Song of Solomon 5:4
What does Song of Solomon 5:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 5:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 5:4 means
The Beloved reaches through the opening by the door, likely attempting the inner latch. This tangible gesture moves the scene from merely hearing his voice to sensing his nearness. In response, the bride’s heart is stirred—deeply moved with longing and resolve. The physical detail of the hand at the hole conveys urgency, vulnerability, and desire: he is close enough to touch, yet still outside. The bride’s change of heart now blossoms; the delay gives way to awakened love. This is the turning point within the episode, as her inward affection rises to match his initiative, preparing her to act at last.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My beloved put in his hand by the holeof the door, And my heart was moved for him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My beloved put in his hand by the holeof the door, And my heart was moved for him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My loved one put his hand on the door, and my heart was moved for him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My beloved sent his hand from the net-work, And my bowels were moved for him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My beloved put his hand through the key hole, and my bowels were moved at his touch.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My beloved put in his hand by the hole [of the door]; And my bowels yearned for him.
Context
After reluctance in verse 3, this verse brings the Beloved’s action to the threshold, literally. His attempt to open intensifies the scene and jolts the bride from passivity to passion. Her heart’s movement sets up the next step: she will rise to open the door. The narrative then slows with sensory detail—fragrance and touch—before delivering the poignant twist in the following verse: when she opens, he is gone. The interplay of near-connection and missed timing drives the coming search.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 26:8
Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Jehovah, have we waited for thee; to thy name, even to thy memorial name, is the desire of our soul.
- Genesis 43:30
And Joseph made haste; for his heart yearned over his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
- 1 Kings 3:26
Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her heart yearned over her son, and she said, Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, It shall be neither mine nor thine; divide it.
- Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul.
- 1 John 3:16
Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
- Philippians 2:13
for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
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