The bride continues praising her beloved: 'Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.' The 'good ointments' (shemanim tovim, שְׁמָנִים טוֹבִים) refer to fragrant oils and perfumes highly valued in ancient Israel. Ointments represented luxury, celebration, and attractiveness. The beloved's 'name' (shem, שֵׁם) signifies his character, reputation, and essential identity. Saying his 'name is as ointment poured forth' (shemen turaq shemekha, שֶׁמֶן תּוּרַק שְׁמֶךָ) creates a wordplay: shemen (oil) sounds like shem (name). When ointment is poured out, its fragrance spreads widely—similarly, the beloved's reputation and character attract admiration. The result: 'the virgins love thee' (alamot ahevukha, עֲלָמוֹת אֲהֵבוּךָ)—young women universally admire him. This verse teaches that godly character creates attractive 'fragrance' drawing others. Christ's name is supremely fragrant (2 Corinthians 2:14-15), and believers are called to spread His aroma.
Historical Context
Perfumes and ointments were precious commodities in the ancient Near East—made from imported spices, they signified wealth and celebration. Anointing with oil marked special occasions: coronations (1 Samuel 16:13), festive meals (Psalm 23:5), and preparation for burial (Mark 14:3-9). The connection between fragrance and reputation resonates in Mary's anointing of Jesus: 'the house was filled with the odour of the ointment' (John 12:3)—her sacrificial love created fragrant memorial. Early church fathers saw Christ as the one whose 'name is as ointment poured forth'—His character and work attracting people from every nation. Paul wrote that believers are 'a sweet savour of Christ' (2 Corinthians 2:15), spreading His fragrance. The virgins loving the bridegroom prefigures the Church's collective love for Christ.
Questions for Reflection
What 'fragrance' does your character and reputation spread—does it attract others to Christ or repel them?
How is Christ's name like 'ointment poured forth' in your experience—spreading fragrance that draws you to love and follow Him?
Analysis & Commentary
The bride continues praising her beloved: 'Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.' The 'good ointments' (shemanim tovim, שְׁמָנִים טוֹבִים) refer to fragrant oils and perfumes highly valued in ancient Israel. Ointments represented luxury, celebration, and attractiveness. The beloved's 'name' (shem, שֵׁם) signifies his character, reputation, and essential identity. Saying his 'name is as ointment poured forth' (shemen turaq shemekha, שֶׁמֶן תּוּרַק שְׁמֶךָ) creates a wordplay: shemen (oil) sounds like shem (name). When ointment is poured out, its fragrance spreads widely—similarly, the beloved's reputation and character attract admiration. The result: 'the virgins love thee' (alamot ahevukha, עֲלָמוֹת אֲהֵבוּךָ)—young women universally admire him. This verse teaches that godly character creates attractive 'fragrance' drawing others. Christ's name is supremely fragrant (2 Corinthians 2:14-15), and believers are called to spread His aroma.