Song of solomon 5:5 - I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with liquid myrrh, on the handles of the lock.
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What does "Song of solomon 5:5" mean?
This verse from Song of Solomon 5:5 is rich in symbolism and open to interpretation, but the most common understanding points to a scene of delayed response and heightened sensuality. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"I rose up to open for my beloved": This indicates the woman finally responding to her lover's knocking at the door (described in the preceding verses). He has been pleading with her to let him in, and she has been hesitant.
"My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with liquid myrrh": This is the most evocative part of the verse. Myrrh was a precious, fragrant resin used as a perfume, in embalming, and for anointing. The fact that her hands are covered in it suggests a few possibilities:
Sensuality and Preparation: She may have been anointing herself with myrrh, preparing for a romantic encounter. This highlights the intense desire and anticipation in their relationship.
Delay and Indecision: Some interpret the myrrh as a sign of her lingering in bed (perhaps where she had applied the myrrh), delaying her response to her lover. The time she took to prepare has allowed the myrrh to drip, implying a slow awakening and a lingering reluctance to answer the door.
Preciousness: The myrrh could symbolize the preciousness of her love and the care she takes in her appearance for her beloved.
"on the handles of the lock": This detail emphasizes the physical act of opening the door. However, the fact that her hands are dripping with myrrh as she touches the lock adds another layer of meaning. It could suggest:
A messy, passionate encounter: The dripping myrrh creates a picture of untidiness, hinting at a raw, sensual passion that transcends neatness and order.
Missed Opportunity: By the time she's ready to open the door, her beloved is already gone (as revealed in the following verses). The myrrh dripping onto the lock could symbolize a missed opportunity, a moment of love lost due to her hesitation.
Overall Interpretation
The verse encapsulates a moment of intense sensuality and a hint of regret. The woman is finally motivated to open the door for her lover, but the rich imagery of dripping myrrh suggests a delay and a possible missed opportunity. It underscores the themes of longing, desire, and the complexities of romantic relationships that are central to the Song of Solomon.
Different Interpretations
It's important to note that the Song of Solomon is a highly symbolic text and has been interpreted in various ways over time:
Allegorical Interpretation: Some view it as an allegory for the relationship between God and Israel or between Christ and the Church. In this context, the woman represents the Church, and her delayed response symbolizes a lack of devotion.
Literal Interpretation: Others see it primarily as a celebration of human love and sexuality, with the verse simply depicting a sensual and intimate moment between two lovers.
Ultimately, the meaning of the verse is open to individual interpretation. The imagery and symbolism are powerful and invite the reader to consider the complexities of love, desire, and the potential for missed connections.
Song of solomon 5:5 - I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with liquid myrrh, on the handles of the lock.
What does "Song of solomon 5:5" mean?
This verse from Song of Solomon 5:5 is rich in symbolism and open to interpretation, but the most common understanding points to a scene of delayed response and heightened sensuality. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"I rose up to open for my beloved": This indicates the woman finally responding to her lover's knocking at the door (described in the preceding verses). He has been pleading with her to let him in, and she has been hesitant.
"My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with liquid myrrh": This is the most evocative part of the verse. Myrrh was a precious, fragrant resin used as a perfume, in embalming, and for anointing. The fact that her hands are covered in it suggests a few possibilities:
Sensuality and Preparation: She may have been anointing herself with myrrh, preparing for a romantic encounter. This highlights the intense desire and anticipation in their relationship.
Delay and Indecision: Some interpret the myrrh as a sign of her lingering in bed (perhaps where she had applied the myrrh), delaying her response to her lover. The time she took to prepare has allowed the myrrh to drip, implying a slow awakening and a lingering reluctance to answer the door.
Preciousness: The myrrh could symbolize the preciousness of her love and the care she takes in her appearance for her beloved.
"on the handles of the lock": This detail emphasizes the physical act of opening the door. However, the fact that her hands are dripping with myrrh as she touches the lock adds another layer of meaning. It could suggest:
A messy, passionate encounter: The dripping myrrh creates a picture of untidiness, hinting at a raw, sensual passion that transcends neatness and order.
Missed Opportunity: By the time she's ready to open the door, her beloved is already gone (as revealed in the following verses). The myrrh dripping onto the lock could symbolize a missed opportunity, a moment of love lost due to her hesitation.
Overall Interpretation
The verse encapsulates a moment of intense sensuality and a hint of regret. The woman is finally motivated to open the door for her lover, but the rich imagery of dripping myrrh suggests a delay and a possible missed opportunity. It underscores the themes of longing, desire, and the complexities of romantic relationships that are central to the Song of Solomon.
Different Interpretations
It's important to note that the Song of Solomon is a highly symbolic text and has been interpreted in various ways over time:
Allegorical Interpretation: Some view it as an allegory for the relationship between God and Israel or between Christ and the Church. In this context, the woman represents the Church, and her delayed response symbolizes a lack of devotion.
Literal Interpretation: Others see it primarily as a celebration of human love and sexuality, with the verse simply depicting a sensual and intimate moment between two lovers.
Ultimately, the meaning of the verse is open to individual interpretation. The imagery and symbolism are powerful and invite the reader to consider the complexities of love, desire, and the potential for missed connections.