Song Of Solomon 8:13 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
Song Of Solomon 8:13 kjv
Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.
Song Of Solomon 8:13 nkjv
You who dwell in the gardens, The companions listen for your voice? Let me hear it!
Song Of Solomon 8:13 niv
You who dwell in the gardens with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice!
Song Of Solomon 8:13 esv
O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it.
Song Of Solomon 8:13 nlt
O my darling, lingering in the gardens,
your companions are fortunate to hear your voice.
Let me hear it, too!
Song Of Solomon 8 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Song 2:14 | O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places... let me hear thy voice... | Longing to hear beloved's voice |
| Gen 2:8 | And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden... | Garden as a place of intimate fellowship |
| Song 4:12 | A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. | Garden as an exclusive, private space of love |
| Song 5:1 | I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse... | Beloved entering the intimate garden |
| Isa 58:11 | ...and thou shalt be like a watered garden... | Spiritual flourishing, abundant life |
| Jer 31:12 | ...and their soul shall be as a watered garden... | Joy, refreshing, and prosperity for the redeemed |
| Ps 42:1-2 | As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul for thee... | Soul's deep longing for God |
| Ps 27:8 | ...my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. | Seeking the presence and intimacy of God |
| Ps 66:19 | But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. | God hears the voice of prayer |
| Jer 33:3 | Call unto me, and I will answer thee... | God's invitation to communicate with Him |
| John 10:3 | ...the sheep hear his voice... | Christ's sheep recognize His voice |
| John 10:27 | My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me... | Intimate relationship with Christ |
| Rev 3:20 | Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice... | Christ's invitation for fellowship |
| 1 Sam 3:9 | Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. | Readiness to listen to God's voice |
| Prov 17:17 | A friend loveth at all times... | Role of companions and true friendship |
| Ecc 4:9-10 | Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. | The benefit and support of companions |
| John 15:15 | ...but I have called you friends... | Christ's designation of His disciples as friends |
| Heb 12:1 | ...we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses... | Community as observant "companions" |
| Phil 4:6 | ...but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known... | Making one's voice/requests known to God |
| Rev 22:17 | And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. | The corporate voice of the Church calling for Christ |
| Heb 13:15 | By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually... | Continual voice of worship and praise |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | ...that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you... | Proclaiming God's excellencies |
Song Of Solomon 8 verses
Song Of Solomon 8 13 meaning
Song of Solomon 8:13 presents the Beloved's tender plea to the Shulamite, who is portrayed as dwelling in gardens and surrounded by her companions. The Beloved, eagerly desiring her presence, expresses his longing to hear her voice. This verse signifies the profound desire for intimate and ongoing communion within the committed relationship, inviting continuous expression of affection, worship, or interaction. It emphasizes listening, presence, and reciprocal longing.
Song Of Solomon 8 13 Context
This verse is situated near the very end of the Song of Solomon, serving as a climactic exchange or perhaps a final echoing desire between the lovers before the book's concluding communal declarations. The surrounding verses in chapter 8 describe the Shulamite's deep longing for public affirmation of their love and the steadfastness of their bond, comparing love to an unquenchable fire. This verse is the Beloved's personal, intimate response and invitation, emphasizing the private communion amidst a public setting (the companions). Historically, ancient Near Eastern gardens were often secluded places of beauty, associated with delight, romance, and even sacred encounters. The cultural expectation was for a new bride to be cherished and for the marital bond to be continually expressed through spoken word and presence.
Song Of Solomon 8 13 Word analysis
- Thou that dwellest (יוֹשֶׁבֶת - yoshevet): Feminine participle, indicating an active, continuous state of dwelling or abiding. It portrays a settled presence, suggesting her comfort and belonging in this specific environment. It’s an affectionate identification rather than a command to move.
- in the gardens (בַּגַּנִּים - baggannim): Plural form, indicating not just one garden, but a broader delightful and often secluded domain. Gardens frequently symbolize beauty, fertility, intimacy, and a cherished private space in the Song. It can imply a thriving environment where love blossoms.
- the companions (חֲבֵרִים - khaverim): These are friends, peers, or fellow maidens. Their presence highlights the communal awareness of their love story, but also positions them as witnesses to the lovers' intimacy, not intruders. They listen, implying shared joy or anticipation.
- hearken (מַקְשִׁיבִים - makshivim): Hiphil participle, signifying active, attentive listening, indicating they are focused and waiting for something. It’s a deliberate act of paying attention.
- to thy voice (קולֵךְ - kolekh): Refers to her literal speech, song, or expressions. Voice embodies personality, affections, and desires. It’s an essential medium of communion.
- cause me to hear it (הַשְׁמִיעִנִי - hashmi'ini): Hiphil imperative, a direct and urgent, yet tender, request. "Make me hear" or "let me hear." This isn't just about sound, but about active, reciprocal communion – a desire for her engagement, expression, and fellowship. It signifies longing for her specific, personal address.
Song Of Solomon 8 13 Bonus section
The image of dwelling "in the gardens" (plural) suggests not merely one secluded spot, but perhaps the diverse expressions of their love life, or the multifaceted spiritual life of the beloved. The "companions hearken to thy voice" not only implies shared observation but may also indicate that the beloved's joy and testimony can inspire and affect those around her. The Beloved's request, "cause me to hear it," is profoundly personal and vulnerable, revealing that even in the midst of complete relational assurance, the longing for the unique and continuous expression from the loved one persists. This underscores the never-ending pursuit of depth and freshness in communion, a model for Christian spiritual life where Christ consistently desires the active voice of His Church in prayer, worship, and devotion.
Song Of Solomon 8 13 Commentary
Song 8:13 functions as the Beloved's final, yearning invitation, often seen as a summary of the mutual desire for ongoing, unbroken communion. He identifies his beloved within her domain of beauty and companionship, yet his focus is solely on her, eager to hear her personal voice. It encapsulates the core longing of love: not just to possess, but to hear, know, and interact deeply. The verse celebrates the delight taken in the loved one's presence and expression, even when others are present. This constant desire for intimacy and open communication forms the bedrock of a thriving relationship, whether human or spiritual. It implicitly calls the beloved to respond, reinforcing the interactive nature of genuine love.