Song Of Solomon 2 8

Song Of Solomon 2:8 kjv

The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.

Song Of Solomon 2:8 nkjv

The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes Leaping upon the mountains, Skipping upon the hills.

Song Of Solomon 2:8 niv

Listen! My beloved! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills.

Song Of Solomon 2:8 esv

The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills.

Song Of Solomon 2:8 nlt

Ah, I hear my lover coming!
He is leaping over the mountains,
bounding over the hills.

Song Of Solomon 2 verses

Song Of Solomon 2 8 Meaning

This verse is a rapturous exclamation of the Shulammite woman upon sensing and seeing the imminent arrival of her beloved. It expresses deep longing fulfilled by the unmistakable sound and energetic approach of the one she yearns for, portraying his eager and unhindered coming despite any physical obstacles.

Song Of Solomon 2 8 Context

Song of Solomon chapter 2 is primarily narrated by the Shulammite woman, who expresses her beauty, her longing for her beloved, and their deep intimacy amidst a backdrop of vibrant spring. Before verse 8, she describes herself and yearns for the presence of her beloved, possibly speaking of a period of separation. Verse 8 marks a dramatic shift, as her longing transitions into the tangible anticipation of his arrival. The entire Song of Solomon celebrates the unique bond of love between a man and a woman, often interpreted allegorically as the passionate relationship between Christ and His Church, or between God and Israel. The setting is pastoral and emphasizes the natural beauty of the land, providing a fitting backdrop for the beloved's energetic arrival through hills and mountains. Culturally, "leaping" and "bounding" convey the spirited movement of someone deeply desired, much like an agile deer traversing familiar terrain.

Song Of Solomon 2 8 Word analysis

• The voice:

  • Hebrew: Qôl (ק֤וֹל). Refers to a sound or a voice. In the ancient world, hearing a distinct voice was often the first sign of someone's approach from a distance. It indicates an immediate, personal recognition, preceding sight, and ignites a responsive joy.

• of my beloved!:

  • Hebrew: dôdı̂y (דּוֹדִ֧י). "My beloved." An intimate, possessive term, signaling deep affection and personal relationship. This figure is the central male character, interpreted as King Solomon or, allegorically, Christ. The exclamation point emphasizes her surprise and delight.

• Behold,:

  • Hebrew: hinneh (הִנֵּה). An interjection that demands attention, conveying a sense of immediacy, surprise, or revelation. It’s like saying, "Look!" or "Lo!" and indicates that the awaited moment is upon her.

• he comes,:

  • Hebrew: Zeh bâʾ (זֶה בָּא). Zeh is "this one" or "he," pointing specifically to the beloved. Bâʾ means "comes" or "is coming," indicating an action in progress, a dynamic and certain arrival.

• leaping:

  • Hebrew: mēdallēq (מְדַלֵּ֤ג). Means "leaping," "skipping," or "hopping." It conveys energetic, enthusiastic, and effortless movement. It suggests youthful vigor and a joyful, swift advance.

• over the mountains,:

  • Hebrew: ʿal-hehārı̂m (עַל־הֶֽהָרִים). "Over the mountains." Mountains represent significant natural barriers. His ability to leap over them, rather than navigate slowly through them, signifies a rapid, unhindered approach, demonstrating strength, agility, and determination. Metaphorically, these can represent formidable obstacles.

• bounding:

  • Hebrew: meqappēṣ (מְקַפֵּ֥ץ). Means "bounding," "skipping," or "dancing." This term reinforces mēdallēq, reiterating the sense of agile, vibrant, and swift movement. The repetition emphasizes the beloved's tireless energy.

• over the hills.:

  • Hebrew: ʿal-haggəbāʿôṯ (עַל־הַגְּבָעֽוֹת). "Over the hills." Hills are lesser obstacles than mountains but still part of challenging terrain. Their inclusion further highlights the beloved's rapid traversal of all obstacles, large and small, in his eagerness to arrive.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes,": This opening segment showcases a dramatic transition from hearing to seeing. The Shulammite's acute hearing (her beloved's distinctive "voice") alerts her, immediately followed by the visual confirmation of his approach ("Behold, he comes"). This swift confirmation heightens the emotional impact of relief and joy.
  • "leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills.": This phrase vividly portrays the beloved's dynamic and unhindered approach. The parallelism of "leaping over the mountains" and "bounding over the hills" emphasizes his enthusiasm, swiftness, and capability to overcome any natural barrier. It suggests an eagerness and power that trivializes obstacles, conveying the beloved's strong desire to reach the one he loves quickly.

Song Of Solomon 2 8 Bonus section

• The terms "leaping" and "bounding" evoke the swift and graceful movement of certain animals known for their agility in the mountains, such as gazelles or young stags, as explicitly mentioned in the subsequent verse (Song 2:9). This connection further amplifies the dynamic and natural quality of the beloved's approach.
• The use of present tense ("he comes," "leaping," "bounding") contributes to the vividness and immediacy of the scene, allowing the hearer or reader to experience the beloved's dynamic arrival alongside the Shulammite.
• The exclamation of joy and discovery marks this verse as a dramatic turning point within chapter 2, signaling the imminence of the beloved's embrace after a period of longing described earlier.

Song Of Solomon 2 8 Commentary

Song of Solomon 2:8 is a pinnacle of joyous anticipation in the Shulammite's narrative. Her utterance begins with a keen sense, "The voice of my beloved!", an immediate, personal recognition that precedes physical sight, revealing her deep familiarity and yearning for him. This auditory cue triggers an exclamation, "Behold, he comes!", signaling a dramatic shift from passive longing to the vibrant reality of his approach. The subsequent description, "leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills," is profoundly symbolic. It illustrates the beloved's extraordinary agility, speed, and tireless vigor. Mountains and hills, often seen as daunting barriers, are rendered insignificant by his zealous movement. This imagery speaks to his overwhelming desire to reach her, making light of all impediments.

In a broader biblical and allegorical sense, this verse beautifully reflects the Church's eager waiting for Christ. His "voice" (His Word, His calling, the Holy Spirit) stirs the hearts of believers. When He "comes," whether in daily manifestations of His presence or the anticipated Second Advent, it is with divine power that effortlessly overcomes all obstacles – sin, doubt, spiritual mountains that stand between Him and His beloved people. His approach signifies the certainty of His promised arrival, inspiring profound joy and assuredness in His presence.

• Practical usage example: When believers hear the call of Christ through His Word (His "voice") during times of trial ("mountains" of difficulty), and they sense His presence overcoming those obstacles, just like the Shulammite.
• Practical usage example: The renewed spiritual strength experienced by a community when God brings revival, swiftly moving past previous spiritual lethargy and opposition ("bounding over the hills").