Song of Solomon 2:4
What does Song of Solomon 2:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 2:4 means
She describes being brought into the banqueting-house, where the banner flying over her is love. The setting shifts from a private orchard moment to a public celebration. A banner signals identity, victory, and covering; here, love is the flag that names and protects her. The beloved takes the initiative—he ushers her into a place of joy and honor, making his affection unmistakable. This is love acknowledged, not hidden. The verse conveys security within a relationship openly affirmed and joyfully feasted. The imagery assures her—and onlookers—that she belongs under his love, safe and delighted in a community context.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He brought me to the banqueting-house, And his banner over me was love.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He brought me to the banqueting-house, And his banner over me was love.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He took me to the house of wine, and his flag over me was love.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He hath brought me in unto a house of wine, And his banner over me <FI>is<Fi> love,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He brought me into the cellar of wine, he set in order charity in me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He hath brought me to the house of wine, And his banner over me is love.
Context
Having found shade and sweetness under the apple tree in verse 3, the scene magnifies into a house of feasting. The movement from private to public signals a deepening and solidifying of the relationship. The overwhelming nature of this love will be expressed in verses 5–6—she needs strengthening even as she experiences tender embrace. Then, to guard such intensity, verse 7 will solemnly urge restraint and patience, preventing love from being forced or prematurely awakened. Thus, verse 4 stands as a midpoint between intimate refreshment and the wisdom of ordered affection.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
- John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him.
- Song of Solomon 1:1
The Song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
- Song of Solomon 1:4
Draw me; we will run after thee: The king hath brought me into his chambers; We will be glad and rejoice in thee; We will make mention of thy love more than of wine: Rightly do they love thee.
- Esther 7:7
And the king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.
- John 15:9
Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love.
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