Song of Solomon 6:8

There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

Song of Solomon 6:8 (KJV)

Context

The Song of Solomon is a poetic book in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It contains love poems between a bride, the Shulammite woman, and her bridegroom. In Christian interpretation, the bridegroom may symbolize Christ and the bride may symbolize the Church. This verse belongs to a passage where the bridegroom praises the bride’s beauty and uniqueness.

Meaning

The verse lists three groups of women: “threescore queens” (sixty queens), “fourscore concubines” (eighty concubines), and “virgins without number” (countless young women). In ancient royal courts, queens were principal wives of the king, concubines were secondary wives whose children did not inherit the throne, and virgins were unmarried attendants or maids of honor. These numbers are not meant to be counted literally. They use the custom of kings who had many wives to express abundance and greatness.

The point of the verse is not to describe Solomon’s household but to set the stage for the next verse, Song of Solomon 6:9, which declares that the beloved is unique and excels them all. The many women represent the whole world of possible rivals, yet none can compare to the bride. The numbers emphasize that even a great multitude cannot match her worth.

Biblical connections

This verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of kings having many wives and concubines, as seen in 1 Kings 11:3, which records that Solomon had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. The verse may have been written before Solomon’s later excesses, but its purpose is not historical reporting. It uses that cultural background to highlight the bride’s superiority. In Christian theology, the bride can represent the Church, and the verse points to the Church’s special place in Christ’s affection. Just as the bride is preferred above all others, so the Church is chosen and cherished by Christ.

Application

This verse teaches us to see the uniqueness of Christ’s love for His people. The abundance of queens, concubines, and virgins shows that no number of rivals or alternatives can equal the one true beloved. In our lives, we may face many distractions, attractions, or competing loyalties. The verse reminds us that Christ alone deserves our highest devotion, and His love for us is not one among many but singular and unmatched.

It also encourages unity and diversity within the body of believers. Believers come from many backgrounds and cultures, yet all are united in Christ. The verse’s imagery of many women does not promote polygamy but uses a familiar custom to teach a spiritual truth: the Church is made up of many individuals, yet together they form one bride. We can respond to Christ’s love with adoration and trust, knowing that in Him we find an abundance of grace and blessing that no earthly relationship can provide.

Reflection

Consider what competes for your heart’s affection. The verse calls us to recognize that nothing in this world can compare to the love of Christ. His love is not divided or diluted by the multitude of His people; rather, each believer is precious to Him. Let this truth lead you to deeper gratitude and wholehearted devotion to the One who loves you without measure.