Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

On August 23, 2024, a question was posed regarding how Catholics should read the Song of Songs. The inquiry sought to understand whether the text is merely a poetic commentary on marriage or if it holds deeper meanings.

The Song of Songs is recognized for its marital imagery and overt romance, which should not deter Catholic readers. It celebrates human sexuality and marriage as significant aspects of love between man and woman. However, traditional interpretations within the Church suggest more profound readings. The main characters, the Lover and the Beloved, have often been seen as representations of Christ and the human soul or Christ and the Church. Additionally, they may symbolize the Holy Spirit and His spouse, the Blessed Virgin.

Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335-394) supports this interpretation in his Commentary on the Song of Songs: “The text says that the bride is the soul; God is called a bridegroom whom the soul loves with her whole heart, soul and strength.” This metaphor becomes evident in chapter 5's "lament beside a door," portraying an image of the soul yearning for God's presence.

The Beloved’s description of her Lover in chapter 5:16—“[My Lover’s] speech is most sweet, // and he is altogether desirable”—reflects divine beauty. Nearly every verse can be interpreted as a dialogue between recognizing God's worth and His pursuit of the soul.

Furthermore, Origen (c. 186-253) states: “The appellations of Bride and Bridegroom denote either the Church in her relation to Christ or the soul in her union with the Word of God.” The Lover’s reference to his Beloved as “Jerusalem” (6:4) hints at Christ speaking about His Church.

Another mystical interpretation sees the Lover as the Holy Spirit and Mary as His Beloved. Although less apparent in text, phrases like “You are all fair, my love; // there is no flaw in you” (4:7) suggest Immaculate Conception imagery. Chapter 4 further implies Marian purity with descriptions such as “A garden locked...a fountain sealed” (4:12).

Mary's virginal purity is symbolized by white lilies mentioned eight times throughout Song of Songs. For instance: “As a lily among brambles,// so is my love among maidens” (2:2), highlighting her immaculate nature compared to other women.

These interpretations illustrate various dimensions—Christ with individual souls or His Church, and Marian symbolism—all enriching readings of this biblical book. Ultimately, Catholic readers should view Song of Songs as God's ultimate love letter to humanity encapsulated by: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (6:3).