We come in verse 9 to the first of the two questions spoken by the daughters of Jerusalem (the other is in 6.1). These questions have a particular literary function found elsewhere in Hebrew poetry. In Psa 24.3-4 or Psa 121.1-2, for example, a question is asked that leads into the rest of the poem. We saw a similar example of this use of the question form in 3.6. In this case the questions are asked by the daughters of Jerusalem, setting the scene for the response of the young woman (5.10-16 and 6.2-3).
The rather literal translation provided by Revised Standard Version shows us an important feature of Hebrew style, namely its use of repetition. The question in line 1, “What is your beloved more than any other beloved?” is repeated in line 3.
What is your beloved more than another beloved…?: the adjective “better” is lacking in the Hebrew text but is clearly understood. In view of the response in verses 10-16, the question most probably refers to physical qualities, so we can also say “In what way is your lover more handsome?” or, more generally, “How is your lover more wonderful?” The Hebrew interrogative translated as “What?” can also be rendered “How?” We can even say “What makes your beloved better?” New American Bible and Good News Translation ask “Is your lover different?” This is acceptable if “different” means “better” in this context. Forms like “What is so unique about…?” “What does he have more than any other…?” or “How does he surpass…?” may be clearer.
Revised Standard Version reflects the Hebrew in translating both instances of beloved in the singular. The translator can make adjustments as needed in rendering the phrase another beloved. It may be more natural to say “better than all the other young men” or “better than all the others.”
For translation we suggest:
• How is your lover better than any other man?
• What is so unique about your lover?
• What makes your beloved better [or, different] than all the others?
Note that this clause is repeated for emphasis. See below.
O fairest among women: see comments on 1.8. Note again that this vocative can be placed at the beginning of the verse if necessary. It may even be appropriate to start the verse with an introductory phrase like “Tell us, you who are the fairest among women….”
Some commentators believe this statement makes fun of the young woman. If the daughters are from a higher social class, they may well be looking down on this sunburned village girl and asking her in a teasing way how her lover is so special. However, if, as we believe, the daughters are merely a literary feature, then their question can be seen as neutral, simply drawing out the young woman’s response.
What is your beloved more than another beloved…?: this is the second time the question is asked. In some languages the use of repetition is not appreciated, and so translators can vary the expression as Good News Translation does. In other languages it may even be necessary to combine or merge the two expressions into one.
That you thus adjure us: introducing this result clause is the Hebrew conjunction sh- with a poetic form of the preposition k- attached. It is literally “that in this manner you make us take an oath.” The expression refers back to the oath of verse 8. In some languages it is more natural to say “… that you ask us [to do] this.”
Possible translations are:
• … that you make us take this kind of an oath.
• … that we should promise you that.
Or we may even follow Good News Translation:
• … that we should give you our promise.
For the entire verse we can follow the structure of the Hebrew rather closely by imitating Revised Standard Version, or restructure as follows:
• Tell us, most beautiful of women,
What makes your lover better than all others?
What is there about him,
That you ask us to promise you that?
Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Zogbo, Lynell. A Handbook on the Book of Song of Songs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1998. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .