Line 1:1 Song of Songs
Most scholars agree that the phrase “Song of Songs,” which occurs in 1:1, is like a title for the book. For English versions, a separate title based on 1:1 is usually also included. There are two different titles that are commonly used in English Bibles:
(1) “The Song of Songs” or “Song of Songs” (Berean Standard Bible, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, New Century Version, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, New Living Translation (2004), Revised English Bible, Good News Translation)
(2) “The Song of Solomon” or “Song of Solomon” (English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, Revised Standard Version)
It is recommended that you follow option (1). It is a better translation of the Hebrew title, which expresses the idea “the best song.” (See the note on 1:1 for translation suggestions for the phrase “Song of Songs.”) However, option (2) is also acceptable, especially if a national version in your area uses it.
1:1
This is Solomon’s Song of Songs: This verse begins the book with a title Song of Songs. The possessive Solomon’s may imply that Solomon was the author or it may imply that someone composed it for him. In some languages, it is helpful to translate 1:1 as a complete sentence. For example:
This is the most beautiful song, which is Solomon’s.
-or-
⌊ This is⌋the Song of Songs, which Solomon ⌊wrote/sang⌋.
-or-
⌊ Here begins⌋the Song of Songs by Solomon.
This is Solomon’s: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as This is Solomon’s probably indicates that Solomon was the author. There are two ways to translate the phrase:
• Use a phrase that implies Solomon was the author. For example:
The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s (Revised Standard Version)
• Use a more specific expression that clearly identifies Solomon as the author. For example:
The Song of Songs, ⌊written/composed⌋ by Solomon
Solomon’s: Solomon was one of the most famous kings of Israel. He was known for his great wisdom, and his name in 1:1 gives the book status and authority. However, he is not an active character in the book. Solomon was not the man whom the woman loved. The author did not tell the name of the man whom she loved.
Song of Songs: The phrase Song of Songs is a type of comparison called a “superlative.” It indicates that something is the greatest or best of its kind. Song of Songs means “the most beautiful song,” “the best song.” Other ways to translate Song of Songs are:
This is Solomon’s song of songs, more wonderful than any other. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
The most beautiful song of Solomon. (God’s Word)
In some languages it is not possible to translate a superlative literally. Use a natural way in your language to describe a song that is more excellent and beautiful than other songs. Some other ways to describe it are:
Here is a song by Solomon that is sweeter than any other song.
-or-
This song that Solomon wrote/sang is wonderful. No one has heard a song like it.
Song: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Song identifies the book as a type of poetry that people can sing. They can also play musical instruments as they sing or chant the Song. The theme of the Song is romantic love (love between a man and a woman), so it is “love poetry.”
The Hebrew word for Song here is a general word that can refer to different types of joyful songs. Use an appropriate word in your language to refer to a joyful love song. Notice that the word is singular. This suggests that the book is one unified song, not a collection of many songs.
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