Song of Solomon 5:2
I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Palestinian homes had simple doors, often bolted from inside for security. Nighttime arrivals required awakening the household—a potential inconvenience. Night dew in Israel could be heavy, soaking exposed hair and clothing. The beloved's discomfort waiting outside highlights his determination and longing. The Song creates dramatic tension: will love overcome convenience? Will the bride promptly respond or delay? This scenario would resonate with original readers familiar with nighttime arrivals and the decision to open doors quickly or delay. Early church fathers saw this as Christ seeking entrance to the believer's heart. Augustine warned against spiritual complacency that delays responding to Christ's call. The Reformers emphasized promptly answering God's summons—not presuming upon grace by delaying obedience. The image of Christ knocking and waiting (Revelation 3:20) powerfully echoes this passage. Modern readers recognize both relational dynamics (how we respond to loved ones' needs) and spiritual applications (responding promptly to God's voice rather than delaying in comfortable complacency).
Questions for Reflection
- Are there areas where you 'sleep' (spiritual lethargy, comfortable complacency) despite your 'heart waketh' (underlying love and awareness of Christ's presence)?
- How do you respond when Christ 'knocks'—through His Word, circumstances, or conviction—seeking greater intimacy and obedience? Do you respond immediately or delay?
Analysis & Commentary
The bride recounts another experience of separation: 'I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.' The paradox 'I sleep, but my heart waketh' describes a state between sleeping and waking—perhaps literal light sleep with awareness, or metaphorically spiritual dullness despite underlying responsiveness. The beloved arrives at night, knocking and calling. His fourfold address—'my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled'—employs covenant terms expressing affection, commitment, and cherishing. The plea 'open to me' requests entrance and intimacy. His explanation 'my head is filled with dew' indicates he's been waiting outside in the night air, exposed to damp night conditions. This creates tension: will the bride respond immediately to her beloved's call, or will comfort and convenience delay her? The verse portrays the beloved's persistent pursuit despite discomfort and the bride's need to respond promptly to his invitation. Spiritually, this represents Christ's knock at the heart's door (Revelation 3:20) and the danger of spiritual lethargy delaying response.