Song Of Solomon 5:4

KJV

My beloved put in his hand by the hole [of the door], and my bowels were moved for him.

KJV (with Strong's)

My beloved {H1730} put in {H7971} his hand {H3027} by {H4480} the hole {H2356} of the door, and my bowels {H4578} were moved {H1993} for him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man I love put his hand through the hole by the door-latch, and my heart began pounding at the thought of him.

Berean Standard Bible

My beloved put his hand to the latch; my heart pounded for him.

American Standard Version

My beloved put in his hand by the holeof the door, And my heart was moved for him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:4 vividly portrays a pivotal moment in the Shulamite woman's dream, where her beloved's intimate gesture of reaching his hand through the door's opening elicits an immediate, profound, and visceral emotional response within her. This verse powerfully conveys the intensity of her yearning and deep affection, underscoring the transformative impact of his presence and initiative on her innermost being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a dream sequence (Song 5:2-8) that immediately follows a period of separation and longing between the lovers. The Shulamite recounts awakening to her beloved's arrival at her door, knocking and asking to be admitted. Her initial hesitation, perhaps due to comfort or modesty, leads to a delay in opening the door. His action of putting his hand through the door's opening is a poignant, persistent attempt to gain entry, a clear sign of his earnest desire for intimacy despite her delay. This moment serves as a critical turning point, profoundly intensifying her longing and compelling her to eventually rise, though by then he has departed. This prompts her frantic search for him through the city, culminating in her passionate and detailed description of her beloved in [Song of Solomon 5:10-16](/song_of_solomon/5-10-16 "Song of Solomon 5:10-16 - The Shulamite's Description of Her Beloved"). The entire passage masterfully underscores themes of desire, pursuit, the pain of separation, and the transformative power of love.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite homes commonly featured simple wooden doors secured by an internal bolt or latch. To open such a door from the outside, one would typically manipulate the latch through a small "hole" or opening, or insert a key. The beloved's act of inserting his hand through this opening signifies his immediate physical presence at her threshold and his intimate knowledge of how to gain access, even as she hesitates. It is a gesture imbued with both physical proximity and emotional persistence. The cultural understanding of "bowels" (Hebrew: _mêʻeh_) in biblical times was not merely anatomical but deeply metaphorical, representing the seat of profound emotions, compassion, and intense affection, akin to how modern English speakers might refer to the "heart" or "gut." This idiom conveys a deep, involuntary stirring that transcends superficial feeling, reflecting a widespread biblical understanding of human physiology as intrinsically linked to emotional and spiritual states, as also depicted in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart").

* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 5:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **intense yearning and desire**, showcasing the Shulamite's profound emotional and physical longing for her beloved. Her visceral reaction underscores the depth of their passionate love and mutual attraction. Secondly, it highlights the **beloved's persistent pursuit** and initiative; his action of reaching through the door demonstrates his earnestness in seeking connection, even when faced with a delayed response. This mirrors the active, seeking nature of true love and commitment. Thirdly, the verse speaks to **internal awakening and responsiveness**, depicting how the beloved's presence and intimate gesture stir the Shulamite's deepest affections, leading to an immediate and overwhelming desire for intimacy. This internal stirring is a testament to the transformative power of love and the profound impact one person can have on another's innermost being, a theme woven throughout [the Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "The Song of Solomon - A Love Poem") as a whole.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** This term, used frequently throughout the Song of Solomon, signifies not merely a lover but one who is cherished, deeply loved, and a close friend. Derived from a root meaning "to boil" or "to love," it encapsulates the fervent, passionate nature of the relationship described. It implies a reciprocal affection and a profound bond of endearment, highlighting the special status of the man in the Shulamite's life.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** More than merely a physical appendage, "hand" in Hebrew often carries rich metaphorical weight, representing power, action, presence, and agency. In this context, the beloved's hand signifies his active presence at the door, his attempt to gain entry, and his intimate, personal initiative. It is a symbol of his desire to connect and his capacity to act upon that desire.
* **hole (Hebrew, _chôwr'_):** This word refers to a cavity, socket, or den. In the context of ancient doors, it describes a small opening or aperture, often used for manipulating an internal latch or inserting a key. It is the point of access, a narrow threshold through which intimacy is sought.
* **bowels (Hebrew, _mêʻeh'_):** This word refers to the intestines or abdomen, but in biblical idiom, it is the seat of deep, visceral emotions, including compassion, pity, and intense love or yearning. Figuratively, it refers to the heart or womb, implying a tender, yielding, and deeply affected state.
* **moved (Hebrew, _hâmâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to make a loud sound," but by implication, "to be in great commotion or tumult." When applied to the "bowels," it signifies an involuntary, profound emotional upheaval, a gut-level response of intense longing and affection that stirs one's very core. It denotes a deep, internal stirring or disquietude.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My beloved put in his hand by the hole [of the door]":** This clause describes the beloved's decisive and intimate action. He has arrived at the Shulamite's door and, finding it latched or closed, inserts his hand through a small opening or "hole" (likely for manipulating the latch or a key). This is an intimate, persistent, and knowing gesture, indicating his close proximity and his earnest desire to enter and be with her. It's an act of initiative, signaling his immediate presence and invitation for her to open the door and welcome him.
* **"and my bowels were moved for him":** This clause reveals the Shulamite's immediate and profound internal reaction to her beloved's gesture. The phrase "my bowels were moved" is a Hebrew idiom expressing a deep, visceral, and overwhelming emotional response. It signifies intense yearning, profound affection, and an almost involuntary stirring of her innermost being, a powerful longing that resonates throughout her entire person. It's a spontaneous outpouring of love and desire, demonstrating the profound and undeniable impact her beloved's presence and action have on her.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Symbolism**. The "hand" of the beloved symbolizes his presence, initiative, and desire for intimacy, while the "hole of the door" represents both an obstacle and a point of potential access, a threshold to deeper communion. The "bowels" are a powerful symbol of the deepest seat of human emotion and affection, signifying a profound, gut-level response rather than a superficial one. **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "bowels" to represent the entirety of the Shulamite's intense emotional and physical yearning. The phrase "my bowels were moved" is an example of **Idiomatic Expression**, conveying a specific cultural understanding of deep emotional stirring. The verse also employs strong **Sensory Imagery**, particularly tactile (the hand reaching through the hole) and kinesthetic (the internal movement of the bowels), drawing the reader intimately into the Shulamite's profound experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While primarily a human love poem celebrating marital intimacy, Song of Solomon 5:4 offers profound allegorical insights into the spiritual relationship between God and humanity, or Christ and His Church. The beloved's persistent initiative in seeking entry can be seen as a beautiful metaphor for God's relentless pursuit of His people, His desire for intimate fellowship, and His gentle knocking at the door of our hearts. The Shulamite's visceral, overwhelming response mirrors the deep yearning and passionate devotion that the human soul can and should cultivate for its Creator. This verse underscores the reciprocal nature of divine-human relationship: God initiates, and our deepest being is stirred to respond with fervent love and longing. It challenges believers to cultivate a heart that is sensitive and quick to respond to the Lord's presence and invitations, allowing His love to stir our innermost affections and draw us into deeper communion.

* [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door")
* [Psalm 42:1](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1 - Thirst for God")
* [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 5:4 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that genuine, persistent love can have, both in human relationships and, allegorically, in our spiritual walk. The beloved's gentle yet determined act of reaching through the door signifies an invitation to deeper intimacy, a seeking presence that stirs the soul. For us, this can be a call to recognize and respond to God's constant initiative in our lives. Often, God "knocks" or "reaches in" through His Word, through prayer, through the Holy Spirit's promptings, or through the circumstances of life, inviting us into a deeper relationship. Our challenge is to cultivate a heart that is not hesitant or slow to respond, but one that is exquisitely sensitive to His presence, allowing His love to move our "bowels"—our deepest affections and innermost being—with fervent yearning and devotion. This verse encourages us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a passionate, visceral love for God, a love that compels us to open the door of our hearts wide and embrace the intimacy He offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How sensitive am I to the "knocking" or "reaching in" of God in my daily life?**
* **What might be causing me to hesitate or delay in responding to God's invitations for deeper intimacy?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more profound, "bowel-moving" affection and yearning for God?**
* **How does my response to God's presence reflect the depth of my love and desire for Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "my bowels were moved for him" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Hebrew thought, the "bowels" (Hebrew: _mêʻeh_) were considered the seat of deep emotions, not just physical organs. Therefore, "my bowels were moved for him" is an idiom signifying a profound, visceral, and intense emotional and physical yearning. It's an involuntary, gut-level response of overwhelming affection, compassion, and desire, indicating that her entire being was stirred by her beloved's presence and action. It conveys a love so deep it resonates in her very core, similar to how we might say "my heart went out to him" or "I felt it in my gut." This phrase emphasizes the depth and authenticity of her passionate love.

**Is this verse only about human love, or does it have spiritual meaning?**

Answer: While Song of Solomon 5:4 is explicitly a description of human romantic love within the narrative of the Shulamite and her beloved, it has been widely interpreted allegorically throughout Jewish and Christian tradition. In Jewish tradition, it often represents the love between God and Israel. In Christian tradition, it is frequently understood as an allegory for the passionate love between Christ and His Church, or between Christ and the individual believer. The beloved's persistent pursuit and the Shulamite's deep, responsive yearning are seen as parallels to Christ's initiative in seeking us and our call to respond with fervent devotion. This spiritual interpretation enriches the text, providing profound insights into divine-human intimacy, as seen in [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Stands at the Door and Knocks").

**How does the "hole of the door" relate to ancient homes?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite homes, doors were often secured by a wooden bolt or latch on the inside. To open the door from the outside, a person might insert a "key" (often a simple wooden peg) or their hand through a small opening or "hole" in the door to manipulate the latch. This "hole" allowed for a degree of access and communication even when the door was closed. The beloved's action of putting his hand through this opening signifies his intimate knowledge of the home's mechanics and his earnest, personal attempt to gain entry, highlighting his close proximity and desire to be with the Shulamite.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:4, when viewed through a Christ-centered lens, beautifully foreshadows the intimate and persistent pursuit of Christ for His Church and for every individual believer. Just as the beloved reaches his hand through the door, signifying his presence and desire for communion, so too does Christ stand at the door of our hearts and knock, desiring to enter and sup with us ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door")). His "hand" represents His power, His active grace, and His unwavering initiative in seeking a relationship with us, even when we are slow to respond or hesitant. The Shulamite's visceral reaction, her "bowels moved for him," becomes a powerful metaphor for the profound, Spirit-wrought yearning and love that the believer experiences for Christ. It speaks to a love that is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, emotional, and all-encompassing devotion that stirs our innermost being. Christ, as the ultimate Bridegroom ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")), continually extends His invitation to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), and our spiritual maturity is often marked by how readily and passionately our hearts are moved to open the door and welcome His transforming presence. This verse reminds us that true intimacy with God is a response to His divine initiative, stirring within us a love that mirrors His own fervent pursuit.

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

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

Psalms 110:3

Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

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.

Acts 16:14

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

1 Kings 3:26

Then spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it].

Genesis 43:30

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought [where] to weep; and he entered into [his] chamber, and wept there.

1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.