Song of Solomon – Chapter 6

Old Testament12 Verses

1My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the bed of aromatical spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

2I to my beloved, and my beloved to me, who feedeth among the lilies.

3Thou art beautiful, O my love, sweet and comely as Jerusalem terrible as an army set in array.

4Turn away thy eyes from me, for they have made me flee away. Thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from Galaad.

5Thy teeth as a flock of sheep, which come up from the washing, all with twins, and there is none barren among them.

6Thy cheeks are as the bark of a pomegranate, beside what is hidden within thee.

7There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and young maidens without number.

8One is my dove, my perfect one is but one, she is the only one of her mother, the chosen of her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and declared her most blessed: the queens and concubines, and they praised her.

9Who is she that cometh forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in array?

10I went down into the garden of nuts, to see the fruits of the valleys, and to look if the vineyard had flourished, and the pomegranates budded.

11I knew not: my soul troubled me for the chariots of Aminadab.

12Return, return, O Sulamitess: return, return that we may behold thee.

Reflection for Today

As you read Song of Solomon Chapter 6, the Catholic Church invites you to encounter God's living Word through the lens of Sacred Tradition. The Catechism teaches that Scripture must be read "within the living Tradition of the whole Church" (CIC 113). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words continues to guide the Church in understanding them today.

In Catholic theology, every passage of Scripture points ultimately to Christ and finds its fullest meaning in the Church's sacramental life. The Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops—guides the faithful in authentic interpretation. As you meditate on these verses, consider how the Church Fathers and saints have understood them.

Through lectio divina—the ancient Catholic practice of prayerful reading—allow these words to transform your mind and heart, drawing you deeper into communion with Christ and His Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these verses and show you how they call you to deeper faith, hope, and love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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