I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;

SONG OF SOLOMON 7:8KJV
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Song of Solomon 7:8 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 7:8 mean?

Song of Solomon 7:8 uses vivid, poetic language to describe the speaker’s desire and admiration for his beloved. The verse compares her body and fragrance to fruitful trees and vines, expressing longing and delight in her physical beauty.

In this verse, the man is speaking to his beloved woman, using the imagery of a palm tree and clusters of grapes to describe her form and allure. The mention of her “breasts” as “clusters of the vine” and the “smell of thy nose like apples” is part of a larger celebration of love and attraction in the Song of Solomon, where natural imagery is used to communicate affection and sensual appreciation.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 7:8

  • “Palm tree” (תָּמָר, tamar): This word refers to a tall, graceful tree, often a symbol of beauty and fruitfulness in ancient Israel. Comparing the woman to a palm tree highlights her stature and elegance.
  • “Boughs” (סַנְסִנָּה, sansinnah): This word means branches or clusters, emphasizing the idea of abundance and fertility. The speaker’s desire to “take hold” of these boughs is a poetic way of expressing intimacy.
  • “Breasts” (שַׁד, shad): The comparison to “clusters of the vine” (אֶשְׁכּוֹל, eshkol) uses the image of grape clusters to suggest fullness, beauty, and desirability.
  • “Smell” (רֵיחַ, reyach) and “nose” (אַף, aph): The phrase “the smell of thy nose like apples” uses the sense of smell to evoke freshness and sweetness, adding another layer to the sensory imagery.

Why Song of Solomon 7:8 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that the Song of Solomon is filled with sensual, poetic expressions of love, not just abstract or spiritual ideas; it uses the language of the senses to celebrate human affection.
  • The imagery of fruitfulness and fragrance ties the beloved’s beauty to the natural world, showing how ancient love poetry often drew on everyday experiences and surroundings.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew words and their connotations reveals the depth and richness of the metaphors, which might otherwise seem strange or overly bold in a modern context.