Song of Solomon 3:8
What does Song of Solomon 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 3:8 means
These elite men are not ceremonial only—they are practiced swordsmen, trained for war, each with sword upon thigh because of fear in the night. Even a joyous procession moves through a world where dangers lurk, especially under cover of darkness. The verse stresses preparedness and sober realism. Celebration does not dismiss vigilance; love’s parade travels with guardians who can meet any threat. The contrast between fragrant joy and armed readiness enriches the scene: joy is heightened when safely secured. Here, the strength of the community surrounds the royal couple, ensuring that what is precious may proceed untroubled to its appointed gladness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They all handle the sword, andare expert in war: Every man hath his sword upon his thigh, Because of fear in the night.
KJV
King James Version · 1611They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They all handle the sword, andare expert in war: Every man hath his sword upon his thigh, Because of fear in the night.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949All of them armed with swords, trained in war; every man has his sword at his side, because of fear in the night.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862All of them holding sword, taught of battle, Each his sword by his thigh, for fear at night.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All holding swords, and most expert in war: every man's sword upon his thigh, because of fears in the night.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They all hold the sword, Experts in war; Each hath his sword upon his thigh Because of alarm in the nights.
Context
Following the naming of Solomon’s litter and its sixty escorts in verse 7, verse 8 elaborates on their capability and purpose. This deepens the sense of safety that frames the procession. The narrative is laying structural supports—protection and order—before highlighting the beauty of the palanquin itself. In the next verses (9–10), attention will turn from the guard to the crafted carriage, revealing the king’s preparations and the communal love that adorns it. All of this sets the stage for the final invitation in verse 11 to behold Solomon crowned on the day of his espousals, the apex of public joy.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 91:5
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
- Psalms 45:3
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O mighty one, Thy glory and thy majesty.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6
so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.
- Nehemiah 4:21
So we wrought in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
- Isaiah 27:3
I Jehovah am its keeper; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
- Ephesians 6:16
withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
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