complete verse (Song of Solomon 1:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Song of Solomon 1:1:

  • Kupsabiny: “An amazing song about/according to Solomon.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “These are Solomon’s most beautiful songs.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The most-beautiful song of Solomon.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “This is King Solomon’s most beautiful song.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Song of Songs 1:1

It is doubtful whether this verse was originally part of the book. Like the introductory verses to most Old Testament books, it is almost certainly an editorial addition to give the completed work greater authority, to identify it, and to commend it to others to read. Evidence that this verse was added comes from the form of the relative pronoun that appears as ʾasher in this verse alone but as she everywhere else. Although some scholars accept that parts of the Song may date back to the period of Solomon (3.6-11, for example), it is likely that this opening verse was added after the work was completed. We cannot determine when this may have taken place or who may have added it.

The opening words form the title of the book. In discussing the book’s title, we noted that the Hebrew phrase The Song of Songs is a superlative expression that describes the highest or greatest degree of something. These opening words, then, should be translated in the same way as we render the book title; for example, “The most beautiful of songs,” “The most sublime song,” “The most elegant of love poems,” or even “The greatest poem about love.” In some languages it may be necessary to use a demonstrative or introductory particle: “Here is the most beautiful of all songs” or “The most beautiful of all poems, here it is.”

We drew attention in the introduction, “Translating Song of Songs,” to the phrase which is Solomon’s. We pointed to the various attempts to translate a vague Hebrew expression, namely the preposition l- attached to the proper noun “Solomon.” This construction is similar to what we find in the titles of many Psalms. The preposition l- in the title phrase is generally understood to mean “belonging to [David]” or “presented to [Moses]” rather than “written by” them. In Psa. 81.1; 82.1, for instance, it is clear that the phrase leʾasap indicates that these psalms form part of the Asaph collection. Following this pattern we can translate which is Solomon’s as “from the Solomon collection.” However, there are other possible meanings for the preposition l- in this context, such as “for” in the sense of “dedicated to” or “in honor of.” In view of the probable late date for this work, we recommend a translation such as “dedicated to Solomon” or “in honor of Solomon.” In some languages it may be necessary to say “It was written to honor Solomon” or “These were written for Solomon.” As noted in the introduction, though many versions translate the phrase as “by Solomon” (Good News Translation, New American Bible [New American Bible], Revised English Bible [Revised English Bible]), we recommend that their example should not be followed.

Suggested translations of the verse:

• The most beautiful of love poems. Dedicated to Solomon.

• Here is the most beautiful song. It was written to honor Solomon.

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 .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Song of Songs 1:1

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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