Abstract

In the preface to his commentary on the Song of Songs, Theodoret of Cyrrhus states that the book has without doubt a spiritual meaning and that a literal interpretation is worthy only of wicked heretics, ridiculous in their own blindness, amongst whom it is difficult to include Theodore of Mopsuestia. The spiritual nature of the Song of Songs is supported by the reference to Esdra and by the many early Fathers who have commented upon it (amongst whom Eusebius has pride of place, followed by Origen, then Cyprian for the struggle against heretics) or who have acknowledged it as sacred (amongst whom are Basil, Gregory of Nazianzo and, contrary to common belief, Amphilochius of Iconium). The sacredness of the work voids its immoral content and compels one to interpret it in an allegorical way.