Although the pronoun “I” forms a bracket or inclusio around verses 1-5, we note that in verse 6 the two lovers are in the same place as in verse 5. Even stylistically verse 5 is linked to the previous verses by the same repetitive sounds. We note, however, that in 8.3 an almost identical verse leads up to the refrain. So in some sense verses 6 and 7 are very closely linked; together they form the refrain that ends the first poem. It is interesting to note that, though the refrain closes many units (2.7; 3.5; 5.8; 8.4), it is only the first and last sections that share this reference to the young man’s arms enclosing his loved one. This feature can also be considered a kind of envelope that surrounds the whole book.

Here we feel the deep longing the woman has for her lover. In Hebrew the opening phrase is without a verb, simply noting that his left hand is under her head. There is a verb phrase in the second half of the verse, so it is this verb embraced that catches our attention. Additionally the verb form is emphatic, stressing the young woman’s pleasure at being “held very close.”

This verse, however, raises certain problems. For example, how are we to interpret its return to third person reference? The addition O that shows that Revised Standard Version/New Revised Standard Version understand the sense as expressing a wish. This is in keeping with the previous verses, where the young woman expresses her intense desire for her lover. At least one version has proposed changing third person into second person imperatives: “Place your left hand under my head and embrace me….” However, many other versions see this more as a descriptive statement rather than a command or request. Good News Translation, Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, and Bible en français courant render a simple present: “His left hand is under my head and his right hand caresses [or, embraces] me.” This interpretation provides a better introduction to verse 7, where the daughters of Jerusalem are asked not to disturb their love. We suggest following that interpretation here.

Left hand … right hand: in Hebrew only the words “his left” and “his right” appear. The translator should, of course, use whatever idiom is most appropriate: “hand,” “arm,” or other expression. In some languages it will be more natural or more poetic to use “hand” or “arm” only once.

In many cultures there is an important distinction between the functions of the right and the left hands. The right hand is used for eating, shaking hands, touching, and caressing, while the left hand is reserved for “unclean” tasks. This probably applied in biblical times, so it is only logical that the young man’s left hand is under the woman’s head, while his right hand caresses her. It is important, therefore, to keep this distinction in the translation, especially where the same cultural norms apply.

Embraced has sexual connotations in Pro 5.20, supporting the Good News Translation rendering “caress.” “Hold close” is another possible verb to use.

For translation we can have:

• His left hand is under my head, his right hand holds me close.

• His left hand cradles my head; his right hand caresses me.

• With his left hand, he cradles my head,
with his right, he holds me close.

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 .