Song Of Solomon 3:5

I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please.

I charge {H7650} you, O ye daughters {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}, by the roes {H6643}, and {H176} by the hinds {H355} of the field {H7704}, that ye stir not up {H5782}, nor awake {H5782} my love {H160}, till he please {H2654}.

I warn you, daughters of Yerushalayim, by the gazelles and deer in the wilds, not to awaken or stir up love until it wants to arise!

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the roes, or by the hinds of the field, That ye stir not up, nor awake my love, Until he please.

Commentary

Song of Solomon 3:5 presents a tender and solemn adjuration by the Shulamite woman to the "daughters of Jerusalem," urging them not to disturb the delicate nature of love until its appointed time.

Context

This verse is a recurring refrain within the Song of Solomon, appearing almost identically in Song of Solomon 2:7 and again in Song of Solomon 8:4. Each instance follows a moment of intimate union or reflection for the Shulamite and her beloved, emphasizing the sanctity and vulnerability of their bond. Here, it comes after the Shulamite's anxious search for her beloved in the city and their joyful reunion, highlighting her desire to protect their newfound peace and intimacy.

Key Themes

  • Patience and Divine Timing: The core message is the importance of not forcing or rushing love. True love, like nature, has its own season and rhythm, and should be allowed to unfold naturally, "till he please." This speaks to a deeper understanding of proper timing in all aspects of life, including romantic relationships.
  • Sacredness of Love: The solemn oath, "by the roes, and by the hinds of the field," elevates the charge. These gentle, easily startled creatures symbolize the precious, delicate, and easily disturbed nature of genuine affection. The oath underscores the deep respect and protection the Shulamite feels for their love.
  • Protection of Intimacy: The plea to "stir not up, nor awake my love" reflects a desire to safeguard the peace and sacredness of the relationship, ensuring it is not prematurely aroused or disturbed by external pressures or internal impatience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "charge" is shaba, meaning to swear an oath, to adjure. This gives the command a profound, almost covenantal weight. The "roes" (tsebiyah) and "hinds" (ayyalot) are known for their beauty, grace, and swiftness, but also their skittishness. Using them in an oath highlights the delicate balance and natural development that love requires, implying that to rush it would be to startle or harm it, much like disturbing these wild, free creatures in their natural habitat.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless wisdom for relationships, whether romantic or spiritual. It encourages:

  • Patience in Relationships: Avoid rushing into commitments or forcing intimacy. Allow love to develop authentically and organically, respecting the pace of both individuals involved.
  • Respecting Boundaries: Just as the Shulamite protects her beloved's peace, we are called to respect the emotional and spiritual space of others, not imposing our desires or timelines upon them.
  • Waiting on God's Timing: For believers, this can be interpreted as a spiritual principle, reminding us not to rush God's plans or force spiritual experiences. Just as the Shulamite waits for "him" to please, we are called to wait on the Lord's perfect timing for His will to unfold in our lives, trusting that He makes everything beautiful in its time.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Song Of Solomon 2:7

    I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please.

  • Song Of Solomon 8:4

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

  • Micah 4:8

    ¶ And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.
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