Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The young women saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines praised her. New Living Translation I would still choose my dove, my perfect one— the favorite of her mother, dearly loved by the one who bore her. The young women see her and praise her; even queens and royal concubines sing her praises: English Standard Version My dove, my perfect one, is the only one, the only one of her mother, pure to her who bore her. The young women saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines also, and they praised her. Berean Standard Bible but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of the mother who bore her. The maidens see her and call her blessed; the queens and concubines sing her praises. King James Bible My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. New King James Version My dove, my perfect one, Is the only one, The only one of her mother, The favorite of the one who bore her. The daughters saw her And called her blessed, The queens and the concubines, And they praised her. New American Standard Bible But my dove, my perfect one, is unique: She is her mother’s only daughter; She is the pure child of the one who gave birth to her. The young women saw her and called her blessed, The queens and the concubines also, and they praised her, saying, NASB 1995 But my dove, my perfect one, is unique: She is her mother’s only daughter; She is the pure child of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed, The queens and the concubines also, and they praised her, saying, NASB 1977 But my dove, my perfect one, is unique: She is her mother’s only daughter; She is the pure child of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed, The queens and the concubines also, and they praised her, saying, Legacy Standard Bible She is the only one—my dove, my perfect one; She is the only one of her mother; She is the pure one of her who bore her. The daughters saw her and called her blessed, The queens and the concubines also, and they praised her, saying, Amplified Bible But my dove, my perfect one, stands alone [above them all]; She is her mother’s only daughter; She is the pure child of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed and happy, The queens and the concubines also, and they praised her, saying, Christian Standard Bible But my dove, my virtuous one, is unique; she is the favorite of her mother, perfect to the one who gave her birth. Women see her and declare her fortunate; queens and concubines also, and they sing her praises: Holman Christian Standard Bible But my dove, my virtuous one, is unique; she is the favorite of her mother, perfect to the one who gave her birth. Women see her and declare her fortunate; queens and concubines also, and they sing her praises: Y American Standard Version My dove, my undefiled, is but one; She is the only one of her mother; She is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and called her blessed; Yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Contemporary English Version You would be my only choice, my flawless dove, the favorite child of your mother. The young women, the queens, and all the others tell how excited you are as they sing your praises: English Revised Version My dove, my undefiled, is but one; she is the only one of her mother; she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and called her blessed; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. GOD'S WORD® Translation but she is unique, my dove, my perfect one. Her mother thinks she is unique. She is pure to the one who gave birth to her. Her sisters saw her and blessed her. Queens and concubines saw her and praised her. Good News Translation But I love only one, and she is as lovely as a dove. She is her mother's only daughter, her mother's favorite child. All women look at her and praise her; queens and concubines sing her praises. International Standard Version but my dove, my perfect one, is unique. She's unique to her mother, she's pure to the one who gave birth to her. Young women see her and call her blessed, queens and mistresses praise her. NET Bible But she is unique! My dove, my perfect one! She is the special daughter of her mother, she is the favorite of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and complimented her; the queens and concubines praised her: New Heart English Bible My dove, my perfect one, is unique. She is her mother's only daughter. She is the favorite one of her who bore her. The daughters saw her, and called her blessed; the queens and the secondary wives, and they praised her. Webster's Bible Translation My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yes, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblebut my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of the mother who bore her. The maidens see her and call her blessed; the queens and concubines sing her praises. World English Bible My dove, my perfect one, is unique. She is her mother’s only daughter. She is the favorite one of her who bore her. The daughters saw her, and called her blessed. The queens and the concubines saw her, and they praised her. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOne is my dove, my perfect one, "" She [is] one of her mother, "" She [is] the choice one of her that bore her, "" Daughters saw, and pronounce her blessed, "" Queens and concubines, and they praise her. Young's Literal Translation One is my dove, my perfect one, One she is of her mother, The choice one she is of her that bare her, Daughters saw, and pronounce her happy, Queens and concubines, and they praise her. Smith's Literal Translation She is one, my dove, my perfect one; she is one to her mother, she is the chosen to her bearing her. The daughters saw her and pronounced her happy; the queens and the concubines, and they will praise her. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOne is my dove, my perfect one is but one, she is the only one of her mother, the chosen of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and declared her most blessed: the queens and concubines, and they praised her. Catholic Public Domain Version One is my dove, my perfect one. One is her mother; elect is she who bore her. The daughters saw her, and they proclaimed her most blessed. The queens and concubines saw her, and they praised her. New American Bible One alone is my dove, my perfect one, her mother’s special one, favorite of the one who bore her. Daughters see her and call her happy, queens and concubines, and they praise her: New Revised Standard Version My dove, my perfect one, is the only one, the darling of her mother, flawless to her that bore her. The maidens saw her and called her happy; the queens and concubines also, and they praised her. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMy perfect dove is but one; she is the only one of her mother; she is the choice one of her that bore her. The daughters saw her and praised her; yea, the queens and the concubines also praised her. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated One is my innocent dove; one she is to her mother, and chosen she is to her who bore her. The daughters saw her and praised her, and the Queens and Concubines, and they praised her OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917My dove, my undefiled, is but one; She is the only one of her mother; She is the choice one of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and called her happy; Yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Brenton Septuagint Translation My dove, my perfect one is one; she is the only one of her mother; she is the choice of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and the queens will pronounce her blessed, yea, and the concubines, and they will praise her. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Together in the Garden…8There are sixty queens and eighty concubines, and maidens without number, 9but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the favorite of the mother who bore her. The maidens see her and call her blessed; the queens and concubines sing her praises. 10Who is this who shines like the dawn, as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun, as majestic as the stars in procession?… Cross References Proverbs 31:29 “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!” Psalm 45:9 The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir. Revelation 19:7-8 Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. / She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. Isaiah 62:5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you. 2 Corinthians 11:2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. Revelation 21:2 I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Matthew 25:1-13 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ... John 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. Genesis 2:23-24 And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.” / For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Hosea 2:19-20 So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. / And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.” Jeremiah 31:3-4 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. / Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. Isaiah 54:5 For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth. Treasury of Scripture My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yes, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. my dove Song of Solomon 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. Song of Solomon 5:2 I 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. one Numbers 23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Psalm 45:9 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. daughters Deuteronomy 4:6,7 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people… Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places. Psalm 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. Jump to Previous Bare Beautiful Blessed Blessing Bore Child Choice Concubines Darling Daughter Daughters Dearest Dove Favorite Flawless Happy Maidens Mother Mother's Perfect Praise Praised Pronounce Pure Queens Servant-Wives Undefiled UniqueJump to Next Bare Beautiful Blessed Blessing Bore Child Choice Concubines Darling Daughter Daughters Dearest Dove Favorite Flawless Happy Maidens Mother Mother's Perfect Praise Praised Pronounce Pure Queens Servant-Wives Undefiled UniqueSong of Solomon 6 1. the church professes her faith in Christ4. Christ shows the graces of the church 10. and his love toward her but my dove, my perfect one, is unique This phrase highlights the exclusivity and purity of the beloved. The term "dove" is often used in Scripture to symbolize innocence and beauty (Song of Solomon 2:14). The beloved is described as "perfect," indicating moral and spiritual completeness. The uniqueness of the beloved can be seen as a type of the Church, which is set apart and cherished by Christ (Ephesians 5:27). The imagery of a dove also connects to the Holy Spirit, who descended like a dove at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:16), symbolizing peace and purity. the favorite of the mother who bore her The maidens see her and call her blessed the queens and concubines sing her praises Persons / Places / Events 1. The Beloved (My Dove, My Perfect One)This refers to the Shulammite woman, who is the central female figure in the Song of Solomon. She is depicted as unique and cherished by her lover. 2. The Mother The mother of the Shulammite woman, highlighting her unique and favored status within her family. 3. The Maidens These are the young women who recognize and admire the Shulammite's beauty and blessedness. 4. The Queens and Concubines These are women of high status who also acknowledge and praise the Shulammite, indicating her exceptional beauty and character. Teaching Points Uniqueness in ChristJust as the Shulammite is unique and cherished, believers are uniquely loved and valued by Christ. We are called to embrace our identity in Him. The Power of Praise The recognition and praise from others highlight the importance of affirming and encouraging one another in our communities. Family Favoritism The mention of being the "favorite" daughter can prompt reflection on the dynamics of favoritism in families and the importance of showing equal love and grace. Witness to the World The admiration from maidens, queens, and concubines suggests that a life lived in love and integrity can be a powerful witness to those around us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 6:9?2. How does Song of Solomon 6:9 illustrate the uniqueness of Christ's bride, the Church? 3. What can we learn about God's view of His people from Song 6:9? 4. How does Song 6:9 connect to Ephesians 5:25-27 about Christ's love? 5. How can we apply the concept of being "unique" in our Christian walk? 6. How does Song 6:9 inspire us to live as part of Christ's Church? 7. What does Song of Solomon 6:9 reveal about the nature of love in biblical context? 8. How does Song of Solomon 6:9 reflect the cultural views on beauty and uniqueness? 9. What theological significance does the "dove" metaphor hold in Song of Solomon 6:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 6? 11. (Song of Solomon 6:8) How can sixty queens and eighty concubines align with Solomon’s reputed 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3)? 12. (Song of Solomon 6:10) Does the imagery 'fair as the moon, clear as the sun' reflect ancient cosmologies and thus challenge modern scientific understanding? 13. (Song of Solomon 6:4) Was 'Tirzah' actually significant during Solomon's reign, or is this reference an anachronism undermining authorship claims? 14. Is there archaeological or historical evidence of Pharaoh's cavalry that supports the mare comparison in Song of Solomon 1:9 from Solomon's era? What Does Song of Solomon 6:9 Mean But my dove“Dove” is Solomon’s tender name for the Shulammite (Songs 2:14; 5:2, 12). Literally, he celebrates her gentle spirit and faithfulness. Spiritually, the image anticipates Christ’s affection for His Church, settled on her at His baptism when “the Spirit of God descended like a dove” (Matthew 3:16). •A dove is harmless and loyal (Matthew 10:16). •No competing affection is implied—Solomon, and ultimately Christ, fixes loving attention on one beloved bride (John 10:27–29). my perfect one Song 4:7 echoes, “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; in you there is no flaw.” Solomon sees his bride as whole and complete. In the New Testament the same verdict rests on the redeemed: Christ “gave Himself up for her to make her holy…without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish” (Ephesians 5:25–27). •Perfection is received, not earned; the groom declares it. •Believers stand clothed in the righteousness God provides (2 Corinthians 5:21). is unique The Hebrew idea is “one and only.” Solomon had many wives, yet this one stands apart (Songs 6:8). Likewise, there is “one body and one Spirit…one hope…one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4–5). •God does not juggle multiple covenant peoples; He keeps one bride for His Son (John 10:16). •Individual Christians are gathered into that singular, precious community (1 Peter 2:9). the favorite of the mother who bore her On the literal level, the young woman enjoys her mother’s special affection (Songs 3:4). Spiritually, “Jerusalem above…is our mother” (Galatians 4:26); the covenant community cherishes those who belong to Christ. •Parental delight underscores legitimacy—she is no outsider. •Within the Church, new believers are likewise welcomed and nurtured (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8). The maidens see her and call her blessed Surrounding bridesmaids admire her beauty and good fortune. The same recognition surfaces in Proverbs 31:28—“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” In Luke 1:45 Elizabeth exclaims, “Blessed is she who has believed.” •A godly life invites affirmation from peers (Acts 2:47). •True blessedness flows from belonging to the Bridegroom (John 15:11). the queens and concubines sing her praises Even royal women and favored companions honor the Shulammite, fulfilling Psalm 45:9: “Daughters of kings are among Your honored women.” Ultimately, the hosts of heaven shout over the consummation: “Let us rejoice…For the marriage of the Lamb has come” (Revelation 19:7). •High status elsewhere cannot match the glory of union with the King (Philippians 3:8). •Those who once rivaled now rejoice, foreshadowing every knee bowing to Christ (Philippians 2:9–11). summary Song 6:9 paints a multi-layered portrait: a bride cherished as Solomon’s gentle dove, declared flawless, set apart as the one and only, loved by her family, admired by peers, and praised by nobility. Taken literally, it celebrates the exclusive, passionate fidelity of marriage. Viewed through the bigger biblical lens, it foreshadows Christ’s unique, perfected, and publicly honored Church. The verse invites believers to rest secure in the Bridegroom’s unwavering love and to live lives so radiant that others cannot help but recognize the blessing of belonging to Him. (9) My dove . . . is but one.--"While the monarch's loves are so many, one is mine, my dove, my perfect one: one, the delight of her mother, the darling of her who bore her." It is impossible not to see in this a eulogy on monogamy, which, in practice, seems always to have been the rule among the Jews, the exceptions lying only with kings and the very rich. The eulogy is made more pronounced by putting an unconscious testimony to the superiority of monogamy into the mouths of the "queens and concubines," who praise and bless this pattern of a perfect wife.Hebrew but my dove,יוֹנָתִ֣י (yō·w·nā·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3123: A dove my perfect תַמָּתִ֔י (ṯam·mā·ṯî) Adjective - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 8535: Complete, pious, gentle, dear one, אַחַ֥ת (’a·ḥaṯ) Number - feminine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first is unique, אַחַ֥ת (’a·ḥaṯ) Number - feminine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first the favorite בָּרָ֥ה (bā·rāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 1249: Beloved, pure, empty of the mother לְאִמָּ֔הּ (lə·’im·māh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 517: A mother, ) who bore her. לְיֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑הּ (lə·yō·w·laḏ·tāh) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage The maidens בָנוֹת֙ (ḇā·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 1323: A daughter see her רָא֤וּהָ (rā·’ū·hā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | third person feminine singular Strong's 7200: To see and call her blessed; וַֽיְאַשְּׁר֔וּהָ (way·’aš·šə·rū·hā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person feminine singular Strong's 833: To be straight, to go forward, be honest, proper the queens מְלָכ֥וֹת (mə·lā·ḵō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen and concubines וּפִֽילַגְשִׁ֖ים (ū·p̄î·laḡ·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 6370: A concubine, a paramour sing her praises. וַֽיְהַלְלֽוּהָ׃ (way·hal·lū·hā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person feminine singular Strong's 1984: To shine Links Song of Solomon 6:9 NIVSong of Solomon 6:9 NLT Song of Solomon 6:9 ESV Song of Solomon 6:9 NASB Song of Solomon 6:9 KJV Song of Solomon 6:9 BibleApps.com Song of Solomon 6:9 Biblia Paralela Song of Solomon 6:9 Chinese Bible Song of Solomon 6:9 French Bible Song of Solomon 6:9 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 6:9 My dove my perfect one is unique (Song Songs SS So Can) |
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