Song Of Solomon 1 8

Song Of Solomon 1:8 kjv

If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

Song Of Solomon 1:8 nkjv

If you do not know, O fairest among women, Follow in the footsteps of the flock, And feed your little goats Beside the shepherds' tents.

Song Of Solomon 1:8 niv

If you do not know, most beautiful of women, follow the tracks of the sheep and graze your young goats by the tents of the shepherds.

Song Of Solomon 1:8 esv

If you do not know, O most beautiful among women, follow in the tracks of the flock, and pasture your young goats beside the shepherds' tents.

Song Of Solomon 1:8 nlt

If you don't know, O most beautiful woman,
follow the trail of my flock,
and graze your young goats by the shepherds' tents.

Song Of Solomon 1 verses

Song Of Solomon 1 8 Meaning

Song of Solomon 1:8 is a response to the Shulamite's plea in the previous verse, offering guidance on where she can find her Beloved shepherd while also attending to her own duties. It portrays her as "fairest among women," an affirmation of her beauty, despite her own perceived flaws. The verse provides practical counsel, directing her to follow established paths, those traversed by other flocks, and to tend to her own flock in communal, known locations, signifying that the pursuit of her beloved is not a solitary or ignorant quest but one found in established order and common practices of the shepherd community. This advice is simple, practical, and assumes that by following these instructions, she will indeed find her desired one.

Song Of Solomon 1 8 Context

Song of Solomon chapter 1 opens with the Shulamite, the Beloved's shepherdess bride, expressing her longing and desire for him (vv. 2-4a). She reflects on her perceived unworthiness due to her dark skin, likening herself to "the tents of Kedar," yet contrasting this with "the curtains of Solomon" (vv. 4b-6), asserting that her darker complexion is from labor in the sun, not a sign of disgrace. In verse 7, she expresses her anxious desire to know where her Beloved pastures his flock during midday heat, fearing being mistaken for a vagabond or someone associating with strange flocks. Verse 8, therefore, serves as a direct, practical, and gentle response to her vulnerability and inquiry. It addresses her directly, provides specific instructions, and implicitly validates her search and identity, directing her to an easily discoverable and established location among her fellow shepherds. Historically and culturally, shepherding was a common and respected profession, and tents were customary dwellings, especially for those tending flocks who needed to move with the grazing seasons. The scene is set within this simple, agrarian pastoral life.

Song Of Solomon 1 8 Word analysis

• If you do not know (אִם־לֹא תֵדְעִי, ʾim-lo teideʿi): This phrase indicates a recognition of her confessed uncertainty or lack of knowledge regarding her beloved's whereabouts. It is not a rebuke but an empathetic acknowledgement of her query in verse 7. It signals that guidance is about to be provided.
• O fairest among women (הַיָּפָה בַּנָּשִׁים, hayyapah bannašīm): This is a title of high endearment and compliment. It immediately counteracts her own self-deprecation in verse 5 regarding her dark skin. It emphasizes that in the eyes of the speaker (whether the Beloved, the king, or the chorus of Jerusalem's daughters), her beauty is undeniable and preeminent. It's a statement of her intrinsic value and attractiveness.
• go forth (צְאִי לָךְ, tsə’i lāk): A direct command or instruction to take action. It means "go out for yourself," implying active movement and initiative in her search.
• by the footsteps of the flock (בְּעִקְּבֵי הַצֹּאן, bəʿiqvê haṣōʾn): This literally means "in the tracks of the sheep/flock." It is practical advice to follow established and visible paths. It suggests finding the common, known ways rather than venturing aimlessly. It also points to the familiar customs and routines of a shepherd's life.
• and feed your young goats (וּרְעִי אֶת־גְּדָיֹתַיִךְ, urʿi ʾeṯ-gəḏayōṯayikh): This directs her to continue her own responsibilities. She is not to abandon her duties while seeking. "Young goats" (גְּדָיֹת, gəḏayōt) were common, valuable livestock. This implies diligence, good stewardship, and attending to her current calling even amidst her longing.
• beside (עַל־מִשְׁכְּנֹת, ʿal-mišknōṯ): "Upon" or "beside." Indicates proximity and a communal space.
• the shepherds’ tents (הָרֹעִים, hāroʿim): Refers to the collective dwellings or camps of the shepherds. These are easily identifiable places where shepherds congregate or where their flocks are found. It suggests finding him not in an isolated, private place, but within the larger, known community of those engaged in similar work.

• If you do not know, O fairest among women: This phrase establishes a tender, affirmative tone, providing comfort and validation even before offering directions. It sets the stage for a supportive response to her query.
• go forth by the footsteps of the flock and feed your young goats beside the shepherds' tents: This forms a complete instruction combining specific directions with an admonition to maintain responsibility. It teaches that one can pursue a great desire (finding the Beloved) while remaining faithful to present duties, and that the path to discovery is often found within established customs and communities rather than through radical or isolated deviations. It paints a picture of orderly, diligent searching.

Song Of Solomon 1 8 Bonus section

This verse offers a picture of graceful instruction and the importance of "wisdom of the flock" – collective experience and established patterns are valuable guides when individual knowledge is lacking. The "shepherds' tents" can also be understood as a symbol of fellowship and community. Finding the Beloved means not isolating oneself but staying within the community of faith, where leaders (shepherds) are present, and the collective flock gathers. The act of "feeding her young goats" underscores the concept that genuine seeking is not an escape from responsibility but a continuation of it, integrating spiritual pursuit with daily duties. This aligns with Christian teaching on diligent living and service (e.g., Col 3:23). The question "If you do not know" itself points to the necessity and grace of seeking counsel when in doubt, a humble posture valued in Proverbs (e.g., Prov 12:15, "the wise listen to advice").

Song Of Solomon 1 8 Commentary

Song of Solomon 1:8 provides clear, empathetic, and practical advice to the Shulamite, who, feeling insecure and lost, seeks her Beloved. It addresses her fear of appearing as one who strays by confirming her beauty with the title "O fairest among women" and then giving straightforward instructions. The guidance to "follow the tracks of the flock" means to pursue established, common paths, implying that the Beloved is not hidden but is to be found within the regular patterns of life and work. The instruction to "feed your young goats beside the shepherds' tents" highlights the importance of faithfulness in one's current responsibilities while pursuing higher desires. It suggests that diligent stewardship and participating in the common life of the "shepherd community" are the very means by which one will draw closer to, or discover, the object of their affection. Spiritually, this can illustrate that those seeking Christ or seeking spiritual direction should adhere to the established practices of the faith, like regular scripture study, fellowship (the "shepherds' tents"), and faithfulness in daily duties ("feed your young goats"). It assures the seeker that the Beloved is present within the normal, Spirit-led, and Biblically informed community of believers, not in obscure or secretive paths.

• Example: A young believer struggling to feel God's presence should first continue attending regular church services (shepherds' tents) and engage in daily devotion (feeding young goats), trusting that consistency in these established practices will lead to a clearer sense of God's guidance.
• Example: A ministry leader seeking fresh vision for their work should review biblical principles for ministry (footsteps of the flock) and continue to diligently serve their current flock, as faithfulness often precedes new revelation or greater blessing.