Pleasure In The Bible

By Eric Vinuesa Rodríguez

Pleasure is an old and universal topic, we have talked and written about it since the beginning of humanity. Of course, there is no surprise in seeing pleasure depicted in The Bible. It was written by humans for humans. I know this might sound shocking because of some perceptions of this book, but it is true, and these writings are shared between Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths, specifically the Old Testament. I’m going to discuss the Song of Songs, also known as the Canticle of Canticles or the Song of Solomon (1:1-17), which belongs to the Old Testament. It is a biblical short poem about love with some erotic undertones.

There are three people speaking: Solomon’s bride, Solomon, and what they refer to as “others”. The “others” act like the chorus that would be seen in classical Greek plays, their job is to provide information. In this case, they represent women from Jerusalem.

It is divided in two parts: “The Bride Confesses Her Love’, and “Solomon and His Bride Delight in Each Other”. There is vivid imagery within the poem, and also various metaphors. The Old Testament being a very metaphorical book as a whole, so it is no surprise this poem has double meanings. Translation has changed the melody, the harmony, and the lyrics, but it is equally full of an almost sensual rhythm. 

This poem is about the celebration and power of passion, yearning and beauty, in a unique way stemming from its religious background. One can read the sexual desire between the lines as there is both physical and spiritual intimacy present.The poem details the sexual liberation that marriage provided to the lovers. There is a special and deep connection between the lovers embedded within the poem.

The writing style is full of a sweetness, making you notice how in love and excited the couple are, it can be perceived as endearing. He thinks she is beautiful as someone can be, he exclaims: “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves”. She does not think less of him, she answers: “How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant”. Marriage is pending, and they cannot wait to feel each other, to love each other. They are about to experience love in a more physical procedure, something they have never experienced prior. They are going to show their love in a different form altogether, it is not going to be only words and gifts anymore. Their love is going to get to a new level, perhaps a more pleasurable one. The Lovers themselves certainly believe it will be pleasurable,more than wine or anything else they can think of.

It is truly a very beautiful love poem that I do not think you have to be a part of the faith to enjoy. Everybody can find themselves relating to it. It is a poem about humans being in love and taking pleasure in each other, but of course the interpretation, as with anything, is completely up to you.