Song of Solomon – Chapter 6

Old Testament12 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 6 of Song of Solomon begins: "My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the bed of aromatical spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies." Across its 12 verses, two threads run through the text: love and charity and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the bed of aromatical spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

2I to my beloved, and my beloved to me, who feedeth among the lilies.

3Thou art beautiful, O my love, sweet and comely as Jerusalem terrible as an army set in array.

4Turn away thy eyes from me, for they have made me flee away. Thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from Galaad.

5Thy teeth as a flock of sheep, which come up from the washing, all with twins, and there is none barren among them.

6Thy cheeks are as the bark of a pomegranate, beside what is hidden within thee.

7There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and young maidens without number.

8One 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.

9Who is she that cometh forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in array?

10I went down into the garden of nuts, to see the fruits of the valleys, and to look if the vineyard had flourished, and the pomegranates budded.

11I knew not: my soul troubled me for the chariots of Aminadab.

12Return, return, O Sulamitess: return, return that we may behold thee.

Important Verses in Song of Solomon 6

My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the bed of aromatical spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

Song of Solomon 6:1

Turn away thy eyes from me, for they have made me flee away. Thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from Galaad.

Song of Solomon 6:4

One 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.

Song of Solomon 6:8

I knew not: my soul troubled me for the chariots of Aminadab.

Song of Solomon 6:11

Historical Context

Song of Solomon addresses israel and the Church, invited into covenant intimacy with God within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 6 of 8 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 12 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the bed of aromatical spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies." It concludes: "Return, return, O Sulamitess: return, return that we may behold thee. " Read against its original backdrop, The Song of Songs is a poem of spousal love between bride and bridegroom. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Traditionally linked to Solomon (10th century BC); final form possibly after the exile.

Who Wrote It

Attributed to Solomon

When It Was Written

Traditionally linked to Solomon (10th century BC); final form possibly after the exile

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter presents teaching, action, or revelation within the broader account of divine love expressed through spousal imagery. A pivotal line is verse 1: "My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the bed of aromatical spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies." The passage repeatedly touches on love and charity.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1965). Here, the Church sees this as an allegory of Christ's love for the Church (CIC 1602). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize love and charity as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

Reflection for Today

Song of Solomon Chapter 6, containing 12 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2105). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands divine love expressed through spousal imagery.

As you continue through Song of Solomon, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Song of Solomon Chapter 6 about?

Song of Solomon 6 contains 12 verses. It opens with "My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the bed of aromatical spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies." and closes with "Return, return, O Sulamitess: return, return that we may behold thee. ". The book as a whole is lyric love poetry.

What is a key verse in Song of Solomon 6?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the bed of aromatical spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Song of Solomon and when?

Attributed to Solomon. Traditionally linked to Solomon (10th century BC); final form possibly after the exile.

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