Song of Solomon 5:8

Translation
King James Version
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.
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KJV (with Strong's)
I charge H7650 you, O daughters H1323 of Jerusalem H3389, if ye find H4672 my beloved H1730, that ye tell H5046 him, that I am sick H2470 of love H160.
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Complete Jewish Bible
I charge you, daughters of Yerushalayim, that if you find the man I love, what are you to tell him? That I am sick with love.
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Berean Standard Bible
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love.
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American Standard Version
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, If ye find my beloved, That ye tell him, that I am sick from love.
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World English Bible Messianic
I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, If you find my beloved, that you tell him that I am faint with love. Friends
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Geneva Bible (1599)
I charge you, O daughters of Ierusalem, if you finde my welbeloued, that you tell him that I am sicke of loue.
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Young's Literal Translation
I have adjured you, daughters of Jerusalem, If ye find my beloved--What do ye tell him? that I am sick with love!
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See also
Song of Solomon 2:5Song of Solomon 2:7Psalms 42:1Psalms 42:3Song of Solomon 3:5Romans 15:30Psalms 63:1
In the KJVVerse 17,607 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Song of Solomon 5:8 captures the Shulamite's profound and overwhelming emotional state, expressing a love so intense for her beloved that it manifests as a debilitating yearning. Having frantically searched for him through the city streets after a missed encounter, she appeals to the "daughters of Jerusalem" to convey the depth of her longing, revealing a heart consumed by passionate affection and distress in his absence. Her declaration is a poignant cry from a soul deeply affected by the power of love and the pain of separation.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse immediately follows a vivid and distressing dream sequence in Song of Solomon 5:2-7. In this dream, the Shulamite describes her beloved's arrival and departure, her subsequent inability to open the door quickly enough, and her frantic, desperate search for him through the city. Her search leads to a painful encounter with the city watchmen, who mistreat her. Her passionate plea in Song of Solomon 5:8 is a direct outpouring of the emotional anguish and intense longing she experiences after this unfulfilled encounter and fruitless search. The "daughters of Jerusalem" serve as a recurring chorus or confidantes throughout the Song, often receiving charges or questions from the Shulamite, as seen previously in Song of Solomon 2:7 and Song of Solomon 3:5, providing a narrative framework for her expressions of love and distress.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Song of Solomon, set in ancient Israel, reflects the cultural norms of a society where expressions of romantic love, while often veiled in poetic language, were deeply valued. The "daughters of Jerusalem" likely represent the young women of the court or city, serving as an audience or a collective voice that interacts with the Shulamite. Their presence underscores the public yet intimate nature of the Shulamite's declarations, suggesting that intense romantic love was acknowledged and discussed within the community, albeit within the confines of poetic expression. The imagery of searching for a beloved in the city streets, even at night, highlights the depth of commitment and disregard for social conventions when driven by profound affection. The language of "sickness" due to love was a recognized poetic trope in ancient Near Eastern literature, signifying an overwhelming emotional state rather than a physical ailment.
  • Key Themes: The central theme of Song of Solomon 5:8 is the overwhelming power of passionate love. The Shulamite's declaration of being "sick of love" vividly portrays love as an all-consuming force that affects one's very being, leading to a profound sense of yearning and even distress in separation. This verse also highlights the theme of desperate seeking and persistent devotion, as her plea to the daughters of Jerusalem underscores her relentless pursuit of her beloved, echoing her earlier search in Song of Solomon 3:1-4. Furthermore, it showcases vulnerability and open communication within intimate relationships, as the Shulamite openly confides her deepest emotional state to her trusted companions. This intense, unyielding love is a foundational theme throughout the entire Song, culminating in the powerful affirmation that love is strong as death.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • charge (Hebrew, shâbaʻ', H7650): A primitive root meaning "to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times); adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for שָׂבַע), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear." The Shulamite's use of "charge" (KJV) or "adjure" (ESV, NASB) is a solemn and binding appeal, akin to putting someone under oath. It emphasizes the gravity and earnestness of her request to the "daughters of Jerusalem," indicating that her emotional state is not trivial but demands a serious, committed response.
  • sick (Hebrew, châlâh', H2470): A primitive root meaning "properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or (causatively) to grieve, make sick; also to stroke (in flattering), entreat; beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded." This word vividly portrays a state of physical and emotional debilitation. When combined with "love," it signifies an overwhelming, almost incapacitating, emotional distress caused by the absence of the beloved, rather than a literal illness. Her love is so intense that it has "worn her out" or made her "weak" with longing.
  • love (Hebrew, ʼahăbâh', H160): Feminine of אַהַב, meaning "affection (in a good or a bad sense); love." This term denotes a deep, passionate affection. In the context of the Song, it is consistently used to describe the profound romantic and emotional bond between the Shulamite and her beloved. When paired with "sick," it underscores that the very source of her joy and desire has, in its unfulfilled state, become the cause of her profound distress and yearning, highlighting the paradoxical nature of love's power to both uplift and debilitate.

Verse Breakdown

  • "I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem": The Shulamite makes a solemn and earnest appeal to her companions, the young women of Jerusalem. This is not a casual request but a serious adjuration, highlighting the urgency and depth of her emotional need. She is putting them under a binding obligation, emphasizing the critical nature of her message and her reliance on their assistance.
  • "if ye find my beloved": This clause reveals the immediate context of her plea: she is unable to locate her beloved herself, having just searched for him in vain through the city. Her hope now rests on the possibility that others might encounter him, underscoring her desperation and the intensity of her desire for reunion. It implies a sense of helplessness and an urgent need for intervention.
  • "that ye tell him": This is the core of her instruction. She wants them to convey a message directly to him, indicating that she cannot deliver it herself, either because she cannot find him or because her emotional state prevents her from doing so effectively. This sets up the critical content of her message, which she deems essential for her beloved to hear.
  • "that I [am] sick of love": This climactic declaration is the essence of her message, a powerful poetic expression of being utterly consumed, weakened, and distressed by the intensity of her unfulfilled love and longing for her beloved's presence. It is not a complaint of physical illness but a vivid metaphor for the profound emotional and even physical languishing caused by the absence of the one she loves. Her love is so profound that its absence causes her deep anguish and a sense of being utterly undone.

Literary Devices

Song of Solomon 5:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey the Shulamite's intense emotional state. Apostrophe is prominently featured as the speaker directly addresses the "daughters of Jerusalem," a recurring chorus in the Song, drawing them into her personal anguish and making them confidantes. The central declaration, "I am sick of love," is a masterful use of Hyperbole, exaggerating her emotional state to emphasize its overwhelming and debilitating nature. It is not a literal sickness but a metaphorical one, conveying the incapacitating power of unfulfilled desire and longing. This phrase also functions as a form of Metonymy, where the effect (sickness, weakness, languishing) stands in for the profound and consuming cause (intense, unrequited, or unfulfilled love). Furthermore, the entire verse contributes to the overarching Symbolism of the Song, where the human longing for a beloved can symbolize the soul's yearning for divine intimacy and presence, particularly the Church's longing for Christ.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The Shulamite's declaration of being "sick of love" transcends mere romantic sentiment, offering profound theological insights into the nature of desire and relationship, both human and divine. It speaks to the human capacity for deep, consuming affection, which, when directed towards God, becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual yearning. This intense longing for the beloved can be understood as a spiritual hunger, a soul's unquenchable desire for a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Divine. Just as the Shulamite's heart is restless until she finds her beloved, the human heart, created for communion with God, remains restless until it finds its rest and satisfaction in Him. This verse encourages believers to cultivate such a passionate desire for the Lord's presence, to actively seek Him when He seems distant, and to acknowledge the profound impact of His presence (or perceived absence) on their spiritual well-being. It underscores that a vibrant faith is often characterized by this profound, sometimes painful, yearning for God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Song of Solomon 5:8 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of our deepest affections, both human and divine. On a human level, it legitimizes the intensity and consuming nature of romantic love within a committed relationship, such as marriage. It reminds us that true intimacy involves vulnerability and the open expression of our deepest longings and distresses to our beloved and trusted confidantes. It underscores the importance of presence and diligent seeking in maintaining vibrant relationships, urging us not to grow complacent in our pursuit of connection. Spiritually, this verse challenges us to examine the depth of our own "love-sickness" for God. Do we yearn for His presence with such intensity that His perceived absence causes us spiritual distress? Do we actively seek Him when He feels distant, or do we become complacent in our spiritual walk? The Shulamite's desperate plea serves as a powerful model for a soul consumed by a holy longing for God, a desire that drives us to seek Him relentlessly and to confide our spiritual needs to our community. It encourages us to cultivate a passionate, all-consuming desire for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ, recognizing that true spiritual health often stems from this profound yearning and active pursuit.

Questions for Reflection

  • What does it mean for your soul to be "sick of love" for God? What does that spiritual longing feel like in your life, and how does it manifest?
  • In what ways do you actively "seek your beloved" (God) when you feel a sense of distance or absence in your spiritual journey, and what practices help you in this pursuit?
  • To whom do you "charge" or confide your deepest spiritual longings and distresses, mirroring the Shulamite's interaction with the daughters of Jerusalem, and why is this important?
  • How does the intensity of the Shulamite's love challenge your own understanding and pursuit of intimacy with God, and what steps can you take to deepen that intimacy?

FAQ

What does "sick of love" truly mean in this context?

Answer: In Song of Solomon 5:8, "sick of love" (Hebrew: cholat ahavah) does not refer to a physical illness but is a powerful poetic expression of an overwhelming, consuming emotional state. The Hebrew word châlâh (H2470) can mean "weak," "faint," "languishing," or "afflicted." When combined with ʼahăbâh (H160), "love," it describes being utterly overcome by the emotion of love to the point of feeling weak, distressed, or unable to function normally due to the intense longing for the beloved's presence. It signifies a profound yearning and emotional anguish caused by separation or unfulfilled desire, rather than a negative or unhealthy state of love itself. This hyperbole emphasizes the depth and intensity of the Shulamite's passionate affection, portraying love as a force so powerful it can physically and emotionally debilitate.

Who are the "daughters of Jerusalem" and what is their role in the Song of Solomon?

Answer: The "daughters of Jerusalem" (Hebrew: bath Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H1323, H3389) are a recurring group in the Song of Solomon, serving as a chorus, an audience, and confidantes to the Shulamite. They represent the young women of the city or court. Their role is multifaceted: they listen to the Shulamite's passionate declarations, ask her questions (e.g., Song of Solomon 5:9), and receive solemn charges from her (e.g., Song of Solomon 2:7, Song of Solomon 3:5). They act as a sounding board for her emotions and help to advance the narrative by prompting further descriptions of her beloved. Their presence highlights the communal aspect of love and intimacy within the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, providing a framework for the Shulamite's expressions of deep affection and longing.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The intense "love-sickness" expressed by the Shulamite in Song of Solomon 5:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the believer's yearning for Christ and the Church's longing for her Bridegroom. Just as the Shulamite's heart is consumed by desire for her beloved, the Christian soul is called to an all-consuming love for Jesus Christ, who is the true Beloved and Bridegroom. This spiritual "sickness of love" manifests as a deep, unquenchable thirst for His presence, a yearning for closer communion, and a profound sense of incompleteness when His presence feels distant. This longing is not a weakness but a spiritual strength, driving the believer to seek Him diligently through prayer, study of His Word, and fellowship with other believers, as seen in the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching and fellowship. Ultimately, this passionate desire foreshadows the Church's fervent anticipation of Christ's glorious return, when the Bride will be eternally united with the Lamb at the marriage supper, and every longing will be fully satisfied in His glorious, unveiled presence, where God will dwell among His people forever.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, if you find, etc. Worthily, the bride languishes with love, having been struck and wounded by the sword of the Spirit, she casts off the garment of carnal desire, for as much as the holy soul gains strength in God, so much is she made weak and infirm towards the affection of this world, as if debilitated. Nor is it surprising if a perfect soul is said to languish for those things that are of the world, since the Apostle does not hesitate to call those who have perfectly left the world dead: For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Galatians VI); and concerning himself: The world is crucified to me, and I to the world (ibid.). The daughters of Jerusalem are citizens of the heavenly homeland, who partly still wander on earth, partly already reign there. But in this place, when it is said: I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, that you tell him that I languish with love, it seems to address that part of them which, having been on earth, has not yet deserved to see the Lord perfectly, whom nevertheless they often find when they receive Him in their heart through love. Therefore the bride adjures these daughters of Jerusalem that if they find her beloved, they announce to him that she languishes: for we are indeed this bride, and the girlfriend of our God and Lord, inasmuch as by adhering to Him we become one spirit with Him, and being inflamed with desires for eternal things, and sighing for the face of our Creator whom we do not yet see, we come to His servants, whom we believe to lead an angelic life on earth, and we humbly ask them to commend us also to the Lord during their devoted prayer time, and to intercede for us so that we may deserve to see His face. This is indeed what we do, adjuring the daughters of Jerusalem to refer the magnitude of our love to God, and for us to equally petition for heavenly help so that we may see His glory. Whence also, such a response is universally given by these daughters of Jerusalem, which clearly corresponds to the devoted exchange of the faithful. For it follows:
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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