1 The Song of Songs {shir: superlative poem}, which is Solomon’s {li-Shlomoh: authorial attribution}.
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love {dodekha: affectionate caresses} is better than wine {yayin: festive drink}.
3 For the fragrance {rei’ach: aroma as sensory appeal} of your good oils, your name is oil poured out; therefore maidens love {ahevukha: profound devotion} you.
4 Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. Let us rejoice and be glad in you; let us remember your love {dodekha: devoted affection} more than wine. The upright {meysharim: morally upright ones} love you.
5 I am black, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar {kedar: nomadic tribe}, like the curtains of Solomon {shelomoh: peaceful ruler}.
6 Do not look at me because I am dark {šeḥarkhôret: intensely dark} for the sun has gazed on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they appointed me keeper {nōṭērāh: watchful protector} of the vineyards, but I have not kept my own vineyard.
7 Tell me, you whom my soul {nafshi: seat of inner life} loves, where you feed and where you cause to lie down at noon; why should I be like one who veils herself among the flocks of your companions {chavereikha: close associates}?
8 If you do not know for yourself, O beautiful {yafa: aesthetic radiance} among women, go out by the tracks of the flock and shepherd your young goats beside the dwellings {mishkenot: temporary shelters} of the shepherds.
9 To my mare {susati: prized filly} among Pharaoh’s chariots I have likened you, my companion {ra‘yati: beloved partner}.
10 Your cheeks are beautiful with rows {batorim: jewel clusters}; your neck with chains {bacharuzim: linked ornaments}.
11 We will make for you ornaments {torei: decorative necklaces} of gold with studs {nekudot: decorative spots} of silver.
12 While the king {melekh: royal bridegroom} was at his table, my nard {nard: fragrant perfume} sent forth its fragrance.
13 A bundle {tseror: small tied parcel} of myrrh is my beloved to me; between my breasts he lodges {yalin: dwells intimately}.
14 My beloved {dodi: intimate companion} is to me like a cluster of henna {eshkol: fragrant blossom} in the vineyards of En-gedi.
15 Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved {ra’yati: cherished companion}; behold, you are beautiful—your eyes {einayikh: symbols of purity} are doves.
16 Behold, you are fair, my beloved {dodi: affectionate partner}, indeed pleasant; also, our bed is green {raʽananah: fresh, flourishing}.
17 The beams of our houses {batteinu: dwellings we occupy} are cedars {arazim: durable wood}, and our rafters are cypresses.