Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.

SONG OF SOLOMON 8:13KJV
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Song of Solomon 8:13 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 8:13 mean?

Song of Solomon 8:13 is a request from one lover to the other, asking to hear their voice. The speaker addresses the beloved as someone who lives in gardens, noting that others listen for her, and personally asks to hear her speak.

The verse comes near the end of the Song, where the lovers are expressing longing and closeness. The speaker (often understood as the man) addresses the woman, who is pictured as dwelling among gardens—a place of beauty and life. He points out that her companions listen to her, but he desires to hear her voice himself, showing a personal and intimate longing.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 8:13

  • "dwellest" (יֹשֶׁבֶת, yoshevet): This word means to live or remain. The use here paints the beloved as someone settled in a place of growth and beauty, not just passing through.
  • "gardens" (גַּנִּים, gannim): The plural suggests a lush, abundant setting. Gardens in this book often symbolize delight, intimacy, and flourishing.
  • "companions" (חֲבֵרִים, chaverim): This word means friends or associates. The mention of companions listening to her voice hints that she is admired or valued by others, not just the speaker.
  • "hearken" (מַקְשִׁיבִים, maqshivim): This means to listen attentively. The companions are not just hearing, but actively listening, which highlights the desirability of her voice.
  • "voice" (קוֹלֵךְ, qolekh): This word simply means voice or sound, but in the Song, the voice often represents the person’s presence and affection.
  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama): This is a strong word for hearing, often carrying the sense of really paying attention or responding.

Why Song of Solomon 8:13 matters

  • Song of Solomon 8:13 highlights the personal desire for connection, even when others may also value the beloved. The speaker wants to hear the beloved’s voice directly, not just know that others do.
  • The verse draws attention to the beloved’s environment—gardens and companions—emphasizing her beauty, desirability, and the richness of her world.
  • This request for the beloved’s voice ties back to earlier parts of the Song, where hearing and being heard are central to the lovers’ relationship, reinforcing the theme of mutual longing and intimacy.

Where else these words appear

“companions” Hebrew H2270 · used in 11 verses

  • Judges 20:11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.
  • Proverbs 28:24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
  • Isaiah 1:23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

“gardens” Hebrew H1588 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
  • Song of Solomon 6:2 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

“hearken” Hebrew H7181 · used in 45 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
  • Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
  • Isaiah 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.