Song of Solomon 2:14
What does Song of Solomon 2:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 2:14 means
He addresses her tenderly as a dove hiding in rocky clefts, asking to see her face and hear her voice, which he says are sweet and lovely. The imagery acknowledges her reserve or caution; she is sheltered in steep, secure places. He does not drag her out but invites her to reveal herself. Love cherishes the person, not just the season. His praise assures her that her presence and words are delightful to him. This is a wooing that combines safety with affirmation, drawing her from concealment into relational openness by honoring both her dignity and his desire to know her more.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, In the covert of the steep place, Let me see thy countenance, Let me hear thy voice; For sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
KJV
King James Version · 1611O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, In the covert of the steep place, Let me see thy countenance, Let me hear thy voice; For sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949O my dove, you are in the holes of the mountain sides, in the cracks of the high hills; let me see your face, let your voice come to my ears; for sweet is your voice, and your face is fair.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My dove, in clefts of the rock, In a secret place of the ascent, Cause me to see thine appearance, Cause me to hear thy voice, For thy voice <FI>is<Fi> sweet, and thy appearance comely.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall, shew me thy face, let thy voice sound in my ears: for thy voice is sweet, and thy face comely.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the covert of the precipice, Let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; For sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
Context
After the broad, creation-wide justification for moving forward (vv. 11–13), the focus narrows to the maiden’s heart. Verse 14 personalizes the invitation, showing sensitivity to her hesitations. Immediately following, verse 15 raises the issue of ‘little foxes’ that can spoil blossoming vineyards, reminding the couple that, as they come together, they must also guard what is tender. The flow moves from invitation to intimacy to practical vigilance, maintaining balance between affection and wisdom.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.
- Psalms 50:23
Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifieth me; And to him that ordereth his way aright Will I show the salvation of God.
- Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
- Jude 1:24
Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy,
- Isaiah 6:5
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of hosts.
- Song of Solomon 8:13
Thou that dwellest in the gardens, The companions hearken for thy voice: Cause me to hear it.
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