Reference ID Tags SupportReference Quote Occurrence Note
front:intro an3g 0 # Introduction to the Song of Songs\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Song of Songs\n\n1. The bride longs for the bridegroom to arrive (1:1–2:7)\n1. The bridegroom praises the woman he loves (2:8–3:5)\n1. The bridegroom arrives and praises the bride (3:6–5:1)\n1. The bride longs for the bridegroom (5:2–6:9)\n1. The bridegroom praises the beauty of his bride (6:1–8:4)\n1. Final thoughts about love between a man and a woman (8:5–14)\n\n### What is the Song of Songs about?\n\nThe 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.\n\n### Who wrote the Song of Songs?\n\nThe 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.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThis 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://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What place do the descriptions of sexual behavior have in the Song of Songs?\n\nThe Song of Songs approves of sexual behavior expressing love between a husband his wife.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### How many characters are in the Song of Songs?\n\nThe 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.\n\nSome 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.\n\n### What are the lines about people speaking?\n\nThe 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.\n\nBefore 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.\n\n### How should one translate the Song of Songs if the readers will view certain terms as coarse, vulgar, or improper?\n\nReaders 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])\n\n### How do I translate metaphors and similes in this book?\n\nThere 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. You can translate the words as they are written in order to avoid
1:intro xrm2 0 # Song of Songs 1 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Kisses\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### Love and affection\n\nThis 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “I am dark”\nIn 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.
1:1 dsf1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry שִׁ֥יר הַשִּׁירִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לִשְׁלֹמֹֽה 1 This verse is the title of this book. Use whatever formatting convention is most natural in your language for indicating that something is the title of a poem or song. The ULT places this line further to the left than the other lines in this book to indicate that this verse is the title of the book.
1:1 qbe2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession שִׁ֥יר הַשִּׁירִ֖ים 1 The possessive form is being used here to indicate a comparison with other songs and to show that this **song** is the best or greatest of all **songs**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use another form to indicate this. Alternate translation: “The best song” or “The most excellent song” or “The greatest song”
1:1 r5ns לִשְׁלֹמֹֽה 1 The phrase **of Solomon** could mean: (1) Solomon wrote this song. Alternate translation: “Solomon wrote” (2) this song was dedicated to Solomon. Alternate translation: “is dedicated to Solomon” (3) this song was about Solomon. Alternate translation: “is about Solomon”
1:2-4 fna4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry יִשָּׁקֵ֨נִי֙ מִנְּשִׁיק֣וֹת פִּ֔יהוּ כִּֽי־טוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖יךָ מִיָּֽיִן׃ לְרֵ֨יחַ֙ שְׁמָנֶ֣יךָ טוֹבִ֔ים שֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑ךָ עַל־כֵּ֖ן עֲלָמ֥וֹת אֲהֵבֽוּךָ׃ 1 These lines of poetry most likely indicate thoughts or words that the woman is speaking or thinking to herself while she is alone. Your language may have a way of indicating speech that is expressed toward a person who is not present to hear what is being said.
1:2 tulv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry יִשָּׁקֵ֨נִי֙ מִנְּשִׁיק֣וֹת 1 The author is using an emphatic form to indicate the fervor and intensity of the desired kisses. Consider using a natural way in your language to indicate this. Alternate translation: “Let him kiss me again and again with the kisses of” or “Let him cover my face with the kisses of”
1:2 d9mu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular דֹּדֶ֖יךָ 1 In this book every occurrence of the words **you** and **your** are singular. Your language may require you to mark these forms.
1:2 th64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns טוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖יךָ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **love**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the way you love me is better” or “your loving is better”
1:2 nze7 טוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖יךָ מִיָּֽיִן 1 Alternate translation: “I enjoy having you near me more than I enjoy drinking wine” or “your love is more pleasant than wine”
1:3 j5ka לְרֵ֨יחַ֙ 1 The Hebrew word which the ULT translates as **As for** could: (1) indicate reference, in which case it should be translated as the ULT translates it or with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “In reference to the smell of” or (2) indicate emphasis or be making an assertion. Alternate translation: “Truly, the smell of” or “Indeed, the smell of”
1:3 si36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit שְׁמָנֶ֣יךָ טוֹבִ֔ים 1 Here, **oils** refers to colognes or perfumes. In the authors culture pleasant smelling spices were mixed into olive oil in order to make a pleasant smelling perfume which was then put on the skin. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. If men do not use put pleasant smelling things on their skin in your culture you could say that the man being spoken of here smells pleasant. Alternate translation: “your colognes—they are good” or “your scented oils—they are good” or “your skin—it is good” or “your body—it is good”
1:3 z9t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy שֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑ךָ 1 The woman is describing the man she loves and his reputation by association with his **name**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “oil poured out is your reputation” or “oil poured out is the honor that people give to you”
1:3 ijen rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor שֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑ךָ 1 The woman makes a comparison between the man’s reputation (which she refers to as his **name**) and scented oil that is poured out after which the good smell of the oil spreads as the air moves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the comparison. Alternate translation: “your reputation spreads more and more like the scent of perfume which spreads after it has been poured out”
1:3 pj62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result עַל־כֵּ֖ן 1 The words translated as **Therefore** indicate that what follows is a result of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a result of what came before. Alternate translation: “As a result”
1:4 v83t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you with you 0 The word “you” refers to the man and so is singular.
1:4 gec8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Take 0 “Pull” or “Drag.” Here the woman described as being like a captive who is willing to follow her captor.
1:4 ty2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive we will run 0 The word “we” refers to the young woman together with the man.
1:4 isr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns We are glad … We rejoice … let us celebrate 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1:5 rbb3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile dark like the tents of Kedar 0 The nomadic tribes in Kedar used black goat skins to build their homes. The woman is comparing her skin to these tents.
1:5 dc13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile lovely like the curtains of Solomon 0 Solomon produced beautiful curtains either for his own palace or for the Temple. She says that her skin is beautiful.
1:6 thz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole scorched 0 This exaggeration for “burned” or “made black” refers to the sun changing her skin from light to dark.
1:6 w18k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor but my own vineyard I have not kept 0 The woman compares herself to a vineyard. Alternate translation: “but I have not been able to take care of myself”
1:7 f9hi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy my soul loves 0 The soul is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “I love”
1:7 v6rs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Why should I be like someone who wanders beside the flocks of your companions? 0 The woman asks this question to emphasize that she has a closer relationship to the man than other women do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question 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.”
1:7 bq95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor who wanders 0 “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.
1:9 gw76 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariot horses 0 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”
1:10 u7h9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments 0 These ornaments could be: (1) jewels hanging from a band around the head or (2) earrings or (3) a metaphor for her long hair.
1:11 dza7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns We will make 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1:11 bp6l with silver studs 0 Alternate translation: “with spots of silver”
1:12 zt7d lay on his couch 0 “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.
1:12 ur66 nard 0 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.
1:12 lp8f emitted its fragrance 0 Alternate translation: “gave off its good smell”
1:13 vc5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile My beloved is to me like a bag of myrrh … breasts 0 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”
1:13 bzs7 My beloved 0 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”
1:13 f8y8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism lying between my breasts 0 If this phrase would offend your readers, you could use a euphemism. Alternate translation: “close to me”
1:14 zh75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile My beloved is to me like a cluster of henna flowers 0 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”
1:15 fb4x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy your eyes are doves 0 This could mean: (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.
1:16 sbi4 Listen, you 0 Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: you”
1:16 km29 handsome 0 Use the word in your language that describes a good-looking man.
1:16 x3pr my beloved 0 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”
1:16 q43e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor lush plants are our bed 0 This speaks of the lush plants as if they were a bed. Alternate translation: “lush plants are what we lie down on to sleep”
1:17 v14z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firs 0 The woman describes the forest as though it were a house in which they were lying down.
1:17 q6r8 beams … rafters 0 This could mean: (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.
1:17 c3e5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown cedars … firs 0 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.
2:intro u8uv 0 # Song of Songs 2 General Notes\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nWomen are compared to flowers in this chapter. This metaphor may describe a woman’s beauty and delicacy. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### Euphemisms\n\nIt 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
2:1 bw25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\n(See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
2:1 cne2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I am a meadow flower of Sharon 0 The woman speaks as if she were one of many flowers in a land known for beautiful flowers.
2:1 vve6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor lily of the valleys 0 The woman speaks as if she were one of many flowers in a land known for beautiful flowers.
2:2 ibi6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile As a lily among thorns … young women 0 A flower is much more beautiful than a thorn bush. The man thinks the woman is much more beautiful than the other women.
2:3 xz7y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile As an apricot tree … the young men 0 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.
2:3 yr6x apricot tree 0 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.”
2:3 wf4u the forest 0 The Hebrew word here refers to land where trees grow for which people have no use.
2:3 q7kl my beloved 0 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”
2:3 pii3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I sit down under his shadow with great delight 0 The woman finds great joy and comfort in being so near to the man.
2:3 b5ai rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor his fruit is sweet to my taste 0 The woman enjoys eating sweet fruit, and she enjoys being near to the man.
2:4 ift6 the house of wine 0 This could mean: (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.
2:4 rp8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy his banner over me was love 0 This could mean: (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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:5 y4qy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor for I am weak with love 0 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”
2:7 l67b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe daughters of Jerusalem 0 “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.
2:7 n4wq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe by the gazelles and the does of the fields 0 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.
2:7 ekc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification will not awaken or arouse love until she pleases 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
2:7 fz3j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet will not awaken or arouse 0 If your language has only one word for waking people out of sleep, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “will not awaken”
2:8 aay2 0 # General Information:\n\nThe second part of the book begins here. It is not clear whether the woman is speaking to herself or to the daughters of Jerusalem.
2:8 j2nl Listen 0 This could mean: (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.”
2:8 rn51 my beloved 0 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”
2:8 dm9e leaping … jumping 0 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.
2:8 fr67 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor leaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills 0 “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.
2:9 l5ni gazing … peering 0 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.
2:9 f2lu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a gazelle or a young stag 0 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.
2:9 kq5f a gazelle 0 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).
2:9 qbs9 a young stag 0 Alternate translation: “a young male deer”
2:9 s6z4 look 0 “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.
2:9 umf5 behind our wall 0 “on the other side of our wall.” The woman is in a house and the man is outside the house.
2:9 be2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive our wall 0 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.
2:9 kf9u gazing through the window 0 Alternate translation: “he stares in through the windows”
2:9 s9xt peering through the lattice 0 Alternate translation: “he peeks through the lattice”
2:9 z1bl lattice 0 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.
2:10 hl12 My beloved 0 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”
2:10 pah1 Arise, my love 0 Alternate translation: “Get out of bed, my love”
2:10 fff7 my love 0 “you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md)
2:11 yv91 Look 0 “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.
2:11 eyh9 the winter is past; the rain is over and gone 0 In winter it is too cold and wet to make love outside, but the cold, wet time has passed.
2:11 e658 the winter is past 0 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.
2:11 f4hz the rain is over and gone 0 In Israel it only rains during the winter. The rain here is cold and unpleasant, not the refreshing rain of the hot season.
2:12 wfw3 The flowers have appeared 0 Alternate translation: “People can see flowers”
2:12 j8f3 in the land 0 Alternate translation: “all over this land”
2:12 sv72 for pruning 0 for cutting off branches from a plant so that it will produce more fruit or look better
2:12 x3li the singing of birds 0 Alternate translation: “for birds to sing”
2:12 zmw4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the sound of the doves is heard 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people can hear the sound of doves” or “the doves are cooing”
2:13 mk2y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification The fig tree ripens her green figs 0 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”
2:14 wv7q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My dove 0 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”
2:15 pu8l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you Catch 0 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.
2:15 xns5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the foxes 0 These animals look like small dogs and were often used in love poetry to represent eager young men who would spoil a young woman.
2:15 v31m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive for us … our vineyard 0 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.
2:15 wl95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the little foxes that spoil 0 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.
2:15 r16k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor in blossom 0 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).
2:16 n6c3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor he grazes 0 “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)).
2:16 x5db lilies 0 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).
2:17 b3kg my beloved 0 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”
2:17 p2uq dawn 0 the part of the day when the sun is rising
2:17 lz3y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the shadows flee away 0 The woman describes the shadows as though they were running away from the light of the sun. Alternate translation: “the shadows disappear”
3:intro t72h 0 # Song of Songs 3 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Longing\n\nThis chapter describes a feeling of longing, or the waiting in anticipation of the one you love. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:1 hu3u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy him whom my soul loves 0 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)).
3:2 uyu7 go through the city 0 Alternate translation: “walk through the city”
3:2 x9ki through the streets and squares 0 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.
3:2 afu9 will search 0 Alternate translation: “will to look for”
3:3 rdd5 watchmen 0 men who have the job of keeping guard of the town at night to keep the people safe
3:3 b9j2 as they were making their rounds in the city 0 Alternate translation: “who were walking around the city on the walls”
3:3 pab8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy him whom my soul loves 0 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).
3:5 t61g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe daughters of Jerusalem 0 “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.
3:5 qw1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe by the gazelles and the does of the fields 0 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.
3:5 cm9r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification will not awaken or arouse love until she pleases 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3:5 dbf9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet will not awaken or arouse 0 If your language has only one word for waking people out of sleep, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “will not awaken”
3:6 e1ly 0 # General Information:\n\nThe 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.
3:6 y8wr What is that coming up from the wilderness 0 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.
3:6 z3w1 What is that 0 Many versions translate this “Who is that.”
3:6 tjf4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like a column of smoke 0 The dust looked like smoke from far away because the people raised much dust in the air as they traveled.
3:6 bf7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis with all the powders sold by merchants 0 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”
3:6 sy9j powders 0 a fine dust made by crushing something solid
3:7 ldh8 Look 0 “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.
3:7 e4uw it is the bed 0 This refers to a bed with a cover that can be carried from one place to another.
3:7 rd7d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet sixty warriors surround it, sixty soldiers of Israel 0 These two phrases refer to the same sixty people. The second phrase clarifies that the “warriors” are “soldiers of Israel.”
3:8 mm7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/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.
3:8 jqy9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns terrors of the night 0 Here, “terrors” is a metonym for evil people who frighten others by attacking them. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **terrors**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “evil people who attack others at night” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
3:10 w2at Its posts 0 The word “its” refers to King Solomon’s sedan chair.
3:10 xnj4 posts 0 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.
3:10 rr69 Its interior was 0 Alternate translation: “The inside of it was”
3:10 apj8 with love 0 This could mean: (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.”
3:11 i961 daughters of Zion 0 Alternate translation: “you young women who live in Zion”
3:11 sj76 gaze on King Solomon 0 “look at King Solomon.” The word “gaze” refers to look at someone or something for a long time, usually with strong emotional feeling.
3:11 tf1d bearing the crown 0 Alternate translation: “wearing the crown”
3:11 ei7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy the day of the joy of his heart 0 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”
4:intro r3aw 0 # Song of Songs 4 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Beauty\n\nThe woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same the same standards of beauty.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### “My sister, my bride”\nThe 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.
4:1 rg3f rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\n(See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
4:1 m3g6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Your eyes are doves 0 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”
4:1 pnn4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your hair is like a flock of goats going down from Mount Gilead 0 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”
4:2 bdg1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn ewes 0 After sheep have their wool cut off, they are washed and their skin looks very white. The woman’s teeth are white.
4:2 cj59 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive a flock of newly shorn ewes 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a flock of ewes whose wool people have cut off”
4:2 wc12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit coming up from the washing place 0 The ewes are coming up out of the water. Alternate translation: “that are coming up out of the water after people have washed them”
4:2 jw1w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Each one has a twin 0 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.
4:2 vl9d none among them is bereaved 0 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.
4:3 t9kf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile are like a thread of scarlet 0 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”
4:3 j2a3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile are like pomegranate halves 0 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”
4:4 i3qt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your neck is like the tower of David 0 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”
4:4 cq2q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor built in rows of stone 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4:4 c4nk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor with a thousand shields 0 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.
4:4 wgq3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers a thousand shields 0 “1,000 shields.”
4:5 ea9j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like two fawns, twins of a gazelle 0 The man implies that the woman’s breasts are matching, soft, and perhaps small.
4:5 wd7y twins 0 the babies of a mother who gave birth to two babies at one time
4:5 gu86 gazelle 0 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).
4:5 p33d grazing among the lilies 0 “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.
4:5 bb93 lilies 0 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).
4:6 y1xu Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee away 0 Translate similar wording in this line as you did the line in [Song of Songs 2:17](../02/16.md).
4:6 re83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense 0 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”
4:6 bm4n the mountain of myrrh 0 Alternate translation: “the mountain made of myrrh” or “the mountain that has myrrh growing on it”
4:6 ekc1 the hill of frankincense 0 Alternate translation: “the hill where there are clouds of smoke from burning frankincense in the air”
4:7 wt7k You are beautiful in every way 0 Alternate translation: “Every part of you is beautiful” or “All of you is beautiful”
4:7 l1xq my love 0 “you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
4:7 ci96 there is no blemish in you 0 Alternate translation: “you have no blemish”
4:8 h4yw from Lebanon 0 Alternate translation: “away from Lebanon”
4:8 j8s2 my bride 0 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.
4:8 m2km rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Amana 0 the name of a mountain north of Israel
4:8 ir9l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Senir 0 the name of a mountain near Amana and Hermon. Some people think that this refers to the same mountain as Hermon.
4:9 d7n7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom You have stolen my heart 0 This idiom could mean: (1) “My heart now belongs completely to you” or (2) “I strongly desire to make love to you”
4:9 vdf7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom my sister 0 This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. Alternate translation: “my dear” or “my darling”
4:9 k4ah my bride 0 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).
4:9 d83s heart, with just one look at me, with just one jewel 0 “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.
4:9 laj2 necklace 0 This necklace probably went around her neck many times ([Song of Songs 4:4](./04.md)).
4:10 g6qt How beautiful is your love 0 Alternate translation: “Your love is wonderful”
4:10 v1gy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom my sister 0 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”
4:10 ibb8 my bride 0 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).
4:10 td9x How much better is your love than wine 0 “Your love is much better than wine.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Song of Songs 1:2](../01/01.md).
4:10 ts8k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis the fragrance of your perfume than any spice 0 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”
4:11 fw88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Your lips … drip honey 0 Possible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for (1) the sweet taste of the woman’s kisses or (2) the woman’s words.
4:11 vc6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor honey and milk are under your tongue 0 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.
4:11 nyc9 the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon 0 “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.
4:12 whp4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom My sister 0 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”
4:12 nrw6 my bride 0 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).
4:12 j45u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor is a garden locked up 0 “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.
4:12 i5nb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor a spring that is sealed 0 “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.
4:13 uvg6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism Your branches 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
4:13 i3mi a grove 0 a place where many trees grow together
4:13 eji6 with choice fruits 0 Alternate translation: “with the best kinds of fruits”
4:13 q938 nard plants 0 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).
4:13 dju5 henna 0 small desert trees that people used as a perfume. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:14](../01/12.md).
4:14 dxj9 saffron 0 a spice that comes from the dried parts from the yellow thread in the center of a certain flower
4:14 ujr7 calamus 0 a reed with a pleasant smell that people used to make anointing oil.
4:14 w1cm cinnamon 0 a spice made from the bark of a tree that people used for cooking
4:14 kx8c myrrh 0 See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md).
4:14 bm3m aloes 0 a type of large plant that had a very sweet smell
4:14 p646 all the finest spices 0 Alternate translation: “all the best spices”
4:15 z2an rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor You are a garden spring 0 “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.
4:16 jv5g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification Awake, north wind; come, south wind; blow 0 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”
4:16 l273 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor blow on my garden 0 The garden is a metaphor for her body, which she has covered with sweet-smelling oils ([Song of Songs 4:14](./12.md)).
4:16 dp46 my beloved 0 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”
4:16 mbn7 choice fruit 0 Alternate translation: “wonderful fruit”
5:intro kdw4 0 # Song of Songs 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nVerses 2–7 describe a dream the woman had.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Beauty\n\nThe woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same standards of beauty.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “My sister, my bride”\nThe 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.
5:1 f2qr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor have come into my garden 0 The word “garden” is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
5:1 tgd7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom my sister 0 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”
5:1 psq4 my bride 0 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).
5:1 lgr1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor myrrh … spice … honeycomb … honey … wine … milk 0 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)).
5:1 i16q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Eat … drink … be drunk with love 0 Eating and drinking are metaphors for making love. Alternate translation: “Make love … make love … make love until you are fully satisfied”
5:2 a7v6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism 0 # General Information:\n\nThe 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.
5:2 biy3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom but my heart was awake 0 The heart is the center of thought and feeling. Alternate translation: “but I could think clearly” or “but I knew what I was feeling”
5:2 tk43 my beloved 0 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”
5:2 qjv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Open to me 0 This could mean: (1) literal, “Open the door for me,” or (2) metaphorical, “Let me make love to you.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
5:2 rx38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom my sister 0 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”
5:2 d3gt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis my hair with the night’s dampness 0 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”
5:3 tr8w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations “I have taken off my robe … dirty?” 0 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.”
5:3 g6z2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion must I put it on again? 0 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to put it on again.”
5:3 r5cm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism I have washed my feet 0 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.
5:3 h4w3 must I get them dirty? 0 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to get them dirty.”
5:4 w3ff rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism My beloved put in his hand through the opening of the door latch 0 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.
5:4 hqn5 My beloved 0 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”
5:4 nns1 door latch 0 Alternate translation: “door lock”
5:5 w3k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I got up to open the door for my beloved 0 This could mean: (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”
5:5 q3qx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism my hands … my fingers … door handle 0 While these may be euphemisms for the woman’s and man’s bodies, it is best to translate literally.
5:6 z8na rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My heart sank 0 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”
5:7 a9yk The watchmen 0 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).
5:7 rqq4 as they were making their rounds in the city 0 “who were walking around the city on the walls.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 3:3](../03/03.md).
5:7 v79f found me 0 found the woman
5:7 zhf3 struck me 0 Alternate translation: “beat me” or “hit me”
5:7 q2vt wounded me 0 Alternate translation: “injured me”
5:7 euu8 the guards on the walls 0 Alternate translation: “the men who guard the walls”
5:7 h38e cloak 0 a garment that people wore over the other clothing on their upper body when they went outdoors in public
5:8 czu7 I want you to swear 0 See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
5:8 j8ub rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe daughters of Jerusalem 0 “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).
5:8 w1ul rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion my beloved—What will you make known to him?—that I am 0 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”
5:8 v5m3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor sick from love 0 She loves the man so strongly that she feels sick.
5:9 kr5i your beloved 0 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”
5:9 eap5 most beautiful among women 0 “you who are the most beautiful of all women.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:8](../01/08.md).
5:9 vbc6 Why is your beloved better 0 Alternate translation: “What makes your beloved better”
5:9 rfp3 that you ask us to take an oath like this 0 Alternate translation: “and causes you to have us take this oath”
5:9 zp43 an oath like this 0 the oath in [Song of Songs 5:8](./08.md)
5:10 qb4q My beloved 0 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”
5:10 xuy2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit is radiant and ruddy 0 This phrase refers to his complexion. Alternate translation: “has radiant and ruddy skin”
5:10 hms2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor outstanding among ten thousand 0 “the best of 10,000.” Alternate translation: “better than anyone else” or “no one else is like him.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
5:11 s23z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor His head is the purest gold 0 The man’s head is as precious to the woman as the purest gold.
5:11 m1w4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile a raven 0 a bird with very black feathers
5:12 m6e7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy His eyes are like doves 0 Translate “eyes are like doves” as in [Song of Songs 1:15](../01/15.md). This could mean: (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.
5:12 knr8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor doves beside streams of water 0 Birds that the Israelites considered gentle sitting beside a gently flowing stream are a metaphor for a gentle person.
5:12 tr46 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor bathed in milk 0 Milk is a metaphor for the whiteness of the doves. Alternate translation: (1) “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”
5:12 qe85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile mounted like jewels 0 His eyes are beautiful. Jewels that a craftsman has carefully put in place are beautiful.
5:13 ip4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile His cheeks … aromatic scents 0 This explains that his cheeks are like beds of spices because they both give off wonderful smells.
5:13 mtt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor beds of spices 0 gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. Spices give people pleasure. The man’s body gives the woman pleasure.
5:13 a4hu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor His lips are lilies 0 The woman probably compares his lips with lilies because they are beautiful and smell wonderful.
5:13 x8c2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor dripping liquid myrrh 0 “that drip with the best myrrh.” His lips are moist and have a wonderful smell like myrrh.
5:14 nl6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor His arms are rounded gold set with jewels 0 “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.
5:14 bg51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor his abdomen is ivory covered with sapphires 0 “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.
5:15 z75c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile his appearance is like Lebanon 0 “he looks like Lebanon.” Lebanon was a very beautiful area with many mountains and cedar trees.
5:16 sc8p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy His mouth is most sweet 0 The mouth is a metonym for either: (1) the man’s sweet kisses or (2) the sweet words that he says.
5:16 w3vr he is completely lovely 0 Alternate translation: “every part of him is lovely” or “all of him is lovely”
5:16 pi1a This is my beloved, and this is my friend 0 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”
5:16 zd7b my beloved 0 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”
5:16 r6zc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe daughters of Jerusalem 0 “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).
6:intro fa9a 0 # Song of Songs 6 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Beauty\n\nThe woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same standards of beauty.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
6:1 z4sf rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\nThe fifth part of the book begins here. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
6:1 xnv3 In what direction has your beloved gone 0 Alternate translation: “Which way did your beloved go”
6:1 wr5y your beloved 0 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”
6:1 emy4 most beautiful among women 0 “you who are the most beautiful of all women.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:8](../01/08.md).
6:1 ise2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit gone, so that we may seek him with you? 0 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.”
6:2 vrq9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My beloved has gone down to his garden 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
6:2 v5x3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor beds of spices 0 gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 5:13](../05/13.md).
6:2 w7gn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor to graze in the garden and to gather lilies 0 These words are metaphors for the man enjoying her body.
6:2 st2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor graze 0 “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).
6:2 gp6q lilies 0 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).
6:3 z5rf my beloved 0 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”
6:3 lr7w I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine 0 See how you translated the similar phrase “My beloved is mine, and I am his” in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
6:3 p4l4 he grazes among the lilies with pleasure 0 See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
6:4 xk88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile as beautiful as Tirzah, my love, as lovely as Jerusalem 0 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.
6:4 nj8w my love 0 “you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
6:4 rjr5 lovely 0 See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:5](../01/05.md).
6:4 uwd8 as awe-inspiring as an army with its banners 0 The beauty of the woman is so powerful that it makes the man feel helpless, as if an army were approaching him.
6:5 e85g overwhelm me 0 “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.
6:6 lxi1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your teeth are like a flock of ewes 0 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).
6:6 j7se rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit coming up from the washing place 0 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”
6:6 x7hr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Each one has a twin 0 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).
6:6 s4qj none among them is bereaved 0 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).
6:6 j4u3 bereaved 0 lost a loved one who has died. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md).
6:7 zid1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile are like pomegranate halves 0 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”
6:8 g963 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers There are sixty queens, eighty concubines … young women without number 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
6:9 a2hh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My dove 0 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”
6:9 m138 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole the only daughter of her mother 0 This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “her mother’s special daughter” or “completely different from her mother’s other daughters”
6:10 cw4k 0 # General Information:\n\nThe 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.
6:10 g6e9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who is this who appears like the dawn … banners? 0 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!”
6:10 y3dp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile who appears like the dawn 0 The dawn is beautiful. The woman is beautiful. Alternate translation: “who comes into view like the dawn”
6:10 vb8c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile as awe-inspiring as an army with its banners 0 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).
6:11 x84j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor 0 # General Information:\n\nThe 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.
6:12 lt9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile I was so happy that I felt I was riding in the chariot of a prince 0 The man uses this image to express how happy he is.
6:13 u681 0 # General Information:\n\nThis 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.
6:13 sm5j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns Turn back … gaze on you 0 Possible meanings here are: (1) the friends are speaking to the woman or (2) the man is referring to himself in plural.
6:13 za54 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns we may gaze 0 Some versions understand the plural to refer to the man speaking of himself. Alternate translation: “I may gaze”
6:13 e2bm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns Why do you gaze on the perfect woman … armies 0 Possible meanings here 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.
6:13 iqb9 as if on the dance between two armies 0 Alternate translation: “as if she were dancing between two armies”
7:intro hqv7 0 # Song of Songs 7 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Beauty\n\nThe woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same the same standards of beauty.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Similes\n\nThere are many similes in this chapter. Their purpose is to describe the beauty of the woman. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
7:1 v8jn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit How beautiful your feet appear in your sandals 0 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”
7:1 e9bd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile The curves of your thighs are like jewels 0 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”
7:1 fc12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche the work of the hands of a master craftsman 0 The hands are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “the work of a master craftsman” or “something that a master craftsman has made”
7:2 u88e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your navel is like a round bowl 0 A bowl is round. The woman’s navel is round.
7:2 n59p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor may it never lack mixed wine 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
7:2 q8fy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your belly is like a mound of wheat encircled with lilies 0 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.
7:2 w6nh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your belly is like a mound of wheat 0 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”
7:2 ah1p a mound of wheat 0 This is a pile of the grains of wheat after people remove the parts of it that they do not use.
7:2 cz8d encircled with lilies 0 Alternate translation: “with lilies all around it”
7:2 ue5r lilies 0 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).
7:3 jw6n two breasts 0 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).
7:3 ugf3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile like two fawns, twins of a gazelle 0 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).
7:4 uv17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your neck is like a tower of ivory 0 A tower is long and straight. Ivory is white. The woman’s neck is long and straight, and her skin is light in color.
7:4 h4ih rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor your eyes are the pools in Heshbon 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
7:4 md6s rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Heshbon 0 This is the name of a city east of the Jordan River
7:4 r1vf rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Bath Rabbim 0 This is the name of a city.
7:4 a4vg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile nose is like the tower in Lebanon 0 A tower is tall and straight, and her nose is tall and straight.
7:4 s23k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy that looks toward Damascus 0 The tower looking is a metonym for people on the tower looking. Alternate translation: “that allows people to look toward Damascus”
7:5 jn22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your head is on you like Carmel 0 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”
7:5 hkk7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor The king is held captive by its tresses 0 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
7:7 jy1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile Your height is like that of a date palm tree 0 “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.
7:7 jr1v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile your breasts like clusters of fruit 0 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.
7:8 r1b3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I want to climb … its branches 0 The man wants to embrace the woman.
7:8 w5g3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile May your breasts be like clusters of grapes 0 The man wants to touch her breasts. Clusters of grapes are round and soft.
7:8 zfb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile may the fragrance of your nose be like apricots 0 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”
7:9 yrg1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy May your palate be like the best wine 0 The palate is a metonym for the lips. Wine tastes good. The man wants to kiss the woman’s lips. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
7:9 rq12 flowing smoothly for my beloved 0 “that flows smoothly for the one I love.” The man enjoys the smooth kisses of the woman.
7:9 ed64 gliding over the lips of those who sleep 0 Alternate translation: “that flows over our lips as we sleep”
7:10 k7zq I am my beloved’s 0 See how you translated a similar phrase in [Song of Songs 6:3](../06/01.md).
7:10 j44v my beloved’s 0 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”
7:10 a143 he desires me 0 Alternate translation: “he wants to make love to me” or “he wants me”
7:11 bhr6 spend the night in the villages 0 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.
7:13 v61b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown mandrakes 0 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.
7:13 xbk7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit at the door 0 The doors belong to their house. Alternate translation: “above the entrances of our house” or “by the doors of our house”
7:13 c2ah are all sorts of choice fruits, new and old 0 Alternate translation: “is every kind of the best fruit, both old fruit and new fruit”
7:13 jsb8 stored up for you 0 Alternate translation: “saved so I can give to you”
7:13 h8r2 my beloved 0 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”
8:intro d35n 0 # Song of Songs 8 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Kisses\n\nThe 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://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### Passion\n\nThe chapter describes the passion that can exist between a husband a wife. This is the feeling of strong or uncontrollable desire for another person.
8:1 me7m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry 0 # General Information:\n\n(See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
8:1 dp21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile you were like my brother 0 A woman could show affection for her brother in public. This woman wanted to be able to show affection for the man in public.
8:2 i6ch rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit she who taught me 0 taught her how to make love
8:2 s68s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I would give you spiced wine to drink and some of the juice of my pomegranates 0 The woman uses these images to say that she will give herself to the man and make love with him.
8:2 au41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor spiced wine 0 “wine with spices” or “wine that has spices in it.” This represents the intoxicating power of lovemaking.
8:4 rk33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe daughters of Jerusalem 0 “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).
8:5 xxv3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion Who is this who is coming up 0 They are using this question to say that they think the young woman is amazing. A similar phrase was translated in [Song of Songs 6:10](../06/10.md). Alternate translation: “Look at this amazing woman as she comes up”
8:5 p4rr I awakened you 0 Alternate translation: “I woke you up” or “I aroused you”
8:5 zfa2 the apricot tree 0 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).
8:5 g9tp there 0 under the apricot tree
8:5 d4ub she delivered you 0 Alternate translation: “she bore you”
8:6 jr5m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Set me as a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm 0 This could mean: (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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
8:6 yzj4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile for love is as strong as death 0 Death is very strong because it overcomes even the most powerful people of the world.
8:6 tci8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile as unrelenting as Sheol 0 “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.
8:6 fvz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor its flames burst out … any other fire 0 Love is very powerful like fire.
8:7 baf6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor Surging waters cannot quench love 0 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.
8:7 e1ej rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor nor can floods sweep it away 0 Love never changes and always stays the same so it is like something that not even a powerful flood can move.
8:7 dju9 floods 0 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.
8:7 kqk9 sweep it away 0 Alternate translation: “carry it away” or “wash it away”
8:7 jwh1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo If a man gave … the offer would utterly be despised 0 This is something that could possibly happen. Alternate translation: “Even if a man … he would be utterly despised”
8:7 nt2s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive the offer would utterly be despised 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people would completely despise him” or “people would harshly ridicule him”
8:8 t852 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion What can we do … in marriage? 0 The speaker uses this question to introduce what he wants to say. Alternate translation: “This is what we will do … in marriage.”
8:8 g5fp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom she will be promised in marriage 0 This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a man comes and wants to marry her” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
8:9 x3j1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor If she is a wall … If she is a door 0 The little sister ([Song of Songs 8:8](./08.md)) has very small breasts that either have not grown or are very small.
8:9 am5u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor we will build on her a tower of silver … we will adorn her with boards of cedar 0 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.
8:10 n2vy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor I was a wall 0 The wall is a metaphor for a woman with small breasts.
8:10 mc78 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile my breasts are now like fortress towers 0 Fortress towers are tall.
8:10 rll2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy I am in his eyes as one 0 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”
8:10 b5uu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit brings peace 0 You may need to make explicit to whom the woman brings peace. Alternate translation: “brings him peace”
8:11 tt74 0 # General Information:\n\nPossible 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.
8:11 h77m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis Each one was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit 0 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”
8:11 t2dp rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney to bring a thousand shekels of silver 0 “to bring 1,000 shekels of silver.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
8:11 mm2j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe Solomon 0 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.
8:12 za66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor My vineyard, my very own 0 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.”
8:12 gc75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom is before me 0 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”
8:12 tl1c the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon 0 The woman knows that Solomon has leased out the vineyard so he can get money, but she does not want money.
8:12 t7u1 the two hundred shekels 0 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.
8:13 dp6s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you You who live 0 The man is speaking to the woman, so “you” and “live” are feminine singular.
8:13 zm5h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy listening for your voice 0 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”
8:13 ew6z let me hear it 0 Alternate translation: “let me hear your voice.”
8:14 vrp7 my beloved 0 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”
8:14 zh44 like a gazelle or a young stag 0 See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:9](../02/08.md).
8:14 yhn7 gazelle 0 a type of slender deer-like animal with long curved horns
8:14 mqx9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor the mountains of spices 0 “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).
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