Song of Solomon 5:7

Verse

I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city. They beat me and bruised me; they took away my cloak, those guardians of the walls.

American Standard Version (1901)

The watchmen that go about the city found me, They smote me, they wounded me; The keepers of the walls took away my mantle from me.

Bible in Basic English

The keepers who go about the town overtook me; they gave me blows and wounds; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.

Free Bible Version

The watchmen found me as they went through the city. They beat me, they hurt me, and stole my cloak, those watchmen of the walls.

King James (Authorized) Version

The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.

Translation for Translators

The city watchmen saw me while they were walking around the city. They beat me and wounded me because they thought I must be a prostitute; those men who were guarding the city walls took my robe.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The watchmen found me as they were making their rounds in the city. They struck me and wounded me; the guards on the walls took away my cloak from me.

Noah Webster Bible

The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my vail from me.

World English Bible

The watchmen who go about the city found me. They beat me. They bruised me. The keepers of the walls took my cloak away from me.

Young's Literal Translation

The watchmen who go round about the city, Found me, smote me, wounded me, Keepers of the walls lifted up my veil from off me.

Context

The Bride

⁶I opened for my beloved, but he had turned and gone. My heart sank at his departure. I sought him, but did not find him. I called, but he did not answer. ⁷I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city. They beat me and bruised me; they took away my cloak, those guardians of the walls. ⁸O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love.

Summary

In this verse from the Song of Solomon, the woman describes how she sought her beloved but could not find him, leading to distress and longing for his presence. This passage reflects the deep yearning and desire for intimate communion with the beloved, symbolizing the spiritual pursuit of God's presence and love. The imagery used conveys the intensity of the woman's emotions and the importance of seeking and cherishing the relationship with the beloved. It serves as a reminder of the pursuit of God's presence in times of spiritual dryness or distance, urging believers to seek Him diligently and passionately.

Commentary

Tyndale

Tyndale Open Study Notes

5:7 The night watchmen . . . beat and bruised me: The watchmen who were protectors in 3:3 now become demonized characters in her dream (5:2). What they do describes how she feels—pummeled and wounded. • stripped off my veil: She feels that she has lost her dignity.