Song of Solomon 5:2
I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
Song of Solomon 5:2 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Song of Solomon can be interpreted as a symbolic expression of the longing and desire between lovers. The speaker describes a moment of sleep, but their heart is awake, representing a heightened sense of awareness and yearning. The knocking at the door is metaphorical, signifying the lover's call to be let in to the speaker's innermost being. The terms "my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled" convey a deep and intimate connection between the two. The reference to dew and drops of the night suggests a sense of vulnerability and openness, as well as the idea of purity and freshness in the relationship. Overall, this verse captures the essence of love, yearning, and the desire for connection that is central to the human experience.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the Song of Solomon, the speaker experiences a spiritual awakening while their physical body sleeps. The theological interpretation of this verse suggests that the sleeping body represents the distractions and limitations of the physical world, while the awake heart symbolizes the soul's connection to the divine. The voice of the beloved knocking represents the call of God or the divine to open up and allow Him to enter into our lives. The use of endearing terms such as "my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled" emphasizes the intimate and loving relationship between the speaker and the divine. The mention of dew and drops of the night could symbolize the refreshing and purifying presence of the beloved. Overall, this verse showcases the yearning for spiritual connection and the need to be open to the presence of God in our lives.
Song of Solomon 5:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
I was asleep, but my heart waked: It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled; For my head is filled with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.
World English Bible
I was asleep, but my heart was awake. It is the voice of my beloved who knocks: “Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled; for my head is filled with dew, and my hair with the dampness of the night.”
Douay-Rheims
I sleep, and my heart watcheth: the voice of my beloved knocking: Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is full of dew, and my locks of the drops of the nights.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I sleepe, but mine heart waketh, it is the voyce of my welbeloued that knocketh, saying, Open vnto mee, my sister, my loue, my doue, my vndefiled: for mine head is full of dewe, and my lockes with the droppes of the night.