Song Of Solomon 7 8

Song Of Solomon 7:8 kjv

I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;

Song Of Solomon 7:8 nkjv

I said, "I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of its branches." Let now your breasts be like clusters of the vine, The fragrance of your breath like apples,

Song Of Solomon 7:8 niv

I said, "I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit." May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples,

Song Of Solomon 7:8 esv

I say I will climb the palm tree and lay hold of its fruit. Oh may your breasts be like clusters of the vine, and the scent of your breath like apples,

Song Of Solomon 7:8 nlt

I said, "I will climb the palm tree
and take hold of its fruit."
May your breasts be like grape clusters,
and the fragrance of your breath like apples.

Song Of Solomon 7 verses

Song Of Solomon 7 8 meaning

Song of Solomon 7:8: "I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples."

This verse captures the beloved's intense admiration and desire for the Shulamite woman. The male lover expresses his proactive intention to engage physically and intimately with her, likening her captivating form and allure to the rich fruitfulness and pleasantness of nature. He envisions her breasts as abundant grape clusters, symbolizing lush ripeness and pleasure, and her breath or presence as fragrant as apples, conveying sweet delight. It is a powerful affirmation of romantic and sexual desire within the context of committed love.

Song Of Solomon 7 8 Context

Song of Solomon 7:8 occurs within a chapter where the male lover (the beloved) praises the physical beauty of his female beloved, the Shulamite woman, from her feet upwards. He describes her various features with vivid, rich, and often agricultural or architectural metaphors. This particular verse represents the climax of his verbal ascent, expressing his passionate desire to engage physically with her, likening her to a majestic and fruitful palm tree whose boughs he wishes to grasp. His anticipation is further expressed through the intimate and sensory imagery of her breasts resembling ripe grape clusters and her fragrance like delightful apples. This expression of desire is set in the secure and exclusive relationship depicted throughout the book, celebrating marital love and intimacy as pure and divinely blessed.

Song Of Solomon 7 8 Word analysis

• I said, I will go up: Expresses a definite, active intention of the male lover. It highlights his forward movement towards intimacy.

• to the palm tree (תָּמָר, tamar): The palm tree is a symbol of uprightness, grace, majestic height, and beauty. It is highly valued in the ancient Near East for its fruit (dates), shade, and timber. It can also carry subtle phallic undertones due to its straight, towering form, making it a fitting metaphor for the desired object, the woman's stately beauty and allure.

• I will take hold of the boughs thereof (בְּסַנְסִנֶּיהָ אֶחֱזָה, b'sansineyha ehĕzah): Sansinim (boughs/branches) often refers specifically to the date clusters hanging from the tree or the fronds themselves. "Take hold" (אחז, akhaz) implies grasping firmly, suggesting an intent to possess, embrace, or fully engage with the source of fruitfulness and pleasure she represents.

• now also thy breasts (שָׁדַיִךְ, shadāyik): A direct address and focal point of physical intimacy. In the Song, breasts are frequently depicted as a source of comfort, allure, and profound sexual pleasure within the marital bond.

• shall be as clusters of the vine (אַשְׁכְּלֹות הַגֶּפֶן, ashkelot haggefen): Vine clusters (grapes) symbolize abundance, ripeness, fruitfulness, and sweet pleasure. They are lush, full, and enticing, implying an overflowing richness in her embrace. Wine, produced from grapes, is also associated with joy and celebration.

• and the smell of thy nose like apples (רֵיחַ אַפֵּךְ כַּתַּפּוּחִים, reiakh appekh kattappuchim): "Smell of thy nose" (רֵיחַ אַפֵּךְ) can mean her breath or the pleasant fragrance emanating from her person. The Hebrew word appekh refers literally to the nose. This might denote her entire presence, her natural aroma, or even the scent of her sweet breath as they draw near. "Apples" (tappuchim) were highly prized, sweet-smelling fruits in ancient Israel (possibly quinces or apricots) known for their delightful fragrance, freshness, and often refreshing qualities.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof": This phrase demonstrates active, passionate pursuit and a clear intention of physical closeness. The "palm tree" represents the beloved in her full stature and beauty, and "taking hold of the boughs" signifies a desire for intimate contact and the enjoyment of her "fruit." This can also be seen as an ascending action, perhaps indicating a growing intensity of desire.
  • "thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples": This grouping provides vivid sensory descriptions. It elevates the intimate parts of her body and her overall allure to symbols of natural abundance, sweetness, and delight, affirming the goodness and beauty of physical attraction within marriage. The imagery connects her intimately with fruitful creation.

Song Of Solomon 7 8 Bonus section

The rich imagery of the palm tree also relates to wisdom and understanding, suggesting that the Shulamite is not just physically appealing but embodies spiritual grace as well (cf. Prov 3:18 for Wisdom as a tree of life). The intensity of the sensory language in this verse—touch, sight, smell—reflects the comprehensive nature of human love, involving all the senses in the experience of intimacy. The repeated "I will" highlights the active and willing pursuit, indicative of love as an action of both mind and body. This verse also implicitly stands in contrast to ascetic views, asserting the holiness of physical creation and marital delight.

Song Of Solomon 7 8 Commentary

Song of Solomon 7:8 is a robust expression of appreciative and longing love, voiced by the male beloved. It shifts from objective praise of the Shulamite's form to a declaration of his fervent desire and intent for physical union. The "palm tree" metaphor powerfully evokes her upright grace, stately beauty, and abundant potential, leading the beloved to an explicit statement of desire to "climb" and "take hold." This action underscores his deep, personal engagement and attraction. The subsequent similes, "breasts like clusters of the vine" and "fragrance of thy breath like apples," are sensuous and celebratory, linking her physical attributes to the most desirable and delightful elements of the natural world: lush fruitfulness, sweetness, and refreshing aroma. This verse affirms that marital intimacy, with its attendant desires and pleasures, is a beautiful and wholesome gift, expressing the fullness of covenant love. It portrays desire not as an uncontrolled impulse, but as an ardent longing for communion within the established bounds of mutual affection and devotion.