Translation
See also
In the KJVVerse 17,638 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
Copy as
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
The Six Days of Creation
The laurel and the palm are the symbols of victory. The heads of the victors are crowned with laurel, and the hand of the conqueror is adorned with a palm. Hence the Church says: "I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of its branches." Seeing the excellence of the Word and hoping that she can ascend to His height and the summit of knowledge, she says: "I will go up to the palm tree," so that she may leave behind all lower things and strive for higher things, for the reward of Christ, so that she may enjoy and taste the sweet fruits of His love. For the fruit of virtue is sweet.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On the Mysteries 7:39
The church is beautiful in [those recently baptized]. So that God the Word says to her: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no blemish in you,” for guilt has been washed away. “Come here from Lebanon, my spouse, come here from Lebanon, from the beginning of faith you will pass through and pass on,” because, renouncing the world, she passed through things temporal and passed on to Christ. And again, God the Word says to her, “How beautiful and sweet are you made, O love, in your delights! Your stature is become like that of a palm tree, and your breasts like bunches of grapes.”
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
The Six Days of Creation
Therefore, imitate her, o man, so that it may be said of you as well: "Your stature has become like a palm tree." Preserve the greenness of your childhood and that natural innocence which you received from the beginning, so that, being planted beside the flowing waters, you may have your fruit prepared in your time, and your leaf may not wither. ... Therefore, remain planted in the house of the Lord, so that in His courts you may flourish like a palm, and let the grace of the Church ascend in you, and let the fragrance of your nostrils be like apples, and your mouth like the best wine, so that you may be intoxicated in Christ.
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
FRAGMENTS IN THE COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS 7:10
I will offer my beloved praise, and his turning will be toward me. What it calls his turning is either the second advent or the conversion of the Jewish people.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
I am for my beloved, etc. I am for my beloved and not for another. To whom I offer the whole gift of my service and devotion. And his conversion to me, so that even in this mortal life, lest I become weary by labor, lest I bear lamps without oil, that is, lest I carry out good works without charity, his presence and constant regard may always help me, and finally he may lead me to immortal joys of the heavenly chamber. This which he says, And his conversion to me, can be understood as specially uttered from the figure of the Synagogue, that is, of those people who preceded the times of His incarnation: who, when they had heard Him promising above, I said, I will ascend into the palm tree, I will take hold of its fruits, that is, I will ascend the wood of the cross, on which I will die, and taking the fruits of the resurrection, I will offer them to believers who are nourished for eternal life, justly rejoicing, she declares, I am for my beloved, and his conversion to me, namely, that He who was accustomed to be always present to me in invisible presence, might deign to appear to me also in my nature and form. To the lovers of both times, what follows aptly applies.
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.
Copy as
Continue studying Song of Solomon 7:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
- BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
- Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
- ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
- NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
- STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
- BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
- USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
- BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
- StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
- BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
- Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
- Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
- Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
- SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 7:10 is a profound declaration of mutual belonging and reciprocal desire, spoken by the Shulamite woman to her beloved. It encapsulates the secure and affirming nature of their relationship, highlighting a love that is not only deeply personal and exclusive but also fully reciprocated, where each partner finds their identity and joy in the other's affection and pursuit. This verse stands as a powerful testament to the beauty and security found in a truly committed and passionate bond.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 7:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of mutual love and belonging. The most prominent is Declaration, as the Shulamite confidently states her position within the relationship, leaving no room for doubt about her belonging and commitment. This is reinforced by the strong use of Personal Pronouns ("I," "my," "me," "his"), which emphasize the intensely personal and intimate nature of the bond between the two individuals, highlighting their individual agency within the shared relationship. The verse also showcases Reciprocity, where the first clause ("I am my beloved's") is beautifully balanced and affirmed by the second ("and his desire is toward me"), creating a sense of perfect equilibrium and mutual exchange of affection and longing. This structure, though not a strict chiasm, exhibits a beautiful mirroring that underscores the balanced nature of their love. Furthermore, the use of Contrast with other biblical appearances of tᵉshûwqâh (desire) highlights the unique, positive, and sanctified nature of desire within this healthy, covenantal relationship, distinguishing it from the problematic or destructive forms seen elsewhere in Scripture.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 7:10, while a celebration of human love, resonates with profound theological truths about the divine-human relationship. It speaks to the ideal of a covenantal bond characterized by mutual belonging and passionate desire. Just as the Shulamite finds her identity and security in being her beloved's, and he in turn actively desires her, so too does God desire a deep, exclusive relationship with His people, and believers find their ultimate security and identity in belonging to Him. This verse beautifully illustrates the reciprocal nature of divine love: God's fervent pursuit of humanity is met by humanity's joyful surrender and devotion. It portrays a relationship free from fear and insecurity, grounded in the certainty of being cherished and actively desired by the Beloved, reflecting the very heart of God's covenant faithfulness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 7:10 offers a timeless blueprint for healthy, thriving relationships, whether in marriage or in our spiritual walk. For human relationships, it underscores the vital importance of mutual declaration and affirmation. It's not enough to simply feel love; expressing "I am yours" and acknowledging "your desire is toward me" builds security, trust, and deep intimacy. This verse challenges us to cultivate relationships where both partners feel completely seen, cherished, and actively pursued, fostering an environment of unwavering commitment and reciprocal passion, mirroring the divine design for relational flourishing. Spiritually, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance. It reminds us that as believers, we are unequivocally "Christ's," purchased and set apart for Him. More wonderfully, it declares that His "desire is toward us." This is not a passive acceptance but an active, passionate longing from the Creator for His creation, from the Savior for His redeemed. This truth should fill us with profound peace, knowing that we are not merely tolerated but fervently desired by God, empowering us to live in the security of His unconditional love and pursue Him with equal devotion and joyful obedience.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Song of Solomon 7:10 only about human love, or does it have a spiritual meaning?
Answer: While the primary, literal meaning of Song of Solomon 7:10 is a celebration of romantic love between a man and a woman, it has been widely interpreted allegorically throughout Jewish and Christian traditions. In Judaism, it often represents God's fervent love for Israel, His chosen people. In Christianity, it is frequently understood as a beautiful portrayal of Christ's love for His Church, His bride. The themes of mutual belonging, exclusive devotion, and reciprocal desire transcend the human relationship, offering profound insights into the covenantal love between God and His people, as seen in passages like Ephesians 5:25-27 and Revelation 19:7-9.
How does the "desire" in Song of Solomon 7:10 differ from its usage in Genesis 3:16 and Genesis 4:7?
Answer: The Hebrew word for "desire" (tᵉshûwqâh, H8669) appears only three times in the Old Testament, and its usage is strikingly different. In Genesis 3:16, it describes the woman's "desire" for her husband in the context of the Fall, often interpreted as a longing that could lead to unhealthy power dynamics or a struggle for control. In Genesis 4:7, it refers to sin's "desire" to master Cain, portraying a destructive, predatory longing. However, in Song of Solomon 7:10, tᵉshûwqâh is presented in a wholly positive light, signifying a healthy, affectionate, and reciprocal longing between two consenting lovers. It is a desire that affirms, validates, and builds up, rather than dominating or destroying, highlighting the sanctified nature of love within a healthy relationship as God intended.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 7:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Shulamite's declaration, "I am my beloved's," resonates deeply with the believer's identity in Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are bought with a price and eternally belong to Him (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are no longer our own, but His, adopted into His family and made heirs with Him (see Romans 8:16-17). Even more gloriously, the second clause, "and his desire is toward me," reveals the heart of our Savior. Christ's desire for His people is not passive but an active, passionate, and unwavering pursuit. He desired us even when we were His enemies (see Romans 5:8), pursuing us with a love that led Him to the cross. His desire is for intimate communion with His bride, the Church, a desire that will culminate in the heavenly marriage supper (see Revelation 19:7-9). This verse beautifully foreshadows the divine Beloved who not only claims us as His own but also relentlessly yearns for our fellowship, inviting us into a secure and eternal relationship where His desire for us is perfect, holy, and utterly fulfilling.