I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.

SONG OF SOLOMON 8:4KJV
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Song of Solomon 8:4 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 8:4 mean?

Song of Solomon 8:4 is a warning from the woman to the “daughters of Jerusalem,” urging them not to disturb or force love before the right time, but to let it awaken naturally when it is ready. The verse highlights the importance of patience and respect for the timing of love.

In this verse, the woman addresses the young women of Jerusalem, cautioning them about rushing romantic feelings or relationships. The setting is intimate and reflective, as she emphasizes that love should not be hurried or manipulated, but allowed to develop at its own pace. This advice fits within the broader theme of the Song, which celebrates love’s beauty and proper timing.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 8:4

  • “Charge” (שָׁבַע, shavaʿ) means to make someone swear or take an oath. The woman is not just giving advice; she is solemnly urging the others, showing the seriousness of her warning.
  • “Love” (אַהֲבָה, ahavah) refers to deep affection or romantic love. The use of this word highlights that the warning is about genuine, heartfelt love, not mere attraction or infatuation.
  • “Please” (חָפֵץ, chafetz) means to delight in or to desire. The phrase “until he please” suggests that love should be awakened only when it is truly desired or ready, not according to outside pressure or impatience.

Why Song of Solomon 8:4 matters

  • Song of Solomon 8:4 clears up the idea that love can or should be forced; it emphasizes that real love must be allowed to grow naturally, without being rushed.
  • The verse connects to a repeated theme in the Song of Solomon, where similar warnings appear, showing that the timing and maturity of love are central concerns in the book.
  • This verse helps readers see that the Song of Solomon is not just about passion, but also about wisdom and restraint in relationships, highlighting the value of patience and respect for emotional readiness.

Where else these words appear

“love” Hebrew H160 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
  • Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
  • Song of Solomon 7:6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!

“up” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
  • Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

“please” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
  • Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.