This is the first time in the Song that the man refers to the young woman as his bride. This is not simply a term of affection. In every other instance in the Bible the Hebrew word kalla clearly means a bride or a daughter-in-law and indicates a new family that is brought into existence through marriage. Its repeated use (six times) in this part of the Song (Song of Solomon 4:8 – 5:1) marks this poem out as the turning point in their relationship.1 Here is a marriage that is about the one-to-one intimacy of persons, something clearly communicated by the constant repetition of the word bride
throughout the section, in conjunction with all the sensuous imagery employed to describe her.2
9 You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.