves quickly. Translate as the singular of "gazelles" as in [Song of Songs 2:7](./07.md).
SNG 03 intro t72h 0 # Song of Songs 03 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Longing<br>This chapter describes a feeling of longing, or the waiting in anticipation of the one you love. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphors<br>In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br>
SNG 03 01 l1kv 0 I was longing for him ... could not find him "I had a strong desire to be with him ... loves, but he was not there"
SNG 03 01 hu3u figs-metonymy 0 him whom my soul loves The soul is a metonym for the whole person. Here it makes a stronger statement of the woman's love for the man than "my beloved" ([Song of Songs 1:14](../01/12.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 03 02 uyu7 0 go through the city "walk through the city"
SNG 03 02 x9ki 0 through the streets and squares The word "squares" indicates the center area of a town where streets or roads come together. It is often an area where people sell items, a market, and a place where people come together to talk.
SNG 03 02 afu9 0 will search "will to look for"
SNG 03 03 rdd5 0 watchmen men who have the job of keeping guard of the town at night to keep the people safe
SNG 03 03 b9j2 0 as they were making their rounds in the city "who were walking around the city on the walls"
SNG 03 03 pab8 figs-metonymy 0 him whom my soul loves The soul is a metonym for the whole person. Here it makes a stronger statement of the woman's love for the man than "my beloved" ([Song of Songs 1:14](../01/12.md)). See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 3:1](./01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 03 04 p5k2 0 the bedroom "the room for sleeping"
SNG 03 04 ri8e figs-metonymy 0 the one who had conceived me This is a metonym for her mother. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 03 05 a3y1 0 General Information: Translate this verse as in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
SNG 03 05 t61g figs-apostrophe 0 daughters of Jerusalem "young women of Jerusalem." These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
SNG 03 05 qw1m figs-apostrophe 0 by the gazelles and the does of the fields Although the daughters of Jerusalem are not there to hear her, the woman is telling them that the gazelles and the does will punish them they break their promise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
SNG 03 05 b4r5 0 the gazelles animals that look like deer and move quickly.
SNG 03 05 ruq7 0 does female deer
SNG 03 05 n2aq 0 of the fields "that live in the countryside." This refers to land that has not been farmed.
SNG 03 05 cm9r figs-personification 0 will not awaken or arouse love until she pleases Here "love" is spoken of as if it were a person asleep that does not want to be awakened. This is a metaphor that represents the man and woman who do not want to be disturbed until they are finished making love. Alternate translation: "will not disturb us until we have finished making love" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 03 05 dbf9 figs-doublet 0 will not awaken or arouse If your language has only one word for waking people out of sleep, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: "will not awaken" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
SNG 03 06 e1ly 0 General Information: The third part of the book begins here. It begins with a description of sixty men carrying Solomon's bed up from the wilderness to Jerusalem.
SNG 03 06 y8wr 0 What is that coming up from the wilderness The group of people is traveling from the wilderness to Jerusalem. They must go up in order to reach Jerusalem because the wilderness is low in the Jordan valley and Jerusalem is high in the mountains.
SNG 03 06 z3w1 0 What is that Many versions translate this "Who is that."
SNG 03 06 tjf4 figs-simile 0 like a column of smoke The dust looked like smoke from far away because the people raised much dust in the air as they traveled. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 03 06 w7kr 0 perfumed with myrrh and frankincense "with the sweet smell of myrrh and frankincense"
SNG 03 06 bf7f figs-ellipsis 0 with all the powders sold by merchants The words "perfumed with" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: "perfumed with all the powders sold by merchants" or "and with the sweet smell of all the powders that merchants sell" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
SNG 03 06 sy9j 0 powders a fine dust made by crushing something solid
SNG 03 07 ldh8 0 Look "Listen carefully" or "What I am about to say is important." You could use a word in your language that tells the hearer to listen carefully. The speaker now discovers the answer to the question in verse 6.
SNG 03 07 e4uw 0 it is the bed This refers to a bed with a cover that can be carried from one place to another.
SNG 03 07 rd7d figs-doublet 0 sixty warriors surround it, sixty soldiers of Israel These two phrases refer to the same sixty people. The second phrase clarifies that the "warriors" are "soldiers of Israel." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
SNG 03 07 u16s 0 warriors men who fight
SNG 03 08 sbd8 0 General Information: The description of sixty men carrying Solomon's bed up from the wilderness to Jerusalem, begun in [Song of Songs 3:6](./06.md), continues.
SNG 03 08 mm7c writing-background 0 A description of the bed itself begins in verse 9. You could use words in your language that show that this is background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
SNG 03 08 v2yx 0 are experienced in warfare "can fight battles well"
SNG 03 08 z9n4 0 armed against "so that he can fight against"
SNG 03 08 jqy9 figs-abstractnouns 0 terrors of the night The abstract noun "terrors" is a metonym for evil people who frighten others by attacking them. Alternate translation: "evil people who attack others at night" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 03 09 nnm6 0 sedan chair This is a chair or couch for important people to sit or lie on. It rests on long poles that people can use to carry it
SNG 03 10 f5mj writing-background 0 The description of the bed itself that began in [Song of Songs 3:9](./08.md) continues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
SNG 03 10 w2at 0 Its posts The word "its" refers to King Solomon's sedan chair.
SNG 03 10 xnj4 0 posts The word "posts" here refers to pieces either made of silver or made of wood covered with silver that hold up the tent of cloth around his chair.
SNG 03 10 rr69 0 Its interior was "The inside of it was"
SNG 03 10 apj8 0 with love Possible meanings are 1) "with love," indicating that the women made the sedan beautiful in a special way to show their love for Solomon, or 2) "with leather."
SNG 03 11 i961 0 daughters of Zion "you young women who live in Zion"
SNG 03 11 sj76 0 gaze on King Solomon "look at King Solomon." The word "gaze" refers to look at someone or something for a long time, usually with strong emotional feeling.
SNG 03 11 tf1d 0 bearing the crown "wearing the crown"
SNG 03 11 ei7z figs-metonymy 0 the day of the joy of his heart The word "heart" is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "the day on which he truly rejoiced" or "the happiest day of his life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 04 intro r3aw 0 # Song of Songs 04 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Beauty<br>The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same the same standards of beauty.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphors<br>In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>##### "My sister, my bride"<br>The woman described is not the sister of her husband. They are not related. Instead, this is a reference to a woman who is a fellow Israelite.<br>
SNG 04 01 rg3f writing-poetry 0 General Information: See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
SNG 04 01 m3g6 figs-metaphor 0 Your eyes are doves One possibility is that the man is speaking of the woman's white eyeballs or the shape of her eyes, the shape of a dove. Another possibility is that the Israelites considered doves to be gentle and soft birds, and the man considers the woman's eyes beautiful because the way the woman looks at him makes him think she is gentle. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:15](../01/15.md). Alternate translation: "You are very gentle" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 01 z6f7 0 my love "you whom I love." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
SNG 04 01 pnn4 figs-simile 0 Your hair is like a flock of goats going down from Mount Gilead Goats in Israel were usually dark in color. The woman's hair was probably dark. You may need to specify that the goats were dark or even use another simile that the reader will understand that refers to something dark and beautiful. People thought of Mount Gilead as beautiful and fertile. The speaker considered the woman beautiful and ready to become the mother of his children. If you remove the simile of the goats, you may have to remove the simile of the mountain as well. Alternate translation: "Your hair is as dark as storm clouds above a fertile land" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 04 02 bdg1 figs-simile 0 Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn ewes After sheep have their wool cut off, they are washed and their skin looks very white. The woman's teeth are white. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 04 02 cj59 figs-activepassive 0 a flock of newly shorn ewes This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a flock of ewes whose wool people have cut off" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
SNG 04 02 wc12 figs-explicit 0 coming up from the washing place The ewes are coming up out of the water. Alternate translation: "that are coming up out of the water after people have washed them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
SNG 04 02 jw1w figs-metaphor 0 Each one has a twin Sheep usually give birth to two lambs at one time. These twin lambs usually look like one another. Each of the woman's teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 02 vl9d 0 none among them is bereaved Each of the woman's teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. She has not lost any of her teeth.
SNG 04 02 sb14 0 bereaved lost a loved one who has died
SNG 04 03 h2in 0 General Information: The man continues to praise the woman.
SNG 04 03 t9kf figs-simile 0 are like a thread of scarlet Scarlet is a beautiful red color, and scarlet thread was very expensive. The woman's lips were red. Alternate translation: "are a deep red like scarlet thread" or "are red and very beautiful" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 04 03 v1ae 0 scarlet a dark red color that is very similar to the color of blood
SNG 04 03 q1mk 0 is lovely "is beautiful"
SNG 04 03 j2a3 figs-simile 0 are like pomegranate halves Pomegranates are smooth, round, and rich red. The man thinks the woman's cheeks are beautiful and show that she is healthy. Alternate translation: "are red and round like two halves of a pomegranate" or "are red and full and healthy" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 04 03 y47i 0 behind your veil See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:1](./01.md).
SNG 04 04 th27 0 General Information: The man continues to praise the woman.
SNG 04 04 i3qt figs-simile 0 Your neck is like the tower of David No one knows if this was a real tower. A tower is a tall, slender building, and saying that David built it implies that it was beautiful. The man considered the woman's neck long and slender and so beautiful. Alternate translation: "Your neck is long and beautiful like the tower of David" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 04 04 v4ae 0 of David "that David built"
SNG 04 04 cq2q figs-metaphor 0 built in rows of stone Women had necklaces that covered their entire necks with rows of decorations. The man compares these rows of decorations with the rows of stone on the tower. Alternate translation: "that has many rows of stone" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
SNG 04 04 c4nk figs-metaphor 0 with a thousand shields The man compares the decorations of the woman's necklace with shields hanging on the tower. The necklace probably went around her neck many times. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 04 swd3 0 all the shields of soldiers "all of the shields belong to mighty warriors"
SNG 04 05 f8qi 0 two breasts If the word "two" seems unnecessary and so out of place, you could omit it.
SNG 04 05 ea9j figs-simile 0 like two fawns, twins of a gazelle The man implies that the woman's breasts are matching, soft, and perhaps small. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 04 05 wd7y 0 twins the babies of a mother who gave birth to two babies at one time
SNG 04 05 gu86 0 gazelle an animal that looks like a deer and moves quickly. Translate as the singular of "gazelles" as in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
SNG 04 05 p33d 0 grazing among the lilies "eating plants among the lilies." While it is clear that the man "grazing among the lilies" is a metaphor for making love ([Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md)), it is not clear what these words refer to. It is best to translate them literally.
SNG 04 05 bb93 0 lilies sweet-smelling flowers that grow in places where there is much water. Translate as the plural of "lily" in [Song of Songs 2:1](../02/01.md).
SNG 04 06 ks1d 0 General Information: The man continues to praise the woman.
SNG 04 06 y1xu 0 Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee away Translate similar wording in this line as you did the line in [Song of Songs 2:17](../02/16.md).
SNG 04 06 re83 figs-metaphor 0 I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense The "mountain of myrrh" and "hill of frankincense" are metaphors for the woman's breasts ([Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md)). Alternate translation: "I will lie close to your breasts, which are like mountains that smell like myrrh and frankincense" or "I will lie close to your breasts, which smell very sweet" or "I will go to the sweet-smelling mountains" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 06 bm4n 0 the mountain of myrrh "the mountain made of myrrh" or "the mountain that has myrrh growing on it"
SNG 04 06 ekc1 0 the hill of frankincense "the hill where there are clouds of smoke from burning frankincense in the air"
SNG 04 07 wt7k 0 You are beautiful in every way "Every part of you is beautiful" or "All of you is beautiful"
SNG 04 07 l1xq 0 my love "you whom I love." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
SNG 04 07 ci96 0 there is no blemish in you "you have no blemish"
SNG 04 08 v9nd figs-metaphor 0 General Information: The man continues to speak to the woman. He speaks of them not being free to make love as if they were in a wild, dangerous, foreign place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 08 h4yw 0 from Lebanon "away from Lebanon"
SNG 04 08 j8s2 0 my bride This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son's wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife.
SNG 04 08 m2km translate-names 0 Amana the name of a mountain north of Israel (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
SNG 04 08 ir9l translate-names 0 Senir the name of a mountain near Amana and Hermon. Some people think that this refers to the same mountain as Hermon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
SNG 04 08 ybd2 0 dens places where lions and leopards live, like caves or holes in the ground
SNG 04 09 v3al 0 General Information: The man continues to speak to the woman.
SNG 04 09 d7n7 figs-idiom 0 You have stolen my heart Possible meanings of this idiom are 1) "My heart now belongs completely to you" or 2) "I strongly desire to make love to you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 04 09 vdf7 figs-idiom 0 my sister This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. Alternate translation: "my dear" or "my darling" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 04 09 k4ah 0 my bride This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son's wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:8](./08.md).
SNG 04 09 d83s 0 heart, with just one look at me, with just one jewel "heart. All you have to do is look at me once or show me just one jewel." Both the woman's eyes and her jewelry attract the man to her.
SNG 04 09 laj2 0 necklace This necklace probably went around her neck many times ([Song of Songs 4:4](./04.md)).
SNG 04 10 wbn5 0 General Information: The man continues to praise the woman.
SNG 04 10 g6qt 0 How beautiful is your love "Your love is wonderful"
SNG 04 10 v1gy figs-idiom 0 my sister This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:9](./08.md). Alternate translation: "my dear" or "my darling" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 04 10 ibb8 0 my bride This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son's wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:9](./08.md).
SNG 04 10 td9x 0 How much better is your love than wine "Your love is much better than wine." See how you translated a similar phrase in [Song of Songs 1:2](../01/01.md).
SNG 04 10 ts8k figs-ellipsis 0 the fragrance of your perfume than any spice The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "how much better is the fragrance of your perfume than the fragrance of any spice" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
SNG 04 10 wzb4 0 fragrance ... perfume See how you translated these words in [Song of Songs 1:3](../01/01.md).
SNG 04 10 r5ni 0 spice dried plants or seeds that have a good smell or taste
SNG 04 11 fw88 figs-metaphor 0 Your lips ... drip honey Possible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for 1) the sweet taste of the woman's kisses or 2) the woman's words. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 11 vc6y figs-metaphor 0 honey and milk are under your tongue Because "milk and honey" is a common phrase in the Bible, you should translate literally. Possible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for 1) the sweet taste of the woman's kisses or 2) the woman's words. Milk is a metaphor for luxury, owning many things that help people enjoy life. When the woman kisses the man, he enjoys life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 11 nyc9 0 the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon "the smell of your clothes is like the smell of Lebanon." Many cedar trees grew in Lebanon. Cedar trees smell very good, so Lebanon would have smelled sweet and fresh.
SNG 04 12 sks3 0 General Information: The man continues to praise the woman.
SNG 04 12 whp4 figs-idiom 0 My sister This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:9](./09.md). Alternate translation: "My dear" or "My darling" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 04 12 nrw6 0 my bride This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son's wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:9](./09.md).
SNG 04 12 j45u figs-metaphor 0 is a garden locked up "is a garden that no one can enter." The garden is a metaphor for the woman, and the lock is a metaphor for her still being a virgin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 12 i5nb figs-metaphor 0 a spring that is sealed "a spring with a cover on it." The spring or well is a metaphor for the woman, and the cover is a metaphor for her being a virgin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 13 uvg6 figs-euphemism 0 Your branches branches or channels of rivers, a clear euphemism for the female body part. If any reference to this would be offensive, translate it as a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "You" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
SNG 04 13 i3mi 0 a grove a place where many trees grow together
SNG 04 13 eji6 0 with choice fruits "with the best kinds of fruits"
SNG 04 13 q938 0 nard plants plants that give oil that people used to make their skin soft and to have a pleasant odor. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:14](../01/12.md).
SNG 04 13 dju5 0 henna small desert trees that people used as a perfume. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:14](../01/12.md).
SNG 04 14 dxj9 0 saffron a spice that comes from the dried parts from the yellow thread in the center of a certain flower
SNG 04 14 ujr7 0 calamus a reed with a pleasant smell that people used to make anointing oil.
SNG 04 14 w1cm 0 cinnamon a spice made from the bark of a tree that people used for cooking
SNG 04 14 kx8c 0 myrrh See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md).
SNG 04 14 bm3m 0 aloes a type of large plant that had a very sweet smell
SNG 04 14 p646 0 all the finest spices "all the best spices"
SNG 04 15 t9yh 0 General Information: The man continues to praise the woman.
SNG 04 15 z2an figs-metaphor 0 You are a garden spring "You are a spring in a garden." A garden spring gives sweet, clean water that people enjoy drinking. The man enjoys being close to the woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 15 t9ch 0 fresh water water that is good to drink
SNG 04 15 zl7c 0 streams flowing down from Lebanon Because Lebanon had mountains covered with trees, the streams from Lebanon were clean and cool.
SNG 04 16 jv5g figs-personification 0 Awake, north wind; come, south wind; blow The woman speaks to the north wind and the south wind as though they were people. Alternate translation: "I wish the north wind and south wind would come and blow" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
SNG 04 16 l273 figs-metaphor 0 blow on my garden The garden is a metaphor for her body, which she has covered with sweet-smelling oils ([Song of Songs 4:14](./12.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 16 kdi9 0 may give off their fragrance "may send out their good smells"
SNG 04 16 lqh1 figs-metaphor 0 May my beloved ... choice fruit The woman is inviting the man to make love to her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 04 16 dp46 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 05 intro kdw4 0 # Song of Songs 05 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>Verses 2-7 describe a dream the woman had.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Beauty<br>The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same standards of beauty.<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphors<br>In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### "My sister, my bride"<br>The woman described is not the sister of her husband. They are not related. Instead, this is a reference to a woman who is a fellow Israelite.<br>
SNG 05 01 zka3 writing-poetry 0 General Information: See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
SNG 05 01 m575 0 I have come It is clearly the woman's lover who is speaking.
SNG 05 01 f2qr figs-metaphor 0 have come into my garden The word "garden" is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
SNG 05 01 tgd7 figs-idiom 0 my sister This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:9](../04/08.md). Alternate translation: "my dear" or "my darling" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 05 01 psq4 0 my bride This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son's wife. If your language has a polite word that a man would use to his wife and that has not been used yet in this book, you could use it here. Otherwise you could use any polite term a man would use with his wife. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:9](../04/08.md).
SNG 05 01 lgr1 figs-metaphor 0 myrrh ... spice ... honeycomb ... honey ... wine ... milk These are all metaphors for the man enjoying the woman's body ([Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md), [Song of Songs 2:4](../02/03.md), [Song of Songs 4:11](../04/10.md), and [Song of Songs 4:14](../04/12.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 01 sq9d 0 spice plants that have a strong smell or taste
SNG 05 01 i16q figs-metaphor 0 Eat ... drink ... be drunk with love Eating and drinking are metaphors for making love. Alternate translation: "Make love ... make love ... make love until you are fully satisfied" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 02 a7v6 figs-euphemism 0 General Information: The fourth part of the book begins here. The young woman uses euphemisms to describe her dream so that it can be interpreted in two different ways: 1) the woman describes a dream about a night when the man came to visit her at her house; and 2) the woman describes a dream about starting to sleep with the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
SNG 05 02 biy3 figs-idiom 0 but my heart was awake The heart is the center of thought and feeling. Alternate translation: "but I could think clearly" or "but I knew what I was feeling" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 05 02 tk43 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 05 02 qjv8 figs-explicit 0 Open to me Possible meanings are 1) literal, "Open the door for me," or 2) metaphorical, "Let me make love to you." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 02 rx38 figs-idiom 0 my sister This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:9](../04/09.md). Alternate translation: "my dear" or "my darling" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 05 02 d52k 0 my love "you whom I love." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
SNG 05 02 c27j 0 my dove See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:14](../02/14.md).
SNG 05 02 gaj1 0 undefiled one "my perfect one" or "my faithful one" or "my innocent one"
SNG 05 02 yh2r 0 dew drops of water or mist that form as the night becomes cool
SNG 05 02 d3gt figs-ellipsis 0 my hair with the night's dampness The words "is wet" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: "my hair is wet with the night's dampness" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
SNG 05 03 tr8w figs-quotations 0 "I have taken off my robe ... dirty?" This is what the woman thought to herself when she heard the man speak. ([Song of Songs 5:2](./02.md)). This could be translated with the woman saying that this is what she was thinking, or the woman could just explain the situation and her thoughts as in the UST. Alternate translation: "I thought to myself, 'I have taken off my robe ... dirty?'" or "I had taken off my robe and I did not want to put it on again. I had washed my feet and I did not want to get them dirty." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])
SNG 05 03 am4r 0 robe thin linen clothing that people wore on their skin
SNG 05 03 g6z2 figs-rquestion 0 must I put it on again? This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not want to put it on again." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
SNG 05 03 r5cm figs-euphemism 0 I have washed my feet While the word "feet" can be a euphemism for private parts, this probably refers to literal feet. The woman seems more likely to want to make love than to want to refrain from lovemaking because she has just bathed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
SNG 05 03 h4w3 0 must I get them dirty? This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "I do not want to get them dirty."
SNG 05 04 w3ff figs-euphemism 0 My beloved put in his hand through the opening of the door latch Possible interpretations are 1) literal, the lover reaches into the house through a hole in the door in order to open the door or 2) euphemisic, they have begun to make love. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
SNG 05 04 hqn5 0 My beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "My dear one" or "My lover"
SNG 05 04 nns1 0 door latch "door lock"
SNG 05 05 w3k2 figs-metaphor 0 I got up to open the door for my beloved Possible meanings are 1) literal, the young woman got out of bed in order to let the man into the house, or 2), metaphorical. Alternate translation: "I prepared myself to make love with my beloved" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 05 q3qx figs-euphemism 0 my hands ... my fingers ... door handle While these may be euphemisms for the woman's and man's bodies, it is best to translate literally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
SNG 05 06 vgj4 0 General Information: The woman continues to describe her dream.
SNG 05 06 b7qk 0 my beloved See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md).
SNG 05 06 z8na figs-metaphor 0 My heart sank The heart is a metaphor for the person, and sinking, going down, is a metaphor for becoming weak or sad. Alternate translation: "I was very sad" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 07 a9yk 0 The watchmen men who have the job of keeping guard of the town at night to keep the people safe. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 3:3](../03/03.md).
SNG 05 07 rqq4 0 as they were making their rounds in the city "who were walking around the city on the walls." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 3:3](../03/03.md).
SNG 05 07 v79f 0 found me found the woman
SNG 05 07 zhf3 0 struck me "beat me" or "hit me"
SNG 05 07 q2vt 0 wounded me "injured me"
SNG 05 07 euu8 0 the guards on the walls "the men who guard the walls"
SNG 05 07 h38e 0 cloak a garment that people wore over the other clothing on their upper body when they went outdoors in public
SNG 05 08 czu7 0 I want you to swear See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
SNG 05 08 j8ub figs-apostrophe 0 daughters of Jerusalem "young women of Jerusalem." These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
SNG 05 08 w1ul figs-rquestion 0 my beloved—What will you make known to him?—that I am The woman uses a question to introduce what she wants the daughters of Jerusalem to tell her beloved. Alternate translation: "my beloved, this is what I want you to say to him: tell him that" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
SNG 05 08 v5m3 figs-metaphor 0 sick from love She loves the man so strongly that she feels sick. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 09 kr5i 0 your beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for the other women to refer to him as "your lover." See how you translated "my beloved" in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "your dear one" or "your lover"
SNG 05 09 eap5 0 most beautiful among women "you who are the most beautiful of all women." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:8](../01/08.md).
SNG 05 09 vbc6 0 Why is your beloved better "What makes your beloved better"
SNG 05 09 rfp3 0 that you ask us to take an oath like this "and causes you to have us take this oath"
SNG 05 09 zp43 0 an oath like this the oath in [Song of Songs 5:8](./08.md)
SNG 05 10 qb4q 0 My beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "My dear one" or "My lover"
SNG 05 10 xuy2 figs-explicit 0 is radiant and ruddy This phrase refers to his complexion. Alternate translation: "has radiant and ruddy skin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
SNG 05 10 za1u 0 radiant "is completely healthy" or "is pure." The man has skin that does not have any problems.
SNG 05 10 rgj8 0 ruddy a healthy color of the skin that is brownish red
SNG 05 10 hms2 figs-metaphor 0 outstanding among ten thousand "the best of 10,000." Alternate translation: "better than anyone else" or "no one else is like him." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
SNG 05 11 s23z figs-metaphor 0 His head is the purest gold The man's head is as precious to the woman as the purest gold. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 11 m1w4 figs-simile 0 a raven a bird with very black feathers (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 05 12 pn5r 0 General Information: The young woman continues to describe the man.
SNG 05 12 m6e7 figs-metonymy 0 His eyes are like doves Translate "eyes are like doves" as in [Song of Songs 1:15](../01/15.md). Possible meanings are 1) the Israelites considered doves to be gentle and soft birds, and the woman considers the man's eyes beautiful because the way the man looks at her makes her think he is gentle. Alternate translation: "His eyes are gentle like doves" or 2) the woman is speaking of the man's white eyeballs or the shape of his eyes, the shape of a dove. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 05 12 knr8 figs-metaphor 0 doves beside streams of water Birds that the Israelites considered gentle sitting beside a gently flowing stream are a metaphor for a gentle person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 12 xp2d 0 streams of water "gently flowing water"
SNG 05 12 tr46 figs-metaphor 0 bathed in milk Milk is a metaphor for the whiteness of the doves. Alternate translation: "doves that are white like milk" or 2) milk is a metaphor for the white part of the man's eyes. Alternate translation: "his pupils are like doves bathing in white milk" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 12 qe85 figs-simile 0 mounted like jewels His eyes are beautiful. Jewels that a craftsman has carefully put in place are beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 05 13 p7dj 0 General Information: The young woman continues to describe the man.
SNG 05 13 ip4j figs-simile 0 His cheeks ... aromatic scents This explains that his cheeks are like beds of spices because they both give off wonderful smells. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 05 13 mtt8 figs-metaphor 0 beds of spices gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. Spices give people pleasure. The man's body gives the woman pleasure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 13 mem2 0 yielding aromatic scents "that give off wonderful smells."
SNG 05 13 a4hu figs-metaphor 0 His lips are lilies The woman probably compares his lips with lilies because they are beautiful and smell wonderful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 13 t4f1 0 lilies See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
SNG 05 13 x8c2 figs-metaphor 0 dripping liquid myrrh "that drip with the best myrrh." His lips are moist and have a wonderful smell like myrrh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 14 hq44 0 General Information: The young woman continues to describe the man.
SNG 05 14 nl6y figs-metaphor 0 His arms are rounded gold set with jewels "His arms are cylinders of gold that have jewels all over them." The woman uses this image to say that his arms are beautiful and precious. The first readers would have understood this as a metaphor for the male body part ([Song of Songs 5:3](./03.md)), but this would be difficult to bring out in translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 14 bg51 figs-metaphor 0 his abdomen is ivory covered with sapphires "his belly is smooth ivory that has sapphires all over it." The woman uses this image to say that his belly is beautiful and precious. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 14 k5ga 0 ivory the white tusk or tooth of an animal that is similar to bone. People use ivory to make smooth and shiny pieces of art.
SNG 05 14 ws92 0 sapphires valuable stones that are either 1) blue or 2) clear and either blue or golden
SNG 05 15 c8k3 0 General Information: The woman continues to describe the man.
SNG 05 15 i1xz figs-metaphor 0 His legs are pillars of marble, set on bases of pure gold Marble and gold are strong and beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 05 15 juu1 0 marble a very strong stone that has many different colors and that people polish to make very smooth
SNG 05 15 z75c figs-simile 0 his appearance is like Lebanon "he looks like Lebanon." Lebanon was a very beautiful area with many mountains and cedar trees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 05 16 jk4b 0 General Information: The young woman continues to describe the man.
SNG 05 16 sc8p figs-metonymy 0 His mouth is most sweet The mouth is a metonym for either 1) the man's sweet kisses or 2) the sweet words that he says. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 05 16 w3vr 0 he is completely lovely "every part of him is lovely" or "all of him is lovely"
SNG 05 16 pi1a 0 This is my beloved, and this is my friend The word "This" refers to the man that the woman has just finished describing. Alternate translation: "That is what the one I love is like, and that is what my friend is like"
SNG 05 16 zd7b 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 05 16 r6zc figs-apostrophe 0 daughters of Jerusalem "young women of Jerusalem." These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
SNG 06 intro fa9a 0 # Song of Songs 06 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Beauty<br>The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same standards of beauty.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Metaphors<br>In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br>
SNG 06 01 z4sf writing-poetry 0 General Information: See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]. The fifth part of the book begins here.
SNG 06 01 xnv3 0 In what direction has your beloved gone "Which way did your beloved go"
SNG 06 01 wr5y 0 your beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for the other women to refer to him as "your lover." See how you translated "my beloved" in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "your dear one" or "your lover" or "the man you love"
SNG 06 01 emy4 0 most beautiful among women "you who are the most beautiful of all women." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:8](../01/08.md).
SNG 06 01 ise2 figs-explicit 0 gone, so that we may seek him with you? The words "tell us" are understood from the context. They can be stated clearly Alternate translation: "gone? Tell us, so that we can look for him with you." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
SNG 06 02 vrq9 figs-metaphor 0 My beloved has gone down to his garden The word "garden" is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love. See the explanation of this metaphor in [Song of Songs 5:1](../05/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
SNG 06 02 v5x3 figs-metaphor 0 beds of spices gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 5:13](../05/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 06 02 w7gn figs-metaphor 0 to graze in the garden and to gather lilies These words are metaphors for the man enjoying her body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 06 02 st2n figs-metaphor 0 graze "feeds" or "eats grass." The woman speaks of the man as if he were "a gazelle or a young stag" ([Song of Songs 2:17](../02/16.md)) that eats plants among the lilies. Grazing is probably a metaphor for lovemaking ([Song of Songs 2:1-2](../02/01.md)). See how you translated "he grazes" in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 06 02 gp6q 0 lilies sweet-smelling flowers that grow in places where there is much water. Translate as the plural of "lily" in [Song of Songs 2:1](../02/01.md).
SNG 06 03 z5rf 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 06 03 lr7w 0 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine See how you translated the similar phrase "My beloved is mine, and I am his" in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
SNG 06 03 p4l4 0 he grazes among the lilies with pleasure See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
SNG 06 04 q66q 0 General Information: Here begins Part Five of the book
SNG 06 04 xk88 figs-simile 0 as beautiful as Tirzah, my love, as lovely as Jerusalem These cities were famous for being beautiful and pleasant to be in. The man thinks the woman is beautiful, and he takes pleasure in being with her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 06 04 nj8w 0 my love "you whom I love." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
SNG 06 04 rjr5 0 lovely See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:5](../01/05.md).
SNG 06 04 uwd8 0 as awe-inspiring as an army with its banners The beauty of the woman is so powerful that it makes the man feel helpless, as if an army were approaching him.
SNG 06 05 l78a 0 General Information: The man continues to praise the woman.
SNG 06 05 e85g 0 overwhelm me "terrify me." The eyes of the woman are so beautiful that it makes the man feel weak and afraid because he cannot resist their power.
SNG 06 05 lbz1 0 Your hair ... from the slopes of Gilead Translate "Your hair ... from Mount Gilead" as in [Song of Songs 4:1](../04/01.md).
SNG 06 06 zz3k 0 General Information: The man continues to praise the woman.
SNG 06 06 lxi1 figs-simile 0 Your teeth are like a flock of ewes After sheep have their wool cut off, they are washed and their skin looks very white. The woman's teeth are white. See how "Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn ewes" is translated in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 06 06 j7se figs-explicit 0 coming up from the washing place The ewes are coming up out of the water. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md). Alternate translation: "that are coming up out of the water after people have washed them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
SNG 06 06 x7hr figs-metaphor 0 Each one has a twin Sheep usually give birth to two lambs at one time. These twin lamb usually look like one another. Each of the woman's teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 06 06 s4qj 0 none among them is bereaved Each of the woman's teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. She has not lost any of her teeth. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md).
SNG 06 06 j4u3 0 bereaved lost a loved one who has died. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md).
SNG 06 07 zid1 figs-simile 0 are like pomegranate halves Pomegranates are smooth, round, and rich red. The man thinks the woman's cheeks are beautiful and show that she is healthy. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:3](../04/03.md). Alternate translation: "are red and round like two halves of a pomegranate" or "are red and full and healthy" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 06 07 z88b 0 behind your veil See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:1](../04/01.md).
SNG 06 08 g963 translate-numbers 0 There are sixty queens, eighty concubines ... young women without number These numbers are to be large, then larger, and then beyond counting. Alternate translation: "There are 60 queens, 80 concubines ... more young women than anyone could count" or "There are many queens, even more concubines, and more young women than anyone could count" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 06 09 a2hh figs-metaphor 0 My dove The Israelites considered doves beautiful birds with pleasant voices. The man thinks the woman's face and voice are beautiful. If calling a woman a "dove" would be offensive, you could leave out the metaphor. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:14](../02/14.md). Alternate translation: "You beautiful woman" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 06 09 dk9e 0 my undefiled "my perfect one" or "my faithful one" or "my innocent one." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 5:2](../05/02.md).
SNG 06 09 m138 figs-hyperbole 0 the only daughter of her mother This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "her mother's special daughter" or "completely different from her mother's other daughters" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
SNG 06 09 tej6 0 the woman who bore her "the woman who gave birth to her." This phrase refers to her mother.
SNG 06 09 wmx6 0 young women ... queens ... concubines the women spoken of in [Song of Songs 6:8](./08.md).
SNG 06 09 al8y 0 called her blessed "said that things had gone especially well for her"
SNG 06 10 cw4k 0 General Information: The ULT understands this to be what the queens and the concubines said about the woman. However, some versions understand these to be the words of the man.
SNG 06 10 g6e9 figs-rquestion 0 Who is this who appears like the dawn ... banners? They are using this question to say that they think the young woman is amazing. Alternate translation: "This is an amazing woman! She comes into view like the dawn ... banners!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
SNG 06 10 y3dp figs-simile 0 who appears like the dawn The dawn is beautiful. The woman is beautiful. Alternate translation: "who comes into view like the dawn" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 06 10 vb8c figs-simile 0 as awe-inspiring as an army with its banners The beauty of the woman is so powerful that it makes the other women feel helpless, as if an army were approaching them. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 6:4](./04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 06 11 x84j figs-metaphor 0 General Information: The man finishes speaking to himself. Looking to see if plants had matured is probably a metaphor for enjoying the sight of the woman's body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 06 11 xmc2 0 grove See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:13](../04/12.md).
SNG 06 11 vs9r 0 young growth "young plants" or "new shoots"
SNG 06 11 qw4q 0 had budded "had grown their buds." Buds are the small round parts of plants which open up into flowers.
SNG 06 11 w8xh 0 were in bloom "were opening their flowers"
SNG 06 12 lt9y figs-simile 0 I was so happy that I felt I was riding in the chariot of a prince The man uses this image to express how happy he is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 06 13 u681 0 General Information: This is 7:1, the first verse of chapter seven, in some versions. The ULT understands this to be the friends and the woman talking to each other. Some versions understand this to be the man speaking to the woman.
SNG 06 13 sm5j figs-pronouns 0 Turn back ... gaze on you Possible interpretations are 1) the friends are speaking to the woman or 2) the man is referring to himself in plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
SNG 06 13 x9hk 0 Turn back, turn back "Come back, come back." This is repeated for emphasis.
SNG 06 13 za54 figs-pronouns 0 we may gaze Some versions understand the plural to refer to the man speaking of himself. Alternate translation: "I may gaze" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
SNG 06 13 c258 0 gaze look intently for a long time
SNG 06 13 e2bm figs-pronouns 0 Why do you gaze on the perfect woman ... armies Possible interpretations are 1) the woman refers to herself as another person and is speaking to the friends or 2) the woman is speaking to the man as if he were many men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
SNG 06 13 iqb9 0 as if on the dance between two armies "as if she were dancing between two armies"
SNG 07 intro hqv7 0 # Song of Songs 07 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Beauty<br>The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same the same standards of beauty.<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Similes<br>There are many similes in this chapter. Their purpose is to describe the beauty of the woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])<br>
SNG 07 01 z7jk 0 General Information: This is 7:2, the second verse of chapter seven, in some versions.
SNG 07 01 v8jn figs-explicit 0 How beautiful your feet appear in your sandals It may be that the woman is dancing ([Song of Songs 6:13](../06/13.md)). Alternate translation: "Your feet are so very beautiful in your sandals as you dance" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
SNG 07 01 k8va 0 prince's daughter Another possible interpretation is "you who have a noble character."
SNG 07 01 e9bd figs-simile 0 The curves of your thighs are like jewels The shape of the woman's thighs remind the speaker of a beautiful precious stone that a skilled workman has carved. Alternate translation: "The curves of your thighs are beautiful like the beautiful curves of jewel that a skilled craftsman has made" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 01 xs8e 0 your thighs The word "thighs" refers to the hips of a woman and the part of her legs that is above her knee.
SNG 07 01 fc12 figs-synecdoche 0 the work of the hands of a master craftsman The hands are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "the work of a master craftsman" or "something that a master craftsman has made" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
SNG 07 02 rg4z 0 General Information: The young woman's lover continues describing the one he loves.
SNG 07 02 u88e figs-simile 0 Your navel is like a round bowl A bowl is round. The woman's navel is round. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 02 dp5a 0 navel the spot on the stomach left from the cord that attaches a baby to its mother
SNG 07 02 n59p figs-metaphor 0 may it never lack mixed wine People used large bowls to mix wine with water or spices at feasts. Drinking wine is a metaphor for enjoying beauty. The litotes can be translated as a positive. Alternate translation: "may it always contain mixed wine" or "may I always enjoy its beauty" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
SNG 07 02 q8fy figs-simile 0 Your belly is like a mound of wheat encircled with lilies The Israelites thought mounds of wheat and lilies were pleasant to look at. Much wheat was a sign that there would be much food to eat. They threshed wheat in high, dry places, and lilies grow in low, wet places, so this simile combines beautiful sights that people would not usually see at the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 02 w6nh figs-simile 0 Your belly is like a mound of wheat People thought that the color of wheat was the most beautiful color of skin and that round piles of wheat were beautiful. Alternate translation: "Your belly has a beautiful color and is round like a pile of wheat" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 02 ah1p 0 a mound of wheat This is a pile of the grains of wheat after people remove the parts of it that they do not use.
SNG 07 02 cz8d 0 encircled with lilies "with lilies all around it"
SNG 07 02 ue5r 0 lilies sweet-smelling flowers that grow in places where there is much water. Translate as the plural of "lily" in [Song of Songs 2:1](../02/01.md).
SNG 07 03 le8a 0 General Information: The man continues describing the woman.
SNG 07 03 jw6n 0 two breasts If the word "two" seems unnecessary and so out of place, you could omit it. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:5](../04/04.md).
SNG 07 03 ugf3 figs-simile 0 like two fawns, twins of a gazelle The man implies that the woman's breasts are matching, soft, and perhaps small. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:5](../04/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 03 jh3u 0 twins the babies of a mother who gave birth to two babies at one time. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:5](../04/04.md).
SNG 07 03 wr8t 0 gazelle an animal that looks like a deer and moves quickly. Translate as the singular of "gazelles" as in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
SNG 07 04 uv17 figs-simile 0 Your neck is like a tower of ivory A tower is long and straight. Ivory is white. The woman's neck is long and straight, and her skin is light in color. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 04 b1sy 0 a tower of ivory "a tower that people have decorated with ivory"
SNG 07 04 xgt7 0 ivory the white tusk or tooth of an animal that is similar to bone. People use ivory to make art and to make things look beautiful.
SNG 07 04 h4ih figs-metaphor 0 your eyes are the pools in Heshbon The woman's eyes are spoken of as if they are clear pools of water. Pools of water are clear and sparkle in the sunlight and so are pleasant to look at. The woman's eyes are clear and sparkle and so are pleasant to look at. This can be stated as a simile. Alternate translation: "your eyes are as clear as the pools in Heshbon" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 04 md6s translate-names 0 Heshbon This is the name of a city east of the Jordan River (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
SNG 07 04 r1vf translate-names 0 Bath Rabbim This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
SNG 07 04 a4vg figs-simile 0 nose is like the tower in Lebanon A tower is tall and straight, and her nose is tall and straight. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 04 s23k figs-metonymy 0 that looks toward Damascus The tower looking is a metonym for people on the tower looking. Alternate translation: "that allows people to look toward Damascus" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 07 05 a7bt 0 General Information: The man continues to describe the woman.
SNG 07 05 jn22 figs-simile 0 Your head is on you like Carmel Mount Carmel is higher than everything else around it. The man wants to look at the woman's head more than at anything else. Alternate translation: "Your head is on you like a crown, higher than anything else" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 05 sr83 0 dark purple Other possible translations are 1) "dark black" or 2) "dark red."
SNG 07 05 hkk7 figs-metaphor 0 The king is held captive by its tresses This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Your hair that hangs down is so beautiful that the king is not able to stop admiring it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
SNG 07 05 l5e5 0 tresses the clusters of hair that hang down from a woman's head
SNG 07 06 hqx3 0 my love, with delights "my love. You delight me"
SNG 07 07 j31f 0 General Information: The man describes what he would like to do with the woman .
SNG 07 07 jy1s figs-simile 0 Your height is like that of a date palm tree "You stand up like a date palm tree." Date palm trees are tall and straight, and their branches are only at the top, with the fruit under the branches. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 07 f6me 0 date palm tree a tall, straight tree that produces a sweet, brown, and sticky fruit that grows in groups
SNG 07 07 jr1v figs-simile 0 your breasts like clusters of fruit The dates on a palm tree grow soft and round in large bunches that hang from the tree just below the branches, which are all at the top. The woman's breasts are soft and round and are just lower than her arms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 08 p7ge 0 I said "I thought" or "I said to myself." The man said this silently.
SNG 07 08 r1b3 figs-metaphor 0 I want to climb ... its branches The man wants to embrace the woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 07 08 w5g3 figs-simile 0 May your breasts be like clusters of grapes The man wants to touch her breasts. Clusters of grapes are round and soft. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 08 zfb8 figs-simile 0 may the fragrance of your nose be like apricots The word "nose" is a metonym for the breath coming out of the nose. Alternate translation: "may the breath coming from your nose smell sweet like apricots" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 08 f9is 0 apricots sweet yellow fruit
SNG 07 09 tqs7 0 General Information: The man continues describing what he would like to do with the woman.
SNG 07 09 yrg1 figs-metonymy 0 May your palate be like the best wine The palate is a metonym for the lips. Wine tastes good. The man wants to kiss the woman's lips. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 07 09 rq12 0 flowing smoothly for my beloved "that flows smoothly for the one I love." The man enjoys the smooth kisses of the woman.
SNG 07 09 ed64 0 gliding over the lips of those who sleep "that flows over our lips as we sleep"
SNG 07 10 k7zq 0 I am my beloved's See how you translated a similar phrase in [Song of Songs 6:3](../06/01.md).
SNG 07 10 j44v 0 my beloved's This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one's" or "my lover's"
SNG 07 10 a143 0 he desires me "he wants to make love to me" or "he wants me"
SNG 07 11 bhr6 0 spend the night in the villages Though the words here translated "spends the night" and "villages" appear together in [Song of Songs 1:13-14](../01/12.md) as "spends the night" and "henna flowers," and the context both here and there is lovemaking, the ULT chooses this reading because the immediate metaphor is of the man and woman sleeping in the village, rising in the morning, and going out into the vineyards. The word for "henna plants" and the word for "villages" sound exactly the same.
SNG 07 12 jsd1 0 General Information: The woman continues to speak to the man.
SNG 07 12 iii6 0 rise early "get up early" or "wake up early"
SNG 07 12 cs6n 0 have budded "have begun to bloom"
SNG 07 12 r952 0 blossoms flowers when they are open
SNG 07 12 ukd9 0 are in flower "have flowers open on the plant"
SNG 07 12 q3a4 0 I will give you my love "I will make love with you"
SNG 07 13 v5gj 0 General Information: The woman continues to speak to the man.
SNG 07 13 v61b translate-unknown 0 mandrakes This is the name of plants that give off a strong but pleasant scent. The scent is slightly intoxicating and stimulating, which increases the desire to make love. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
SNG 07 13 alp4 0 give off their fragrance "produce their scent" or "smell very nice"
SNG 07 13 xbk7 figs-explicit 0 at the door The doors belong to their house. Alternate translation: "above the entrances of our house" or "by the doors of our house" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
SNG 07 13 c2ah 0 are all sorts of choice fruits, new and old "is every kind of the best fruit, both old fruit and new fruit"
SNG 07 13 jsb8 0 stored up for you "saved so I can give to you"
SNG 07 13 h8r2 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 08 intro d35n 0 # Song of Songs 08 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Kisses<br>The kisses in this chapter are a type of kiss that was only done between a husband a wife. It is an intimate kiss. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>##### Passion<br>The chapter describes the passion that can exist between a husband a wife. This is the feeling of strong or uncontrollable desire for another person.<br>
SNG 08 01 me7m writing-poetry 0 General Information: See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
SNG 08 01 dp21 figs-simile 0 you were like my brother A woman could show affection for her brother in public. This woman wanted to be able to show affection for the man in public. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 08 01 v5fh 0 you outside "you in public"
SNG 08 01 zyd6 0 I could kiss you A woman would probably kiss her brother on his cheek order to greet him.
SNG 08 01 ec82 0 would despise me "would think that I am a bad person"
SNG 08 02 apj4 0 General Information: The young woman continues to speak to the man.
SNG 08 02 i6ch figs-explicit 0 she who taught me taught her how to make love (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
SNG 08 02 s68s figs-metaphor 0 I would give you spiced wine to drink and some of the juice of my pomegranates The woman uses these images to say that she will give herself to the man and make love with him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 02 au41 figs-metaphor 0 spiced wine "wine with spices" or "wine that has spices in it." This represents the intoxicating power of lovemaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 03 s92v 0 His left hand ... embraces me See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:6](../02/05.md).
SNG 08 03 e5cp 0 left hand ... right hand "left arm ... right arm"
SNG 08 03 v65k 0 embraces me "holds me"
SNG 08 04 z8a4 0 I want you to swear See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md)
SNG 08 04 rk33 figs-apostrophe 0 daughters of Jerusalem "young women of Jerusalem." These young women could not hear her and were not present, but the woman speaks as if they were present and could hear her. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
SNG 08 04 qg8i 0 that you will ... until it pleases See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
SNG 08 05 a5w5 0 General Information: The fifth part of the book begins here.
SNG 08 05 xxv3 figs-rquestion 0 Who is this who is coming up They are using this question to say that they think the young woman is amazing. A similar phrase was translated in in [Song of Songs 6:10](../06/10.md). Alternate translation: "Look at this amazing woman as she comes up" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
SNG 08 05 p4rr 0 I awakened you "I woke you up" or "I aroused you"
SNG 08 05 zfa2 0 the apricot tree a tree that produces a small yellow fruit that is very sweet. If your readers will not know what this is, you could use the word for another fruit tree or the general word "fruit tree." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:3](../02/03.md).
SNG 08 05 g9tp 0 there under the apricot tree
SNG 08 05 d4ub 0 she delivered you "she bore you"
SNG 08 06 y4fz 0 General Information: The young woman continues to speak to the man.
SNG 08 06 jr5m figs-metaphor 0 Set me as a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm Possible meanings are 1) because seals were very important, people always kept them around their neck or on their hand. The woman wants to be with the man constantly like a seal, or 2) a seal shows who owns the thing that has the seal on it, and the woman wants herself as the seal on the man's heart and arm to show that all of his thoughts, emotions, and actions belong to her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 08 06 yzj4 figs-simile 0 for love is as strong as death Death is very strong because it overcomes even the most powerful people of the world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 08 06 tci8 figs-simile 0 as unrelenting as Sheol "as tough as Sheol." Sheol never allows people to come back to life after they have already died. Love is as persistent as Sheol because it never changes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 08 06 fvz9 figs-metaphor 0 its flames burst out ... any other fire Love is very powerful like fire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 06 tw71 0 burst out "burn suddenly"
SNG 08 07 ir3s 0 General Information: The young woman continues to speak to the man.
SNG 08 07 baf6 figs-metaphor 0 Surging waters cannot quench love Love is so strong that it is like a fire that is so hot that it cannot be put out even with an ocean full of water. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 07 j6mc 0 Surging waters "Oceans of water" or "Huge amounts of water"
SNG 08 07 dd1i 0 cannot quench "cannot extinguish" or "cannot put out"
SNG 08 07 e1ej figs-metaphor 0 nor can floods sweep it away Love never changes and always stays the same so it is like something that not even a powerful flood can move. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 07 dju9 0 floods In Israel, water from the rain flows into deep and narrow valleys. This creates a flood of water so powerful that it can move huge boulders and trees.
SNG 08 07 kqk9 0 sweep it away "carry it away" or "wash it away"
SNG 08 07 jwh1 figs-hypo 0 If a man gave ... the offer would utterly be despised This is something that could possibly happen. Alternate translation: "Even if a man ... he would be utterly despised" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
SNG 08 07 g5ja 0 gave offered to give
SNG 08 07 l4u3 0 all the possessions in his house "everything he owns"
SNG 08 07 n3pn 0 for love "in order to get love" or "in order to buy love"
SNG 08 07 nt2s figs-activepassive 0 the offer would utterly be despised This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people would completely despise him" or "people would harshly ridicule him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
SNG 08 08 au5a 0 little sister "young sister"
SNG 08 08 t852 figs-rquestion 0 What can we do ... in marriage? The speaker uses this question to introduce what he wants to say. Alternate translation: "This is what we will do ... in marriage." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
SNG 08 08 g5fp figs-idiom 0 she will be promised in marriage This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a man comes and wants to marry her" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
SNG 08 09 mpf5 0 General Information: The young woman's brothers continue to speak among themselves.
SNG 08 09 x3j1 figs-metaphor 0 If she is a wall ... If she is a door The little sister ([Song of Songs 8:8](./08.md)) has very small breasts that either have not grown or are very small. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 09 am5u figs-metaphor 0 we will build on her a tower of silver ... we will adorn her with boards of cedar The brothers decide to decorate the little sister with silver and cedar, symbols of riches, so that she will be more likely to attract a good husband. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 09 cnw3 0 will adorn her "will decorate her"
SNG 08 10 n2vy figs-metaphor 0 I was a wall The wall is a metaphor for a woman with small breasts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 10 mc78 figs-simile 0 my breasts are now like fortress towers Fortress towers are tall. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
SNG 08 10 rll2 figs-metonymy 0 I am in his eyes as one Here eyes are a metonym for judgment or value. Alternate translation: "I am in his judgment as one" or "he thinks of me as one" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 08 10 b5uu figs-explicit 0 brings peace You may need to make explicit to whom the woman brings peace. Alternate translation: "brings him peace" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
SNG 08 10 hi47 0 peace "well-being"
SNG 08 11 tt74 0 General Information: Possible interpretations: 1) The woman contrasts the way she wants to give herself to the man, who will give her his love, to the way Solomon leases out his vineyard to those who will give him money. 2) The man contrasts the woman, whom he will not give to another man, to Solomon's vineyard, which he gave to other men.
SNG 08 11 x2c3 translate-names 0 Baal Hamon This is the name of a town in the northern part of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
SNG 08 11 mz3u 0 gave the vineyard leased, agreed to let other people pay him so they could grow grapes in the vineyard
SNG 08 11 b1b3 0 to those who would maintain it "to people who would take care of it"
SNG 08 11 h77m figs-ellipsis 0 Each one was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit It may be helpful to state that this payment was for the fruit of the vineyard. Alternate translation: "Each man was supposed to give Solomon a thousand shekels as payment for the fruit of the vineyard" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
SNG 08 11 t2dp translate-bmoney 0 to bring a thousand shekels of silver "to bring 1,000 shekels of silver." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
SNG 08 11 e3jp 0 shekels "coins"
SNG 08 11 mm2j figs-apostrophe 0 Solomon Some versions understand the woman to be speaking directly to Solomon. Others understand her to be speaking in an apostrophe to her friends, to the man, or to herself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
SNG 08 12 za66 figs-metaphor 0 My vineyard, my very own The woman refers to herself as a vineyard, as in [Song of Songs 1:6](../01/05.md). Here she emphasizes that she and no one else will decide what she dies with the "vineyard." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
SNG 08 12 gc75 figs-idiom 0 is before me This is an idiom that means the a person has the right to do what they want with something. Alternate translation: "is at my disposal" or "is mine to do with as I desire" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
SNG 08 12 tl1c 0 the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon The woman knows that Solomon has leased out the vineyard so he can get money, but she does not want money.
SNG 08 12 t7u1 0 the two hundred shekels The speaker has not mentioned these before, but the hearer would understand that she is speaking of the money that those who worked the vineyard would have left for their own after they paid Solomon.
SNG 08 13 dp6s figs-you 0 You who live The man is speaking to the woman, so "you" and "live" are feminine singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
SNG 08 13 zm5h figs-metonymy 0 listening for your voice The voice is a metonym for what the person says. If your language has a word for thinking only of what one is listening for, you could use it here. Alternate translation: "waiting to hear you start speaking" or "waiting to hear what you have to say" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
SNG 08 13 ew6z 0 let me hear it "let me hear your voice."
SNG 08 14 vrp7 0 my beloved This phrase refers to the man whom the woman loves. In some languages it may be more natural for her to refer to him as "my lover." See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](./12.md). Alternate translation: "my dear one" or "my lover"
SNG 08 14 zh44 0 like a gazelle or a young stag See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:9](../02/08.md).
SNG 08 14 yhn7 0 gazelle a type of slender deer-like animal with long curved horns
SNG 08 14 gp9l 0 stag an adult male deer
SNG 08 14 mqx9 figs-metaphor 0 the mountains of spices "the mountains that have spices all over them." The woman uses this metaphor to invite the man to make love to her. See how the man uses the metaphor of a mountain of myrrh and a hill of frankincense in [Song of Songs 4:6](../04/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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