New International VersionThe watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls!
New Living TranslationThe night watchmen found me as they made their rounds. They beat and bruised me and stripped off my veil, those watchmen on the walls.
English Standard VersionThe watchmen found me as they went about in the city; they beat me, they bruised me, they took away my veil, those watchmen of the walls.
Berean Standard BibleI 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.
King James BibleThe 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.
New King James VersionThe watchmen who went about the city found me. They struck me, they wounded me; The keepers of the walls Took my veil away from me.
New American Standard Bible“The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me, They struck me and wounded me; The guards of the walls took my shawl away from me.
NASB 1995“The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me, They struck me and wounded me; The guardsmen of the walls took away my shawl from me.
NASB 1977 “The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me, They struck me and wounded me; The guardsmen of the walls took away my shawl from me.
Legacy Standard Bible The watchmen who go about in the city found me, They struck me and wounded me; The guardsmen of the walls took away my shawl from me.
Amplified Bible“The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me. They struck me, they wounded me; The guardsmen of the walls took my shawl from me.
Christian Standard BibleThe guards who go about the city found me. They beat and wounded me; they took my cloak from me — the guardians of the walls.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe guards who go about the city found me. They beat and wounded me; they took my cloak from me— the guardians of the walls.
American Standard VersionThe 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.
Contemporary English VersionThen I was found by the guards patrolling the town and guarding the wall. They beat me up and stripped off my robe.
English Revised VersionThe 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe watchmen making their rounds in the city found me. They struck me! They wounded me! Those watchmen on the walls took my robe from me!
Good News TranslationThe sentries patrolling the city found me; they struck me and bruised me; the guards at the city wall tore off my cape.
International Standard VersionThe watchmen making their rounds through the city found me. They beat me, they bruised me. Those guarding the walls took my cloak from me.
NET BibleThe watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen on the walls!
New Heart English BibleThe 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.
Webster's Bible TranslationThe 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI 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.
World English BibleThe 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe watchmen who go around the city, "" Found me, struck me, wounded me, "" Keepers of the walls lifted up my veil from off 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.
Smith's Literal TranslationThey watching going round about in the city, found me; they struck me, they wounded me: they watching the wall took away my veil from me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe keepers that go about the city found me: they struck me: and wounded me: the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
Catholic Public Domain Version
New American BibleThe watchmen found me, as they made their rounds in the city; They beat me, they wounded me, they tore off my mantle, the watchmen of the walls.
New Revised Standard VersionMaking their rounds in the city the sentinels found me; they beat me, they wounded me, they took away my mantle, those sentinels of the walls. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe 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.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThe guards who walk around in the city found me; they struck me and they beat me; the keepers of the wall took my bridal veil from me OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The 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.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThe watchman that go their rounds in the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Bride and Her Beloved… 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.…
Cross References Isaiah 50:6I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.
Lamentations 3:30Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.
John 19:1Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged.
Matthew 26:67Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him
Mark 14:65Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.
Luke 22:63-65The men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him and beat Him. / They blindfolded Him and kept demanding, “Prophesy! Who hit You?” / And they said many other blasphemous things against Him.
John 18:22When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?”
Acts 5:40At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.
2 Corinthians 11:24-25Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.
Hebrews 11:36Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
Matthew 5:10-12Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
1 Peter 2:20How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
1 Peter 4:14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Micah 5:1Now, O daughter of troops, mobilize your troops; for a siege is laid against us! With a rod they will strike the cheek of the judge of Israel.
Jeremiah 20:2he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.
Song of Solomon 3:3
The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? Isaiah 6:10,11
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed… Hosea 9:7,8
The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred… they smote Psalm 141:5
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. Hosea 6:5
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. John 16:2
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. the keepers Song of Solomon 8:11
Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. Isaiah 62:6
I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, Matthew 21:33-41
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: … took Luke 6:22
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Acts 5:40,41
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go… 1 Corinthians 4:10-13
We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised… Jump to Previous Beat Blows Bruised City Cloak Found Keepers Lifted Mantle Overtook Round Rounds Shawl Smote Struck Vail Veil Walls Watchmen WoundedJump to Next Beat Blows Bruised City Cloak Found Keepers Lifted Mantle Overtook Round Rounds Shawl Smote Struck Vail Veil Walls Watchmen WoundedSong of Solomon 5 1. Christ awakes the church with his calling2. The church having a taste of Christ's love is sick of love9. A description of Christ by his gracesI encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city.In ancient Near Eastern cities, watchmen were responsible for maintaining order and security. Their presence in the Song of Solomon highlights the setting of a walled city, likely Jerusalem, which was known for its protective walls and gates. The watchmen symbolize authority and societal norms. In the context of the Song, the watchmen's encounter with the Shulammite woman can be seen as an obstacle in her pursuit of love, reflecting the challenges and misunderstandings that can occur in relationships. This phrase also echoes the vigilance required in spiritual life, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 62:6, where watchmen are depicted as those who pray and intercede for Jerusalem. They beat me and bruised me;
The physical abuse described here is symbolic of the trials and sufferings that can accompany the pursuit of love and truth. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a metaphor for the persecution and hardships faced by believers. The imagery of being beaten and bruised is reminiscent of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, which Christians interpret as a prophecy of Jesus Christ's suffering. This connection underscores the theme of sacrificial love and the cost of true devotion. they took away my cloak,
The cloak, or outer garment, was an important piece of clothing in biblical times, often symbolizing identity and protection. The removal of the cloak by the watchmen can represent vulnerability and exposure, both physically and emotionally. In a spiritual sense, it may signify the stripping away of one's defenses or the loss of dignity. This act can be compared to the stripping of Jesus' garments before His crucifixion (Matthew 27:28), highlighting themes of humiliation and sacrifice. those guardians of the walls.
The guardians of the walls were tasked with protecting the city, yet here they are depicted as aggressors. This paradox highlights the complexity of human institutions and the potential for those in authority to misuse their power. In a spiritual context, it serves as a reminder that earthly guardians can fail, but God remains the ultimate protector. The walls themselves can symbolize separation and division, as well as security and belonging, reflecting the dual nature of boundaries in relationships and faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. The WatchmenThese are the guards or sentinels who patrol the city. In the context of the Song of Solomon, they may symbolize authority figures or societal norms that can sometimes be harsh or unyielding. 2. The CityRepresents a place of community and order, but also a place where one can feel lost or vulnerable. In the Song of Solomon, it can symbolize the world or society at large. 3. The BelovedThe speaker in this verse, often interpreted as the Shulammite woman, who is searching for her beloved. Her experience reflects a deep longing and the trials faced in seeking love. 4. The CloakA garment that represents protection and identity. The removal of the cloak signifies vulnerability and exposure. 5. The WallsSymbolize boundaries or barriers, both physical and metaphorical, that can either protect or confine. Teaching Points The Reality of Trials in Seeking LoveThe journey of love, especially in a spiritual sense, can involve trials and misunderstandings. The beloved's encounter with the watchmen reflects the challenges faced in pursuing a relationship with God or others. Vulnerability and IdentityThe removal of the cloak signifies a loss of protection and identity. In our spiritual walk, we may face moments where we feel exposed and vulnerable, yet these moments can lead to deeper reliance on God. Misunderstanding and MisjudgmentThe watchmen's harsh treatment of the beloved can symbolize how we may be misunderstood or misjudged by others, even when our intentions are pure. This calls for perseverance and faith. The Role of Authority and SocietyAuthority figures and societal norms can sometimes hinder rather than help our spiritual journey. It's important to discern and navigate these challenges with wisdom and grace. Perseverance in the Face of AdversityDespite the harsh treatment, the beloved continues her search. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our spiritual journey. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 5:7?
2. How does Song of Solomon 5:7 illustrate the cost of seeking Christ's presence?
3. What can we learn about perseverance from the watchmen's actions in Song 5:7?
4. How does Song 5:7 connect to Jesus' suffering in the Gospels?
5. How should we respond when facing opposition in our spiritual journey?
6. What practical steps can we take to remain steadfast in seeking Christ?
7. Why do the watchmen in Song of Solomon 5:7 beat the woman they are supposed to protect?
8. How does Song of Solomon 5:7 reflect the theme of love and suffering in relationships?
9. What is the historical context of the watchmen's actions in Song of Solomon 5:7?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 5?
11. If the setting is historical, why would the watchmen attack the beloved in Song of Solomon 5:7 instead of recognizing her station or status?
12. What evidence supports Solomon as the author of Song of Solomon 5, and if lacking, why attribute these verses to him at all?
13. Song of Solomon 7:5 - Is likening hair to royal purple historically or archaeologically supported in ancient Israel, and does it conflict with other scriptural cultural references?
14. What does 'Do not awaken love until it pleases' mean?What Does Song of Solomon 5:7 Mean Encounter with the watchmen“I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city.” (Songs 5:7a) • The bride is still roaming the dark streets (Songs 3:2-3), picturing a believer longing for renewed fellowship with the Beloved. • Watchmen were city officials meant to protect (Isaiah 62:6); spiritually they echo pastors or mature believers charged with care (Hebrews 13:17). • Yet they fail to recognize her need and offer no help, reminding us that human leadership—even when well-intentioned—can disappoint (Psalm 118:8-9). • The scene underscores that only the Bridegroom fully satisfies (Jeremiah 29:13; John 6:68-69).
Beaten and bruised“They beat me and bruised me.” (Songs 5:7b) • In literal narrative, she suffers unjust mistreatment; in spiritual application, believers may face hostility or misunderstanding while pursuing Christ (Matthew 24:9; John 16:2). • Wounds can come from those who should nurture us—an ancient reality (Jeremiah 6:14) and a present one within imperfect churches (3 John 9-10). • Even so, God redeems pain: “Whom the Lord loves He disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6). Hardship refines devotion, forging deeper reliance on the Bridegroom alone (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Stripped of her cloak“They took away my cloak, those guardians of the walls.” (Songs 5:7c) • The cloak signifies modesty and dignity (Isaiah 61:10). Removing it exposes vulnerability and shame, a vivid picture of feeling spiritually “unclothed” (2 Corinthians 5:2-3). • Similar humiliation befell Job (Job 1:21) and ultimately Christ, whose garments were stripped away (Mark 15:24). • When earthly protectors fail, the Lord Himself becomes our covering (Psalm 91:4), wrapping repentant believers in “robes of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 7:14).
summarySong 5:7 shows the bride’s painful encounter with watchmen who should have guarded her but instead wounded and shamed her. Literally, it highlights the risks she takes in pursuing her beloved at night. Spiritually, it reflects moments when believers, while earnestly seeking Christ, meet misunderstanding, mistreatment, or persecution—even from those expected to help. Such trials expose our need for the Bridegroom’s unfailing protection and drive us to depend on His righteousness rather than any human institution. (7) The watchmen.--See Note on Song of Solomon 3:3. Veil.--Heb. redid; LXX. ?????????. Probably a light summer dress for throwing over the person on going out in a hurry, like the tsaiph put on by Rebecca (Genesis 24:65). Only elsewhere in Isaiah 3:23. Verse 7. - 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. The intention is to show into what evil she fell by having to seek her beloved instead of being with him. She is mistaken and misjudged; she is smitten and wounded with reproaches and false accusations, as though she were a guilty and evil minded woman. She is subjected to abuse and ill treatment from those who should be her guardians. She had hard work to escape, leaving her robe behind her (cf. Genesis 39:12). The redhidh, like ridha in Arabic, is a plaid-like upper garment thrown over the shoulders - so says Aben Ezra; but it is derived, no doubt, from the root "to make broad or thin," to spread out - perhaps, therefore, "a thin, light upper robe" which was worn over the chiton, a summer overdress, a cloak (LXX., θερίστρον: Jerome, pallium; Luther, Schleier). If we take the dream thus described, and which seems to conclude at this point, as related to the surrounding ladies, then we must suppose that it is introduced for the sake of what follows. The bride feels that she does not love her beloved one half enough; she is so conscious of deficiencies, that she might even have acted as her dream represented. It had entered her soul and made her ill with inward grief and self-reproach. She might so act, she might so treat her husband. So she adjures her companions to tell him how much she loves him. The spiritual application is not difficult to see. When the soul loses its joy in Christ, it becomes the prey of fears and self accusations, and even of reproaches from Christ's servants and the guardians of his Church. For when our religion ceases to be a spontaneous delight to us, we are apt to carry on even the active work of our life in a manner to be misunderstood by sincere believers around us. Yea, the very efforts we make to recover peace may bring reproach upon us. Any Christian minister who has had to deal with religious despondency will quite understand this dream of the bride's. We may often smite and wound, and even deprive of the garment of reputation and esteem, those who are really seeking for Christ, because we have misunderstood them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew I encounteredמְצָאֻ֧נִי (mə·ṣā·’u·nî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | first person common singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentthe watchmenהַשֹּׁמְרִ֛ים (haš·šō·mə·rîm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend toon their roundsהַסֹּבְבִ֥ים (has·sō·ḇə·ḇîm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surroundof the city.בָּעִ֖יר (bā·‘îr)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: ExcitementThey beat meהִכּ֣וּנִי (hik·kū·nî)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5221: To strikeand bruised me;פְצָע֑וּנִי (p̄ə·ṣā·‘ū·nî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | first person common singular
Strong's 6481: To bruise, wound by bruisingthey took awayנָשְׂא֤וּ (nā·śə·’ū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, takemy cloak,רְדִידִי֙ (rə·ḏî·ḏî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7289: A wide wrapper, large veilthose guardiansשֹׁמְרֵ֖י (šō·mə·rê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend toof the walls.הַחֹמֽוֹת׃ (ha·ḥō·mō·wṯ)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection
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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 5:7 The watchmen who go about the city (Song Songs SS So Can) |
