Song of Solomon 8:3
What does Song of Solomon 8:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 8:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 8:3 means
The posture of the beloved’s hands—one under her head, the other embracing—depicts secure, tender intimacy. It is a scene of rest as much as passion, where she is upheld, protected, and cherished. This mirrors earlier refrains in the Song, showing that their love has ripened without losing freshness. The embrace is not a momentary indulgence but the fitting expression of a bond guided by affection and mutual consent. The image reassures that the ardor of love can dwell within calm trust. What is pictured is the wholeness of married love: nearness without fear, desire without shame, and delight that both gives and receives.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000His left handshould beunder my head, And his right hand should embrace me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901His left handshould beunder my head, And his right hand should embrace me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949His left hand would be under my head, and his right hand about me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862His left hand <FI>is<Fi> under my head, And his right doth embrace me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752His left hand under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890His left hand would be under my head, And his right hand embrace me.
Context
This tender vignette follows the longing to bring love into the mother’s house (v. 2). It visually portrays the loving security she desires to experience and to have recognized. Directly after this (v. 4), she again charges the daughters of Jerusalem not to disturb love’s proper rest and timing. Thus, verse 3 functions as the experiential core of the section: a snapshot of what true love looks like when protected by wisdom and patience, preparing the way for the solemn admonition that keeps love from being mishandled.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God isthy dwelling-place, And underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy from before thee, And said, Destroy.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
- Isaiah 62:4
Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah; for Jehovah delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.
- Song of Solomon 2:6
His left handisunder my head, And his right hand doth embrace me.
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