Song of Solomon 8:13
What does Song of Solomon 8:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 8:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 8:13 means
The beloved speaks to the one who dwells in the gardens—a picture of her settled, fruitful life. Friends listen for her voice; she is admired in community. Yet he longs for her speech directed to him: “Cause me to hear it.” Public esteem is good, but intimacy requires private communication. He wants her heart, not only her reputation. Love is nourished by the beloved’s voice—by shared words that renew closeness. So the poem turns from crowd to couple, from general admiration to personal attention. The call is gentle and intimate, reminding us that enduring love cherishes not only presence but also conversation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou that dwellest in the gardens, The companions hearken for thy voice: Cause me to hear it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou that dwellest in the gardens, The companions hearken for thy voice: Cause me to hear it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You who have your resting-place in the gardens, the friends give ear to your voice; make me give ear to it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The companions are attending to thy voice, Cause me to hear. Flee, my beloved, and be like to a roe,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the friends hearken: make me hear thy voice.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou that dwellest in the gardens, The companions hearken to thy voice: Let me hear [it].
Context
After affirming love’s autonomy over against wealth (vv. 11–12), the Song narrows to a final exchange. Verse 13 is the beloved’s invitation to hear her voice amid the gardens where companions already enjoy her. This sets up the last verse (v. 14), where she answers with a plea for his swift approach. The sequence closes the poem in a personal key: love that is publically honorable yet privately devoted, content yet still longing for nearness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full.
- Psalms 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
- John 14:13
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- Song of Solomon 5:9
What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? What is thy beloved more than another beloved, That thou dost so adjure us?
- Psalms 45:14
She shall be led unto the king in broidered work: The virgins her companions that follow her Shall be brought unto thee.
- 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.
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