SongofSolomon 8

1 If only you were like a brother to me, like ^{a8:1 The Heb. lacks like} one who nursed at my mother’s breasts. If I found you outside I would kiss you, and no one would view me with contempt. ^{b8:1 i.e. think badly of me}ISV — SongofSolomon 8:1

2 I would lead you, I would bring you to the house of my mother who used to teach me. I would give you some spiced wine to drink, from the juice of my pomegranates. ^{c8:2 Or some of my sweet pomegranate wine}ISV — SongofSolomon 8:2

3 Let his left hand be under my head, and let his right hand embrace me.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:3

4 Swear to me, young women of Jerusalem, that you won’t awaken or arouse love before its proper time! ^{d8:3 Lit. until it pleases}ISV — SongofSolomon 8:4

5 Who is this coming up from the desert, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree ^{e8:5 Or apricot tree} I awakened you. There your mother had gone into labor with you; there she went into labor and gave birth to you.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:5

6 Set me like a seal ^{f 8:6 i.e. a cylinder seal or a signet ring used to indicate ownership or authority} over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, passion ^{g8:6 Or jealousy} as intense as Sheol. ^{h8:6 i.e. the realm of the dead} The flames of love ^{i8:6 Lit. its flames} are flames of fire, a blaze that comes from the LORD. ^{j8:6 Or an intense blaze}ISV — SongofSolomon 8:6

7 Mighty bodies of water cannot extinguish love, rivers cannot put it out. If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, he would surely be viewed with contempt.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:7

8 We ^{k8:8 i.e. the bride’s brothers} have a little sister, and she has not yet reached maturity. ^{l8:8 Lit. has no breasts} What will we do for our sister to prepare her for ^{m8:8 Lit. sister on the day when she’s spoken for} her engagement? ^{n8:8 Or marriage}ISV — SongofSolomon 8:8

9 If she’s a wall, on her we will build a battlement of silver. If she’s a door, we will enclose her with planks of cedar.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:9

10 I was a wall and my breasts were like towers. Then I became like one who finds peace ^{o8:10 Or contentment} in his eyes.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:10

11 Solomon has a vineyard in Baal-hamon. He entrusted the vineyard to caretakers— each one is to bring 1,000 pieces of silver in exchange for its fruit.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:11

12 My vineyard belongs to me and is at my disposal. ^{p8:12 Lit. is before me} The 1,000 are for you, Solomon, and 200 are for those who take care of its fruit.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:12

13 You who sit in the gardens, companions are listening for your voice, but let me hear it.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:13

14 Come quickly, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.ISV — SongofSolomon 8:14