I. Terms of Affection and Characters:;xNLx;;xNLx;Beloved (e.g., Song 1:13-14, 16; 2:3, 8-10, 16-17; 4:16; 5:2, 4-6, 8-10, 16; 6:1-3; 7:9-11, 13; 8:5, 14): A term of endearment used by the woman (Shulamite) for her male lover, and sometimes by the man for her. It signifies deep affection, love, and cherished status.;xNLx;Shulamite (Song 6:13): The name or designation given to the woman, the main female speaker in the song. Its exact meaning is uncertain, possibly:;xNLx;Derived from "Shunem," a town in Israel, suggesting she is the "Shunammite woman.";xNLx;Related to "shalom" (peace), perhaps meaning "the peaceful one" or "the perfected one.";xNLx;A feminine form of Solomon, meaning "Solomon's maiden.";xNLx;Daughters of Jerusalem (e.g., Song 1:5; 2:7; 3:5, 10-11; 5:8, 16; 8:4): A group of women addressed by the Shulamite, possibly representing the young women of Jerusalem, ladies of the court, or simply serving as a chorus in the poetic dialogue. She often adjures them not to awaken love prematurely.;xNLx;King (Often referring to Solomon) (e.g., Song 1:4, 12; 3:7, 9, 11; 7:5; 8:11-12 [Solomon named]): While Solomon is traditionally associated with the Song (1:1), the "king" within the poems can refer to him, or more generally to the male beloved in his royal or noble stature as perceived by the lover.;xNLx;Friends / Companions (e.g., Song 1:7; 5:1; 8:13): Associates of the beloved (male lover) or sometimes referring to the couple's mutual friends.;xNLx;II. Nature Imagery and Agricultural Terms (Often Used Metaphorically for Love and Beauty):;xNLx;;xNLx;Vineyard (e.g., Song 1:6, 14; 2:15; 7:12; 8:11-12): A common agricultural feature, often used metaphorically in the Song. It can represent:;xNLx;The woman herself, her beauty, or her love, which needs to be tended and guarded (Song 1:6; 8:12).;xNLx;A place of romantic meeting and fruitfulness.;xNLx;Lover's / Beloved's garden (e.g., Song 4:12-16; 5:1; 6:2, 11; 8:13): A private, enclosed, and delightful space, rich with fruits, flowers, and spices, used as a powerful metaphor for the woman's beauty, sexuality, and the intimate experience of love.;xNLx;Lily / Lilies (e.g., Song 2:1-2, 16; 4:5; 5:13; 6:2-3; 7:2): A beautiful and fragrant flower, used as a term of endearment and a symbol of beauty, purity, and love. The beloveds are often described as being among lilies.;xNLx;Rose of Sharon (Song 2:1): A flowering plant, possibly a crocus, tulip, narcissus, or a type of rock rose, known for its beauty. The Shulamite uses this to describe herself, perhaps with humility or in acknowledgment of her loveliness.;xNLx;Apple tree (Song 2:3; 8:5): A fruit tree, under which the lovers meet and find delight. The male beloved is compared to an apple tree for his exceptional and satisfying qualities.;xNLx;Fig tree (Song 2:13): Its ripening fruit signals the arrival of spring and the season of love.;xNLx;Pomegranate (e.g., Song 4:3, 13; 6:7, 11; 7:12; 8:2): A fruit with many seeds and vibrant red color, used in imagery to describe the beloved's beauty (e.g., her cheeks/temples) and as a symbol of love, fertility, and abundance.;xNLx;Spices / Perfumes (Myrrh, frankincense, spikenard, calamus, cinnamon, aloes, henna, saffron) (e.g., Song 1:3, 12-13; 3:6; 4:6, 10-11, 13-14, 16; 5:1, 5, 13; 7:8 [fragrance of breath like apples]; 8:14): Aromatic substances highly valued in the ancient Near East for their fragrance, used in anointing, incense, and as symbols of the allure, preciousness, and delight of love. They contribute to the rich sensory atmosphere of the poems.;xNLx;Myrrh: A fragrant gum resin, used in perfume and incense, often associated with love and beauty.;xNLx;Frankincense: An aromatic resin used in incense, signifying preciousness.;xNLx;Spikenard / Nard: A costly aromatic ointment derived from a plant.;xNLx;Henna blossoms: Fragrant flowers used for perfume and dye.;xNLx;Cedar / Cypress / Fir (e.g., Song 1:17; 3:9 [cedar of Lebanon]; 4:8 [Lebanon]; 5:15; 8:9): Majestic and aromatic trees, often from Lebanon, used in imagery to describe the strength, beauty, and stateliness of the beloved (especially the man) or in the construction of beautiful structures (like a palanquin).;xNLx;Flock / Herd (e.g., Song 1:7-8; 2:16; 4:1-2; 6:2-3, 5-6): Sheep or goats, common in the pastoral imagery of the Song, sometimes used in similes to describe the beloved's features (e.g., hair like a flock of goats).;xNLx;Gazelle / Young stag / Hart (e.g., Song 2:7, 9, 17; 3:5; 4:5; 7:3; 8:14): Animals known for their speed, grace, and beauty, used as terms of endearment or in similes to describe the lover's agility and attractiveness, or to adjure others not to disturb love.;xNLx;Dove (e.g., Song 1:15; 2:12, 14; 4:1; 5:2, 12; 6:9): A bird often associated with love, gentleness, beauty, and faithfulness. The beloveds call each other "my dove.";xNLx;Foxes (little foxes) (Song 2:15): Animals that could damage vineyards, used metaphorically to represent small problems or hindrances that could spoil or harm a blossoming love relationship.;xNLx;Lebanon (e.g., Song 3:9; 4:8, 11, 15; 5:15; 7:4): A mountainous region north of Israel, famous for its majestic cedar trees, snow-capped peaks, and fragrant forests. It is used as a symbol of beauty, strength, and exotic allure.;xNLx;Sharon (Song 2:1): A fertile coastal plain in Israel, known for its flowers.;xNLx;En-gedi (Song 1:14): An oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, known for its vineyards and aromatic plants.;xNLx;Tirzah (Song 6:4): An ancient Canaanite and Israelite city, known for its beauty, which later became an early capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. The woman's beauty is compared to Tirzah.;xNLx;Kedar (Song 1:5): A nomadic Arab tribe, known for their black tents. The Shulamite compares her dark beauty to the tents of Kedar.;xNLx;III. Terms of Setting and Custom:;xNLx;;xNLx;King's chambers / Banqueting house / House of wine (Song 1:4; 2:4): Places of intimacy, celebration, and royal fellowship where the lovers experience their love.;xNLx;Palanquin / Carriage / Litter (Song 3:7, 9-10): A covered couch or seat, often ornate, carried on poles by men, used for transporting royalty or important people. Solomon is described as having a magnificent palanquin.;xNLx;Watchmen / Guards (Song 3:3; 5:7): Those who patrolled and guarded the city walls at night. The Shulamite encounters them during her searches for her beloved.;xNLx;Standard / Banner (Song 2:4; 6:4, 10): A flag or ensign. "His banner over me is love" (Song 2:4) is a famous expression of being enveloped and identified by love. The woman is also described as "awesome as an army with banners.";xNLx;Adjure / Charge (e.g., Song 2:7; 3:5; 5:8-9; 8:4): To make someone swear a solemn oath or to earnestly entreat or command them. The Shulamite repeatedly adjures the "daughters of Jerusalem" not to stir up or awaken love until it pleases.;xNLx;Seal (Song 8:6): An engraved object (like a cylinder or signet ring) used to make an impression on clay or wax, signifying ownership, authority, or a binding agreement. The Shulamite desires her beloved to set her as a seal upon his heart and arm, symbolizing a permanent, precious, and unbreakable bond.;xNLx;Jealousy / Passion (Hebrew: qin'ah) (Song 8:6): In this context, it refers to the fierce, consuming, and exclusive nature of deep love, as strong and unyielding as death or Sheol. It's not necessarily negative envy but the ardor of protective love.;xNLx;Sheol (Song 8:6): The realm of the dead (see definition in Job/Psalms lists). The passion of love is described as being as unyielding or relentless as Sheol.;xNLx;IV. Descriptive and Poetic Language:;xNLx;;xNLx;His fruit was sweet to my taste (Song 2:3): A metaphor for the delight and satisfaction found in the beloved and his love.;xNLx;Sick with love / Faint with love (Song 2:5; 5:8): Overcome with longing and intense emotion for the beloved.;xNLx;A garden locked, a spring locked, a fountain sealed (Song 4:12): Metaphors for the Shulamite's virginity, purity, and exclusivity in her love, reserved for her beloved.;xNLx;Fairest among women (e.g., Song 1:8; 5:9; 6:1): A recurring address to the Shulamite, highlighting her exceptional beauty.;xNLx;His mouth is most sweet (Song 5:16): Refers to the delight of his kisses or his words.;xNLx;Altogether desirable / lovely (Song 5:16): A summary of the beloved's attractiveness.;xNLx;This list aims to illuminate some of the distinctive vocabulary and rich imagery within the Song of Solomon (ESV). Given its highly poetic and metaphorical nature, many phrases derive their specific meaning from the immediate context and the interplay of images throughout the song.