Song Of Solomon 8:8 kjv
We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?
Song Of Solomon 8:8 nkjv
We have a little sister, And she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister In the day when she is spoken for?
Song Of Solomon 8:8 niv
We have a little sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What shall we do for our sister on the day she is spoken for?
Song Of Solomon 8:8 esv
We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is spoken for?
Song Of Solomon 8:8 nlt
We have a little sister
too young to have breasts.
What will we do for our sister
if someone asks to marry her?
Song Of Solomon 8 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Song of Songs 8:8 | "We have a little sister, and she has no breasts; what shall we do for our sister on the day she is spoken for?" | Bride's anticipation of her sister's marriage |
| Genesis 1:28 | "Be fruitful and multiply..." | Divine command for procreation |
| Deuteronomy 20:5-7 | Regulations concerning marriage and military service | Prioritizing domestic peace |
| Ruth 4:11-13 | Blessing on Boaz and Ruth, praying for offspring | Prayer for a fruitful marriage |
| Psalm 127:3 | "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD..." | Children as God's gift |
| Proverbs 31:10-31 | The virtuous wife praised | Qualities of a wife/mother |
| Isaiah 54:1-3 | Exhortation to barren women to rejoice and expand | Future growth and prosperity |
| Jeremiah 31:22 | "The LORD has created a new thing on the earth: a woman shall encompass a man." | New life and partnership |
| Matthew 19:4-6 | Jesus on marriage as God's creation | Sanctity of marriage |
| John 2:1-11 | Jesus at the wedding in Cana | Jesus' presence in marital union |
| Ephesians 5:22-33 | Marriage as a model for Christ and the Church | Spiritual significance of marriage |
| Colossians 3:18-21 | Instructions for wives and husbands | Domestic responsibilities |
| 1 Timothy 5:14 | Advice for young widows | Prudence in marital choices |
| Hebrews 13:4 | Honor marriage | Respect for the marital bond |
| 1 Peter 3:1-7 | Conduct of wives and husbands | Mutual respect in marriage |
| Song of Songs 4:5 | "Your two breasts are like two young gazelles..." | Figurative language for fertility |
| Song of Songs 7:3 | "Your two breasts are like clusters of the fruit of the vine." | Beauty and maturity |
| Psalm 22:9 | "You brought me out of the womb..." | Divine care from birth |
| Genesis 33:5 | Jacob presenting his children | God's provision and family |
| Deuteronomy 23:21-23 | Vows and promises | Responsibility in commitment |
Song Of Solomon 8 verses
Song Of Solomon 8 8 Meaning
This verse expresses a hopeful anticipation of the bride's (or perhaps the Shulammite woman's community) responsibility to protect and nurture her sister as she enters the covenant of marriage. It looks forward to the day when she will be prepared for the responsibilities of married life and the potential of motherhood, envisioning her future role as a cherished member of a new family unit within Israel.
Song Of Solomon 8 8 Context
This verse is part of the concluding section of the Song of Solomon. The previous verses (8:5-7) depict the intense, almost overwhelming love between Solomon (or the beloved) and the Shulammite woman, using imagery of a strong, consuming love that is both earthly and divinely ordained. This verse shifts to a community or familial perspective, speaking about a younger sister who is "unformed" or without physical maturity for marriage. It implies that as a couple deeply in love and contemplating marriage, they (or the community surrounding them) have a responsibility towards those yet to enter such unions, particularly younger sisters. This speaks to the broader cultural context where the community played a role in guiding and celebrating marriage preparations.
Song Of Solomon 8 8 Word Analysis
- We have: "we" indicates a collective voice, likely the bride speaking with her beloved, or a communal reflection.
- a little sister: Refers to a younger, unmarried female. It could be literal or symbolic of immaturity.
- and she has no breasts: This is a literal reference to physical development, indicating she is not yet a young woman ready for marriage or the full responsibilities of womanhood, including motherhood. In ancient Near Eastern culture, breasts were symbolic of maturity and potential for nurturing life.
- what shall we do: This poses a question of responsibility and action.
- for our sister: Reinforces the familial or community bond and the care expected.
- on the day she is spoken for: This refers to the betrothal or engagement period, a crucial stage in the marriage process when a formal agreement was made. It highlights a specific, anticipatory time concerning the sister's future.
Words Group Analysis
- "little sister... has no breasts": This phrase vividly captures a state of undeveloped readiness. It underscores a period of growth and preparation before marriage. It points to the anticipation and care involved in a young woman's journey toward adulthood and union.
Song Of Solomon 8 8 Bonus Section
The sentiment expressed reflects a culture where marriage was not just an individual's decision but a communal event involving family blessings and responsibilities. The mention of the sister’s physical development ("no breasts") is culturally significant, indicating the stages of womanhood and readiness for marriage, which often involved bearing children. This anticipates future generations and the continuity of family lineage, a highly valued aspect of ancient Israelite society. The verse subtly points towards the expectation of fertility and the blessing of children within marriage.
Song Of Solomon 8 8 Commentary
This verse shifts focus from the passionate intimacy of the couple to a consideration of familial responsibility and future generations. It suggests that even amidst intense personal love, there's an awareness of the community's role in nurturing and preparing its young women for marriage. The "little sister" represents potential, and the question highlights the communal duty to guide and support her through the transitions of adolescence to marriage. It's about ensuring that as individuals mature into marital union, the next generation is also considered and cared for. This highlights the importance of communal support and wisdom in the context of marriage and family life, a recurring theme in Proverbs and other wisdom literature.