Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:4KJV
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Song of Solomon 1:4 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 1:4 mean?

Song of Solomon 1:4 describes the longing of the woman for the king to draw her close, expressing her eagerness and joy at being brought into his private chambers. The verse highlights the happiness and celebration that come from being loved by someone upright, with a love that is remembered as even more delightful than wine.

The speaker is the woman, addressing the king (often understood as Solomon), expressing both personal desire and the shared joy of others who celebrate this love. The setting is intimate, with the mention of the king’s chambers suggesting a private, cherished relationship. The verse uses vivid language to show the depth of affection and the joy that upright love brings, setting a tone of delight and longing that runs throughout the book.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 1:4

  • "Draw" (מָשַׁךְ, mashakh, H4900) means to pull or lead. Here, it shows the woman’s desire to be led closer by the king, emphasizing her longing for intimacy.
  • "Chambers" (חֶדֶר, cheder, H2315) refers to inner rooms or private spaces, highlighting the personal and exclusive nature of the relationship being described.
  • "Love" (דּוֹד, dod, H1730) is a word for love that often carries a sense of affection or belovedness, not just romantic passion but also deep, cherished connection.
  • "Upright" (יָשָׁר, yashar, H4339) means straight, right, or just. The verse points out that those who are upright—morally good—are the ones who truly love, suggesting a connection between goodness and genuine affection.

Why Song of Solomon 1:4 matters

  • Song of Solomon 1:4 clears up the idea that the book is only about physical attraction; it also celebrates the joy and goodness found in upright, genuine love.
  • The verse emphasizes that true love is not only private and intimate but also something that brings joy to others who witness it, showing both personal and communal celebration.
  • By mentioning the king’s chambers and the delight in love, the verse sets the tone for the rest of the Song, which explores the beauty, longing, and fulfillment found in a loving relationship.

Where else these words appear

“upright” Hebrew H4339 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
  • Psalms 98:9 Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
  • Proverbs 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

“chambers” Hebrew H2315 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 43:30 And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
  • 1 Kings 20:30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and there a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men that were left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.
  • Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

“Draw” Hebrew H4900 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
  • Nehemiah 9:30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
  • Isaiah 13:22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

“glad” Hebrew H1523 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
  • Psalms 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
  • Isaiah 35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.