Old Testament

Song of Solomon 3:1

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

At night on my bed, I sought the one my soul loves; I searched for him, but I did not find him.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

What Song of Solomon 3:1 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the speaker expresses a deep longing for their beloved during the night while lying in bed. The imagery of searching for someone in a vulnerable state highlights the intensity of their desire and emotional connection. The phrase 'my soul loves' indicates a profound bond, suggesting that this search is not just physical but also spiritual and emotional. The speaker's inability to find their beloved emphasizes feelings of loneliness and yearning. This moment captures the essence of love's pursuit, where the heart seeks connection and fulfillment. The night setting symbolizes a time of reflection and longing, making the search feel even more poignant. This verse sets the tone for the themes of love, desire, and the complexities of relationships that unfold throughout the Song of Solomon.

How to apply Song of Solomon 3:1 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own relationships and the importance of seeking connection with those we love. It reminds us that love often involves longing and pursuit, and that expressing our feelings can deepen our bonds with others.

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.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Song of Solomon 3:1

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 3:1

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 3:1 mean?

Song of Solomon 3:1 expresses a deep longing for a beloved during the night. The speaker searches for their love while lying in bed, highlighting feelings of desire and emotional connection.

What is the meaning of 'my soul loves' in Song of Solomon 3:1?

'My soul loves' indicates a profound emotional and spiritual bond between the speaker and their beloved. It emphasizes that the search for this person is not just physical but deeply rooted in love.

Why does the speaker search for their beloved at night in Song of Solomon 3:1?

The night setting symbolizes a time of reflection and vulnerability, making the search feel more intense. It represents a moment when the speaker's feelings of loneliness and desire are heightened.

How can I apply the message of Song of Solomon 3:1 to my life?

This verse encourages us to actively seek connection with those we love. It reminds us that love often involves longing and pursuit, and expressing our feelings can strengthen our relationships.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.