Old Testament
Song of Solomon 5:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the speaker expresses deep longing and disappointment.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 960 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and love song
- Original Audience
- Lovers and the community of Israel
I opened to my beloved, but he had withdrawn himself and was gone. My soul failed when he spoke. I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker expresses deep longing and disappointment. She had prepared to meet her beloved, but when she opened the door, he was no longer there. This absence causes her emotional distress, as she feels a sense of failure and loss. She actively seeks him out, calling for him, but receives no response. This reflects the pain of separation and the yearning for connection in relationships. The imagery suggests a deeper spiritual longing as well, where the beloved can symbolize God or a significant other. The speaker's experience resonates with anyone who has felt abandoned or unfulfilled in their search for love or companionship, highlighting the emotional turmoil that can accompany such situations. Explore related desire.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Song of Solomon 5:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own relationships and the times we may feel distant from loved ones or even from God. It reminds us to actively seek connection and communicate our feelings, even when it feels challenging or when we face silence in return.
Curated for this public verse page. Song of Solomon Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Song of Solomon 5:6 mean?
Song of Solomon 5:6 expresses the speaker's feelings of longing and disappointment after her beloved is absent. She feels emotional pain and failure as she searches for him but cannot find him, symbolizing the distress of separation in relationships.
What is the meaning of 'my soul failed' in Song of Solomon 5:6?
The phrase 'my soul failed' indicates a deep emotional distress and sense of loss experienced by the speaker. It reflects her intense longing and the impact of her beloved's absence on her emotional state.
How does Song of Solomon 5:6 relate to feelings of abandonment?
Song of Solomon 5:6 captures the feelings of abandonment through the speaker's experience of seeking her beloved and receiving no response. This resonates with anyone who has felt alone or unfulfilled in their relationships.
What themes are present in Song of Solomon 5:6?
The themes in Song of Solomon 5:6 include longing, separation, emotional pain, and the search for connection. These themes highlight the struggles of love and the desire for closeness in relationships.

The Book of Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon 1: Longing for the Beloved
The woman speaks first. She longs for the kisses of the man she loves and says his love is better than wine. She speaks of his name as fragrant perfume and says the virgins love him. She asks him to draw her away so they may run together. She says the king brings her into his chambers, and the daughters of Jerusalem speak of rejoicing and remembering his love more than wine. The woman says she is dark but beautiful, like the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon. She asks the daughters of Jerusalem not to stare at her because the sun has darkened her. She explains that her brothers were angry with her and made her keep the vineyards, but she has not kept her own vineyard.
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