Song of Solomon 5:16 Meaning and Explanation
“His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →She concludes: his words are sweet, he is altogether lovely, and he is both beloved and friend.
The Context of Song of Solomon 5:16
She concludes her portrait and declares him both beloved and friend.
What Does Song of Solomon 5:16 Mean?
His mouth is most sweet—his words, his speech, his kiss—all that comes from him is pleasant and good. This moves beyond physical beauty into the reality of living with him: to be with him is to hear sweetness and kindness. She has arrived at the ultimate declaration of his character and person.
Altogether lovely (כולו מחמדים, kulo machamadim) — entirely desirable, completely precious. She then names what he is to her: beloved (the object of romantic love and devotion) and friend (the companion of intimacy and trust). Both terms matter: he is not only lover but friend, suggesting that the deepest union includes friendship, shared purpose, and mutual delight beyond passion.
Song of Solomon 5:16 in the Original Language
altogether lovely (כולו מחמדים, kulo machamadim) — entirely desirable; machamadim (plural) suggests manifold preciosities—he is made of desirable things.
Frequently Asked Questions About Song of Solomon 5:16
What does Song of Solomon 5:16 mean?
She concludes: his words are sweet, he is altogether lovely, and he is both beloved and friend.
What is the context of Song of Solomon 5:16?
She concludes her portrait and declares him both beloved and friend.