Introduction to Song of Songs 6:9: Syntax of Uniqueness and Elevated Praise
This poetic verse from Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) is a masterpiece of affectionate exaltation, describing the beloved with supreme uniqueness and praise. The Hebrew grammar uses tools such as emphatic repetition, construct chains, possessive suffixes, and parallel noun clauses to convey exclusivity, beauty, and admiration. This analysis focuses on how the language elevates the status of the subject in both structure and sound.
אַחַ֥ת הִיא֙ יֹונָתִ֣י תַמָּתִ֔י אַחַ֥ת הִיא֙ לְאִמָּ֔הּ בָּרָ֥ה הִ֖יא לְיֹֽולַדְתָּ֑הּ רָא֤וּהָ בָנֹות֙ וַֽיְאַשְּׁר֔וּהָ מְלָכֹ֥ות וּפִֽילַגְשִׁ֖ים וַֽיְהַלְלֽוּהָ׃
This lesson is based on Song of Songs 6:9, focusing on the topic: ‘Emphatic Repetition and Construct Chains: Syntax of Praise and Uniqueness in Song of Songs 6:9.’ This verse uses emphatic repetition, construct phrases, and poetic parallelism to elevate the beloved’s status. The grammar in this passage is rich with stylistic and structural devices.
Analysis of Key Grammatical Features
1. אַחַ֥ת הִיא֙ – “She is one”
- אַחַת – feminine singular numeral: “one”
- הִיא – third feminine singular pronoun: “she”
This is a verbless clause (nominal clause), typical in Biblical Hebrew poetry, where the subject and predicate are juxtaposed. The repetition of אַחַת (“one”) reinforces her exclusive status. The pronoun הִיא confirms identity: she is the one and only.
2. יֹונָתִי תַמָּתִ֔י – “My dove, my perfect one”
- יֹונָתִי – construct of יוֹנָה (“dove”) + 1cs suffix: “my dove”
- תַמָּתִי – from תָּמִים (“complete, perfect”) + 1cs suffix: “my perfect one”
These two epithets are classic poetic metaphors in the Song. Both are in construct with first-person singular possessive suffixes, creating intimacy. The dove represents purity and gentleness, while תַמָּה implies moral or physical perfection. The use of two titles together forms a parallel pair of endearment.
3. אַחַת הִיא לְאִמָּ֔הּ / בָּרָ֥ה הִ֖יא לְיֹֽולַדְתָּ֑הּ – “One she is to her mother, pure she is to the one who bore her”
- לְאִמָּהּ – preposition לְ (“to, for”) + אֵם (“mother”) + 3fs suffix: “to her mother”
- בָּרָה – adjective from בָּר (“pure, clean”), feminine singular: “pure”
- לְיֹולַדְתָּהּ – preposition לְ + Qal participle יֹולֶדֶת (“one giving birth”) + 3fs suffix: “to the one who bore her”
The repetition of this structure emphasizes not only her uniqueness but also her honor within her family. The construct לְאִמָּהּ and לְיֹולַדְתָּהּ personalize her status. The poetic parallelism between these two lines is both syntactic and thematic, highlighting exclusivity and value.
4. רָא֤וּהָ בָנֹות֙ וַֽיְאַשְּׁר֔וּהָ – “The daughters saw her and called her blessed”
- רָאוּהָ – Qal perfect 3cp of ר־א־ה + 3fs suffix: “they saw her”
- בָנוֹת – plural: “daughters” (subject)
- וַיְאַשְּׁרוּהָ – Piel imperfect with waw-consecutive of א־שׁ־ר: “they called her blessed”
The verb אִשֵּׁר in Piel denotes declaring blessedness, often used in poetic contexts to praise or affirm someone’s honor. The waw-consecutive sequence denotes past narrative, typical of prophetic or poetic literature. The plural subjects reinforce that her praise is public and communal.
5. מְלָכֹ֥ות וּפִֽילַגְשִׁ֖ים וַֽיְהַלְלֽוּהָ – “Queens and concubines praised her”
- מְלָכוֹת – “queens” (feminine plural)
- וּפִילַגְשִׁים – “and concubines” (feminine plural)
- וַיְהַלְלֻהָ – Piel imperfect with waw-consecutive of ה־ל־ל + 3fs suffix: “they praised her”
The repetition of female figures in high status (queens, concubines) emphasizes that even royal women admire her. The verb וַיְהַלְלֻהָ adds to the crescendo of public admiration. The use of the Piel stem again intensifies the action: this is not casual praise—it is celebratory and full.
Syntax of Exclusivity and Communal Honor in Song of Songs 6:9
This verse masterfully uses Hebrew grammatical features to convey a message of unique belovedness and universal admiration:
- Repetition of אַחַת הִיא – reinforces exclusivity and identity
- Construct chains and possessive suffixes – intimate personalization (“my dove,” “her mother”)
- Parallel clauses – poetic structure reinforces the message with balance
- Piel verbs in past narrative – intense public reaction to her beauty and worth
The Grammar of Admiration and Uniqueness in Song of Songs
In Song of Songs 6:9, Hebrew grammar beautifully constructs a portrait of a woman who is both utterly unique and universally admired. The repeated emphatic structure (אַחַת הִיא), combined with relational phrases (יֹונָתִי תַמָּתִי) and the use of collective subjects (בָנוֹת, מְלָכוֹת, פִילַגְשִׁים), builds a crescendo of praise. The verse not only elevates the beloved but also showcases the power of poetic Hebrew syntax in expressing deep affection, exclusivity, and honor.
