Song of solomon 5:2 - I was asleep, but my heart was awake. It is the voice of my beloved who knocks: “Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled; for my head is filled with dew, and my hair with the dampness of the night.”

Generated Verse: Song of solomon 5:2

What does "Song of solomon 5:2" mean?


This verse, Song of Solomon 5:2, is rich in symbolism and speaks to the complex dynamics of love, desire, and intimacy. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"I was asleep, but my heart was awake": This is the key to understanding the verse. The woman is physically asleep, but her heart (representing her emotions, desires, and spiritual awareness) is alert and receptive. This suggests a tension between physical dormancy and an inner longing or readiness for connection. It could imply a state of passive waiting or a subconscious awareness of her beloved's presence.

"It is the voice of my beloved who knocks": The beloved's arrival is signaled by a knock, representing an invitation or opportunity for renewed intimacy and connection. The emphasis on his voice highlights the importance of communication and his desire to be with her.

"Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled": This is the beloved's plea. It uses a series of affectionate terms:

"My sister": This term might seem strange to modern ears, but in the context of ancient love poetry, it likely conveys a sense of intimacy, familiarity, and perhaps even familial closeness, suggesting a deep bond beyond mere romantic attraction.
"My love": A straightforward expression of affection and desire.
"My dove": Symbolizes gentleness, beauty, and purity. It reinforces the image of the woman as delicate and cherished.
"My undefiled": Highlights her purity, innocence, and worthiness. It's a term of endearment that emphasizes her value in his eyes.

"For my head is filled with dew, and my hair with the dampness of the night": This is the beloved's explanation for his urgent knock. He has been waiting outside in the cold night, his hair and head dampened by the dew. This detail serves several purposes:

Portrays his vulnerability: It shows him exposed to the elements, implying his earnestness and commitment to their relationship. He is willing to endure discomfort to be with her.
Creates a sense of urgency: The image of the dew and dampness suggests he has been waiting for some time, increasing the urgency of his request.
Adds a romantic and atmospheric element: The image of the night, the dew, and the damp hair creates a beautiful and evocative scene, heightening the emotional intensity of the encounter.

Overall Meaning:

The verse captures a moment of potential intimacy and the lover's urgent desire for connection. The woman is in a state of readiness, even in sleep, but there's a hesitation or reluctance on her part that will be explored in the following verses. The beloved's words are both affectionate and persuasive, highlighting his longing and vulnerability. It's a powerful image of longing, desire, and the complexities of love and intimacy. It can be interpreted literally as a romantic encounter or allegorically, representing the relationship between God and his people or the soul's yearning for spiritual connection.

The following verses in the chapter reveal that the woman hesitates and makes excuses, ultimately leading to a missed opportunity and regret. This sets the stage for a search for her beloved, highlighting the consequences of delaying or rejecting love's call.