Song of Solomon 1:8
What does Song of Solomon 1:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 1:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 1:8 means
He calls her “O thou fairest among women,” gently overturning her fear of being looked down on. His counsel—follow the flock’s tracks and feed your young goats near the shepherds’ tents—gives a simple, honorable path to find him. It is not a riddle, nor a brush-off, but an invitation into his world. He affirms her dignity while keeping her safe and seen. Practical love offers both praise and a way forward, showing that affection and wisdom belong together in the ordinary details of life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If you have not knowledge, O most beautiful among women, go on your way in the footsteps of the flock, and give your young goats food by the tents of the keepers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862If thou knowest not, O fair among women, Get thee forth by the traces of the flock, And feed thy kids by the shepherds' dwellings!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To my company of horsemen, in Pharao's chariots, have I likened thee, O my love.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If thou know not, thou fairest among women, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds' booths.
Context
This is the beloved’s first direct answer, meeting her concern from verse 7 with affirmation and direction. With the path to togetherness set, he will move from guidance to adoration in verses 9–11, lifting her esteem through royal imagery and promises of adornment. The sequence underscores that love both leads and delights: he shows her where to come, then tells her who she is in his eyes, preparing for the mutual praises that dominate the chapter’s close.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 16:3
As for the saints that are in the earth, They are the excellent in whom is all my delight.
- Song of Solomon 1:15
Behold, thou art fair, my love; Behold thou art fair; Thine eyes are as doves.
- Song of Solomon 2:10
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
- Psalms 45:13
The king’s daughter within the palace is all glorious: Her clothing is inwrought with gold.
- James 2:21
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?
- Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man that heareth me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.
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