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2SNGfrontintroan3g0# 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 (1:12:7)<br>1. The bridegroom praises the woman he loves (2:83:5)<br>1. The bridegroom arrives and praises the bride (3:65:1)<br>1. The bride longs for the bridegroom (5:26:9)<br>1. The bridegroom praises the beauty of his bride (6:18:4)<br>1. Final thoughts about love between a man and a woman (8:514)<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 Gods 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 Solomons”) 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 womans 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. You can translate the words as they are written in order to avoid committing to a specific meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br>
3SNG1introxrm20# 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>
4SNG11fna4writing-poetry0General Information:See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
5SNG11qbe20The Song of Songs“The Best Song” or “The Most Excellent Song”
6SNG11r5ns0which is SolomonsPossible meanings are “which is about Solomon” or “which Solomon composed.”
7SNG12j5xq0General Information:The first part of the book begins with this verse.
8SNG12nze70your love is better than wine“I enjoy having you near me more than I enjoy drinking wine”
9SNG13si360Your anointing oils“The oils that you put on your body”
10SNG13d9r70have a delightful fragrance“smell wonderful”
11SNG13z9t3figs-simile0your name is like flowing perfumePerfume has a good smell that spreads as the air moves. The name is either a metonym for 1) the persons 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]])
12SNG14v83tfigs-you0with you“The word “you” refers to the man and so is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
13SNG14gec8figs-metaphor0Take“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]])
14SNG14ty2pfigs-inclusive0we will runThe word “we” refers to the young woman together with the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
15SNG14isr6figs-pronouns0We are glad ... We rejoice ... let us celebrateThe 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 womans 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]])
16SNG14at7l0about you“because of you”
17SNG14geq40let us celebrate“let us praise”
18SNG14ag8r0It is natural for the other women to adore you“Women who adore you are doing as they should do”
19SNG15ez2x0I am dark but lovely“My skin is dark, but I am still beautiful” or “Even though my skin is dark, I am beautiful”
20SNG15rbb3figs-simile0dark like the tents of KedarThe 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]])
21SNG15dc13figs-simile0lovely like the curtains of SolomonSolomon 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]])
22SNG16thz7figs-hyperbole0scorchedThis 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]])
23SNG16fz9h0My mothers sons“My half-brothers.” These brothers probably had the same mother as the woman but not the same father.
24SNG16v86f0made me keeper of the vineyards“made me take care of the vineyards”
25SNG16w18kfigs-metaphor0but my own vineyard I have not keptThe 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]])
26SNG17f9hifigs-metonymy0my soul lovesThe soul is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “I love” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
27SNG17v54w0feed your flock“graze your flocks”
28SNG17f5eb0rest your flock“have your flock lie down”
29SNG17v6rsfigs-rquestion0Why 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]])
30SNG17bq95figs-metaphor0who 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]])
31SNG17b5520your companions“your friends” or “your co-workers”
32SNG18nky40most beautiful among women“you who are the most beautiful of all women”
33SNG18al9c0follow the tracks of my flock“follow along behind the flock”
34SNG18i8sl0tracksmarks of the hooves of the flock on the ground
35SNG18fis90pasture your young goats“graze your young goats” or “let your young goats eat”
36SNG19v2yv0General Information:The man continues speaking to the woman.
37SNG19gw76figs-simile0I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaohs chariot horsesThe Jews of those days considered horses beautiful, and the Pharaohs 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 Pharaohs chariot horses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
38SNG19l3q70my love“you whom I love”
39SNG19zyj50Pharaohs chariot horses“the horses that pull Pharaohs chariots”
40SNG110u7h9figs-metaphor0Your cheeks are beautiful with ornamentsThese 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]])
41SNG111dza7figs-pronouns0We will makeThe 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 womans friends. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
42SNG111bp6l0with silver studs“with spots of silver”
43SNG112zt7d0lay 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.
44SNG112ur660nardan 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.
45SNG112lp8f0emitted its fragrance“gave off its good smell”
46SNG113vc5vfigs-simile0My beloved is to me like a bag of myrrh ... breastsWomen 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]])
47SNG113bzs70My belovedThis 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”
48SNG113f8y8figs-euphemism0lying between my breastsIf this phrase would offend your readers, you could use a euphemism. Alternate translation: “close to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
49SNG114zh75figs-simile0My beloved is to me like a cluster of henna flowersHenna 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]])
50SNG114a6jk0henna flowersflowers from a small desert tree that people used as a perfume
51SNG115x2d50Listen, you“Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: you”
52SNG115m1140my love“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](./09.md)
53SNG115fb4xfigs-metonymy0your eyes are dovesPossible meaning are 1) the Israelites considered doves to be gentle and soft birds, and the man considers the womans 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 womans white eyeballs or the shape of her eyes as being like the shape of a dove. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
54SNG116sbi40Listen, you“Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: you”
55SNG116km290handsomeUse the word in your language that describes a good-looking man.
56SNG116x3pr0my belovedThis 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”
57SNG116q43efigs-metaphor0lush plants are our bedThis 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]])
58SNG116xed80The lush plantsplants that are green, moist, and grow abundantly
59SNG117v14zfigs-metaphor0The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firsThe woman describes the forest as though it were a house in which they were lying down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
60SNG117q6r80beams ... raftersPossible 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.
61SNG117c3e5translate-unknown0cedars ... firsCedars 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]])
62SNG2introu8uv0# 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 womans 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>
63SNG21bw25writing-poetry0General Information:See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
64SNG21cne2figs-metaphor0I am a meadow flower of SharonThe 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]])
65SNG21ni5p0Sharonthe name of a land that is flat, has no trees, and grows many different kinds of grasses and flowers
66SNG21vve6figs-metaphor0lily of the valleysThe 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]])
67SNG21nt8f0lilya 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).
68SNG21e9ke0valleysflat areas between mountains and near water
69SNG22ibi6figs-simile0As a lily among thorns ... young womenA 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]])
70SNG22bi450my love“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
71SNG22y9bu0the young women“the other young women”
72SNG23xz7yfigs-simile0As an apricot tree ... the young menPeople 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]])
73SNG23yr6x0apricot treea 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.”
74SNG23wf4u0the forestThe Hebrew word here refers to land where trees grow for which people have no use.
75SNG23q7kl0my belovedThis 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”
76SNG23pii3figs-metaphor0I sit down under his shadow with great delightThe woman finds great joy and comfort in being so near to the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
77SNG23b5aifigs-metaphor0his fruit is sweet to my tasteThe woman enjoys eating sweet fruit, and she enjoys being near to the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
78SNG24ift60the house of winePossible 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.
79SNG24rp8qfigs-metonymy0his banner over me was lovePossible meanings are 1) the banner is a metonym for a military escort. And, the military escort is a metaphor that represents the mans 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]])
80SNG25uxb20Revive me“Return my strength” or “Give me energy”
81SNG25khc10with raisin cakes“by giving me raisin cakes to eat.” Raisin cakes were cakes made of dried grapes pressed together.
82SNG25gs2a0refresh me with apricots“support me by giving me apricots” or “help me by giving me apricots”
83SNG25y4qyfigs-metaphor0for I am weak with loveThe 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]])
84SNG26m6ys0left hand ... right hand“left arm ... right arm”
85SNG26fq8w0embraces me“holds me”
86SNG27l67bfigs-apostrophe0daughters 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]])
87SNG27n4wqfigs-apostrophe0by the gazelles and the does of the fieldsAlthough 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]])
88SNG27sz5c0the gazellesThese are animals that look like deer and move quickly.
89SNG27nt790doesfemale deer
90SNG27w94r0of the fields“that live in the countryside.” This was land that has not been farmed.
91SNG27ekc3figs-personification0will not awaken or arouse love until she pleasesHere “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]])
92SNG27fz3jfigs-doublet0will not awaken or arouseIf 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]])
93SNG28aay20General 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.
94SNG28j2nl0ListenPossible 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.”
95SNG28rn510my belovedThis 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”
96SNG28dm9e0leaping ... jumpingThe 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.
97SNG28fr67figs-metaphor0leaping 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]])
98SNG29l5ni0gazing ... peeringThe 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.
99SNG29f2lufigs-simile0like a gazelle or a young stagGazelles 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]])
100SNG29kq5f0a gazelleThis 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).
101SNG29qbs90a young stag“a young male deer”
102SNG29s6z40look“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.
103SNG29umf50behind our wall“on the other side of our wall.” The woman is in a house and the man is outside the house.
104SNG29be2wfigs-exclusive0our wallThe 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]])
105SNG29kf9u0gazing through the window“he stares in through the windows”
106SNG29s9xt0peering through the lattice“he peeks through the lattice”
107SNG29z1bl0latticea 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.
108SNG210hl120My belovedThis 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”
109SNG210pah10Arise, my love“Get out of bed, my love”
110SNG210fff70my love“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md)
111SNG211yv910Look“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.
112SNG211eyh90the winter is past; the rain is over and goneIn winter it is too cold and wet to make love outside, but the cold, wet time has passed.
113SNG211e6580the winter is pastWinter 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.
114SNG211f4hz0the rain is over and goneIn Israel it only rains during the winter. The rain here is cold and unpleasant, not the refreshing rain of the hot season.
115SNG212wfw30The flowers have appeared“People can see flowers”
116SNG212j8f30in the land“all over this land”
117SNG212sv720for pruningfor cutting off branches from a plant so that it will produce more fruit or look better
118SNG212x3li0the singing of birds“for birds to sing”
119SNG212zmw4figs-activepassive0the sound of the doves is heardThis 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]])
120SNG213mk2yfigs-personification0The fig tree ripens her green figsThe 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]])
121SNG213ef3j0vines are in blossom“vines are flowering” or “vines have flowers”
122SNG213xhn30they give offThe word “they” refers to the blossoms on the vines.
123SNG213wjr70their fragrance“their sweet smell”
124SNG213m4mt0my love“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md)
125SNG214a7lp0General Information:The man is speaking.
126SNG214wv7qfigs-metaphor0My doveThe Israelites considered doves beautiful birds with pleasant voices. The man thinks the womans 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]])
127SNG214eju10the cleftslarge cracks in the side of mountain rocks large enough for people to hide in
128SNG214afg50the mountain crags“the steep rocks on the sides of the mountains”
129SNG214bhl60your faceSome versions translate this as “your appearance” or “your form” or “what you look like.”
130SNG215pu8lfigs-you0CatchThis 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]])
131SNG215xns5figs-metaphor0the foxesThese 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]])
132SNG215v31mfigs-exclusive0for us ... our vineyardThe 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]])
133SNG215dac90foxesAnother possible meaning is “jackals.” A jackal is a type of thin wild dog with long legs.
134SNG215wl95figs-metaphor0the little foxes that spoilFoxes 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]])
135SNG215r16kfigs-metaphor0in blossomThis 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]])
136SNG216zb2r0My beloved is mine“My beloved belongs to me”
137SNG216lxy40I am his“I belong to him”
138SNG216n6c3figs-metaphor0he 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]])
139SNG216x5db0liliessweet-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).
140SNG217b3kg0my belovedThis 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”
141SNG217p2uq0dawnthe part of the day when the sun is rising
142SNG217lz3yfigs-metaphor0the shadows flee awayThe 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]])
143SNG217d8mw0like a gazelle or a young stagSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:9](./08.md).
144SNG217vlw30gazellean animal that looks like a deer and moves quickly. Translate as the singular of “gazelles” as in [Song of Songs 2:7](./07.md).
145SNG217l8dz0stagan adult male deer
146SNG217ia1r0rugged mountains“rocky mountains” or “rough mountains”
147SNG3introt72h0# 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>
148SNG31l1kv0I was longing for him ... could not find him“I had a strong desire to be with him ... loves, but he was not there”
149SNG31hu3ufigs-metonymy0him whom my soul lovesThe soul is a metonym for the whole person. Here it makes a stronger statement of the womans love for the man than “my beloved” ([Song of Songs 1:14](../01/12.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
150SNG32uyu70go through the city“walk through the city”
151SNG32x9ki0through the streets and squaresThe 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.
152SNG32afu90will search“will to look for”
153SNG33rdd50watchmenmen who have the job of keeping guard of the town at night to keep the people safe
154SNG33b9j20as they were making their rounds in the city“who were walking around the city on the walls”
155SNG33pab8figs-metonymy0him whom my soul lovesThe soul is a metonym for the whole person. Here it makes a stronger statement of the womans 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]])
156SNG34p5k20the bedroom“the room for sleeping”
157SNG34ri8efigs-metonymy0the one who had conceived meThis is a metonym for her mother. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
158SNG35a3y10General Information:Translate this verse as in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
159SNG35t61gfigs-apostrophe0daughters 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]])
160SNG35qw1mfigs-apostrophe0by the gazelles and the does of the fieldsAlthough 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]])
161SNG35b4r50the gazellesanimals that look like deer and move quickly.
162SNG35ruq70doesfemale deer
163SNG35n2aq0of the fields“that live in the countryside.” This refers to land that has not been farmed.
164SNG35cm9rfigs-personification0will not awaken or arouse love until she pleasesHere “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]])
165SNG35dbf9figs-doublet0will not awaken or arouseIf 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]])
166SNG36e1ly0General Information:The third part of the book begins here. It begins with a description of sixty men carrying Solomons bed up from the wilderness to Jerusalem.
167SNG36y8wr0What is that coming up from the wildernessThe 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.
168SNG36z3w10What is thatMany versions translate this “Who is that.”
169SNG36tjf4figs-simile0like a column of smokeThe 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]])
170SNG36w7kr0perfumed with myrrh and frankincense“with the sweet smell of myrrh and frankincense”
171SNG36bf7ffigs-ellipsis0with all the powders sold by merchantsThe 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]])
172SNG36sy9j0powdersa fine dust made by crushing something solid
173SNG37ldh80Look“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.
174SNG37e4uw0it is the bedThis refers to a bed with a cover that can be carried from one place to another.
175SNG37rd7dfigs-doublet0sixty warriors surround it, sixty soldiers of IsraelThese 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]])
176SNG37u16s0warriorsmen who fight
177SNG38sbd80General Information:The description of sixty men carrying Solomons bed up from the wilderness to Jerusalem, begun in [Song of Songs 3:6](./06.md), continues.
178SNG38mm7cwriting-background0A 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]])
179SNG38v2yx0are experienced in warfare“can fight battles well”
180SNG38z9n40armed against“so that he can fight against”
181SNG38jqy9figs-abstractnouns0terrors of the nightThe 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]])
182SNG39nnm60sedan chairThis 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
183SNG310f5mjwriting-background0The description of the bed itself that began in [Song of Songs 3:9](./08.md) continues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
184SNG310w2at0Its postsThe word “its” refers to King Solomons sedan chair.
185SNG310xnj40postsThe 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.
186SNG310rr690Its interior was“The inside of it was”
187SNG310apj80with lovePossible 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.”
188SNG311i9610daughters of Zion“you young women who live in Zion”
189SNG311sj760gaze 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.
190SNG311tf1d0bearing the crown“wearing the crown”
191SNG311ei7zfigs-metonymy0the day of the joy of his heartThe 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]])
192SNG4intror3aw0# 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>
193SNG41rg3fwriting-poetry0General Information:See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
194SNG41m3g6figs-metaphor0Your eyes are dovesOne possibility is that the man is speaking of the womans 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 womans 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]])
195SNG41z6f70my love“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
196SNG41pnn4figs-simile0Your hair is like a flock of goats going down from Mount GileadGoats in Israel were usually dark in color. The womans 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]])
197SNG42bdg1figs-simile0Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn ewesAfter sheep have their wool cut off, they are washed and their skin looks very white. The womans teeth are white. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
198SNG42cj59figs-activepassive0a flock of newly shorn ewesThis 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]])
199SNG42wc12figs-explicit0coming up from the washing placeThe 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]])
200SNG42jw1wfigs-metaphor0Each one has a twinSheep usually give birth to two lambs at one time. These twin lambs usually look like one another. Each of the womans teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
201SNG42vl9d0none among them is bereavedEach of the womans teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. She has not lost any of her teeth.
202SNG42sb140bereavedlost a loved one who has died
203SNG43h2in0General Information:The man continues to praise the woman.
204SNG43t9kffigs-simile0are like a thread of scarletScarlet is a beautiful red color, and scarlet thread was very expensive. The womans 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]])
205SNG43v1ae0scarleta dark red color that is very similar to the color of blood
206SNG43q1mk0is lovely“is beautiful”
207SNG43j2a3figs-simile0are like pomegranate halvesPomegranates are smooth, round, and rich red. The man thinks the womans 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]])
208SNG43y47i0behind your veilSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:1](./01.md).
209SNG44th270General Information:The man continues to praise the woman.
210SNG44i3qtfigs-simile0Your neck is like the tower of DavidNo 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 womans 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]])
211SNG44v4ae0of David“that David built”
212SNG44cq2qfigs-metaphor0built in rows of stoneWomen 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]])
213SNG44c4nkfigs-metaphor0with a thousand shieldsThe man compares the decorations of the womans necklace with shields hanging on the tower. The necklace probably went around her neck many times. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
214SNG44wgq3translate-numbers0a thousand shields“1,000 shields.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
215SNG44swd30all the shields of soldiers“all of the shields belong to mighty warriors”
216SNG45f8qi0two breastsIf the word “two” seems unnecessary and so out of place, you could omit it.
217SNG45ea9jfigs-simile0like two fawns, twins of a gazelleThe man implies that the womans breasts are matching, soft, and perhaps small. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
218SNG45wd7y0twinsthe babies of a mother who gave birth to two babies at one time
219SNG45gu860gazellean 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).
220SNG45p33d0grazing 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.
221SNG45bb930liliessweet-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).
222SNG46ks1d0General Information:The man continues to praise the woman.
223SNG46y1xu0Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee awayTranslate similar wording in this line as you did the line in [Song of Songs 2:17](../02/16.md).
224SNG46re83figs-metaphor0I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincenseThe “mountain of myrrh” and “hill of frankincense” are metaphors for the womans 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]])
225SNG46bm4n0the mountain of myrrh“the mountain made of myrrh” or “the mountain that has myrrh growing on it”
226SNG46ekc10the hill of frankincense“the hill where there are clouds of smoke from burning frankincense in the air”
227SNG47wt7k0You are beautiful in every way“Every part of you is beautiful” or “All of you is beautiful”
228SNG47l1xq0my love“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
229SNG47ci960there is no blemish in you“you have no blemish”
230SNG48v9ndfigs-metaphor0General 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]])
231SNG48h4yw0from Lebanon“away from Lebanon”
232SNG48j8s20my brideThis Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his sons 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.
233SNG48m2kmtranslate-names0Amanathe name of a mountain north of Israel (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
234SNG48ir9ltranslate-names0Senirthe 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]])
235SNG48ybd20densplaces where lions and leopards live, like caves or holes in the ground
236SNG49v3al0General Information:The man continues to speak to the woman.
237SNG49d7n7figs-idiom0You have stolen my heartPossible 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]])
238SNG49vdf7figs-idiom0my sisterThis 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]])
239SNG49k4ah0my brideThis Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his sons 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).
240SNG49d83s0heart, 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 womans eyes and her jewelry attract the man to her.
241SNG49laj20necklaceThis necklace probably went around her neck many times ([Song of Songs 4:4](./04.md)).
242SNG410wbn50General Information:The man continues to praise the woman.
243SNG410g6qt0How beautiful is your love“Your love is wonderful”
244SNG410v1gyfigs-idiom0my sisterThis 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]])
245SNG410ibb80my brideThis Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his sons 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).
246SNG410td9x0How 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).
247SNG410ts8kfigs-ellipsis0the fragrance of your perfume than any spiceThe 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]])
248SNG410wzb40fragrance ... perfumeSee how you translated these words in [Song of Songs 1:3](../01/01.md).
249SNG410r5ni0spicedried plants or seeds that have a good smell or taste
250SNG411fw88figs-metaphor0Your lips ... drip honeyPossible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for 1) the sweet taste of the womans kisses or 2) the womans words. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
251SNG411vc6yfigs-metaphor0honey and milk are under your tongueBecause “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 womans kisses or 2) the womans 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]])
252SNG411nyc90the 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.
253SNG412sks30General Information:The man continues to praise the woman.
254SNG412whp4figs-idiom0My sisterThis 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]])
255SNG412nrw60my brideThis Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his sons 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).
256SNG412j45ufigs-metaphor0is 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]])
257SNG412i5nbfigs-metaphor0a 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]])
258SNG413uvg6figs-euphemism0Your branchesbranches 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]])
259SNG413i3mi0a grovea place where many trees grow together
260SNG413eji60with choice fruits“with the best kinds of fruits”
261SNG413q9380nard plantsplants 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).
262SNG413dju50hennasmall desert trees that people used as a perfume. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:14](../01/12.md).
263SNG414dxj90saffrona spice that comes from the dried parts from the yellow thread in the center of a certain flower
264SNG414ujr70calamusa reed with a pleasant smell that people used to make anointing oil.
265SNG414w1cm0cinnamona spice made from the bark of a tree that people used for cooking
266SNG414kx8c0myrrhSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md).
267SNG414bm3m0aloesa type of large plant that had a very sweet smell
268SNG414p6460all the finest spices“all the best spices”
269SNG415t9yh0General Information:The man continues to praise the woman.
270SNG415z2anfigs-metaphor0You 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]])
271SNG415t9ch0fresh waterwater that is good to drink
272SNG415zl7c0streams flowing down from LebanonBecause Lebanon had mountains covered with trees, the streams from Lebanon were clean and cool.
273SNG416jv5gfigs-personification0Awake, north wind; come, south wind; blowThe 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]])
274SNG416x71g0Awake, north wind“North wind, start blowing”
275SNG416l273figs-metaphor0blow on my gardenThe 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]])
276SNG416kdi90may give off their fragrance“may send out their good smells”
277SNG416lqh1figs-metaphor0May my beloved ... choice fruitThe woman is inviting the man to make love to her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
278SNG416dp460my belovedThis 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”
279SNG416mbn70choice fruit“wonderful fruit”
280SNG5introkdw40# 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>
281SNG51zka3writing-poetry0General Information:See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
282SNG51m5750I have comeIt is clearly the womans lover who is speaking.
283SNG51f2qrfigs-metaphor0have come into my gardenThe 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]])
284SNG51tgd7figs-idiom0my sisterThis 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]])
285SNG51psq40my brideThis Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his sons 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).
286SNG51lgr1figs-metaphor0myrrh ... spice ... honeycomb ... honey ... wine ... milkThese are all metaphors for the man enjoying the womans 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]])
287SNG51sq9d0spiceplants that have a strong smell or taste
288SNG51i16qfigs-metaphor0Eat ... drink ... be drunk with loveEating 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]])
289SNG52a7v6figs-euphemism0General 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]])
290SNG52biy3figs-idiom0but my heart was awakeThe 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]])
291SNG52tk430my belovedThis 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”
292SNG52qjv8figs-explicit0Open to mePossible 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]])
293SNG52rx38figs-idiom0my sisterThis 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]])
294SNG52d52k0my love“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
295SNG52c27j0my doveSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:14](../02/14.md).
296SNG52gaj10undefiled one“my perfect one” or “my faithful one” or “my innocent one”
297SNG52yh2r0dewdrops of water or mist that form as the night becomes cool
298SNG52d3gtfigs-ellipsis0my hair with the nights dampnessThe words “is wet” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “my hair is wet with the nights dampness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
299SNG53tr8wfigs-quotations0“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]])
300SNG53am4r0robethin linen clothing that people wore on their skin
301SNG53g6z2figs-rquestion0must 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]])
302SNG53r5cmfigs-euphemism0I have washed my feetWhile 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]])
303SNG53h4w30must I get them dirty?This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to get them dirty.”
304SNG54w3fffigs-euphemism0My beloved put in his hand through the opening of the door latchPossible 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]])
305SNG54hqn50My belovedThis 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”
306SNG54nns10door latch“door lock”
307SNG55w3k2figs-metaphor0I got up to open the door for my belovedPossible 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]])
308SNG55q3qxfigs-euphemism0my hands ... my fingers ... door handleWhile these may be euphemisms for the womans and mans bodies, it is best to translate literally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
309SNG55ycr10with moist myrrh“with liquid myrrh”
310SNG56vgj40General Information:The woman continues to describe her dream.
311SNG56b7qk0my belovedSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md).
312SNG56z8nafigs-metaphor0My heart sankThe 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]])
313SNG57a9yk0The watchmenmen 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).
314SNG57rqq40as 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).
315SNG57v79f0found mefound the woman
316SNG57zhf30struck me“beat me” or “hit me”
317SNG57q2vt0wounded me“injured me”
318SNG57euu80the guards on the walls“the men who guard the walls”
319SNG57h38e0cloaka garment that people wore over the other clothing on their upper body when they went outdoors in public
320SNG58czu70I want you to swearSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
321SNG58j8ubfigs-apostrophe0daughters 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]])
322SNG58w1ulfigs-rquestion0my beloved—What will you make known to him?—that I amThe 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]])
323SNG58v5m3figs-metaphor0sick from loveShe loves the man so strongly that she feels sick. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
324SNG59kr5i0your belovedThis 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”
325SNG59eap50most 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).
326SNG59vbc60Why is your beloved better“What makes your beloved better”
327SNG59rfp30that you ask us to take an oath like this“and causes you to have us take this oath”
328SNG59zp430an oath like thisthe oath in [Song of Songs 5:8](./08.md)
329SNG510qb4q0My belovedThis 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”
330SNG510xuy2figs-explicit0is radiant and ruddyThis phrase refers to his complexion. Alternate translation: “has radiant and ruddy skin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
331SNG510za1u0radiant“is completely healthy” or “is pure.” The man has skin that does not have any problems.
332SNG510rgj80ruddya healthy color of the skin that is brownish red
333SNG510hms2figs-metaphor0outstanding 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]])
334SNG511s23zfigs-metaphor0His head is the purest goldThe mans head is as precious to the woman as the purest gold. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
335SNG511m1w4figs-simile0a ravena bird with very black feathers (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
336SNG512pn5r0General Information:The young woman continues to describe the man.
337SNG512m6e7figs-metonymy0His eyes are like dovesTranslate “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 mans 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 mans white eyeballs or the shape of his eyes, the shape of a dove. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
338SNG512knr8figs-metaphor0doves beside streams of waterBirds 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]])
339SNG512xp2d0streams of water“gently flowing water”
340SNG512tr46figs-metaphor0bathed in milkMilk 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 mans eyes. Alternate translation: “his pupils are like doves bathing in white milk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
341SNG512qe85figs-simile0mounted like jewelsHis eyes are beautiful. Jewels that a craftsman has carefully put in place are beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
342SNG513p7dj0General Information:The young woman continues to describe the man.
343SNG513ip4jfigs-simile0His cheeks ... aromatic scentsThis explains that his cheeks are like beds of spices because they both give off wonderful smells. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
344SNG513mtt8figs-metaphor0beds of spicesgardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. Spices give people pleasure. The mans body gives the woman pleasure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
345SNG513mem20yielding aromatic scents“that give off wonderful smells.”
346SNG513a4hufigs-metaphor0His lips are liliesThe woman probably compares his lips with lilies because they are beautiful and smell wonderful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
347SNG513t4f10liliesSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
348SNG513x8c2figs-metaphor0dripping 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]])
349SNG514hq440General Information:The young woman continues to describe the man.
350SNG514nl6yfigs-metaphor0His 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]])
351SNG514bg51figs-metaphor0his 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]])
352SNG514k5ga0ivorythe white tusk or tooth of an animal that is similar to bone. People use ivory to make smooth and shiny pieces of art.
353SNG514ws920sapphiresvaluable stones that are either 1) blue or 2) clear and either blue or golden
354SNG515c8k30General Information:The woman continues to describe the man.
355SNG515i1xzfigs-metaphor0His legs are pillars of marble, set on bases of pure goldMarble and gold are strong and beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
356SNG515juu10marblea very strong stone that has many different colors and that people polish to make very smooth
357SNG515z75cfigs-simile0his 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]])
358SNG516jk4b0General Information:The young woman continues to describe the man.
359SNG516sc8pfigs-metonymy0His mouth is most sweetThe mouth is a metonym for either 1) the mans sweet kisses or 2) the sweet words that he says. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
360SNG516w3vr0he is completely lovely“every part of him is lovely” or “all of him is lovely”
361SNG516pi1a0This is my beloved, and this is my friendThe 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”
362SNG516zd7b0my belovedThis 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”
363SNG516r6zcfigs-apostrophe0daughters 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]])
364SNG6introfa9a0# 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>
365SNG61z4sfwriting-poetry0General 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.
366SNG61xnv30In what direction has your beloved gone“Which way did your beloved go”
367SNG61wr5y0your belovedThis 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”
368SNG61emy40most 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).
369SNG61ise2figs-explicit0gone, 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]])
370SNG62vrq9figs-metaphor0My beloved has gone down to his gardenThe 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]])
371SNG62v5x3figs-metaphor0beds of spicesgardens 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]])
372SNG62w7gnfigs-metaphor0to graze in the garden and to gather liliesThese words are metaphors for the man enjoying her body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
373SNG62st2nfigs-metaphor0graze“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]])
374SNG62e94c0to gather lilies“to pick lilies”
375SNG62gp6q0liliessweet-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).
376SNG63z5rf0my belovedThis 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”
377SNG63lr7w0I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mineSee how you translated the similar phrase “My beloved is mine, and I am his” in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
378SNG63p4l40he grazes among the lilies with pleasureSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
379SNG64q66q0General Information:Here begins Part Five of the book
380SNG64xk88figs-simile0as beautiful as Tirzah, my love, as lovely as JerusalemThese 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]])
381SNG64nj8w0my love“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
382SNG64rjr50lovelySee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:5](../01/05.md).
383SNG64uwd80as awe-inspiring as an army with its bannersThe beauty of the woman is so powerful that it makes the man feel helpless, as if an army were approaching him.
384SNG65l78a0General Information:The man continues to praise the woman.
385SNG65e85g0overwhelm 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.
386SNG65lbz10Your hair ... from the slopes of GileadTranslate “Your hair ... from Mount Gilead” as in [Song of Songs 4:1](../04/01.md).
387SNG66zz3k0General Information:The man continues to praise the woman.
388SNG66lxi1figs-simile0Your teeth are like a flock of ewesAfter sheep have their wool cut off, they are washed and their skin looks very white. The womans 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]])
389SNG66j7sefigs-explicit0coming up from the washing placeThe 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]])
390SNG66x7hrfigs-metaphor0Each one has a twinSheep usually give birth to two lambs at one time. These twin lamb usually look like one another. Each of the womans 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]])
391SNG66s4qj0none among them is bereavedEach of the womans 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).
392SNG66j4u30bereavedlost a loved one who has died. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md).
393SNG67zid1figs-simile0are like pomegranate halvesPomegranates are smooth, round, and rich red. The man thinks the womans 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]])
394SNG67z88b0behind your veilSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:1](../04/01.md).
395SNG68g963translate-numbers0There are sixty queens, eighty concubines ... young women without numberThese 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]])
396SNG69a2hhfigs-metaphor0My doveThe Israelites considered doves beautiful birds with pleasant voices. The man thinks the womans 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]])
397SNG69dk9e0my 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).
398SNG69m138figs-hyperbole0the only daughter of her motherThis is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “her mothers special daughter” or “completely different from her mothers other daughters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
399SNG69tej60the woman who bore her“the woman who gave birth to her.” This phrase refers to her mother.
400SNG69wmx60young women ... queens ... concubinesthe women spoken of in [Song of Songs 6:8](./08.md).
401SNG69al8y0called her blessed“said that things had gone especially well for her”
402SNG610cw4k0General 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.
403SNG610g6e9figs-rquestion0Who 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]])
404SNG610y3dpfigs-simile0who appears like the dawnThe dawn is beautiful. The woman is beautiful. Alternate translation: “who comes into view like the dawn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
405SNG610vb8cfigs-simile0as awe-inspiring as an army with its bannersThe 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]])
406SNG611x84jfigs-metaphor0General Information:The man finishes speaking to himself. Looking to see if plants had matured is probably a metaphor for enjoying the sight of the womans body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
407SNG611xmc20groveSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:13](../04/12.md).
408SNG611vs9r0young growth“young plants” or “new shoots”
409SNG611qw4q0had budded“had grown their buds.” Buds are the small round parts of plants which open up into flowers.
410SNG611w8xh0were in bloom“were opening their flowers”
411SNG612lt9yfigs-simile0I was so happy that I felt I was riding in the chariot of a princeThe man uses this image to express how happy he is. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
412SNG613u6810General 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.
413SNG613sm5jfigs-pronouns0Turn back ... gaze on youPossible 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]])
414SNG613x9hk0Turn back, turn back“Come back, come back.” This is repeated for emphasis.
415SNG613za54figs-pronouns0we may gazeSome 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]])
416SNG613c2580gazelook intently for a long time
417SNG613e2bmfigs-pronouns0Why do you gaze on the perfect woman ... armiesPossible 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]])
418SNG613iqb90as if on the dance between two armies“as if she were dancing between two armies”
419SNG7introhqv70# 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>
420SNG71z7jk0General Information:This is 7:2, the second verse of chapter seven, in some versions.
421SNG71v8jnfigs-explicit0How beautiful your feet appear in your sandalsIt 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]])
422SNG71k8va0princes daughterAnother possible interpretation is “you who have a noble character.”
423SNG71e9bdfigs-simile0The curves of your thighs are like jewelsThe shape of the womans 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]])
424SNG71xs8e0your thighsThe word “thighs” refers to the hips of a woman and the part of her legs that is above her knee.
425SNG71fc12figs-synecdoche0the work of the hands of a master craftsmanThe 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]])
426SNG72rg4z0General Information:The young womans lover continues describing the one he loves.
427SNG72u88efigs-simile0Your navel is like a round bowlA bowl is round. The womans navel is round. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
428SNG72dp5a0navelthe spot on the stomach left from the cord that attaches a baby to its mother
429SNG72n59pfigs-metaphor0may it never lack mixed winePeople 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]])
430SNG72q8fyfigs-simile0Your belly is like a mound of wheat encircled with liliesThe 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]])
431SNG72w6nhfigs-simile0Your belly is like a mound of wheatPeople 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]])
432SNG72ah1p0a mound of wheatThis is a pile of the grains of wheat after people remove the parts of it that they do not use.
433SNG72cz8d0encircled with lilies“with lilies all around it”
434SNG72ue5r0liliessweet-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).
435SNG73le8a0General Information:The man continues describing the woman.
436SNG73jw6n0two breastsIf 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).
437SNG73ugf3figs-simile0like two fawns, twins of a gazelleThe man implies that the womans 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]])
438SNG73jh3u0twinsthe 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).
439SNG73wr8t0gazellean 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).
440SNG74uv17figs-simile0Your neck is like a tower of ivoryA tower is long and straight. Ivory is white. The womans neck is long and straight, and her skin is light in color. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
441SNG74b1sy0a tower of ivory“a tower that people have decorated with ivory”
442SNG74xgt70ivorythe white tusk or tooth of an animal that is similar to bone. People use ivory to make art and to make things look beautiful.
443SNG74h4ihfigs-metaphor0your eyes are the pools in HeshbonThe womans 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 womans 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]])
444SNG74md6stranslate-names0HeshbonThis is the name of a city east of the Jordan River (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
445SNG74r1vftranslate-names0Bath RabbimThis is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
446SNG74a4vgfigs-simile0nose is like the tower in LebanonA tower is tall and straight, and her nose is tall and straight. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
447SNG74s23kfigs-metonymy0that looks toward DamascusThe 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]])
448SNG75a7bt0General Information:The man continues to describe the woman.
449SNG75jn22figs-simile0Your head is on you like CarmelMount Carmel is higher than everything else around it. The man wants to look at the womans 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]])
450SNG75sr830dark purpleOther possible translations are 1) “dark black” or 2) “dark red.”
451SNG75hkk7figs-metaphor0The king is held captive by its tressesThis 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]])
452SNG75l5e50tressesthe clusters of hair that hang down from a womans head
453SNG76hqx30my love, with delights“my love. You delight me”
454SNG77j31f0General Information:The man describes what he would like to do with the woman .
455SNG77jy1sfigs-simile0Your 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]])
456SNG77f6me0date palm treea tall, straight tree that produces a sweet, brown, and sticky fruit that grows in groups
457SNG77jr1vfigs-simile0your breasts like clusters of fruitThe 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 womans breasts are soft and round and are just lower than her arms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
458SNG78p7ge0I said“I thought” or “I said to myself.” The man said this silently.
459SNG78r1b3figs-metaphor0I want to climb ... its branchesThe man wants to embrace the woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
460SNG78w5g3figs-simile0May your breasts be like clusters of grapesThe man wants to touch her breasts. Clusters of grapes are round and soft. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
461SNG78zfb8figs-simile0may the fragrance of your nose be like apricotsThe 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]])
462SNG78f9is0apricotssweet yellow fruit
463SNG79tqs70General Information:The man continues describing what he would like to do with the woman.
464SNG79yrg1figs-metonymy0May your palate be like the best wineThe palate is a metonym for the lips. Wine tastes good. The man wants to kiss the womans lips. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
465SNG79rq120flowing smoothly for my beloved“that flows smoothly for the one I love.” The man enjoys the smooth kisses of the woman.
466SNG79ed640gliding over the lips of those who sleep“that flows over our lips as we sleep”
467SNG710k7zq0I am my belovedsSee how you translated a similar phrase in [Song of Songs 6:3](../06/01.md).
468SNG710j44v0my belovedsThis 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 ones” or “my lovers”
469SNG710a1430he desires me“he wants to make love to me” or “he wants me”
470SNG711bhr60spend the night in the villagesThough 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.
471SNG712jsd10General Information:The woman continues to speak to the man.
472SNG712iii60rise early“get up early” or “wake up early”
473SNG712cs6n0have budded“have begun to bloom”
474SNG712r9520blossomsflowers when they are open
475SNG712ukd90are in flower“have flowers open on the plant”
476SNG712q3a40I will give you my love“I will make love with you”
477SNG713v5gj0General Information:The woman continues to speak to the man.
478SNG713v61btranslate-unknown0mandrakesThis 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]])
479SNG713alp40give off their fragrance“produce their scent” or “smell very nice”
480SNG713xbk7figs-explicit0at the doorThe 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]])
481SNG713c2ah0are all sorts of choice fruits, new and old“is every kind of the best fruit, both old fruit and new fruit”
482SNG713jsb80stored up for you“saved so I can give to you”
483SNG713h8r20my belovedThis 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”
484SNG8introd35n0# 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>
485SNG81me7mwriting-poetry0General Information:See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]
486SNG81dp21figs-simile0you were like my brotherA 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]])
487SNG81v5fh0you outside“you in public”
488SNG81zyd60I could kiss youA woman would probably kiss her brother on his cheek order to greet him.
489SNG81ec820would despise me“would think that I am a bad person”
490SNG82apj40General Information:The young woman continues to speak to the man.
491SNG82i6chfigs-explicit0she who taught metaught her how to make love (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
492SNG82s68sfigs-metaphor0I would give you spiced wine to drink and some of the juice of my pomegranatesThe 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]])
493SNG82au41figs-metaphor0spiced 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]])
494SNG83s92v0His left hand ... embraces meSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:6](../02/05.md).
495SNG83e5cp0left hand ... right hand“left arm ... right arm”
496SNG83v65k0embraces me“holds me”
497SNG84z8a40I want you to swearSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md)
498SNG84rk33figs-apostrophe0daughters 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]])
499SNG84qg8i0that you will ... until it pleasesSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
500SNG85a5w50General Information:The fifth part of the book begins here.
501SNG85xxv3figs-rquestion0Who is this who is coming upThey 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
502SNG85p4rr0I awakened you“I woke you up” or “I aroused you”
503SNG85zfa20the apricot treea 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).
504SNG85g9tp0thereunder the apricot tree
505SNG85d4ub0she delivered you“she bore you”
506SNG86y4fz0General Information:The young woman continues to speak to the man.
507SNG86jr5mfigs-metaphor0Set me as a seal over your heart, like a seal on your armPossible 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 mans 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]])
508SNG86yzj4figs-simile0for love is as strong as deathDeath is very strong because it overcomes even the most powerful people of the world. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
509SNG86tci8figs-simile0as 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]])
510SNG86fvz9figs-metaphor0its flames burst out ... any other fireLove is very powerful like fire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
511SNG86tw710burst out“burn suddenly”
512SNG87ir3s0General Information:The young woman continues to speak to the man.
513SNG87baf6figs-metaphor0Surging waters cannot quench loveLove 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]])
514SNG87j6mc0Surging waters“Oceans of water” or “Huge amounts of water”
515SNG87dd1i0cannot quench“cannot extinguish” or “cannot put out”
516SNG87e1ejfigs-metaphor0nor can floods sweep it awayLove 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]])
517SNG87dju90floodsIn 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.
518SNG87kqk90sweep it away“carry it away” or “wash it away”
519SNG87jwh1figs-hypo0If a man gave ... the offer would utterly be despisedThis 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]])
520SNG87g5ja0gaveoffered to give
521SNG87l4u30all the possessions in his house“everything he owns”
522SNG87n3pn0for love“in order to get love” or “in order to buy love”
523SNG87nt2sfigs-activepassive0the offer would utterly be despisedThis 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]])
524SNG88au5a0little sister“young sister”
525SNG88t852figs-rquestion0What 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]])
526SNG88g5fpfigs-idiom0she will be promised in marriageThis 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]])
527SNG89mpf50General Information:The young womans brothers continue to speak among themselves.
528SNG89x3j1figs-metaphor0If she is a wall ... If she is a doorThe 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]])
529SNG89am5ufigs-metaphor0we will build on her a tower of silver ... we will adorn her with boards of cedarThe 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]])
530SNG89cnw30will adorn her“will decorate her”
531SNG810n2vyfigs-metaphor0I was a wallThe wall is a metaphor for a woman with small breasts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
532SNG810mc78figs-simile0my breasts are now like fortress towersFortress towers are tall. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
533SNG810rll2figs-metonymy0I am in his eyes as oneHere 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]])
534SNG810b5uufigs-explicit0brings peaceYou may need to make explicit to whom the woman brings peace. Alternate translation: “brings him peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
535SNG810hi470peace“well-being”
536SNG811tt740General 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 Solomons vineyard, which he gave to other men.
537SNG811x2c3translate-names0Baal HamonThis is the name of a town in the northern part of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
538SNG811mz3u0gave the vineyardleased, agreed to let other people pay him so they could grow grapes in the vineyard
539SNG811b1b30to those who would maintain it“to people who would take care of it”
540SNG811h77mfigs-ellipsis0Each one was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruitIt 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]])
541SNG811t2dptranslate-bmoney0to 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]])
542SNG811e3jp0shekels“coins”
543SNG811mm2jfigs-apostrophe0SolomonSome 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]])
544SNG812za66figs-metaphor0My vineyard, my very ownThe 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]])
545SNG812gc75figs-idiom0is before meThis 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]])
546SNG812tl1c0the thousand shekels are for you, SolomonThe woman knows that Solomon has leased out the vineyard so he can get money, but she does not want money.
547SNG812t7u10the two hundred shekelsThe 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.
548SNG813dp6sfigs-you0You who liveThe man is speaking to the woman, so “you” and “live” are feminine singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
549SNG813zm5hfigs-metonymy0listening for your voiceThe 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]])
550SNG813ew6z0let me hear it“let me hear your voice.”
551SNG814vrp70my belovedThis 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”
552SNG814zh440like a gazelle or a young stagSee how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:9](../02/08.md).
553SNG814yhn70gazellea type of slender deer-like animal with long curved horns
554SNG814gp9l0stagan adult male deer
555SNG814mqx9figs-metaphor0the 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]])