Song of Solomon 1:3

Because of the sauour of thy good ointments, thy name is as ointment powred forth, therefore doe the virgins loue thee. Song of Solomon 1:3 (KJV)

is as

ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. Song of Solomon 1:3 (KJV)

The Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs, is a poetic book of the Old Testament that presents a series of love poems between a bride and her bridegroom. The opening verses set the tone for the intimate dialogue that follows, celebrating the beauty, desire, and mutual admiration of the lovers.

In Song of Solomon 1:3 the bride declares, “Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.” The phrase “savour of thy good ointments” evokes a pleasing fragrance; in the ancient world ointments were symbols of luxury, beauty, and pleasure, suggesting the bridegroom’s excellence and desirability. The comparison of his name to “ointment poured forth” indicates that his reputation and character are as delightful and pervasive as a fragrant perfume that fills the air. The concluding clause, “therefore do the virgins love thee,” portrays other young women who are drawn to him because of the attractive reputation that precedes him. Thus the verse highlights how the beloved’s excellence inspires admiration not only in the bride but also among her peers.

Many readers also understand this passage allegorically, seeing the bride as the Church and the bridegroom as Christ. In that view the “savour” and “ointment” symbolize the grace and righteousness of Christ that permeate the believer’s life, while the love of the “virgins” reflects the attraction of the world to the beauty of the Gospel. The Song of Solomon, therefore, can be read both as a celebration of human love and as a picture of the deep, passionate relationship between Christ and His people.

Interpretations of this poetic book vary, and scholars continue to debate its primary meaning and application. Readers are encouraged to consult a range of commentaries and biblical studies to gain a fuller appreciation of the text’s literary beauty, theological depth, and devotional significance.