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2front:introan3g0# Introduction to the Song of Songs\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the Song of Songs\n\n1. The bride longs for the bridegroom to arrive (1:12:7)\n1. The bridegroom praises the woman he loves (2:83:5)\n1. The bridegroom arrives and praises the bride (3:65:1)\n1. The bride longs for the bridegroom (5:26:9)\n1. The bridegroom praises the beauty of his bride (6:18:4)\n1. Final thoughts about love between a man and a woman (8:514)\n\n### What is the Song of Songs about?\n\nThe Song of Songs is a poem or a series of poems that celebrate love and intimacy between a man and a woman. Jews traditionally have interpreted the book as a picture of 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.\n\n### Who wrote the Song of Songs?\n\nThe 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.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nThis book is traditionally titled “Song of Songs,” which means the very best song, or “Song of Solomon.” It may also be called “Songs of Love,” “Great Poems of Love,” or “The Love Songs of Solomon.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### What place do the descriptions of sexual behavior have in the Song of Songs?\n\nThe Song of Songs approves of sexual behavior expressing love between a husband his wife.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### How many characters are in the Song of Songs?\n\nThe two main characters in this book are the man and the woman, who love each other. The woman also speaks to a group of women called the “daughters of Jerusalem,” and these women make comments. However, it is possible that the group of women is not real and the woman is only imagining them.\n\nSome interpreters believe there may be more characters than these, but this is not certain. The ULT and UST versions recognize only the man, the woman, and the group of women.\n\n### What are the lines about people speaking?\n\nThe Song of Songs is a poem that shows the thoughts and words of a man, a woman, and the 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.\n\nBefore each speech, the ULT identifies the speaker and the audience like this: “The woman speaking to the other women,” “The woman speaking to the man,” “The man speaking to the woman,” or “The woman speaking to herself.” Translators are encouraged to include these ways of identifying the speaker and the audience, and to format them differently from the scripture text. The translators should also include a note explaining that these explanations are not actually part of the scripture.\n\n### How should one translate the Song of Songs if the readers will view certain terms as coarse, vulgar, or improper?\n\nReaders might consider many images or forms appearing in the Song of Songs as improper when translated. The translator should try to avoid offensive language if possible, by using expressions that will not cause offense. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])\n\n### How do I translate metaphors and similes in this book?\n\nThere are many metaphors and similes in this book. These figures of speech are often unclear. If they have sexual meanings, figures of speech describing feelings or emotions are often used to avoid offense by hiding their meaning. However, since their meanings are often unclear, ambiguity in translation is encouraged. You can translate the words as they are written in order to avoid committing to a specific meaning. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
31:introxrm20# Song of Songs 1 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Kisses\n\nThe kisses in this chapter are a type of kiss that was only done between a husband a wife. It is an intimate kiss. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### Love and affection\n\nThis chapter is centered on the feelings of love, affection, and attraction. Different cultural standards may make translation difficult and the translator may use euphemisms to avoid offending people. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “I am dark”\nIn the ancient Near East, rich people usually had lighter skin because they did not need to work outside in the sun. This young woman had to work out in the sun, and her skin became darker than it was when she was younger.
41:1dsf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryשִׁ֥יר הַ⁠שִּׁירִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לִ⁠שְׁלֹמֹֽה1This verse is the title of this book. Use whatever formatting convention is most natural in your language for indicating that something is the title of a poem or song. The ULT places this line further to the left than the other lines in this book to indicate that this verse is the title of the book.
51:1qbe2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionשִׁ֥יר הַ⁠שִּׁירִ֖ים1The possessive form is being used here to indicate a comparison with other songs and to show that this **song** is the best or greatest of all **songs**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use another form to indicate this. Alternate translation: “The best song” or “The most excellent song” or “The greatest song”
61:1r5nsלִ⁠שְׁלֹמֹֽה1The phrase **of Solomon** could mean: (1) Solomon wrote this song. Alternate translation: “Solomon wrote” (2) this song was dedicated to Solomon. Alternate translation: “is dedicated to Solomon” (3) this song was about Solomon. Alternate translation: “is about Solomon”
71:2-4fna4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryיִשָּׁקֵ֨⁠נִי֙ מִ⁠נְּשִׁיק֣וֹת פִּ֔י⁠הוּ כִּֽי־טוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖י⁠ךָ מִ⁠יָּֽיִן׃ לְ⁠רֵ֨יחַ֙ שְׁמָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ טוֹבִ֔ים שֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑⁠ךָ עַל־כֵּ֖ן עֲלָמ֥וֹת אֲהֵבֽוּ⁠ךָ׃ 1These lines of poetry most likely indicate thoughts or words that the woman is speaking or thinking to herself while she is alone. Your language may have a way of indicating speech that is expressed toward a person who is not present to hear what is being said.
81:2j5xq0# General Information:\n\nThe first part of the book begins with this verse.
91:2tulvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryיִשָּׁקֵ֨⁠נִי֙ מִ⁠נְּשִׁיק֣וֹת1The author is using an emphatic form to indicate the fervor and intensity of the desired kisses. Consider using a natural way in your language to indicate this. Alternate translation: “Let him kiss me again and again with the kisses of” or “Let him cover my face with the kisses of”
101:2d9murc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularדֹּדֶ֖י⁠ךָ1In this book every occurrence of the words **you** and **your** are singular. Your language may require you to mark these forms.
111:2th64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsטוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖י⁠ךָ1If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **love**, you could express the same idea with a verbal form or in another way. Alternate translation: “the way you love me is better” or “your loving is better”
121:2nze7טוֹבִ֥ים דֹּדֶ֖י⁠ךָ מִ⁠יָּֽיִן1Alternate translation: “I enjoy having you near me more than I enjoy drinking wine” or “your love is more pleasant than wine”
131:3j5kaלְ⁠רֵ֨יחַ֙1The Hebrew word which the ULT translates as **As for** could: (1) indicate reference, in which case it should be translated as the ULT translates it or with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “In reference to the smell of” or (2) indicate emphasis or be making an assertion. Alternate translation: “Truly, the smell of” or “Indeed, the smell of”
141:3si36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשְׁמָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ טוֹבִ֔ים1Here, **oils** refers to colognes or perfumes. In the authors culture pleasant smelling spices were mixed into olive oil in order to make a pleasant smelling perfume which was then put on the skin. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. If men do not use put pleasant smelling things on their skin in your culture you could say that the man being spoken of here smells pleasant. Alternate translation: “your colognes—they are good” or “your scented oils—they are good” or “your skin—it is good” or “your body—it is good”
151:3z9t3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑⁠ךָ1The woman is describing the man she loves and his reputation by association with his **name**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “oil poured out is your reputation” or “oil poured out is the honor that people give to you”
161:3ijenrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֶׁ֖מֶן תּוּרַ֣ק שְׁמֶ֑⁠ךָ1The woman makes a comparison between the mans reputation (which she refers to as his **name**) and scented oil that is poured out after which the good smell of the oil spreads as the air moves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the comparison. Alternate translation: “your reputation spreads more and more like the scent of perfume which spreads after it has been poured out”
171:3pj62rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultעַל־כֵּ֖ן1The words translated as **Therefore** indicate that what follows is a result of what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a result of what came before. Alternate translation: “As a result”
181:4gec8מָשְׁכֵ֖⁠נִי1Alternate translation: “Lead me”
191:4v83trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youאַחֲרֶ֣י⁠ךָ1The word **you** refers to the man and so is singular. Your language may require you to mark this form. In this book every occurrence of the words **you** and **your** are singular.
201:4ty2prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveנָּר֑וּצָה1The word **us** refers to the young woman and the man that she is addressing so **us** is inclusive. Your language may require you to mark these forms. Alternate translation: “let you and I run”
211:4xpoerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitנָּר֑וּצָה1Here, the woman uses **run** as a poetic way of expressing her desire that she and the man she loves hurry and go away together. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “let us hurry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
221:4vpdirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ1Here, the woman speaks of the man she loves as if he were **The king**. Here, the term **king** is a term of endearment and is an affectionate way for the woman to refer to the man she loves. The woman is not speaking of an actual king but rather this is a poetic way of speaking. The woman is still speaking of the same man that she was speaking of in [1:2-3](../01/02.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning by using a simile. Alternate translation: “He whom I love is like a king to me”
231:4at7lנָגִ֤ילָה וְ⁠נִשְׂמְחָה֙ בָּ֔⁠ךְ נַזְכִּ֤ירָה דֹדֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ מִ⁠יַּ֔יִן1The **us** in these two lines could: (1) be a group of young women speaking about the man. Alternate translation: “We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will profess your love more than wine” (2) be the woman continuing to speak to the man she loves and using **us** to refer to herself. Alternate translation: “May I be glad and rejoice in you. May I profess your love more than wine” (3) be the woman continuing to speak and using **us** to refer to herself and the man. Alternate translation: “Let you and I be glad and rejoice in you. Let you and I profess your love more than wine”\n
241:4isr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveנָּר֑וּצָה…נָגִ֤ילָה…נַזְכִּ֤ירָה1The word *us** is inclusive all three times that it occurs in this verse. Your language may require you to mark these forms. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
251:4ku0trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletנָגִ֤ילָה וְ⁠נִשְׂמְחָה֙1The terms **glad** and **rejoice** mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Let us greatly rejoice” or “Let us rejoice greatly”
261:4geq4נַזְכִּ֤ירָה1Alternate translation: “Let us praise”
271:4rc0eמִ⁠יַּ֔יִן1The phrase **more than wine** could mean: (1) that the women would **profess** the mans **love** as **more** delightful **than wine**. Alternate translation: “as being more delightful than wine” (2) that the women would **profess** the delightfulness of the mans **love more than** they would **profess** the delightfulness of **wine**. Alternate translation: “more than we profess wine”
281:4so9xמֵישָׁרִ֖ים אֲהֵבֽוּ⁠ךָ1Here the speaker could be: (1) the woman speaking to the man about the young women who admire him. Alternate translation: “rightly do the young women love you” (2) the young women speaking of other women who admire the man. Alternate translation: “rightly do the other young women love you” or “rightly do the young women love you”. You may wish to indicate who the presumed speaker is here by placing a heading above this section as modeled by the UST.
291:4gxfwאֲהֵבֽוּ⁠ךָ1Alternate translation: “do they admire you”
301:4ag8rמֵישָׁרִ֖ים אֲהֵבֽוּ⁠ךָ1Alternate translation: “it is right that other young women adore you” or “no wonder other young women adore you”
311:5ez2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשְׁחוֹרָ֤ה אֲנִי֙1Here, **I am black** means “My skin is black” or “My skin is very dark.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “My skin is black” or “My skin is very dark”
321:5jpj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastוְֽ⁠נָאוָ֔ה1Here, the word **But** is introducing a contrast. What follows the word **But** is in contrast to what was expected, because in the authors culture it was not considered attractive for a woman to have skin that was dark as a result of much exposure to the sun. Use a natural form in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation: “yet lovely” or “but still lovely”
331:5ck9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבְּנ֖וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1The phrase **daughters of Jerusalem** is a poetic way of referring to women who were born in Jerusalem and/or were from the city of Jerusalem (These are probably the same women as the “marriageable women” in [1:3](../01/03.md) and the women referred to as “they” in [1:4](../01/04.md)). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “young women of Jerusalem” or “young women from Jerusalem”
341:5rbb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְּ⁠אָהֳלֵ֣י קֵדָ֔ר כִּ⁠ירִיע֖וֹת שְׁלֹמֹֽה1The Kedar were a tribe of people who used black goat skins to make their tents, thus their tents were dark in color. The woman is comparing her skin to these tents which were dark in color. The phrase **the curtains of Solomon** refers to the curtains in Solomons palace which were very beautiful. The point of the first comparison is that the womans skin was dark (referring back to and further describing the word **black**) and the point of the second comparison is that the woman was beautiful (referring back to and further describing the word **lovely**). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent comparisons from your culture or you could retain these similes and express these meanings as plainly as possible. Alternate translation: “like the dark color of the tents of the people of the tribe Kedar, like the curtains of Solomons palace” or “as dark as the color of the tents of Kedar, as beautiful as the curtains in Solomons palace”
351:6avcqאַל־ תִּרְא֨וּ⁠נִי֙1The phrase **Do not look at me** could mean: (1) that the woman does not want people to look at her with contempt. Alternate translation: “Do not look at me with contempt” or “Do not look down on me” or “Do not look at me disapprovingly” (2) that the woman does not want people to stare at her in admiration of her beauty. Alternate translation: “Do not stare at me because I am so beautiful”
361:6gy5lrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultשֶׁ⁠אֲנִ֣י1The word **that** indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because”
371:6nqqbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשֶׁ⁠אֲנִ֣י שְׁחַרְחֹ֔רֶת1Here, **I am black** means “my skin is black” or “my skin is very dark” as it did in [1:5](../01/05.md). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that my skin is black” or “that my skin is very dark”
381:6im6wrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultשֶׁ⁠שֱּׁזָפַ֖תְ⁠נִי הַ⁠שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ1The word **that** indicates that what follows is a reason for what came before. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: “because the sun scorched me”
391:6thz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשֶׁ⁠שֱּׁזָפַ֖תְ⁠נִי הַ⁠שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ1The phrase **the sun scorched me** refers to sunlight shining on the skin and means “the sun burned me” or “the sun tanned my skin dark.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “that the sun burned me” or “that the sun turned my skin brown” or “that the sun tanned my skin.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
401:6v86fנֹטֵרָ֣ה אֶת־הַ⁠כְּרָמִ֔ים כַּרְמִ֥⁠י שֶׁ⁠לִּ֖⁠י לֹ֥א נָטָֽרְתִּי1Alternate translation: “as caretaker of the vineyards—my vineyard that is mine, I have not taken care of”
411:6w18krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכַּרְמִ֥⁠י שֶׁ⁠לִּ֖⁠י לֹ֥א נָטָֽרְתִּי1The woman is probably using the phrase **my vineyard** to refer to her complexion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my skin, I have not protected from the sun” or “my complexion, I have not protected from the sun”
421:7f9hirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheשֶׁ֤⁠אָהֲבָה֙ נַפְשִׁ֔⁠י1The woman is using one part of herself, her **soul**, to represent all of her. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you whom I love”
431:7mpburc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאֵיכָ֣ה תִרְעֶ֔ה1The woman is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “where do you graze your flock” or “where do you graze your sheep”
441:7wsmmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismאֵיכָ֣ה תִרְעֶ֔ה אֵיכָ֖ה תַּרְבִּ֣יץ בַּֽ⁠צָּהֳרָ֑יִם1The phrase **where do you graze** and the phrase **Where do you make your flocks lie down at noontime** mean basically the same thing. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if saying very similar things twice might confuse your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “Where do you pasture your flocks in the middle of the day”
451:7v54wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionשַׁ⁠לָּ⁠מָ֤ה אֶֽהְיֶה֙ כְּ⁠עֹ֣טְיָ֔ה עַ֖ל עֶדְרֵ֥י חֲבֵרֶֽי⁠ךָ1The woman is not asking for information, but is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate her words as a statement, a request, or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I do not want to be like a woman who covers herself\nbeside the flocks of your companions” or “Please do not let me be like a woman who covers herself\nbeside the flocks of your companions” or “Tell me so that I will not be like a woman who covers herself\nbeside the flocks of your companions”
461:7f5ebrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכְּ⁠עֹ֣טְיָ֔ה עַ֖ל עֶדְרֵ֥י חֲבֵרֶֽי⁠ךָ1The phrase **covers herself** means **covers herself with a veil** and the phrase **your companions** refers to the other shepherds who pastured their animals near the flocks of the man and were probably his friends. If it would help your readers, you could express these phrases explicitly. Alternate translation: “like a woman who covers herself with a veil beside the flocks of the other shepherds”
471:7v6rsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileשַׁ⁠לָּ⁠מָ֤ה אֶֽהְיֶה֙ כְּ⁠עֹ֣טְיָ֔ה עַ֖ל עֶדְרֵ֥י חֲבֵרֶֽי⁠ךָ1In the authors culture women who were prostitutes often covered their faces with a veil so that people would not recognize them. It would not be normal for a young unmarried woman to be wandering among shepherds and the woman did not want to be mistaken for a prostitute. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the basis of this comparison. Alternate translation: “Tell me where you pasture your flocks so that I will not need to wander around among the flocks of your companions like a prostitute when I am looking for you” or “For why should I be like a prostitute who covers herself with a veil and wanders about\nbeside the flocks of your companions”
481:8lc64rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalאִם־ לֹ֤א תֵדְעִי֙ לָ֔⁠ךְ הַ⁠יָּפָ֖ה בַּ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים צְֽאִי־ לָ֞⁠ךְ1If it would help your readers to see that this is a conditional statement then you could supply a word like “then” in your translation. Alternate translation: “If you do not know, most beautiful among women, then go out”
491:8fu4frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureאִם־ לֹ֤א תֵדְעִי֙ לָ֔⁠ךְ הַ⁠יָּפָ֖ה בַּ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים1If it would be more natural in your language you could begin this verse with the phrase **most beautiful among women**. Alternate translation: “Most beautiful among women, if you do not know”
501:8nky4הַ⁠יָּפָ֖ה בַּ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים1Alternate translation: “you who are the most beautiful of all women”
511:8sy7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goצְֽאִי־ לָ֞⁠ךְ1Your language may say “come” rather than **go** in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “come out”
521:8al9cוּ⁠רְעִי֙ אֶת־ גְּדִיֹּתַ֔יִ⁠ךְ1Alternate translation: “and let your young goats graze” or “and graze your young goats”
531:8fis9וּ⁠רְעִי֙ אֶת־ גְּדִיֹּתַ֔יִ⁠ךְ1Alternate translation: “graze your young goats” or “let your young goats eat”
541:9j8xvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureלְ⁠סֻסָתִ⁠י֙ בְּ⁠רִכְבֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה דִּמִּיתִ֖י⁠ךְ רַעְיָתִֽ⁠1If it would be more natural in your language you could begin this verse with the phrase **my darling**. Alternate translation: “My darling, I liken you to a mare among the chariots of Pharaoh”
551:9gw76rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileלְ⁠סֻסָתִ⁠י֙ בְּ⁠רִכְבֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה דִּמִּיתִ֖י⁠ךְ1Here, it is implied that the man is comparing the woman to the beauty of a mare and not to other other qualities of a horse. The king of Egypts horses were known to be the best in the world and so they would have been very beautiful. If it would help your readers you could explain the point of this comparison. Alternate translation: “Your beauty is like the beauty of Pharaohs chariot horses” or “I compare your beauty to the beauty of Pharaohs chariot horses”
561:9zyj5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠רִכְבֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה1The man is using the phrase **the chariots** to mean “the horses that pull the chariots.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “among the horses that pull Pharaohs chariots” or “among the horses that pull the chariots of Pharaoh”
571:9lnborc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitפַרְעֹ֔ה1Here, the term **Pharaoh** does not refer to a specific Egyptian king but is a title used to designate the acting king of Egypt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king of Egypt”
581:10hrjdrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבַּ⁠תֹּרִ֔ים1The term the man uses, which the ULT translates as **earrings**, is a term which refers to strings of small ornaments or jewels which apparently hung down the side of ones face. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of jewelry you could use a more general term and, if you are using footnotes, you could make a footnote explaining this type of jewelry. Alternate translation: “with neck ornaments” or “strings of jewels”
591:10u7h9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבַּ⁠חֲרוּזִֽים1**necklaces** are a type of jewelry worn around the neck in order to make a person look more attractive. If your readers would not be familiar with **necklaces**, you could use the name of something similar in your area worn around the neck for the purpose of looking nice or you could use a more general term and, if it would help your readers, you could make a footnote explaining what a necklace is if you are using footnotes. Alternate translation: “with neck ornaments” or “strings of jewels”
601:11yuyprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownתּוֹרֵ֤י1See how you translated the term “earrings” in the previous verse.
611:11dza7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronounsנַעֲשֶׂה1The 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
621:11bp6lעִ֖ם נְקֻדּ֥וֹת הַ⁠כָּֽסֶף1Alternate translation: “with beads of silver” or “that are decorated with silver”
631:12kec9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֶׁ֤⁠הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1See how you translated the phrase “The king” in [1:4](../01/04.md) where it is used with the same meaning.
641:12zt7dבִּ⁠מְסִבּ֔⁠וֹ1The word which the ULT translates as **couch** could: (1) refer to a couch and be translated as **couch** as modeled by the ULT. (2) refer to a table. Alternate translation: “was at his table”
651:12ur66rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownנִרְדִּ֖⁠י1The term **nard** refers to pleasant smelling perfumed oil that was made from the roots of the **nard** plant. If your readers would not be familiar with *nard** plants, you could use a general expression or describe what **nard** is. Alternate translation: “my perfumed oil” or “my pleasant smelling perfume made from the nard plant”
661:12lp8fנָתַ֥ן רֵיחֽ⁠וֹ1Alternate translation: “gave off its good smell” or “spread its pleasant smell”
671:13vc5vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorצְר֨וֹר הַ⁠מֹּ֤ר ׀ דּוֹדִ⁠י֙ לִ֔⁠י בֵּ֥ין שָׁדַ֖⁠י יָלִֽין1In the authors culture women would sometimes place a small bag or pouch of myrrh on a necklace so it would hang on their neck and they could enjoy its pleasant smell. The woman makes a comparison between the enjoyable experience of having a bag of myrrh near her and the enjoyable experience of having the man she loves near her. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a simile to show the comparison. Alternate translation: “I enjoy having my beloved near me throughout the night like I enjoy the smell of a bag of myrrh”
681:13d77brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownהַ⁠מֹּ֤ר1**myrrh** was a pleasant smelling incense that was made from resin taken from the bark of a certain kind of tree. One of the things it was used for was to make a person smell good. If your readers would not be familiar with **myrrh**, you could use the name of something pleasant smelling in your area that might be used for this purpose or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “pleasant smelling perfume”
691:13bzs7דּוֹדִ⁠י֙1Alternate translation: “is my lover”
701:13f8y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismאֶשְׁכֹּ֨ל הַ⁠כֹּ֤פֶר ׀ דּוֹדִ⁠י֙ לִ֔⁠י1If using the word **breasts** would offend your readers, you could use an appropriate euphemism for **breasts** or state the meaning of the phrase **between my breasts it stays** using a more general expression. Alternate translation: “My beloved stays very close to me during the night, like a bundle of myrrh hanging near my chest”
711:13bl0zיָלִֽין1Here, the original language word that the ULT translates with the phrase **it stays** is ambiguous regarding what it is that **stays**. This word could: (1) indicate that the **bundle of myrrh** is what **stays**, in which case it should be translated as something similar to **it stays** as modeled by the ULT. (2) mean that the man **stays**. Alternate translation: “he stays”
721:13jw0uיָלִֽין1Here, the word **stays** could: (1) refer to staying in one place for a prolonged period of time in which case you could translate this word with something similar to **stays** as modeled by the ULT. (2) refer to lying down. Alternate translation: “it lies”
731:14a6jkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownהַ⁠כֹּ֤פֶר1The phrase **henna blossoms** refers to **blossoms** from the **henna** plant which produces clusters of flower blossoms which have a pleasant smell. If your readers would not be familiar with this plant, you could use the name of a plant in your area that has a pleasant smell, you could explain in your translation that henna is a plant that produces fragrant blossoms, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “fragrant flowers” or “fragrant blossoms from the henna plant”
741:14zh75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֶשְׁכֹּ֨ל הַ⁠כֹּ֤פֶר ׀ דּוֹדִ⁠י֙ לִ֔⁠י בְּ⁠כַרְמֵ֖י עֵ֥ין גֶּֽדִי1Here, **vineyards of En Gedi** is probably a reference to the womans body because at that time **vineyards** were often used to convey a sexual meaning and because the phrase **in the vineyards of Engedi** is in parallel to phrase in the previous verse in which the woman refers to her body by saying that her “beloved” is like a “bundle of myrrh“ which “stays” (the night) “between” her “breasts.” In this verse the woman makes a comparison between the pleasurable experience of the smell of henna blossoms and her enjoyment of having the man she loves near her body. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a simile to show the comparison. Because the woman describes her body in a poetic way with images, it is recommended that you either maintain these images or select images from your context and language that communicate the same concepts. Alternate translation: “I enjoy being near my beloveds body like I enjoy the smell of the henna flowers in the vineyards of Engedi” or “I delight in my beloved being near my body like I enjoy the smell of the henna flowers in the vineyards of Engedi”
751:14nop3עֵ֥ין גֶּֽדִי1
761:15tae6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationהִנָּ֤⁠ךְ…הִנָּ֥⁠ךְ1The man is using the term **Look** to focus attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Behold! … Behold!”
771:15x2d5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismהִנָּ֤⁠ךְ יָפָה֙ רַעְיָתִ֔⁠י הִנָּ֥⁠ךְ יָפָ֖ה עֵינַ֥יִ⁠ךְ יוֹנִֽים1The man uses the phrase **Look at you—you are beautiful** two times for emphasis. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one and provide emphasis in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Look at you—you are beautiful, my darling. Your eyes are doves”
781:15m114רַעְיָתִ֔⁠י1See how you translated the phrase **my darling** in [1:9](../01/09.md)
791:15fb4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעֵינַ֥יִ⁠ךְ יוֹנִֽים1The man makes a comparison between the beauty and gentleness of doves and the womans eyes. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a simile to show the comparison or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your eyes are like doves” or “your eyes are gentle and beautiful”
801:16sbi4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationהִנְּ⁠ךָ֨1The woman is using the term **Look** to focus attention on what she is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Behold!”
811:16feblrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureהִנְּ⁠ךָ֨ יָפֶ֤ה דוֹדִ⁠י֙ אַ֣ף נָעִ֔ים אַף־ עַרְשֵׂ֖⁠נוּ רַעֲנָנָֽה1If it would be more natural in your language you could either begin or end this verse with the phrase **my beloved**.
821:16x3prדוֹדִ⁠י֙ 1See how you translated the phrase **my beloved** in [1:13](../01/13.md). Alternate translation: “my lover”
831:16km29rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאַ֣ף נָעִ֔ים1The woman is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “you are truly pleasant”
841:16q43erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעַרְשֵׂ֖⁠נוּ1Here, **couch** does not refer to a literal couch but rather to the place where the couple would lie down in the forest. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the place where we lie down is” or “the place we lie down on like a bed is”
851:16xed8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitרַעֲנָנָֽה1Here, the original language word that the ULT translates as **leafy** refers to plants that are the green color. You could translate **leafy** in a general way such as “green” or if it would help your readers you could indicate specifically what vegetation the word **leafy** refers to. Here, **leafy** could refer to: (1) the grass that the couple layed down on. Alternate translation: “grass” (2) the branches above their meeting place in the forest. Alternate translation: “under the cover of branches” or “shaded by branches”
861:17v14zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorקֹר֤וֹת בָּתֵּ֨י⁠נוּ֙ אֲרָזִ֔ים רַהִיטֵ֖נוּ בְּרוֹתִֽים1Here the woman is speaking of the forest as though it were a **house**, the cedar trees as if they were the **beams** of the house and **pine** trees as if they were the **rafters** of the house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly or use a simile as modeled by the UST. Alternate translation: “Our meeting place is shaded by cedar and pine trees” or “Branches of cedar and pine trees will be a canopy over our meeting place”
871:17c3e5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבְּרוֹתִֽים1**pine** is a type of tree that grows tall and close to other trees so that they provide shade from the sun. If your readers would not be familiar with **pine** trees, you could use general phrase describing them or use the name of a tree that grows tall and densely in your area. Alternate translation: “tall leafy trees”
882:introu8uv0# Song of Songs 2 General Notes\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphor\n\nWomen are compared to flowers in this chapter. This metaphor may describe a womans beauty and delicacy. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### Euphemisms\n\nIt is possible that some of the metaphors used in this chapter are actually euphemisms. These euphemisms would refer to sex or the physical love between a husband a wife. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
892:1cne2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אֲנִי֙ חֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת הַ⁠שָּׁר֔וֹן שֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת הָ⁠עֲמָקִֽים1The woman is speaking of herself as if she is two different types of flowers in order to make a comparison between herself and these flowers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, explain the comparison, or use a simile as modeled by the UST. The reason the woman compares herself to these wildflowers is to express that she thinks she has only common beauty and is no more attractive than the other young women her age. Alternate translation: “I am as common as a wildflower of Sharon or a lily of the valleys” or “my beauty is as common as a wildflower in Sharon or a lily of the valleys”
902:1ps9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownחֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת1The original word which the ULT translates as **flower** refers to a specific type of flower which grows on the ground. The exact type of flower that the original word refers to cannot be known with certainty so you could use the name of a pretty wildflower in your area or you could use a general term as modeled by the ULT.
912:1gh6wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַ⁠שָּׁר֔וֹן1**Sharon** was the name of a specific plain (a flat area). The word **Sharon** refers to a flat, wide area and so by using the word **Sharon** the woman is probably referring to “plains” in general and expressing that she is like a wildflower that grows on the plains. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly as modeled by the UST.
922:1bw25rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismאֲנִי֙ חֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת הַ⁠שָּׁר֔וֹן שֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת הָ⁠עֲמָקִֽים1The phrase **a flower of Sharon** and the phrase **a lily of the valleys** mean very similar things. The second phrase emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if saying very similar things twice might confuse your readers, you could combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “I am a wildflower that grows in the plains and the valleys”
932:1cxaqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisשֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת1The woman is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “I am a lily of”
942:1ni5prc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownשֽׁוֹשַׁנַּ֖ת1A **lily** is a type of flower. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of flower, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a flower of”
952:2ibi6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְּ⁠שֽׁוֹשַׁנָּה֙ בֵּ֣ין הַ⁠חוֹחִ֔ים כֵּ֥ן רַעְיָתִ֖⁠י בֵּ֥ין הַ⁠בָּנֽוֹת1The man compares the woman he loves to **a lily among thorns**. The point of this comparison is that in the same way that **a lily** is much more beautiful than **thorns** so the woman is much more beautiful than the other young women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent comparison or express this meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “You my darling, are much more beautiful than all other women”
962:2l00irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownכְּ⁠שֽׁוֹשַׁנָּה֙1See how you translated the word **lily** in [2:1](../02/01.md)
972:2bi45רַעְיָתִ֖⁠י1See how you translated the phrase **my darling** in [1:9](../01/09.md).
982:2y9burc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַ⁠בָּנֽוֹת1Here, the phrase **the daughters** refers to the **daughters of Jerusalem** mentioned in [1:5](../01/05.md) and probably refers not just to the young women of Jerusalem but also to all young women. If it would help your readers you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the young women of Jerusalem” or “other young women”
992:3xz7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileAs an apricot tree … the young men0People 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.
1002:3yr6xapricot tree0a 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.”
1012:3wf4uthe forest0The Hebrew word here refers to land where trees grow for which people have no use.
1022:3q7klmy beloved0This 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”
1032:3pii3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI sit down under his shadow with great delight0The woman finds great joy and comfort in being so near to the man.
1042:3b5airc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhis fruit is sweet to my taste0The woman enjoys eating sweet fruit, and she enjoys being near to the man.
1052:4ift6the house of wine0This could mean: (1) the very large room where the king would serve many people large meals with wine or (2) a small booth in a vineyard where the man and woman could be alone together.
1062:4rp8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhis banner over me was love0This could mean: (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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1072:5uxb2Revive me0Alternate translation: “Return my strength” or “Give me energy”
1082:5khc1with raisin cakes0“by giving me raisin cakes to eat.” Raisin cakes were cakes made of dried grapes pressed together.
1092:5gs2arefresh me with apricots0Alternate translation: “support me by giving me apricots” or “help me by giving me apricots”
1102:5y4qyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorfor I am weak with love0The 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”
1112:6m6ysleft hand … right hand0Alternate translation: “left arm … right arm”
1122:6fq8wembraces me0Alternate translation: “holds me”
1132:7l67brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophedaughters of Jerusalem0“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.
1142:7n4wqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheby the gazelles and the does of the fields0Although 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.
1152:7sz5cthe gazelles0These are animals that look like deer and move quickly.
1162:7nt79does0female deer
1172:7w94rof the fields0“that live in the countryside.” This was land that has not been farmed.
1182:7ekc3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationwill not awaken or arouse love until she pleases0Here “love” is spoken of as if it were a person asleep that does not want to be awakened. This is a metaphor that represents the man and woman who do not want to be disturbed until they are finished making love. Alternate translation: “will not disturb us until we have finished making love” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1192:7fz3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletwill not awaken or arouse0If your language has only one word for waking people out of sleep, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “will not awaken”
1202:8aay20# General Information:\n\nThe second part of the book begins here. It is not clear whether the woman is speaking to herself or to the daughters of Jerusalem.
1212:8j2nlListen0This could mean: (1) “Listen carefully to what I am about to say.” You could use a word in your language that tells the hearer to listen carefully, or (2) “Listen so you can hear him coming.”
1222:8rn51my beloved0This 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”
1232:8dm9eleaping … jumping0The 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.
1242:8fr67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorleaping over the mountains, jumping over the hills0“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.
1252:9l5nigazing … peering0The 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.
1262:9f2lurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike a gazelle or a young stag0Gazelles 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.
1272:9kq5fa gazelle0This 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).
1282:9qbs9a young stag0Alternate translation: “a young male deer”
1292:9s6z4look0“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.
1302:9umf5behind our wall0“on the other side of our wall.” The woman is in a house and the man is outside the house.
1312:9be2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveour wall0The 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.
1322:9kf9ugazing through the window0Alternate translation: “he stares in through the windows”
1332:9s9xtpeering through the lattice0Alternate translation: “he peeks through the lattice”
1342:9z1bllattice0a 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.
1352:10hl12My beloved0This 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”
1362:10pah1Arise, my love0Alternate translation: “Get out of bed, my love”
1372:10fff7my love0“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md)
1382:11yv91Look0“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.
1392:11eyh9the winter is past; the rain is over and gone0In winter it is too cold and wet to make love outside, but the cold, wet time has passed.
1402:11e658the winter is past0Winter 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.
1412:11f4hzthe rain is over and gone0In Israel it only rains during the winter. The rain here is cold and unpleasant, not the refreshing rain of the hot season.
1422:12wfw3The flowers have appeared0Alternate translation: “People can see flowers”
1432:12j8f3in the land0Alternate translation: “all over this land”
1442:12sv72for pruning0for cutting off branches from a plant so that it will produce more fruit or look better
1452:12x3lithe singing of birds0Alternate translation: “for birds to sing”
1462:12zmw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe sound of the doves is heard0This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people can hear the sound of doves” or “the doves are cooing”
1472:13mk2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationThe fig tree ripens her green figs0The 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”
1482:13ef3jvines are in blossom0Alternate translation: “vines are flowering” or “vines have flowers”
1492:13xhn3they give off0The word “they” refers to the blossoms on the vines.
1502:13wjr7their fragrance0Alternate translation: “their sweet smell”
1512:13m4mtmy love0“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md)
1522:14a7lp0# General Information:\n\nThe man is speaking.
1532:14wv7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy dove0The 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”
1542:14eju1the clefts0large cracks in the side of mountain rocks large enough for people to hide in
1552:14afg5the mountain crags0Alternate translation: “the steep rocks on the sides of the mountains”
1562:14bhl6your face0Some versions translate this as “your appearance” or “your form” or “what you look like.”
1572:15pu8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youCatch0This 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.
1582:15xns5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe foxes0These animals look like small dogs and were often used in love poetry to represent eager young men who would spoil a young woman.
1592:15v31mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusivefor us … our vineyard0The 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.
1602:15dac9foxes0Another possible meaning is “jackals.” A jackal is a type of thin wild dog with long legs.
1612:15wl95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe little foxes that spoil0Foxes spoil or destroy vineyards by digging holes and eating vines and grapes. This could be a metaphor for young men who spoil young women.
1622:15r16krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorin blossom0This 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).
1632:16zb2rMy beloved is mine0Alternate translation: “My beloved belongs to me”
1642:16lxy4I am his0Alternate translation: “I belong to him”
1652:16n6c3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe grazes0“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 2:12](./01.md)).
1662:16x5dblilies0sweet-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).
1672:17b3kgmy beloved0This 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”
1682:17p2uqdawn0the part of the day when the sun is rising
1692:17lz3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe shadows flee away0The woman describes the shadows as though they were running away from the light of the sun. Alternate translation: “the shadows disappear”
1702:17d8mwlike a gazelle or a young stag0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:9](./08.md).
1712:17vlw3gazelle0an animal that looks like a deer and moves quickly. Translate as the singular of “gazelles” as in [Song of Songs 2:7](./07.md).
1722:17l8dzstag0an adult male deer
1732:17ia1rrugged mountains0Alternate translation: “rocky mountains” or “rough mountains”
1743:introt72h0# Song of Songs 3 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Longing\n\nThis chapter describes a feeling of longing, or the waiting in anticipation of the one you love. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1753:1l1kvI was longing for him … could not find him0Alternate translation: “I had a strong desire to be with him … loves, but he was not there”
1763:1hu3urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhim whom my soul loves0The 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)).
1773:2uyu7go through the city0Alternate translation: “walk through the city”
1783:2x9kithrough the streets and squares0The 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.
1793:2afu9will search0Alternate translation: “will to look for”
1803:3rdd5watchmen0men who have the job of keeping guard of the town at night to keep the people safe
1813:3b9j2as they were making their rounds in the city0Alternate translation: “who were walking around the city on the walls”
1823:3pab8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhim whom my soul loves0The 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).
1833:4p5k2the bedroom0Alternate translation: “the room for sleeping”
1843:4ri8erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe one who had conceived me0This is a metonym for her mother.
1853:5a3y10# General Information:\n\nTranslate this verse as in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
1863:5t61grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophedaughters of Jerusalem0“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.
1873:5qw1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheby the gazelles and the does of the fields0Although 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.
1883:5b4r5the gazelles0animals that look like deer and move quickly.
1893:5ruq7does0female deer
1903:5n2aqof the fields0“that live in the countryside.” This refers to land that has not been farmed.
1913:5cm9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationwill not awaken or arouse love until she pleases0Here “love” is spoken of as if it were a person asleep that does not want to be awakened. This is a metaphor that represents the man and woman who do not want to be disturbed until they are finished making love. Alternate translation: “will not disturb us until we have finished making love” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1923:5dbf9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletwill not awaken or arouse0If your language has only one word for waking people out of sleep, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “will not awaken”
1933:6e1ly0# General Information:\n\nThe third part of the book begins here. It begins with a description of sixty men carrying Solomons bed up from the wilderness to Jerusalem.
1943:6y8wrWhat is that coming up from the wilderness0The 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.
1953:6z3w1What is that0Many versions translate this “Who is that.”
1963:6tjf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike a column of smoke0The dust looked like smoke from far away because the people raised much dust in the air as they traveled.
1973:6w7krperfumed with myrrh and frankincense0Alternate translation: “with the sweet smell of myrrh and frankincense”
1983:6bf7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsiswith all the powders sold by merchants0The 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”
1993:6sy9jpowders0a fine dust made by crushing something solid
2003:7ldh8Look0“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.
2013:7e4uwit is the bed0This refers to a bed with a cover that can be carried from one place to another.
2023:7rd7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletsixty warriors surround it, sixty soldiers of Israel0These two phrases refer to the same sixty people. The second phrase clarifies that the “warriors” are “soldiers of Israel.”
2033:7u16swarriors0men who fight
2043:8mm7crc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0A description of the bed itself begins in verse 9. You could use words in your language that show that this is background information.
2053:8v2yxare experienced in warfare0Alternate translation: “can fight battles well”
2063:8z9n4armed against0Alternate translation: “so that he can fight against”
2073:8jqy9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsterrors of the night0Here, “terrors” is a metonym for evil people who frighten others by attacking them. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **terrors**, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “evil people who attack others at night” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
2083:9nnm6sedan chair0This 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
2093:10f5mjrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0The description of the bed itself that began in [Song of Songs 3:9](./08.md) continues.
2103:10w2atIts posts0The word “its” refers to King Solomons sedan chair.
2113:10xnj4posts0The 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.
2123:10rr69Its interior was0Alternate translation: “The inside of it was”
2133:10apj8with love0This could mean: (1) “with love,” indicating that the women made the sedan beautiful in a special way to show their love for Solomon, or (2) “with leather.”
2143:11i961daughters of Zion0Alternate translation: “you young women who live in Zion”
2153:11sj76gaze on King Solomon0“look at King Solomon.” The word “gaze” refers to look at someone or something for a long time, usually with strong emotional feeling.
2163:11tf1dbearing the crown0Alternate translation: “wearing the crown”
2173:11ei7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe day of the joy of his heart0The word “heart” is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: “the day on which he truly rejoiced” or “the happiest day of his life”
2184:intror3aw0# Song of Songs 4 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Beauty\n\nThe woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same the same standards of beauty.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n### “My sister, my bride”\nThe woman described is not the sister of her husband. They are not related. Instead, this is a reference to a woman who is a fellow Israelite.
2194:1rg3frc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry0# General Information:\n\n(See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
2204:1m3g6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYour eyes are doves0One 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”
2214:1z6f7my love0“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
2224:1pnn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour hair is like a flock of goats going down from Mount Gilead0Goats 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”
2234:2bdg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour teeth are like a flock of newly shorn ewes0After sheep have their wool cut off, they are washed and their skin looks very white. The womans teeth are white.
2244:2cj59rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivea flock of newly shorn ewes0This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a flock of ewes whose wool people have cut off”
2254:2wc12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitcoming up from the washing place0The ewes are coming up out of the water. Alternate translation: “that are coming up out of the water after people have washed them”
2264:2jw1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorEach one has a twin0Sheep 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.
2274:2vl9dnone among them is bereaved0Each of the womans teeth has a matching tooth on the other side of her mouth. She has not lost any of her teeth.
2284:2sb14bereaved0lost a loved one who has died
2294:3t9kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileare like a thread of scarlet0Scarlet 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”
2304:3v1aescarlet0a dark red color that is very similar to the color of blood
2314:3q1mkis lovely0Alternate translation: “is beautiful”
2324:3j2a3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileare like pomegranate halves0Pomegranates 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”
2334:3y47ibehind your veil0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:1](./01.md).
2344:4i3qtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour neck is like the tower of David0No 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”
2354:4v4aeof David0Alternate translation: “that David built”
2364:4cq2qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbuilt in rows of stone0Women had necklaces that covered their entire necks with rows of decorations. The man compares these rows of decorations with the rows of stone on the tower. Alternate translation: “that has many rows of stone” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
2374:4c4nkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwith a thousand shields0The man compares the decorations of the womans necklace with shields hanging on the tower. The necklace probably went around her neck many times.
2384:4wgq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersa thousand shields0“1,000 shields.”
2394:4swd3all the shields of soldiers0Alternate translation: “all of the shields belong to mighty warriors”
2404:5f8qitwo breasts0If the word “two” seems unnecessary and so out of place, you could omit it.
2414:5ea9jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike two fawns, twins of a gazelle0The man implies that the womans breasts are matching, soft, and perhaps small.
2424:5wd7ytwins0the babies of a mother who gave birth to two babies at one time
2434:5gu86gazelle0an 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).
2444:5p33dgrazing among the lilies0“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.
2454:5bb93lilies0sweet-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).
2464:6y1xuUntil the dawn arrives and the shadows flee away0Translate similar wording in this line as you did the line in [Song of Songs 2:17](../02/16.md).
2474:6re83rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense0The “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”
2484:6bm4nthe mountain of myrrh0Alternate translation: “the mountain made of myrrh” or “the mountain that has myrrh growing on it”
2494:6ekc1the hill of frankincense0Alternate translation: “the hill where there are clouds of smoke from burning frankincense in the air”
2504:7wt7kYou are beautiful in every way0Alternate translation: “Every part of you is beautiful” or “All of you is beautiful”
2514:7l1xqmy love0“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
2524:7ci96there is no blemish in you0Alternate translation: “you have no blemish”
2534:8h4ywfrom Lebanon0Alternate translation: “away from Lebanon”
2544:8j8s2my bride0This 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.
2554:8m2kmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesAmana0the name of a mountain north of Israel
2564:8ir9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesSenir0the name of a mountain near Amana and Hermon. Some people think that this refers to the same mountain as Hermon.
2574:8ybd2dens0places where lions and leopards live, like caves or holes in the ground
2584:9d7n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomYou have stolen my heart0This idiom could mean: (1) “My heart now belongs completely to you” or (2) “I strongly desire to make love to you”
2594:9vdf7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommy sister0This is an idiom of affection. They are not actually brother and sister. Alternate translation: “my dear” or “my darling”
2604:9k4ahmy bride0This 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).
2614:9d83sheart, with just one look at me, with just one jewel0“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.
2624:9laj2necklace0This necklace probably went around her neck many times ([Song of Songs 4:4](./04.md)).
2634:10g6qtHow beautiful is your love0Alternate translation: “Your love is wonderful”
2644:10v1gyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommy sister0This 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”
2654:10ibb8my bride0This 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).
2664:10td9xHow much better is your love than wine0“Your love is much better than wine.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Song of Songs 1:2](../01/01.md).
2674:10ts8krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisthe fragrance of your perfume than any spice0The 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”
2684:10wzb4fragrance … perfume0See how you translated these words in [Song of Songs 1:3](../01/01.md).
2694:10r5nispice0dried plants or seeds that have a good smell or taste
2704:11fw88rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYour lips … drip honey0Possible meanings are that honey is a metaphor for (1) the sweet taste of the womans kisses or (2) the womans words.
2714:11vc6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhoney and milk are under your tongue0Because “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.
2724:11nyc9the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon0“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.
2734:12whp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomMy sister0This 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”
2744:12nrw6my bride0This 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).
2754:12j45urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoris a garden locked up0“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.
2764:12i5nbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphora spring that is sealed0“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.
2774:13uvg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismYour branches0branches or channels of rivers, a clear euphemism for the female body part. If any reference to this would be offensive, translate it as a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “You” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
2784:13i3mia grove0a place where many trees grow together
2794:13eji6with choice fruits0Alternate translation: “with the best kinds of fruits”
2804:13q938rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownנְרָדִֽים1See how you translated the word **nard** in [1:12](../01/12.md).
2814:14e6n8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownנֵ֣רְדְּ1See how you translated the word **nard** in [1:12](../01/12.md).
2824:13dju5henna0small desert trees that people used as a perfume. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:14](../01/12.md).
2834:14dxj9saffron0a spice that comes from the dried parts from the yellow thread in the center of a certain flower
2844:14ujr7calamus0a reed with a pleasant smell that people used to make anointing oil.
2854:14w1cmcinnamon0a spice made from the bark of a tree that people used for cooking
2864:14kx8cmyrrh0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md).
2874:14bm3maloes0a type of large plant that had a very sweet smell
2884:14p646all the finest spices0Alternate translation: “all the best spices”
2894:15z2anrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou are a garden spring0“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.
2904:15t9chfresh water0water that is good to drink
2914:15zl7cstreams flowing down from Lebanon0Because Lebanon had mountains covered with trees, the streams from Lebanon were clean and cool.
2924:16jv5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationAwake, north wind; come, south wind; blow0The 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”
2934:16x71gAwake, north wind0Alternate translation: “North wind, start blowing”
2944:16l273rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorblow on my garden0The garden is a metaphor for her body, which she has covered with sweet-smelling oils ([Song of Songs 4:14](./12.md)).
2954:16kdi9may give off their fragrance0Alternate translation: “may send out their good smells”
2964:16lqh1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMay my beloved … choice fruit0The woman is inviting the man to make love to her.
2974:16dp46my beloved0This 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”
2984:16mbn7choice fruit0Alternate translation: “wonderful fruit”
2995:introkdw40# Song of Songs 5 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\nVerses 27 describe a dream the woman had.\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Beauty\n\nThe woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same standards of beauty.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### “My sister, my bride”\nThe woman described is not the sister of her husband. They are not related. Instead, this is a reference to a woman who is a fellow Israelite.
3005:1zka3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry0# General Information:\n\n(See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3015:1m575I have come0It is clearly the womans lover who is speaking.
3025:1f2qrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhave come into my garden0The word “garden” is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
3035:1tgd7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommy sister0This 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”
3045:1psq4my bride0This 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).
3055:1lgr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormyrrh … spice … honeycomb … honey … wine … milk0These 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)).
3065:1sq9dspice0plants that have a strong smell or taste
3075:1i16qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorEat … drink … be drunk with love0Eating and drinking are metaphors for making love. Alternate translation: “Make love … make love … make love until you are fully satisfied”
3085:2a7v6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0# General Information:\n\nThe fourth part of the book begins here. The young woman uses euphemisms to describe her dream so that it can be interpreted in two different ways: (1) the woman describes a dream about a night when the man came to visit her at her house; and (2) the woman describes a dream about starting to sleep with the man.
3095:2biy3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiombut my heart was awake0The heart is the center of thought and feeling. Alternate translation: “but I could think clearly” or “but I knew what I was feeling”
3105:2tk43my beloved0This 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”
3115:2qjv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitOpen to me0This could mean: (1) literal, “Open the door for me,” or (2) metaphorical, “Let me make love to you.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3125:2rx38rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommy sister0This 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”
3135:2d52kmy love0“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
3145:2c27jmy dove0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:14](../02/14.md).
3155:2gaj1undefiled one0Alternate translation: “my perfect one” or “my faithful one” or “my innocent one”
3165:2yh2rdew0drops of water or mist that form as the night becomes cool
3175:2d3gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsismy hair with the nights dampness0The words “is wet” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “my hair is wet with the nights dampness”
3185:3tr8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations“I have taken off my robe … dirty?”0This 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.”
3195:3am4rrobe0thin linen clothing that people wore on their skin
3205:3g6z2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionmust I put it on again?0If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to put it on again.”
3215:3r5cmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismI have washed my feet0While 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.
3225:3h4w3must I get them dirty?0If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not want to get them dirty.”
3235:4w3ffrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismMy beloved put in his hand through the opening of the door latch0Possible 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.
3245:4hqn5My beloved0This 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”
3255:4nns1door latch0Alternate translation: “door lock”
3265:5w3k2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI got up to open the door for my beloved0This could mean: (1) literal, the young woman got out of bed in order to let the man into the house, or (2) metaphorical. Alternate translation: “I prepared myself to make love with my beloved”
3275:5q3qxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismmy hands … my fingers … door handle0While these may be euphemisms for the womans and mans bodies, it is best to translate literally.
3285:5ycr1with moist myrrh0Alternate translation: “with liquid myrrh”
3295:6b7qkmy beloved0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:13](../01/12.md).
3305:6z8narc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy heart sank0The 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”
3315:7a9ykThe watchmen0men 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).
3325:7rqq4as they were making their rounds in the city0“who were walking around the city on the walls.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 3:3](../03/03.md).
3335:7v79ffound me0found the woman
3345:7zhf3struck me0Alternate translation: “beat me” or “hit me”
3355:7q2vtwounded me0Alternate translation: “injured me”
3365:7euu8the guards on the walls0Alternate translation: “the men who guard the walls”
3375:7h38ecloak0a garment that people wore over the other clothing on their upper body when they went outdoors in public
3385:8czu7I want you to swear0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
3395:8j8ubrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophedaughters of Jerusalem0“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).
3405:8w1ulrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionmy beloved—What will you make known to him?—that I am0The 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”
3415:8v5m3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorsick from love0She loves the man so strongly that she feels sick.
3425:9kr5iyour beloved0This 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”
3435:9eap5most beautiful among women0“you who are the most beautiful of all women.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:8](../01/08.md).
3445:9vbc6Why is your beloved better0Alternate translation: “What makes your beloved better”
3455:9rfp3that you ask us to take an oath like this0Alternate translation: “and causes you to have us take this oath”
3465:9zp43an oath like this0the oath in [Song of Songs 5:8](./08.md)
3475:10qb4qMy beloved0This 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”
3485:10xuy2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitis radiant and ruddy0This phrase refers to his complexion. Alternate translation: “has radiant and ruddy skin”
3495:10za1uradiant0“is completely healthy” or “is pure.” The man has skin that does not have any problems.
3505:10rgj8ruddy0a healthy color of the skin that is brownish red
3515:10hms2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoroutstanding among ten thousand0“the best of 10,000.” Alternate translation: “better than anyone else” or “no one else is like him.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
3525:11s23zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis head is the purest gold0The mans head is as precious to the woman as the purest gold.
3535:11m1w4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similea raven0a bird with very black feathers
3545:12m6e7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyHis eyes are like doves0Translate “eyes are like doves” as in [Song of Songs 1:15](../01/15.md). This could mean: (1) the Israelites considered doves to be gentle and soft birds, and the woman considers the 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.
3555:12knr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphordoves beside streams of water0Birds that the Israelites considered gentle sitting beside a gently flowing stream are a metaphor for a gentle person.
3565:12xp2dstreams of water0Alternate translation: “gently flowing water”
3575:12tr46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbathed in milk0Milk is a metaphor for the whiteness of the doves. Alternate translation: (1) “doves that are white like milk” or (2) milk is a metaphor for the white part of the mans eyes. Alternate translation: “his pupils are like doves bathing in white milk”
3585:12qe85rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similemounted like jewels0His eyes are beautiful. Jewels that a craftsman has carefully put in place are beautiful.
3595:13ip4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileHis cheeks … aromatic scents0This explains that his cheeks are like beds of spices because they both give off wonderful smells.
3605:13mtt8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbeds of spices0gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. Spices give people pleasure. The mans body gives the woman pleasure.
3615:13mem2yielding aromatic scents0Alternate translation: “that give off wonderful smells.”
3625:13a4hurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis lips are lilies0The woman probably compares his lips with lilies because they are beautiful and smell wonderful.
3635:13t4f1lilies0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
3645:13x8c2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphordripping liquid myrrh0“that drip with the best myrrh.” His lips are moist and have a wonderful smell like myrrh.
3655:14nl6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis arms are rounded gold set with jewels0“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.
3665:14bg51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhis abdomen is ivory covered with sapphires0“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.
3675:14k5gaivory0the white tusk or tooth of an animal that is similar to bone. People use ivory to make smooth and shiny pieces of art.
3685:14ws92sapphires0valuable stones that are either: (1) blue or (2) clear and either blue or golden
3695:15i1xzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis legs are pillars of marble, set on bases of pure gold0Marble and gold are strong and beautiful.
3705:15juu1marble0a very strong stone that has many different colors and that people polish to make very smooth
3715:15z75crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehis appearance is like Lebanon0“he looks like Lebanon.” Lebanon was a very beautiful area with many mountains and cedar trees.
3725:16sc8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyHis mouth is most sweet0The mouth is a metonym for either: (1) the mans sweet kisses or (2) the sweet words that he says.
3735:16w3vrhe is completely lovely0Alternate translation: “every part of him is lovely” or “all of him is lovely”
3745:16pi1aThis is my beloved, and this is my friend0The 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”
3755:16zd7bmy beloved0This 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”
3765:16r6zcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophedaughters of Jerusalem0“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).
3776:introfa9a0# Song of Songs 6 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Beauty\n\nThe woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same standards of beauty.\n\n## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter\n\n### Metaphors\n\nIn the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using metaphors involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. Different metaphors of beauty are used in different cultures. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
3786:1z4sfrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry0# General Information:\n\nThe fifth part of the book begins here. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
3796:1xnv3In what direction has your beloved gone0Alternate translation: “Which way did your beloved go”
3806:1wr5yyour beloved0This 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”
3816:1emy4most beautiful among women0“you who are the most beautiful of all women.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:8](../01/08.md).
3826:1ise2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitgone, so that we may seek him with you?0The 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.”
3836:2vrq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy beloved has gone down to his garden0The word “garden” is a metaphor for the woman. The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love. See the explanation of this metaphor in [Song of Songs 5:1](../05/01.md). (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
3846:2v5x3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbeds of spices0gardens or parts of gardens where people grow spices. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 5:13](../05/13.md).
3856:2w7gnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto graze in the garden and to gather lilies0These words are metaphors for the man enjoying her body.
3866:2st2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorgraze0“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 2:12](../02/01.md)). See how you translated “he grazes” in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
3876:2e94cto gather lilies0Alternate translation: “to pick lilies”
3886:2gp6qlilies0sweet-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).
3896:3z5rfmy beloved0This 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”
3906:3lr7wI am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine0See how you translated the similar phrase “My beloved is mine, and I am his” in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
3916:3p4l4he grazes among the lilies with pleasure0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:16](../02/16.md).
3926:4q66q0# General Information:\n\nHere begins Part Five of the book
3936:4xk88rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas beautiful as Tirzah, my love, as lovely as Jerusalem0These 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.
3946:4nj8wmy love0“you whom I love.” See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:9](../01/09.md).
3956:4rjr5lovely0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 1:5](../01/05.md).
3966:4uwd8as awe-inspiring as an army with its banners0The beauty of the woman is so powerful that it makes the man feel helpless, as if an army were approaching him.
3976:5e85goverwhelm me0“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.
3986:5lbz1Your hair … from the slopes of Gilead0Translate “Your hair … from Mount Gilead” as in [Song of Songs 4:1](../04/01.md).
3996:6lxi1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour teeth are like a flock of ewes0After 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).
4006:6j7serc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitcoming up from the washing place0The 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”
4016:6x7hrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorEach one has a twin0Sheep 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).
4026:6s4qjnone among them is bereaved0Each 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).
4036:6j4u3bereaved0lost a loved one who has died. See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:2](../04/02.md).
4046:7zid1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileare like pomegranate halves0Pomegranates 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”
4056:7z88bbehind your veil0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:1](../04/01.md).
4066:8g963rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersThere are sixty queens, eighty concubines … young women without number0These numbers are to be large, then larger, and then beyond counting. Alternate translation: “There are 60 queens, 80 concubines … more young women than anyone could count” or “There are many queens, even more concubines, and more young women than anyone could count” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
4076:9a2hhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy dove0The 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”
4086:9dk9emy undefiled0“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).
4096:9m138rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolethe only daughter of her mother0This is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “her mothers special daughter” or “completely different from her mothers other daughters”
4106:9tej6the woman who bore her0“the woman who gave birth to her.” This phrase refers to her mother.
4116:9wmx6young women … queens … concubines0the women spoken of in [Song of Songs 6:8](./08.md).
4126:9al8ycalled her blessed0Alternate translation: “said that things had gone especially well for her”
4136:10cw4k0# General Information:\n\nThe ULT understands this to be what the queens and the concubines said about the woman. However, some versions understand these to be the words of the man.
4146:10g6e9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho is this who appears like the dawn … banners?0They 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!”
4156:10y3dprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similewho appears like the dawn0The dawn is beautiful. The woman is beautiful. Alternate translation: “who comes into view like the dawn”
4166:10vb8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas awe-inspiring as an army with its banners0The 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).
4176:11x84jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0# General Information:\n\nThe man finishes speaking to himself. Looking to see if plants had matured is probably a metaphor for enjoying the sight of the womans body.
4186:11xmc2grove0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 4:13](../04/12.md).
4196:11vs9ryoung growth0Alternate translation: “young plants” or “new shoots”
4206:11qw4qhad budded0“had grown their buds.” Buds are the small round parts of plants which open up into flowers.
4216:11w8xhwere in bloom0Alternate translation: “were opening their flowers”
4226:12lt9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileI was so happy that I felt I was riding in the chariot of a prince0The man uses this image to express how happy he is.
4236:13u6810# General Information:\n\nThis is 7:1, the first verse of chapter seven, in some versions. The ULT understands this to be the friends and the woman talking to each other. Some versions understand this to be the man speaking to the woman.
4246:13sm5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronounsTurn back … gaze on you0Possible meanings here are: (1) the friends are speaking to the woman or (2) the man is referring to himself in plural.
4256:13x9hkTurn back, turn back0“Come back, come back.” This is repeated for emphasis.
4266:13za54rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronounswe may gaze0Some versions understand the plural to refer to the man speaking of himself. Alternate translation: “I may gaze”
4276:13c258gaze0look intently for a long time
4286:13e2bmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronounsWhy do you gaze on the perfect woman … armies0Possible meanings here are: (1) the woman refers to herself as another person and is speaking to the friends or (2) the woman is speaking to the man as if he were many men.
4296:13iqb9as if on the dance between two armies0Alternate translation: “as if she were dancing between two armies”
4307:introhqv70# Song of Songs 7 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Beauty\n\nThe woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel. Not all cultures share the same the same standards of beauty.\n\n## Important figures of speech in this chapter\n\n### Similes\n\nThere are many similes in this chapter. Their purpose is to describe the beauty of the woman. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
4317:1z7jk0# General Information:\n\nThis is 7:2, the second verse of chapter seven, in some versions.
4327:1v8jnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitHow beautiful your feet appear in your sandals0It 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”
4337:1k8vaprinces daughter0Another possible interpretation is “you who have a noble character.”
4347:1e9bdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileThe curves of your thighs are like jewels0The 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”
4357:1xs8eyour thighs0The word “thighs” refers to the hips of a woman and the part of her legs that is above her knee.
4367:1fc12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethe work of the hands of a master craftsman0The hands are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “the work of a master craftsman” or “something that a master craftsman has made”
4377:2u88erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour navel is like a round bowl0A bowl is round. The womans navel is round.
4387:2dp5anavel0the spot on the stomach left from the cord that attaches a baby to its mother
4397:2n59prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormay it never lack mixed wine0People used large bowls to mix wine with water or spices at feasts. Drinking wine is a metaphor for enjoying beauty. The litotes can be translated as a positive. Alternate translation: “may it always contain mixed wine” or “may I always enjoy its beauty” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
4407:2q8fyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour belly is like a mound of wheat encircled with lilies0The 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.
4417:2w6nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour belly is like a mound of wheat0People 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”
4427:2ah1pa mound of wheat0This is a pile of the grains of wheat after people remove the parts of it that they do not use.
4437:2cz8dencircled with lilies0Alternate translation: “with lilies all around it”
4447:2ue5rlilies0sweet-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).
4457:3jw6ntwo breasts0If 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).
4467:3ugf3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike two fawns, twins of a gazelle0The 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).
4477:3jh3utwins0the 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).
4487:3wr8tgazelle0an 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).
4497:4uv17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour neck is like a tower of ivory0A tower is long and straight. Ivory is white. The womans neck is long and straight, and her skin is light in color.
4507:4b1sya tower of ivory0Alternate translation: “a tower that people have decorated with ivory”
4517:4xgt7ivory0the white tusk or tooth of an animal that is similar to bone. People use ivory to make art and to make things look beautiful.
4527:4h4ihrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryour eyes are the pools in Heshbon0The 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 also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
4537:4md6src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesHeshbon0This is the name of a city east of the Jordan River
4547:4r1vfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesBath Rabbim0This is the name of a city.
4557:4a4vgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similenose is like the tower in Lebanon0A tower is tall and straight, and her nose is tall and straight.
4567:4s23krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythat looks toward Damascus0The tower looking is a metonym for people on the tower looking. Alternate translation: “that allows people to look toward Damascus”
4577:5jn22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour head is on you like Carmel0Mount 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”
4587:5sr83dark purple0Other possible translations are: (1) “dark black” or (2) “dark red.”
4597:5hkk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe king is held captive by its tresses0This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Your hair that hangs down is so beautiful that the king is not able to stop admiring it” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
4607:5l5e5tresses0the clusters of hair that hang down from a womans head
4617:6hqx3my love, with delights0Alternate translation: “my love. You delight me”
4627:7j31f0# General Information:\n\nThe man describes what he would like to do with the woman .
4637:7jy1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileYour height is like that of a date palm tree0“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.
4647:7f6medate palm tree0a tall, straight tree that produces a sweet, brown, and sticky fruit that grows in groups
4657:7jr1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileyour breasts like clusters of fruit0The 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.
4667:8p7geI said0“I thought” or “I said to myself.” The man said this silently.
4677:8r1b3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI want to climb … its branches0The man wants to embrace the woman.
4687:8w5g3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileMay your breasts be like clusters of grapes0The man wants to touch her breasts. Clusters of grapes are round and soft.
4697:8zfb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similemay the fragrance of your nose be like apricots0The 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”
4707:8f9isapricots0sweet yellow fruit
4717:9yrg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyMay your palate be like the best wine0The palate is a metonym for the lips. Wine tastes good. The man wants to kiss the womans lips. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
4727:9rq12flowing smoothly for my beloved0“that flows smoothly for the one I love.” The man enjoys the smooth kisses of the woman.
4737:9ed64gliding over the lips of those who sleep0Alternate translation: “that flows over our lips as we sleep”
4747:10k7zqI am my beloveds0See how you translated a similar phrase in [Song of Songs 6:3](../06/01.md).
4757:10j44vmy beloveds0This 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”
4767:10a143he desires me0Alternate translation: “he wants to make love to me” or “he wants me”
4777:11bhr6spend the night in the villages0Though the words here translated “spends the night” and “villages” appear together in [Song of Songs 1:1314](../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.
4787:12iii6rise early0Alternate translation: “get up early” or “wake up early”
4797:12cs6nhave budded0Alternate translation: “have begun to bloom”
4807:12r952blossoms0flowers when they are open
4817:12ukd9are in flower0Alternate translation: “have flowers open on the plant”
4827:12q3a4I will give you my love0Alternate translation: “I will make love with you”
4837:13v61brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownmandrakes0This 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.
4847:13alp4give off their fragrance0Alternate translation: “produce their scent” or “smell very nice”
4857:13xbk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitat the door0The doors belong to their house. Alternate translation: “above the entrances of our house” or “by the doors of our house”
4867:13c2ahare all sorts of choice fruits, new and old0Alternate translation: “is every kind of the best fruit, both old fruit and new fruit”
4877:13jsb8stored up for you0Alternate translation: “saved so I can give to you”
4887:13h8r2my beloved0This 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”
4898:introd35n0# Song of Songs 8 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### Kisses\n\nThe kisses in this chapter are a type of kiss that was only done between a husband a wife. It is an intimate kiss. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])\n\n### Passion\n\nThe chapter describes the passion that can exist between a husband a wife. This is the feeling of strong or uncontrollable desire for another person.
4908:1me7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry0# General Information:\n\n(See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
4918:1dp21rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileyou were like my brother0A woman could show affection for her brother in public. This woman wanted to be able to show affection for the man in public.
4928:1v5fhyou outside0Alternate translation: “you in public”
4938:1zyd6I could kiss you0A woman would probably kiss her brother on his cheek order to greet him.
4948:1ec82would despise me0Alternate translation: “would think that I am a bad person”
4958:2i6chrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitshe who taught me0taught her how to make love
4968:2s68src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI would give you spiced wine to drink and some of the juice of my pomegranates0The woman uses these images to say that she will give herself to the man and make love with him.
4978:2au41rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorspiced wine0“wine with spices” or “wine that has spices in it.” This represents the intoxicating power of lovemaking.
4988:3s92vHis left hand … embraces me0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:6](../02/05.md).
4998:3e5cpleft hand … right hand0Alternate translation: “left arm … right arm”
5008:3v65kembraces me0Alternate translation: “holds me”
5018:4z8a4I want you to swear0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md)
5028:4rk33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophedaughters of Jerusalem0“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).
5038:4qg8ithat you will … until it pleases0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:7](../02/07.md).
5048:5a5w50# General Information:\n\nThe fifth part of the book begins here.
5058:5xxv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho is this who is coming up0They 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”
5068:5p4rrI awakened you0Alternate translation: “I woke you up” or “I aroused you”
5078:5zfa2the apricot tree0a 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).
5088:5g9tpthere0under the apricot tree
5098:5d4ubshe delivered you0Alternate translation: “she bore you”
5108:6jr5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorSet me as a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm0This could mean: (1) because seals were very important, people always kept them around their neck or on their hand. The woman wants to be with the man constantly like a seal, or (2) a seal shows who owns the thing that has the seal on it, and the woman wants herself as the seal on the mans heart and arm to show that all of his thoughts, emotions, and actions belong to her. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
5118:6yzj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similefor love is as strong as death0Death is very strong because it overcomes even the most powerful people of the world.
5128:6tci8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas unrelenting as Sheol0“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.
5138:6fvz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorits flames burst out … any other fire0Love is very powerful like fire.
5148:6tw71burst out0Alternate translation: “burn suddenly”
5158:7baf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorSurging waters cannot quench love0Love 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.
5168:7j6mcSurging waters0Alternate translation: “Oceans of water” or “Huge amounts of water”
5178:7dd1icannot quench0Alternate translation: “cannot extinguish” or “cannot put out”
5188:7e1ejrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphornor can floods sweep it away0Love never changes and always stays the same so it is like something that not even a powerful flood can move.
5198:7dju9floods0In 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.
5208:7kqk9sweep it away0Alternate translation: “carry it away” or “wash it away”
5218:7jwh1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoIf a man gave … the offer would utterly be despised0This is something that could possibly happen. Alternate translation: “Even if a man … he would be utterly despised”
5228:7g5jagave0offered to give
5238:7l4u3all the possessions in his house0Alternate translation: “everything he owns”
5248:7n3pnfor love0Alternate translation: “in order to get love” or “in order to buy love”
5258:7nt2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe offer would utterly be despised0This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people would completely despise him” or “people would harshly ridicule him”
5268:8au5alittle sister0Alternate translation: “young sister”
5278:8t852rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat can we do … in marriage?0The speaker uses this question to introduce what he wants to say. Alternate translation: “This is what we will do … in marriage.”
5288:8g5fprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomshe will be promised in marriage0This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a man comes and wants to marry her” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
5298:9mpf50# General Information:\n\nThe young womans brothers continue to speak among themselves.
5308:9x3j1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorIf she is a wall … If she is a door0The little sister ([Song of Songs 8:8](./08.md)) has very small breasts that either have not grown or are very small.
5318:9am5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwe will build on her a tower of silver … we will adorn her with boards of cedar0The 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.
5328:9cnw3will adorn her0Alternate translation: “will decorate her”
5338:10n2vyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI was a wall0The wall is a metaphor for a woman with small breasts.
5348:10mc78rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similemy breasts are now like fortress towers0Fortress towers are tall.
5358:10rll2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyI am in his eyes as one0Here eyes are a metonym for judgment or value. Alternate translation: “I am in his judgment as one” or “he thinks of me as one”
5368:10b5uurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitbrings peace0You may need to make explicit to whom the woman brings peace. Alternate translation: “brings him peace”
5378:10hi47peace0Alternate translation: “well-being”
5388:11tt740# General Information:\n\nPossible interpretations: (1) The woman contrasts the way she wants to give herself to the man, who will give her his love, to the way Solomon leases out his vineyard to those who will give him money. (2) The man contrasts the woman, whom he will not give to another man, to Solomons vineyard, which he gave to other men.
5398:11x2c3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesBaal Hamon0This is the name of a town in the northern part of Israel.
5408:11mz3ugave the vineyard0leased, agreed to let other people pay him so they could grow grapes in the vineyard
5418:11b1b3to those who would maintain it0Alternate translation: “to people who would take care of it”
5428:11h77mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisEach one was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit0It 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”
5438:11t2dprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyto bring a thousand shekels of silver0“to bring 1,000 shekels of silver.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
5448:11e3jpshekels0Alternate translation: “coins”
5458:11mm2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheSolomon0Some 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.
5468:12za66rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy vineyard, my very own0The 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.”
5478:12gc75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomis before me0This 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”
5488:12tl1cthe thousand shekels are for you, Solomon0The woman knows that Solomon has leased out the vineyard so he can get money, but she does not want money.
5498:12t7u1the two hundred shekels0The 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.
5508:13dp6src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youYou who live0The man is speaking to the woman, so “you” and “live” are feminine singular.
5518:13zm5hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymylistening for your voice0The 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”
5528:13ew6zlet me hear it0Alternate translation: “let me hear your voice.”
5538:14vrp7my beloved0This 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”
5548:14zh44like a gazelle or a young stag0See how you translated this in [Song of Songs 2:9](../02/08.md).
5558:14yhn7gazelle0a type of slender deer-like animal with long curved horns
5568:14gp9lstag0an adult male deer
5578:14mqx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe mountains of spices0“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).