Shulamite
TextsWhat is the meaning of Shulamite in the Bible?
Shulamite is a title applied to the female protagonist in the Song of Songs, with scholarly consensus divided between identifying her as a specific historical figure from Shunem or interpreting the term as a poetic epithet meaning 'peaceful one'.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the dual nature of this title aids readers in navigating the Song of Songs, allowing them to appreciate the text either as a celebration of human romance grounded in historical context or as a rich theological allegory of divine love.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Shulamite functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shulamite in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shulamite clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Shulamite." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shulamite/