Introduction to Song of Songs 6:1
Song of Songs 6:1 presents a dialogue of inquiry, where the “daughters of Jerusalem” address the Shulamite, asking where her beloved has gone so they may help her seek him. The verse employs rhetorical questions as a poetic device to express concern, admiration, and solidarity.
This passage consists of two parallel questions, each introduced by אָ֚נָה (“where?”), emphasizing:
- The physical departure of the beloved (אָ֚נָה הָלַ֣ךְ דֹּודֵ֔ךְ, “Where has your beloved gone?”).
- The direction in which he turned (אָ֚נָה פָּנָ֣ה דֹודֵ֔ךְ, “Where has your beloved turned?”).
- The communal intention to seek him (וּנְבַקְשֶׁ֖נּוּ עִמָּֽךְ, “And we will seek him with you”).
This study will analyze the function of rhetorical questions, the significance of seeking verbs in biblical poetry, and the theological implications of longing for the beloved.
אָ֚נָה הָלַ֣ךְ דֹּודֵ֔ךְ הַיָּפָ֖ה בַּנָּשִׁ֑ים אָ֚נָה פָּנָ֣ה דֹודֵ֔ךְ וּנְבַקְשֶׁ֖נּוּ עִמָּֽךְ׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
- אָ֚נָה הָלַ֣ךְ דֹּודֵ֔ךְ (anah halakh dodekh)
- Root: הָלַךְ (“to go, walk”)
- Form: Qal perfect 3rd masculine singular
- Translation: “Where has your beloved gone?”
- Function: Expresses a rhetorical question, showing concern and desire to find him.
- הַיָּפָ֖ה בַּנָּשִׁ֑ים (hayyafah bannashim)
- Root: יָפֶה (“beautiful”)
- Form: Adjective in the construct form
- Translation: “O most beautiful among women”
- Function: Vocative phrase addressing the Shulamite, affirming her beauty and status.
- אָ֚נָה פָּנָ֣ה דֹודֵ֔ךְ (anah panah dodekh)
- Root: פָּנָה (“to turn”)
- Form: Qal perfect 3rd masculine singular
- Translation: “Where has your beloved turned?”
- Function: Parallel rhetorical question reinforcing the search for the beloved.
- וּנְבַקְשֶׁ֖נּוּ עִמָּֽךְ (unebaqshenu immakh)
- Root: בָּקַשׁ (“to seek”)
- Form: Piel imperfect 1st person plural + object suffix
- Translation: “And we will seek him with you”
- Function: Expresses collective determination to find the beloved.
Explanation of Grammatical Function
The Use of Rhetorical Questions in Biblical Poetry
Repeated use of אָ֚נָה (“where?”) → Expresses urgency and desire.
Common in lament and love poetry (cf. Psalms 42:3, “Where is your God?”).
The Qal Perfect Verbs הָלַ֣ךְ (“Has Gone”) and פָּנָ֣ה (“Has Turned”)
Perfect aspect → Indicates a completed action, reinforcing his absence.
The verb פָּנָה (“to turn”) suggests intentional movement, possibly indicating a change in relationship.
The Piel Verb נְבַקְשֶׁ֖נּוּ (“We Will Seek Him”)
Piel stem intensifies the action → Seeking with diligence and determination.
First-person plural (“we”) → Expresses collective effort in searching for the beloved.
Theological Implications of Seeking the Beloved
- The Soul’s Longing for the DivineThe search for the beloved symbolizes longing for YHWH, reflecting spiritual pursuit.
- Communal Seeking in FaithThe phrase “we will seek him with you” highlights corporate faith and mutual encouragement.
- Love and Separation in the Divine-Human RelationshipThe absence of the beloved parallels moments of spiritual distance in biblical themes.
The Role of Rhetorical Questions in Expressing Desire
Song of Songs 6:1 demonstrates the poetic use of rhetorical questions to emphasize longing and urgency. The parallelism of seeking and the collective nature of the search reflect both romantic and spiritual dimensions of desire.
Thus, this verse serves as both an intimate love poem and an allegory for divine longing, reinforcing the theological theme of seeking and finding God’s presence.
