My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.
Read it in contextThe Bride's Dream and Search for Her Beloved
Start reading at Song 5:1 (Song 5:1 to Song 5:16).
This unit begins at the start of the chapter and continues through the bride's detailed description of her beloved.
5:1I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
5:2I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
5:3I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?
5:4My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.
5:5I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.
5:6I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
5:7The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
5:8I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.
5:9What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us?
5:10My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.
5:11His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
5:12His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.
5:13His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
5:14His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
5:15His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
5:16His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the traditional author, supported by the title's association with him. Whether that association identifies authorship, ownership, or subject is debated. Biblical references: Song of Solomon 1:1. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Song of Solomon 1:1–8:14): The lovers address one another, with the daughters of Jerusalem and other companions addressed in portions of the poems. Speaker assignments in individual lines are sometimes uncertain; the poems do not identify a single audience present throughout the whole collection. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? An Israelite audience receiving love poetry. Within the poems the lovers address one another and the daughters of Jerusalem; those speakers and hearers are distinct from the book's later readers. Biblical references: Song of Solomon 1:5; Song of Solomon 2:7. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main event is the Shulamite woman's account of her beloved's visit to her door at night, her initial hesitation to open, her emotional response when he put his hand through the door, and her subsequent distress and search for him after he departed. The theme is the intense longing and emotional connection between the bride and bridegroom.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the depth of human love and desire within the context of marriage, illustrating the emotional and physical intimacy between a husband and wife, and the longing for communion.
What is the literary style? The literary style is Hebrew poetry, presented as a song.
When
When was it written? The Song of Solomon was written around 960 B.C. book background
When does the event take place? The events described in the Song of Solomon occur during the reign of Solomon. book background
Where
Where did it happen? The events described take place at the door of the Shulamite woman's dwelling, within a city where watchmen patrol. stated in the text
Where was the author located? The author, Solomon, was located in Jerusalem when he wrote this song. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Bride's Dream and Search for Her Beloved (Song 5:1 to Song 5:16).
Start reading at Song 5:1. This unit begins at the start of the chapter and continues through the bride's detailed description of her beloved.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This passage is part of a larger poetic dialogue and narrative within the Song of Solomon, expressing the intense love and longing between the bride and bridegroom. It follows the beloved's invitation in Song 5:1 and precedes the bride's detailed description of her beloved in Song 5:10-16, highlighting the emotional depth of their relationship. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The beloved's persistent presence at the door and the bride's deep emotional response can be seen as a picture of God's desire for communion with His people. The longing of the bride for her beloved can represent the soul's yearning for God, and God's persistent call to draw near, as God works in the hearts of those who are willing to respond. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage encourages believers to respond promptly and wholeheartedly to God's call and presence in their lives, recognizing the deep emotional and spiritual connection God desires. It also highlights the importance of cherishing and actively pursuing intimacy within marriage, as God designed it. interpretation
Cited: Song 5:1, Song 5:2, Song 5:4, Song 5:7, Song 5:8, Song 5:10-16, Acts 16:14, Philippians 2:13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Song of Solomon 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The Song of Solomon is poetry of love and desire. Identifying every speaker and assigning every image to Christ and the church involve interpretation; those readings should not be presented as names and meanings explicitly supplied in every verse. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The central sequence presents a procession and extended language of admiration, moving toward an invitation and response.
Connection to the wholeAn account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
Connection to the wholeAn account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. An account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Song of Solomon
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The Song of Solomon is poetry of love and desire. Identifying every speaker and assigning every image to Christ and the church involve interpretation; those readings should not be presented as names and meanings explicitly supplied in every verse.
Connection to the wholeAn account of missed encounter leads to searching and a sustained description of the beloved, followed by renewed affirmation of belonging.
Connection to the wholeThe later exchanges culminate in reflection on love's strength and a final invitation, completing the collection's movement of desire and belonging.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.