Was Solomon's wife his sister too? 1. Introduction to the Question The query arises from certain poetic expressions in the Song of Solomon (also referred to as the Song of Songs). In passages of this biblical book, the bridegroom addresses the bride as “my sister, my bride.” Some have wondered if this indicates a literal siblingship, raising the question: “Was Solomon’s wife his sister, too?” When examining this matter, it is helpful to note that the Song of Solomon employs vivid, highly figurative language common to Hebrew love poetry. Further, the historical context and other scriptural passages reveal no evidence whatsoever of an incestuous relationship. 2. Relevant Biblical Passages • Song of Solomon 4:9: “You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captured my heart with one glance of your eyes…” • Leviticus 18:9: “You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter…” These verses provide two key points of reference: 1) The bride is referenced poetically as “sister,” and 2) The Law strictly forbids incest within the family. 3. Poetic Language in the Song of Solomon The Song of Solomon is replete with metaphors, similes, and rich Hebrew idioms. The term “sister” in Song of Solomon 4:9 is best understood as a cherished term of endearment. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, referring to a beloved as a “sister” could convey loyalty, closeness, mutual affection, and purity of devotion. This figurative usage was not intended to denote an actual blood relationship. Instead, it emphasized a bond that was not just physical attraction but also a friendship and commitment akin to close siblings. 4. Historical and Cultural Context Archaeological excavations related to the Davidic and Solomonic periods, such as those at the City of David in Jerusalem, have uncovered artifacts verifying the existence of a centralized monarchy and sophisticated administration during Solomon’s era. These finds lend historical credibility to the narrative that the Bible describes a well-established royal culture. None of these archaeological records suggest an instance of marriage between a brother and sister in the Israelite royal family. Moreover, Israel’s neighbor cultures—though sometimes engaging in certain practices Israel deemed illicit—did not commonly validate incestuous unions for their rulers in the manner some might assume. Israel’s law was particularly strict regarding incestuous relationships, and Solomon’s story does not deviate from that law. 5. The Prohibition Against Incest in the Law of Moses Leviticus 18:6–18 lays out clear prohibitions against various forms of incest. Verse 9 explicitly rules out marrying or having sexual relations with one’s sister. Since Scripture elsewhere commends Solomon for initially following the statutes of his father David (see 1 Kings 3:3), it would be contradictory for him to violate such a direct command in an area as significant as marriage. 6. The Scriptural and Genealogical Record Accounts in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles detail Solomon’s marriages without any statement that one of his spouses was also a sibling. First Kings 3:1 cites Pharaoh’s daughter specifically. Later, 1 Kings 11:3 notes a total of 700 wives and 300 concubines, mostly from foreign lineages. While Solomon’s numerous marriages do raise other moral and theological concerns, none of those concerns involve incest. The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 3:1–24 provide major family lines of David’s descendants, again with no suggestion that Solomon took any of his half-sisters or other close relatives as his wife. 7. Interpretation of “My Sister” in Ancient Literature Contemporary parallels abound in Egyptian love poetry where a lover might call his beloved “sister,” signifying intimate companionship rather than kinship. In the Hebrew Bible and other Ancient Near Eastern writings, this usage is frequently metaphorical. When compared with similar language from the time period, it becomes clear that the phrase “my sister, my bride” is a traditional romantic expression. It conveys tenderness, devotion, and a strong emotional bond rather than a literal genealogical relationship. 8. The Importance of Figurative Language Figures of speech in the Bible often bolster theological and relational truths with vibrant imagery, as can be seen in the Psalms, the Prophets, and the Wisdom Literature. Interpreting these texts literally in every sense—even when the context strongly suggests metaphor—can lead to confusion. In Song of Solomon, the phrase “my sister, my bride” underscores the purity and depth of love, rather than indicating any incestuous reality. Such poetic praises heighten the intimate connection envisioned between husband and wife. 9. Affirmation of Scriptural Consistency All Scripture, taken as a consistent whole, portrays Solomon’s relationships with large numbers of wives (and concubines) but never includes marrying a sister. Scripture remains unanimous in its prohibition of incest and never presents Solomon, even with his moral failings, as violating this clear divine command. 10. Conclusion No evidence—biblical, historical, or archaeological—supports the idea that Solomon’s wife was literally also his sister. The references in the Song of Solomon to “my sister, my bride” employ standard poetic language of the era to express profound closeness and affection. Examining both the broader historical context and the weight of Scripture clarifies that the phrase does not signify a biological bond. Thus, based on these passages and the consistent teaching found throughout the biblical text, there is no basis to conclude that Solomon married his sister. |
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