Song Of Solomon 8 3

Song Of Solomon 8:3 kjv

His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.

Song Of Solomon 8:3 nkjv

His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me.

Song Of Solomon 8:3 niv

His left arm is under my head and his right arm embraces me.

Song Of Solomon 8:3 esv

His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!

Song Of Solomon 8:3 nlt

Your left arm would be under my head,
and your right arm would embrace me.

Song Of Solomon 8 3 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Song 2:5His banner over me was love.Song of Solomon - Beloved's love
Song 4:12My sister, my bride, is a locked garden, a locked spring, a sealed fountain.Song of Solomon - Intimacy
Song 5:10My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand.Song of Solomon - Beloved's praise
Psalm 127:1Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.Psalms - Divine blessing
Jeremiah 31:33I will put my law within them, and on their hearts I will write it.Jeremiah - New Covenant
Proverbs 3:3Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.Proverbs - Wisdom/Love
Proverbs 6:21Bind them constantly to your heart; tie them around your neck.Proverbs - Wisdom/Loyalty
Isaiah 43:1But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."Isaiah - God's possession
Galatians 2:20I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Galatians - Union with Christ
Romans 8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?Romans - Unwavering love
Ephesians 4:30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Ephesians - Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:17But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.1 Corinthians - Union with Christ
1 Peter 1:18-19...with precious blood, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.1 Peter - Redemption
Revelation 3:12The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he go out, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.Revelation - Overcomers
Revelation 7:3"Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads."Revelation - Divine seal
John 17:26I made them known to them and will continue to make them known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I may be in them.John - Jesus' prayer
Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians - Peace
Exodus 28:21And the stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, each according to his name shall they be for the twelve tribes.Exodus - Priesthood
Song 2:16My beloved is mine, and I am his.Song of Solomon - Mutual belonging
Song 3:6Who is this that comes up from the wilderness, like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the powders of the merchant?Song of Solomon - Majestic arrival

Song Of Solomon 8 verses

Song Of Solomon 8 3 Meaning

The Shulamite woman acknowledges the intimate bond she shares with her beloved, wishing for him to be like a unique seal upon her heart and an emblem upon her arm. This imagery signifies an everlasting, cherished, and publicly visible possession, underscoring the deep devotion and the desire for constant closeness in their relationship. It speaks to an unyielding claim and a profound sense of belonging, both privately and, by extension, in their shared lives.

Song Of Solomon 8 3 Context

This verse is spoken by the Shulamite woman in Chapter 8 of the Song of Solomon. The preceding verses depict her profound love and longing for her beloved, her wish for him to lead her to her mother's house where they could be intimate and drink spiced wine, and the collective assurance from others that she is too young to be married and has no breast. Here, she reassures them of her mature love and her beloved's strength. Chapter 8 marks the culmination of their love story, emphasizing a secure, committed, and eternal union. The poem itself, set in ancient Israel, speaks to the deep affection and mutual devotion within a marriage, reflecting cultural values of fidelity and intimate bonds. There are no direct polemics against contemporary beliefs evident here; rather, it celebrates a pure and passionate love.

Song Of Solomon 8 3 Word Analysis

  • Like (כְּמוֹ - kə·mōw): This word signifies resemblance or comparison. It introduces a simile.
  • a seal (חוֹתָם - ḥō·w·ṯām): This refers to a seal or signet, typically an engraved object used to impress a mark, signifying ownership, authority, authenticity, or a covenant. It suggests something precious and permanent. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, seals were highly personal and valuable.
  • upon (עַל - ʿal): A common preposition indicating "on," "upon," "over," or "against." Here, it shows the placement of the seal.
  • my heart (לִבִּי - lib·bî): "Libbi" is from "lev" (לֵב - lev), meaning "heart." The heart in Hebrew thought was not just the seat of emotion but also of intellect, will, and inner being. To place a seal upon the heart signifies deep, abiding affection and a permanent claim on one's innermost self.
  • as (כְּ־ - kə-): Similar to the first "like," another particle of comparison.
  • an emblem (חוֹתָם — ḥō·w·ṯām): This word is a repetition of the previous noun, "ḥō·w·ṯām." It means "seal," but in this context, especially "upon my arm," it implies a more visible and public declaration, perhaps like an engraving or a brand of ownership, making the belonging prominent.
  • upon (עַל־ - ʿal-): Again, indicating placement.
  • my arm (זְרוֹעִי — zər·wō·‘î): "Z'ro'a" refers to the arm or shoulder. The arm can represent strength, power, and activity. To place a seal upon the arm signifies that this love is not only deep within but is also an active and visible part of one's being, carried with pride and conviction. It could also suggest carrying something or someone proudly.

Word-group Analysis:

  • "Like a seal upon my heart": This phrase conveys a profound and intimate belonging, signifying that the beloved is deeply engraved upon her innermost thoughts, feelings, and decisions. It speaks of unwavering devotion that is internal and absolute.
  • "as an emblem upon my arm": This complements the first part by extending the idea of belonging to a more visible, active, and potentially public sphere. The beloved is not just a private treasure but a source of strength and identity, clearly displayed through her actions and outward expression of commitment.

Song Of Solomon 8 3 Bonus Section

The concept of a seal also relates to divine protection and belonging within Scripture. Just as the Passover blood sealed the Israelites from destruction (Exodus 12), and the Holy Spirit seals believers for redemption (Ephesians 4:30), so too does the woman wish her beloved's claim over her to be as indelible and divine. The desire for this intimate and public declaration of belonging echoes the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where believers are seen as marked by God and united with Christ.

Song Of Solomon 8 3 Commentary

This verse expresses the depth of the Shulamite woman's love and her unwavering commitment to her beloved. The imagery of a seal is potent; it signifies permanent ownership, intimate knowledge, and a unique bond that cannot be broken or counterfeited. When she desires him to be like a seal upon her heart, she is articulating a love that has penetrated the core of her being, influencing all her thoughts, desires, and affections. Her heart is marked, possessed, and dedicated entirely to him. The extension to being "as an emblem upon my arm" adds another layer. The arm is a symbol of strength and action. This suggests that her love for him is not passive but actively expressed, a mark of strength that she displays and carries with pride. It means that her belonging to him is a defining characteristic, evident in how she lives her life. This mutual possession, "My beloved is mine, and I am his" (Song 2:16), is fulfilled in this intense desire for complete inscription of their love upon each other, signifying a holy and inviolable union, much like the sealing of the covenant or the marking of individuals belonging to God.