Old Testament
Song of Solomon 1:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing. Your name is like perfume poured out, so the young women love you.
Compare translations
Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
What Song of Solomon 1:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker expresses admiration for the beloved's fragrance, which symbolizes their attractiveness and charm. The comparison of their name to perfume suggests that it carries a sweet and pleasant reputation, drawing others to them. The mention of young women loving the beloved indicates a universal appeal, highlighting the beloved's qualities that inspire affection and admiration. This imagery emphasizes the importance of reputation and the impact of one's character on others. Just as a delightful scent can attract people, a good name and character can endear someone to others, making them desirable companions. The verse captures the essence of love and attraction, illustrating how beauty and virtue can resonate deeply with those around us.
How to apply Song of Solomon 1:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to cultivate a good reputation and character, as they can attract positive relationships. Just like a pleasing fragrance draws people in, our actions and integrity can influence how others perceive us. Strive to be someone who inspires love and admiration through kindness and authenticity.
Curated for this public verse page. Song of Solomon Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Song of Solomon 1:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Song of Solomon 1:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Song of Solomon
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 960 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and love song
- Original Audience
- Lovers and the community of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Song of Solomon 1:3 mean?
Song of Solomon 1:3 expresses admiration for the beloved's fragrance, symbolizing their attractiveness and charm. It highlights how a good reputation can draw others in, much like a pleasing scent.
What is the significance of perfume in Song of Solomon 1:3?
In this verse, perfume represents the beloved's appealing qualities and positive reputation. Just as a delightful fragrance attracts people, a good name can endear someone to others.
What does the phrase 'your name is like perfume poured out' mean?
The phrase suggests that the beloved's name carries a sweet and pleasant reputation, indicating that their character and actions inspire affection and admiration from others.
How does Song of Solomon 1:3 relate to love and attraction?
This verse illustrates that beauty and virtue can resonate deeply with those around us, emphasizing how a good character can inspire love and admiration.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.