Song Of Solomon 1:2

KJV

¶ Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love [is] better than wine.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let him kiss {H5401} me with the kisses {H5390} of his mouth {H6310}: for thy love {H1730} is better {H2896} than wine {H3196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[She] Let him smother me with kisses from his mouth, for your love is better than wine.

Berean Standard Bible

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine.

American Standard Version

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; For thy love is better than wine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse opens the poetic dialogue with a fervent expression of desire from the Shulamite woman to her beloved, King Solomon. She yearns for intimate physical affection, specifically "kisses of his mouth," immediately establishing the passionate and deeply personal tone of the entire book. This longing is grounded in her profound appreciation for his "love," which she declares to be superior to wine, a common symbol of joy and pleasure in ancient Near Eastern culture. The verse thus sets forth themes of intense romantic longing, the unparalleled value of genuine affection, and the pursuit of profound relational intimacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 1:2 immediately follows a brief superscription (Song of Solomon 1:1) identifying the book as "The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's." This verse then plunges directly into the voice of the Shulamite woman, initiating the dramatic dialogue that comprises the book. Her opening plea for a kiss is not merely a polite greeting but a bold, unreserved declaration of desire, setting the emotional and relational intensity for the entire narrative. It establishes the central characters—the beloved (often identified as King Solomon) and the Shulamite—and immediately introduces the theme of mutual longing and physical affection that permeates their exchanges throughout the poetic work. The verse functions as an immediate immersion into the intimate world of the lovers, eschewing preamble for direct expression of deep emotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, public displays of affection, while not entirely absent, were often more reserved than the passionate plea found here. However, the Song of Solomon operates within the genre of ancient Near Eastern love poetry, which often celebrated romantic and erotic love with vivid imagery. Wine, mentioned as a point of comparison, was a staple beverage and a symbol of joy, celebration, and prosperity (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that gladdens the heart")). To declare love "better than wine" was to elevate it above one of life's most cherished and intoxicating pleasures, signifying its supreme value. The "kisses of his mouth" would have been understood as a profound expression of intimate affection and covenantal commitment, far beyond a casual greeting, reflecting a deep personal bond in a culture where marriage was often arranged but emotional connection was still highly valued within the marital bond.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several foundational themes that will be explored throughout the Song of Solomon. Foremost is the theme of **Intense Desire and Affection**, as the woman's direct request for a kiss underscores a profound yearning for physical and emotional intimacy with her beloved. This is not a passive longing but an active, expressed desire for communion. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Superiority of Love and Intimacy** over all other earthly pleasures. By stating "thy love is better than wine," the Shulamite elevates the depth and satisfaction found in genuine relational connection above even the most potent symbols of joy and delight. This theme resonates with broader biblical wisdom that values relational well-being and spiritual connection above material abundance or fleeting pleasures, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 15:17](/proverbs/15-17 "Proverbs 15:17 - Better a meal of vegetables where there is love"). Finally, the verse establishes the **Centrality of Mutual Relationship and Devotion**, setting the stage for a narrative that explores the dynamics of a committed, passionate bond between two individuals, reflecting the ideal of a covenantal relationship (e.g., [Malachi 2:14](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14 - The Covenant of Marriage")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kiss (Hebrew, _nâshaq'_):** From H5401, a primitive root meaning "to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons." In this context, it refers to a literal, intimate act of affection. The repetition of the root (from "kiss me" and "kisses") emphasizes the intensity and multiplicity of the desired action, highlighting a deep yearning for physical closeness and emotional connection.
* **kisses (Hebrew, _nᵉshîyqâh'_):** From H5390, a noun meaning "a kiss." This noun form reinforces the intensity of the verb "nâshaq," specifying the desired act. The plural "kisses" suggests not just a single, perfunctory kiss, but a multitude or a sustained expression of affection, indicative of profound intimacy and passionate longing.
* **love (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From H1730, this word is distinct from the more common Hebrew word for love, _ahavah_. _Dôwd_ (plural _dôwdîm_) specifically refers to expressions of love, caresses, or delights associated with intimate, often physical, affection. It can also mean "lover" or "beloved." Here, it emphasizes the delightful, sensual, and intimate aspects of the beloved's affection, which the Shulamite finds supremely satisfying.
* **better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this adjective means "good in the widest sense," including "beautiful, best, better, pleasant, precious." Here, it functions as a comparative, asserting the superior quality and satisfaction derived from the beloved's intimate affection compared to the pleasure of wine. It's a declaration of ultimate value.
* **wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** From H3196, this refers to "wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication; banqueting." Wine was a symbol of joy, celebration, and luxury in the ancient world. By comparing her beloved's love to wine and finding it superior, the Shulamite elevates the relational pleasure to the highest possible human experience, surpassing even the most potent earthly delights.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth":** This opening phrase is a direct, bold, and passionate plea from the Shulamite woman. The verb "kiss" (nâshaq) and the noun "kisses" (nᵉshîyqâh) are derived from the same root, creating a strong emphasis on the act of kissing itself. The phrase "of his mouth" specifies the source of the kisses, highlighting the direct, personal, and intimate nature of the desired physical contact. It signifies a yearning for the most profound and direct form of physical affection, indicative of deep emotional connection and longing for communion.
* **"for thy love [is] better than wine":** This clause provides the justification for her fervent request. The "love" (dôwd) here refers to the intimate expressions of affection from her beloved. By declaring it "better than wine," she establishes a powerful comparison. Wine was a potent symbol of joy, pleasure, and celebration in ancient culture, often associated with banqueting and intoxication. Her statement elevates the experience of her beloved's intimate affection above even the most delightful and intoxicating earthly pleasures, asserting its supreme value and the profound satisfaction it brings to her soul. It underscores the unique and unparalleled joy found in their relational bond.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the declaration that "thy love is better than wine" is an exaggerated statement meant to emphasize the supreme value and unparalleled satisfaction the Shulamite finds in her beloved's affection. While wine was a significant source of joy, the statement elevates love to an incomparable level. **Metaphor** is also present, as "wine" serves as a metaphor for earthly pleasures and intoxicants, against which the beloved's "love" is favorably compared. The phrase "kisses of his mouth" uses **Synecdoche**, where "mouth" represents the whole person and the intimacy of their physical presence. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Sensory Language**, appealing directly to the sense of touch (kisses) and taste (wine), making the desired intimacy palpable and immediate for the reader. The direct address and fervent tone also imbue the verse with strong **Emotional Appeal**, immediately drawing the reader into the passionate world of the lovers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 1:2, while overtly a celebration of human romantic love, resonates with profound theological truths about intimacy, desire, and the nature of ultimate satisfaction. The Shulamite's intense longing for her beloved and her declaration of his love's supremacy over all earthly delights speaks to the human soul's inherent yearning for ultimate connection and fulfillment. Theologically, this can be understood as a reflection of humanity's deepest desire for communion with God, where His love (hesed) is indeed "better than life" (as in [Psalm 63:3](/psalms/63-3 "Your love is better than life")). The passionate pursuit depicted here mirrors the spiritual journey of seeking God with all one's heart, finding in Him a satisfaction that surpasses all temporary pleasures or worldly pursuits. It underscores that true joy and contentment are found not in external stimulants, but in profound, intimate relationship.

* [Psalm 63:1-3](/psalms/63-1 "My Soul Thirsts for God") - "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you."
* [Proverbs 27:9](/proverbs/27-9 "Sweetness of Friendship") - "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from earnest counsel."
* [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19 "God's Covenant with Israel") - "And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 1:2 invites us to consider the depth and intensity of our own desires, whether in human relationships or in our spiritual walk. The Shulamite's unreserved expression of longing challenges us to examine the authenticity and fervor of our affections. Do we truly value genuine, intimate connection above all other pursuits, or are we often distracted by lesser pleasures, symbolized by "wine"? This verse reminds us that the deepest satisfaction is found not in fleeting external stimuli, but in the profound, reciprocal love of another, and ultimately, in the unparalleled love of God. It encourages us to cultivate relationships—both human and divine—with intentionality, passion, and a recognition of their supreme worth. For those in romantic relationships, it serves as a beautiful reminder of the sacredness and joy of marital intimacy, encouraging open expression of affection and valuing the beloved above all else. For all believers, it can stir a deeper longing for the spiritual intimacy offered by Christ, whose love truly surpasses all understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the Shulamite's bold request for a kiss reveal about the nature of true intimacy and desire?**
* **In what ways do we, like the Shulamite, sometimes seek satisfaction in "wine" (worldly pleasures or distractions) instead of in genuine, deep relationships or in God's love?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the "love" (intimate affection) in our significant relationships, mirroring the Shulamite's declaration that it is "better than wine"?**
* **How does this verse inspire or challenge your personal pursuit of intimacy with God?**

### FAQ
**Is the Song of Solomon primarily about human love or God's love for His people?**

Answer: The Song of Solomon is a rich poetic work that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Its primary, literal reading is a celebration of human romantic and marital love between a man and a woman, depicted with vivid and passionate imagery. However, for centuries, both Jewish and Christian traditions have also understood it allegorically. In Judaism, it's often seen as a metaphor for God's covenantal love for Israel. In Christianity, it's frequently interpreted as an allegory for Christ's love for His church, or the individual believer's soul's longing for Christ. The beauty of the book lies in its ability to function on multiple levels, affirming the goodness of human sexuality and marriage as God-given, while simultaneously providing a framework for understanding the profound spiritual intimacy between God and His people, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25 "Christ and the Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 1:2, with its passionate declaration of love's supremacy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Shulamite's yearning for the "kisses of his mouth" and her assertion that her beloved's "love is better than wine" beautifully foreshadows the believer's deep spiritual longing for Christ and the unparalleled satisfaction found in His divine love. Just as the Shulamite found ultimate delight in her beloved, so too do believers find that knowing Christ surpasses all earthly pleasures and pursuits. The "love" (dôwd) described here, emphasizing intimate affection, points to the profound, personal relationship offered by Christ, who calls us His friends ([John 15:15](/john/15-15 "Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends")) and whose love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Love Poured Out")). His sacrificial love, demonstrated on the cross, is indeed "better than wine"—it is better than life itself, offering eternal joy and communion that no worldly pleasure can provide ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ")). The ultimate "kiss" we receive is the embrace of God's grace and forgiveness through Christ, leading to an eternal union with the Bridegroom ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Song Of Solomon 4:10

How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:2

Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Song Of Solomon 1:4

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.

Psalms 63:3

¶ Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Psalms 36:7

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.