Song of Songs 2 Chapter Introduction

Translation Issues in This Chapter

The woman and man compliment each other by using metaphors and similes

In [2:1](../02/01.md) the woman uses a metaphor to tell the man she loves that she thinks she is common, like a flower that grows on the plains or a lily that grows in the valleys. The man responds in [2:2](../02/02.md) by using a simile to tell her how special she is when compared to other women. She then uses a simile in [2:3](../02/03.md) to tell him how special he is compared to other men. When translating these verses, pay close attention to the translation notes and the UST in order to understand the meaning.

Chiasm

Hebrew poetry sometimes uses a literary device called a “chiasm” (sometimes called “chiasmus”). A chiasm is when words or phrases are ordered in an AB-BA sequence. In [Song of Songs 2:14](../02/14.md) the author uses a chiasm. The ULT follows the Hebrew order and translates this verse as “show me your appearance, make me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your appearance is lovely.” Notice that the phrases “your appearance” and “your voice” are repeated in an AB-BA sequence: “your appearance … your voice … your voice … your appearance.”