Song Of Solomon 2:6

KJV

His left hand [is] under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.

KJV (with Strong's)

His left hand {H8040} is under my head {H7218}, and his right hand {H3225} doth embrace {H2263} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

[I wish] his left arm [were] under my head, and his right arm around me.

Berean Standard Bible

His left hand is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.

American Standard Version

His left handisunder my head, And his right hand doth embrace me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 2:6 vividly portrays a scene of tender intimacy, profound comfort, and secure embrace between the beloved Shulamite woman and her lover. This verse, nestled within a larger poetic celebration of human affection, speaks to the deep emotional and physical connection shared, creating an image of complete rest and cherished protection within a loving relationship. It encapsulates the essence of mutual delight and secure belonging.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 2:6 is spoken by the Shulamite woman, describing her experience of being held by her beloved. It follows her expressions of longing for him and her delight in his presence, as well as his praise of her beauty (Song of Solomon 2:1-5). The preceding verses establish a pastoral setting, with imagery of vineyards and blossoming nature, which serves as a backdrop for their unfolding romance. This verse specifically marks a moment of physical closeness and contentment, a direct response to the lover's arrival and the blossoming of their relationship, reinforcing the theme of mutual affection that permeates [the entire Song](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon - A Celebration of Love").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon reflects ancient Near Eastern poetic traditions, often employing rich agricultural and natural imagery to describe love and beauty. While specifics of the historical setting are scarce, the cultural context suggests a society where courtship and marriage were significant, and expressions of love, while perhaps more veiled than modern poetry, were nonetheless deeply valued. The imagery of embrace and head-resting implies a posture of intimate trust and security, common across cultures for conveying deep affection and care, particularly within marital or betrothal contexts. The emphasis on physical touch within a committed relationship aligns with the biblical affirmation of marriage as a sacred bond, as seen in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Song of Solomon. Foremost is the theme of **Intimacy and Affection**, depicting a profound level of physical and emotional closeness that is both tender and secure. The embrace symbolizes **Security and Protection**, where the beloved finds a safe haven and a place of rest, free from worry. It also highlights **Mutual Delight and Reciprocity**, even though spoken by the woman, it implies a relationship where both partners find joy and fulfillment in each other's presence, reflecting the powerful and exclusive nature of love described elsewhere, such as in [Song of Solomon 8:6-7](/song_of_solomon/8-6 "Song of Solomon 8:6-7 - The Strength of Love"). The verse underscores the beauty and sanctity of human love within its proper bounds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **left hand (Hebrew, _sᵉmôʼwl'_):** From a primitive word meaning "dark (as enveloped)," leading to the idea of the north, and by orientation, the left hand. In this context, it refers to the physical left hand of the beloved, providing support and comfort, specifically positioned "under my head," indicating a posture of rest and tender care.
* **head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to shake," referring to the physical head (as most easily shaken). Here, it signifies the woman's head, which is being cradled, emphasizing her vulnerability and the beloved's gentle support, providing a place of secure repose.
* **right hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** From `yâman`, meaning "the right hand or side," often associated with strength, dexterity, and prominence. In this verse, the right hand is depicted in an active role, "embracing" the beloved, signifying a strong, protective, and encompassing gesture of affection and security.
* **embrace (Hebrew, _châbaq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to clasp (the hands or in embrace); embrace, fold." This word conveys a warm, strong, and intimate hug, emphasizing not just physical contact but a deep sense of protective closeness, affection, and belonging. It suggests a full, encompassing hold.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His left hand [is] under my head":** This clause describes a posture of extreme tenderness and support. The beloved's left hand cradling her head suggests a position of rest, vulnerability, and deep comfort. It implies that he is providing a gentle foundation, allowing her to lean fully into his presence and find repose. This is not merely a casual touch but an intentional act of care, offering a safe and soft place for her to lay her head.
* **"and his right hand doth embrace me":** Following the gentle support of the left hand, the right hand performs a more active and encompassing gesture. The "right hand" often symbolizes strength and authority, and here it is used to "embrace" (châbaq), signifying a powerful, protective, and all-encompassing hug. This embrace conveys security, warmth, and complete acceptance, drawing her fully into his presence and providing a profound sense of belonging and safety.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 2:6 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of physical intimacy and emotional security. The description of the "left hand under my head" and the "right hand doth embrace me" creates a tangible scene that appeals directly to the reader's senses, evoking feelings of comfort, warmth, and protection. This physical posture functions as a **Metaphor** for the emotional and spiritual state of the beloved—she is not just physically held, but emotionally and spiritually secure within the relationship. The beloved's hands, though literal, take on **Symbolism** beyond mere physical contact; the left hand symbolizes tender support and rest, while the right hand, traditionally associated with strength and power, symbolizes protective, encompassing love. The combined action of the hands creates a holistic image of complete care and cherished belonging.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while literally describing human love, resonates with profound theological truths about God's relationship with His people. Just as the beloved finds ultimate comfort and security in her lover's embrace, so too does the believer find ultimate rest and protection in the steadfast love and presence of God. It speaks to the divine assurance that God cradles us in our vulnerability and embraces us with His powerful, unwavering love, offering a sanctuary of peace amidst life's challenges. This intimate posture reflects God's tender care and His desire for a close, personal relationship with humanity, providing a sense of belonging that transcends earthly experiences.

* [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "The Eternal God is Your Refuge")
* [Psalm 4:8](/psalms/4-8 "In Peace I Will Lie Down and Sleep")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 2:6 offers a beautiful blueprint for the kind of intimacy, security, and comfort that should characterize healthy human relationships, particularly within marriage. It reminds us of the profound value of physical presence, tender touch, and emotional availability in fostering deep bonds. Beyond the literal, this verse invites us to reflect on the nature of our relationship with God. Do we allow ourselves to be fully embraced by His love, finding true rest and security in His presence? In a world that often demands self-reliance, this verse calls us to surrender our anxieties and find solace in the divine embrace. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of trust, knowing that God's hands—His gentle support and powerful embrace—are always available to us, providing comfort and peace in every circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of being "under my head" and "embraced" speak to your personal need for comfort and security?**
* **In what ways do you experience God's "embrace" in your daily life, and how can you lean into it more fully?**
* **How can this verse inspire you to cultivate deeper intimacy and provide greater comfort within your own significant relationships?**

### FAQ
**Is Song of Solomon 2:6 only about physical intimacy?**

Answer: While Song of Solomon 2:6 certainly describes a scene of physical intimacy, its meaning extends beyond mere physical contact. The embrace and the resting of the head symbolize deep emotional security, trust, comfort, and a profound sense of belonging within a loving relationship. In the broader context of the Song of Solomon, which celebrates holistic love, physical intimacy is presented as an expression of a much deeper, multifaceted bond that includes emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. Many theological interpretations also see it as an allegory for the intimate relationship between God and His people, or Christ and the Church, where the physical posture symbolizes spiritual truths about divine care and security, as seen in [John 15:9](/john/15-9 "John 15:9 - Abide in My Love").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 2:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The intimate embrace described in the verse beautifully foreshadows the secure and tender relationship Christ offers to His Church, His beloved bride. Just as the Shulamite finds rest and security in her lover's arms, believers find ultimate rest for their souls in the finished work of Christ. He is the one who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His "left hand under my head" speaks of His gentle, compassionate care, cradling us in our weakness and vulnerability, providing a safe haven. His "right hand doth embrace me" signifies His powerful, sovereign protection and unwavering love, drawing us into an unbreakable covenant. Christ's embrace is not merely comforting; it is redemptive, sanctifying, and eternal, as He "loved the church and gave himself up for her" ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). In Him, we are held securely, eternally cherished, and perfectly loved, experiencing a divine intimacy that surpasses all human understanding ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")).

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

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Isaiah 54:5

For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Jeremiah 32:41

Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Isaiah 62:5

For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Song Of Solomon 8:3

His left hand [should be] under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.