And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.

SONG OF SOLOMON 7:9KJV
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Song of Solomon 7:9 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 7:9 mean?

Song of Solomon 7:9 uses the image of the beloved’s mouth being like the finest wine, describing words or kisses that are sweet and delightful, bringing pleasure to the one who loves her. The verse ends with the wine “causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak,” suggesting that this delight is so powerful it can awaken or stir even those at rest.

In this verse, the man is speaking to his beloved, using poetic language to praise her. The setting is intimate and celebratory, with the man expressing how deeply he enjoys her presence and affection. The verse’s imagery highlights the joy and vitality found in their relationship, fitting the Song’s larger theme of mutual love and desire.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 7:9

  • "mouth" (חֵךְ, ḥēk): This word refers to the palate or roof of the mouth, often used in Hebrew poetry to symbolize taste or speech. Here, it emphasizes the sweetness and pleasure found in the beloved’s words or kisses.
  • "best" (טוֹב, ṭov): This word means “good” or “best,” stressing the high quality and desirability of the wine, and by comparison, the beloved’s mouth.
  • "sweetly" (מֵישָׁרִים, mêyshārīm): This word can mean “smoothly” or “uprightly,” suggesting that the wine (and thus the beloved’s affection) goes down easily and pleasantly, without harshness.
  • "asleep" (יָשֵׁנִים, yāshēnīm): This word means “those who are sleeping.” The phrase about lips speaking even in sleep is poetic, hinting at how love’s delight can stir or awaken even the most restful.

Why Song of Solomon 7:9 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that the Song is only about physical beauty; it shows that words, affection, and emotional intimacy are also celebrated.
  • The verse emphasizes the mutual enjoyment and delight in the relationship, not just one-sided admiration.
  • The poetic image of wine awakening the lips of sleepers connects to the Song’s broader theme of love as something powerful, life-giving, and able to stir even what seems dormant.

Where else these words appear

“asleep” Hebrew H3463 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.
  • 1 Kings 3:20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
  • Song of Solomon 5:2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

“mouth” Hebrew H2441 · used in 18 verses

  • Job 6:30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
  • Job 33:2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
  • Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

“sweetly” 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.

“beloved” Hebrew H1730 · used in 53 verses

  • Leviticus 10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
  • Song of Solomon 1:16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
  • Song of Solomon 5:16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.