Shulammites שׁוּלַמִּית
A group or place mentioned in Song of Solomon.
Who is Shulammites in the Bible?
The Shulammites are mentioned in Song of Solomon 6:13, where the term appears twice in a poetic dialogue between lovers. The exact identity of the Shulammites remains uncertain, but scholars have proposed several interpretations. Some believe "Shulammite" refers to a woman from Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar, while others suggest it may be a feminine form of "Solomon," symbolically connecting the beloved woman to King Solomon. In the context of the song, the Shulammites likely represent either a group of observers, such as the daughters of Jerusalem or companions of the lovers, who are invited to witness and admire the beauty of the beloved woman. This poetic reference underscores the theme of desire and admiration that runs throughout the Song of Solomon.
Biography
The Shulammites are mentioned in Sng.6.13 (twice) in the context of a dialogue between the lovers in the song. The exact meaning and identity of the Shulammites are uncertain, and various interpretations have been proposed. Some scholars suggest that "Shulammite" may refer to a woman from Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar (see 1Ki.1.3,15). Others propose that it could be a feminine form of "Solomon," indicating a connection to King Solomon or a symbolic name for the beloved woman in the song. The verse depicts the lover asking his beloved to return, so that "we" (possibly the Shulammites) may gaze upon her. The Shulammites could represent a group of people, perhaps the daughters of Jerusalem or the friends of the lovers, who are invited to admire the beauty of the beloved woman.
In Scripture
1 biblical bookSong of Solomon 1 verse
- Song of Solomon 6:13
"Come back, come back, O Shulammite! Come back, come back, that we may gaze upon you. Why do you look at the Shulammite, as on the dance of Mahanaim?"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | שׁוּלַמִּית |