he is altogether lovely.
This phrase underscores the complete and perfect nature of the bridegroom. The term "altogether lovely" suggests that every aspect of his being is admirable and desirable. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, physical beauty was often seen as a reflection of inner virtue and character. This description can be seen as a type of Christ, who is considered perfect and without blemish in Christian theology (Hebrews 4:15). The bride's admiration for her beloved mirrors the believer's adoration for Christ, who is seen as the ultimate expression of love and beauty.

This is my beloved,
The declaration "This is my beloved" signifies a personal and exclusive relationship. The term "beloved" is used throughout the Song of Solomon to denote a deep, covenantal love. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in the Old Testament (Hosea 2:19-20). In the New Testament, this can be paralleled with the relationship between Christ and the Church, where Christ is the bridegroom and the Church is His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). The use of "my" emphasizes possession and commitment, indicating a bond that is both personal and profound.

and this is my friend,
The addition of "my friend" highlights the multifaceted nature of the relationship. Friendship in biblical times was characterized by loyalty, trust, and mutual respect. This suggests that the relationship is not only romantic but also based on a deep companionship and understanding. In the context of Christian theology, Jesus is often referred to as a friend to believers, offering a relationship that is both intimate and supportive (John 15:15). This dual role of beloved and friend reflects the ideal balance of love and friendship in a relationship.

O daughters of Jerusalem.
The "daughters of Jerusalem" are often seen as a chorus or audience within the Song of Solomon, representing the community or society observing the relationship. Their presence serves to validate and witness the love between the bride and bridegroom. In a broader biblical context, Jerusalem is symbolic of God's chosen people and the spiritual center of Israel. The address to the daughters of Jerusalem can be seen as an invitation to witness and celebrate the love that is both personal and communal. This communal aspect is echoed in the New Testament, where the Church is called to witness and partake in the love of Christ (Revelation 21:2).

“His mouth is most sweet” puts the spotlight on the words, kisses, and very speech of the bridegroom.

• In the immediate scene, the Shulammite celebrates how every word from Solomon delights her, echoing Songs 4:11, “Your lips drip sweetness like the honeycomb.”

• Spiritually, believers hear Christ’s “gracious words” (Luke 4:22) and find them “sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103; Psalm 19:10).

• Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that “pleasant words are a honeycomb,” and Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the LORD is good.”

Taken literally, the bride is enraptured by her husband’s mouth; typologically, we cherish the life-giving, promise-keeping words that proceed from Christ.

“He is altogether lovely” declares a beauty without flaw or limit.

• In the marriage poem, Solomon’s entire person—appearance, character, presence—is attractive (cf. Psalm 45:2, “You are the most handsome of men”).

• Looking to Christ, every aspect of His being is perfect: “He is the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3) and “in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:19).

• Isaiah 33:17 promises, “Your eyes will see the King in His beauty,” and 1 Peter 2:7 affirms, “To you who believe, He is precious.”

The phrase gathers up everything about the beloved and pronounces it entirely, comprehensively delightful.

“This is my beloved” is the bride’s public affirmation of covenant love.

• Earlier she said, “My beloved is mine and I am his” (Songs 2:16); now she repeats her settled claim before others.

• The New Testament echoes this note of possession: “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25); nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:35).

• Galatians 2:20 makes it personal: “The Son of God… loved me and gave Himself for me.”

By calling him “my beloved,” she treasures a relationship rooted in commitment, not passing emotion.

“And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem” adds a layer of companionship to romantic love.

• Marriage thrives when lovers are also friends—sharing life, laughter, counsel (cf. Proverbs 17:17).

• Jesus says, “You are My friends if you do what I command… I have called you friends” (John 15:13-15).

• Proverbs 18:24 speaks of “a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” and Moses enjoyed that intimacy with God in Exodus 33:11.

By naming him friend, the bride invites the watching “daughters” to see the wholeness of their bond—passion and partnership united.

Song of Solomon 5:16 is a joyous proclamation of the bride’s delight: every word from her husband is sweet, his whole person is lovely, he is her covenant beloved, and he is her trusted friend. In the larger sweep of Scripture, the verse foreshadows the surpassing beauty of Christ—whose words give life, whose character is flawless, whose love secures us, and whose friendship draws us near.

Parallel Commentaries ...