Song of Solomon 8 explained: Love Strong as Death

Longing to love openly (vv. 1-4)

She wishes he were her brother, since in her world a woman could kiss a brother in public, but open affection with a lover brought scorn. The warning in verse 4, heard twice earlier in the book, is usually read as 'do not stir up love before its time,' though some take it as 'do not disturb the lovers.'

Up from the wilderness (v. 5)

Someone asks who is coming in from the dry country leaning on her beloved, echoing an earlier scene in the book. Then she tells him she woke him under the apple tree where his mother gave birth to him (the Hebrew 'you' is masculine), and scholars are unsure what this place stands for.

Love as strong as death (vv. 6-7)

A seal was a carved stamp worn on a cord or ring to mark identity, so she asks to be bound to him that closely, because love is as strong as death and cannot be bought at any price. The last word of verse 6 may hold a short form of God's name, which is why some translations say 'flame of the LORD' and others 'mighty flame.'

The brothers' plan (vv. 8-9)

Her brothers ask how to care for their young sister until she is promised in marriage, but what 'wall' and 'door' mean is debated. Some see a contrast, honoring a sister who keeps suitors out and shutting in one who lets them in, while others read both lines as parallel promises to adorn and protect her.

Her answer and her vineyard (vv. 10-12)

She answers that she is grown now, a wall with towers, and has found peace in his eyes; the Hebrew word for peace may play on Solomon's name. Most read verses 11 and 12 as her saying Solomon may keep his rich rented vineyard and its silver, because her own vineyard, meaning herself, is hers alone to give.

A closing call (vv. 13-14)

The man asks to hear her voice, and she answers by calling him to come quickly, like a gazelle on fragrant hills. The words echo an earlier invitation in the book, which ends in longing rather than a neat conclusion.

Key verse: Song of Solomon 8:6

Where Christians differ

Jewish tradition has long read the Song as a picture of God's love for Israel, and many Christians through history have read it as Christ's love for the church or the soul, while many readers today, Christians included, take it first as a celebration of human love between a man and a woman, and some hold both together.

Something to think about

Do you think love can really be as strong and unbuyable as this chapter claims, and what in your own life shapes your answer?