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

The bride expresses her desire to ascend to the beloved, likening the experience to climbing a palm tree. She identifies breasts like clusters of dates or fruits on the palm, and the scent of her breath like apples, signifying a deep intimacy and a longing for union.

Song Of Solomon 7 8 Context

Song of Solomon 7:8 focuses on the expressed desires and affections within a marriage relationship. This chapter continues the dialogue between the Shulammite woman and her beloved. The Shulammite is speaking to her beloved, expressing her longing and admiration. The imagery is rich and sensual, characteristic of the book's exploration of romantic and marital love. Historically and culturally, ancient Near Eastern love poetry often used vivid natural imagery to describe beauty and desire. The verses reflect a desire for intimacy and union within the bounds of marriage, a theme strongly supported throughout Scripture.

Song Of Solomon 7 8 Word Analysis

• "I said,":

  • Hebrew: 'amarti ('āmartî). First-person singular perfect of 'amar (to say, speak). Indicates a completed action of speaking, here expressing a firm declaration of intent or desire.

• "I will go up":

  • Hebrew: 'ellekh na ('ellekh nâ). 'ellekh is the first-person common imperfect of lēkh (to go). The particle na (or nāh) conveys a sense of entreaty, encouragement, or urgency, like "please" or "now." It emphasizes a strong willingness and plea to proceed.

• "to the palm tree,":

  • Hebrew: bā'eśel hāttāmār (bā'eśel hātāmār). 'eśel means palm tree. Palm trees were symbols of uprightness, victory, and fruitfulness. The Shulammite desires to ascend to her beloved, a place of aspiration and elevation. The structure bā'eśel (literally "in/with the palm tree") suggests ascending by means of or while connected to it, possibly symbolizing using his presence or stability as a means of ascent.

• "to lay hold of its branches:":

  • Hebrew: 'a'həzeq bəśəmērēhā ('aḥezēq bəśəmērēhā). 'aḥezēq is the Hiphil infinitive of ḥāzaq (to grasp, lay hold, be strong). It signifies taking firm possession or control. Śəmērēhā is the plural of śəmēr (shoot, branch, bough). She wishes to grasp the mature fruits or branches, signifying active participation in and enjoyment of their union.

• "and":

  • Hebrew: wə (wə). Conjunction.

• "let my breasts be":

  • Hebrew: yiḥəyu śədêi (yiḥyû śədêi). yiḥyû is the third-person plural imperfect of hāyâ (to be, become), suggesting a desired state. śədêi is the dual form of śad (breast). This highlights a paired physical attribute, emphasizing fullness and readiness.

• "as clusters of the vine,":

  • Hebrew: kə'êšķôlôt bâllāmäh (kə'eşkolot bôttâmâh). 'êšķôlôt means clusters of grapes. bâllāmäh (or bôttâmâh*) specifically refers to the fruit of the vine, referring to grapes. This imagery evokes fertility, ripeness, and sweetness.

• "and the scent":

  • Hebrew: wəriḥ (wəriḥ). riḥ means scent, fragrance, smell.
  • Hebrew: rêaḥ (reaḥ) - also refers to fragrance, smell, often in a positive, pleasing sense.

• "of your breath":

  • Hebrew: 'appek ('appek). 'appek is from 'aph (nose, breath, anger). Here, in context, it means breath. The intimacy is so great that her very breath is pleasing to him.

• "like apples;":

  • Hebrew: kəte'pûḥîm (kətepuḥîm). Plural of te'pûah (apple, pomegranate). Apples in ancient cultures symbolized fertility, beauty, and pleasure.

• "and the finest":

  • Hebrew: wədoṁh (wədom) or wəḵammar (wəḵammar) (depending on translation, pointing to taste/spiciness).

• "of your mouth":

  • Hebrew: 'aḏěmek ('eḏemk). Plural of ‘ēḏem (garden, spice).
  • Or beḏov rě‘yā (by the richness of desire).

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "I will go up to the palm tree, to lay hold of its branches": This entire phrase paints a picture of aspiring towards a high, stable, and fruitful entity and desiring to connect with it intimately. It’s a metaphor for reaching for a profound, satisfying union.
  • "let my breasts be as clusters of the vine... and the scent of your breath like apples": This speaks to the desire for mutual pleasure, fertility, and delightful intimacy. The bride’s body and her very breath are presented as offerings of sweet delight to her beloved, symbolizing complete vulnerability and shared enjoyment.

Song Of Solomon 7 8 Bonus Section

The detailed natural imagery, particularly of the palm tree and vine, aligns with the ancient understanding of these as symbols of fertility, prosperity, and vitality. The ascent metaphor suggests a relationship that continually reaches for higher levels of intimacy and fulfillment, mirroring spiritual growth. The bride’s presentation of her breasts and breath as offerings of sweetness indicates a willingness to be fully known and enjoyed by her husband, reflecting the completeness of commitment and vulnerability in a healthy marriage. This intimacy is not merely physical but encompasses the emotional and spiritual as well, presenting the whole person as a delight.

Song Of Solomon 7 8 Commentary

This verse is a powerful expression of mutual desire and intimate affection within marriage. The Shulammite woman’s wish to ascend the palm tree to grasp its branches signifies a deep yearning for connection, stability, and the fruits of their union. The palm tree, in its erect posture and abundant produce, serves as a potent symbol of strength and provision within their relationship. Her wish for her breasts to be like clusters of the vine and her breath fragrant like apples illustrates a profound self-offering of her physical beauty and presence for the delight of her beloved. It speaks to a mutual pleasure and shared experience where even the smallest aspects of their being are sources of joy and affirmation for one another. This intimacy is rooted in the marital covenant, reflecting God's design for a full and joyful union. The imagery points to a spiritual parallel as well, where believers are to "ascend" to Christ, bearing spiritual "fruit" and offering their lives as a "fragrant aroma" (2 Cor 2:15).