Song of Solomon – Chapter 7

Old Testament13 Verses

Chapter Summary

Song of Solomon 7 opens with the words: "What shalt thou see in the Sulamitess but the companies of camps? How beautiful are thy steps in shoes, O prince's daughter! The joints of…" Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: love and charity and family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1What shalt thou see in the Sulamitess but the companies of camps? How beautiful are thy steps in shoes, O prince's daughter! The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, that are made by the hand of a skilful workman.

2Thy navel is like a round bowl never wanting cups. Thy belly is like a heap of wheat, set about with lilies.

3Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.

4Thy neck as a tower of ivory. Thy eyes like the fishpools in Hesebon, which are in the gate of the daughter of the multitude. Thy nose is as the tower of Libanus, that looketh toward Damascus.

5Thy head is like Carmel: and the hairs of thy head as the purple of the king bound in the channels.

6How beautiful art thou, and how comely, my dearest, in delights!

7Thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.

8I said: I will go up into the palm tree, and will take hold of the fruit thereof: and thy breasts shall be as the clusters of the vine: and the odour of thy mouth like apples.

9Thy throat like the best wine, worthy for my beloved to drink, and for his lips and his teeth to ruminate.

10I to my beloved, and his turning is towards me.

11Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field, let us abide in the villages.

12Let us get up early to the vineyards, let us see if the vineyard flourish, if the flowers be ready to bring forth fruits, if the pomegranates flourish: there will I give thee my breasts.

13The mandrakes give a smell. In our gates are all fruits: the new and the old, my beloved, I have kept for thee.

Important Verses in Song of Solomon 7

What shalt thou see in the Sulamitess but the companies of camps? How beautiful are thy steps in shoes, O prince's daughter! The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, that are made by the hand of a skilful workman.

Song of Solomon 7:1

How beautiful art thou, and how comely, my dearest, in delights!

Song of Solomon 7:6

Thy throat like the best wine, worthy for my beloved to drink, and for his lips and his teeth to ruminate.

Song of Solomon 7:9

The mandrakes give a smell. In our gates are all fruits: the new and the old, my beloved, I have kept for thee.

Song of Solomon 7:13

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Song of Solomon was written with israel and the Church, invited into covenant intimacy with God in view. Chapter 7 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 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "What shalt thou see in the Sulamitess but the companies of camps? How beautiful are thy steps in shoes, O prince's…" The chapter ends with: "The mandrakes give a smell. In our gates are all fruits: the new and the old, my beloved, I have kept for thee. " In terms of historical background, 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: "What shalt thou see in the Sulamitess but the companies of camps? How beautiful are thy steps in shoes, O prince's daughter! The joints of thy thighs are like…" The passage repeatedly touches on love and charity.

Catholic exegesis reads Song of Solomon 7 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Church sees this as an allegory of Christ's love for the Church (CIC 1602). St. Irenaeus and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1095).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

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.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Song of Solomon Chapter 7 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that divine love expressed through spousal imagery is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing forgiveness and reconciliation.

May your reading of Song of Solomon Chapter 7 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God's love is passionate and faithful applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Song of Solomon Chapter 7 about?

Song of Solomon 7 contains 13 verses. It opens with "What shalt thou see in the Sulamitess but the companies of camps? How beautiful are thy steps in shoes, O prince's…" and closes with "The mandrakes give a smell. In our gates are all fruits: the new and the old, my beloved, I have kept for thee. ". The book as a whole is lyric love poetry.

What is a key verse in Song of Solomon 7?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "What shalt thou see in the Sulamitess but the companies of camps? How beautiful are thy steps in shoes, O prince's daughter! The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, that are…" 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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