Song of Solomon 5:16

His mouth is most sweet; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

Study Bible

His mouth is sweetness itself
The phrase "His mouth is sweetness itself" speaks to the words and expressions of the beloved, which are described as sweet and pleasing. In the Hebrew text, the word for "sweetness" is "מַמְתַקִּים" (mamtaqqim), which conveys a sense of delightful and pleasant taste. This can be understood as a metaphor for the gracious and loving words that come from the beloved, reflecting the beauty and kindness of his character. In a broader biblical context, this sweetness can be likened to the words of Christ, which are life-giving and full of grace, as seen in passages like John 6:63, where Jesus says, "The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."

he is altogether lovely
The phrase "he is altogether lovely" emphasizes the complete and perfect beauty of the beloved. The Hebrew word used here is "מַחֲמַדִּים" (machmadim), which denotes something that is desirable and precious. This reflects the holistic admiration and love the speaker has for the beloved, seeing him as perfect in every way. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who is the epitome of beauty and perfection. In the New Testament, Christ is often described as the one who is altogether lovely, embodying the fullness of grace and truth (John 1:14).

This is my beloved
"This is my beloved" is a declaration of personal and intimate love. The Hebrew word for "beloved" is "דּוֹדִי" (dodi), which signifies a deep, affectionate relationship. This term is used throughout the Song of Solomon to express the profound love between the bride and her bridegroom. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as the relationship between Christ and the Church, where Christ is the beloved bridegroom, and the Church is His cherished bride. Ephesians 5:25-27 speaks to this relationship, where Christ's love for the Church is sacrificial and purifying.

and this is my friend
The phrase "and this is my friend" highlights the companionship and mutual respect in the relationship. The Hebrew word for "friend" is "רֵעִי" (re'i), which implies a close and trusted companion. This aspect of friendship in love is crucial, as it suggests a relationship built on trust, understanding, and shared values. In the context of Christian theology, Jesus refers to His disciples as friends in John 15:15, indicating a relationship that goes beyond servitude to one of mutual love and shared mission.

O daughters of Jerusalem
"O daughters of Jerusalem" is a call to the community, often interpreted as the chorus or audience within the Song of Solomon. The "daughters of Jerusalem" are frequently addressed throughout the book, representing the people who witness and affirm the love between the bride and bridegroom. Historically, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship and community life, and the daughters symbolize the collective witness to the unfolding love story. In a spiritual allegory, they can represent the believers who witness and celebrate the love between Christ and His Church, encouraging one another in faith and love.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse, traditionally understood to be the Shulammite woman, expressing her deep affection and admiration for her lover.

2. The Lover
The male figure in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as King Solomon, representing the ideal of love and beauty.

3. Daughters of Jerusalem
A group of women addressed by the Shulammite, often seen as a chorus or audience within the account, representing the community or society observing the love account.

Teaching Points

The Sweetness of Words
The phrase "His mouth is most sweet" highlights the importance of kind and loving words in relationships. As believers, we are called to speak with grace and truth.

Desirability in Relationships
"He is altogether desirable" suggests that true love encompasses both physical attraction and deeper emotional connection. In our relationships, we should strive for a balance of both.

Friendship in Love
The beloved refers to her lover as "my friend," indicating that friendship is a vital component of a healthy romantic relationship. Cultivating friendship within marriage strengthens the bond.

Public Declaration of Love
The Shulammite's declaration to the "daughters of Jerusalem" serves as a reminder that love should be celebrated and affirmed publicly, not hidden or ashamed.

Christ as the Ultimate Beloved
In a spiritual sense, this verse can be seen as a reflection of the believer's relationship with Christ, who is our ultimate beloved and friend.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the lover's mouth being "most sweet" challenge us to consider the way we communicate in our relationships?

2. In what ways can we cultivate both physical attraction and emotional connection in our marriages or future relationships?

3. How can we ensure that friendship remains a core component of our romantic relationships?

4. What are some practical ways to publicly affirm and celebrate love in our lives, both in marriage and in our relationship with Christ?

5. How does viewing Christ as our ultimate beloved and friend impact our daily walk with Him and our interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:23-24
The intimate relationship between the beloved and her lover echoes the union of Adam and Eve, emphasizing the sanctity and beauty of marital love.

Ephesians 5:25-33
The love described in Song of Solomon can be seen as a reflection of Christ's love for the Church, highlighting the sacrificial and selfless nature of true love.

Proverbs 31:10-12
The description of the beloved as both a lover and a friend aligns with the virtues of a noble wife, who is trustworthy and loving.