canticles
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun 1. A book of the Bible: "Canticles" is an alternative name for the Song of Solomon (also called the Song of Songs), a book in the Old Testament. It is a collection of lyrical love poems.
Usage
- "Canticles" is used almost exclusively as a proper noun to refer to this specific biblical book. It is often preceded by the definite article "the."
- Example:
- Example:
Advanced Usage
- The book is celebrated more for its poetic and allegorical richness than for narrative. In Jewish and Christian traditions, it is often interpreted allegorically as representing the love between God and His people or Christ and the Church.
- Example:
Variants and Related Words
- Song of Solomon: The more common modern name for the same biblical book.
- Song of Songs: Another traditional name, derived from the book's opening verse.
- Canticle (singular, common noun): A hymn or chant, typically with a biblical text, used in Christian liturgy. This is a related but distinct word.
- Example: The choir sang the Canticle of Zechariah.
Synonyms
- Song of Solomon
- Song of Songs
Notes on Meaning
- While the text is a collection of secular love poems, its inclusion in the biblical canon has led to its primary significance being religious and allegorical. The word "Canticles" itself inherently carries this religious context.
Noun
- an Old Testament book consisting of a collection of love poems traditionally attributed to Solomon but actually written much later