Song Of Solomon 7:10

KJV

¶ I [am] my beloved's, and his desire [is] toward me.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am my beloved's {H1730}, and his desire {H8669} is toward me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I belong to my darling, and his desire is for me.

Berean Standard Bible

I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.

American Standard Version

I am my beloved’s; And his desire is toward me.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 7:10 appears as a confident and intimate response from the Shulamite woman following her beloved's effusive praise of her beauty in [Song of Solomon 7:1-9](/song_of_solomon/7-1-9 "Song of Solomon 7:1-9 - The Beloved's Praise of the Shulamite"). His detailed admiration, from her feet to her hair, culminates in his longing to "go up to the palm tree" and "take hold of its boughs" ([Song of Solomon 7:8](/song_of_solomon/7-8 "Song of Solomon 7:8 - Longing for Intimacy")), a vivid expression of desire for intimacy. Her declaration in verse 10, "I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me," is not merely an echo but an affirmation that his longing is met with her complete belonging and reciprocal affection. This verse also resonates with earlier declarations of mutual possession, such as in [Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - My Beloved is Mine, and I Am His") and [Song of Solomon 6:3](/song_of_solomon/6-3 "Song of Solomon 6:3 - I Am My Beloved's, and My Beloved is Mine"), solidifying this theme as central to their relationship. The verses immediately following ([Song of Solomon 7:11-13](/song_of_solomon/7-11-13 "Song of Solomon 7:11-13 - Invitation to the Fields")) see her inviting him to the fields and vineyards, further expressing her desire for shared experiences and intimacy, demonstrating the active outworking of the mutual desire declared in verse 10.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon is set in ancient Israel, a society where marriage and procreation were highly valued, and expressions of love, while often arranged, were still deeply personal. The poetic language, rich with imagery from nature (vineyards, gardens, palm trees), reflects the agricultural landscape of the time. The dialogue format, with both male and female voices, is somewhat unique for ancient Near Eastern love poetry, which often focused solely on the male perspective. The Shulamite's bold declaration of "I am my beloved's" and her acknowledgment of his "desire toward me" speaks to a relationship of remarkable equality and mutual respect within a patriarchal context, challenging typical power dynamics by showcasing the woman's agency and secure standing. The "desire" (H8669, *tᵉshûwqâh*) mentioned here, in contrast to its usage in [Genesis 3:16](/genesis/3-16 "Genesis 3:16 - The Curse on the Woman") or [Genesis 4:7](/genesis/4-7 "Genesis 4:7 - Cain and Sin's Desire"), portrays a healthy, affirming longing rather than a problematic or dominating one. This positive portrayal of desire within a committed relationship is a significant cultural and theological statement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes of the Song of Solomon. Foremost is **Mutual Belonging**, where both individuals fully commit to and possess each other in love. The repeated phrase "I am my beloved's" (also in [Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - My Beloved is Mine") and [Song of Solomon 6:3](/song_of_solomon/6-3 "Song of Solomon 6:3 - I Am My Beloved's, and My Beloved is Mine")) signifies a joyful surrender and exclusive devotion, forming the bedrock of their intimate bond. Closely related is **Reciprocal Desire**, emphasizing that the Shulamite's affection is not unrequited but is met with equal passion and longing from her beloved. This mutuality creates a profound sense of **Security and Affirmation** within their bond, where there is no doubt or insecurity, but rather a confident assurance of shared love and commitment. The verse thus serves as an ideal portrayal of a healthy, sanctified marital relationship built on trust, open affection, and shared pursuit, reflecting a divine ideal for human intimacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved's (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** This term (H1730) is derived from an unused root meaning "to boil," figuratively implying "to love." By implication, it refers to a love-token, a lover, a friend, or specifically an uncle. In the Song of Solomon, it consistently refers to the male lover, emphasizing his cherished status and the deep affection he inspires. Its usage here underscores the intimate and affectionate nature of the relationship, portraying him as the object of her profound love and devotion, a truly "well-beloved" individual.
* **desire (Hebrew, _tᵉshûwqâh'_):** This word (H8669) originates from the root `שׁוּק` (shuq) in the original sense of "stretching out after," signifying a strong longing or yearning. While it appears in other contexts with negative connotations (e.g., sin's desire to master Cain in [Genesis 4:7](/genesis/4-7 "Genesis 4:7 - Sin's Desire")), its use in Song of Solomon 7:10 is uniquely positive. Here, it denotes a healthy, affectionate, and reciprocal longing between the lovers, highlighting that the beloved's yearning is genuinely and passionately directed towards the Shulamite, confirming the mutuality and healthy dynamic of their bond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am my beloved's":** This opening clause is a powerful declaration of identity and belonging. It signifies not merely a legal or social bond but a complete, joyful surrender of self to the beloved. It speaks to an exclusive devotion and a deep sense of security found in being wholly possessed by the one she loves. This statement is one of confident commitment and intimate union, echoing the covenantal language of belonging that permeates biblical thought, establishing her secure place within the relationship.
* **"and his desire is toward me":** This second clause completes the picture of mutuality and reciprocity. It affirms that her belonging is met with an equally fervent and active longing from her beloved. His "desire" is not possessive or controlling, but a passionate yearning for her presence, her affection, and her intimacy. This reciprocal desire validates her love and establishes the relationship on a foundation of shared passion and pursuit, creating a dynamic of profound affirmation and security, where both partners are actively engaged in loving and being loved.

#### 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.

* [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19-20 "God's Covenant with Israel")
* [Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "God's Everlasting Love")
* [1 John 4:19](/1_john/4-19 "We Love Because He First Loved Us")

### 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
* **How does the declaration "I am my beloved's" manifest in your most significant relationships, both human and divine?**
* **In what ways do you actively affirm your belonging to others, and how do you perceive their desire toward you?**
* **Considering God's "desire toward me," how does this truth impact your sense of self-worth and security in Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more reciprocal and affirming dynamic in your relationships, mirroring the ideal presented in this verse?**

### 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](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church") and [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

**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](/genesis/3-16 "Genesis 3:16 - The Curse on the Woman"), 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](/genesis/4-7 "Genesis 4:7 - Cain and Sin's Desire"), 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](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - You Are Not Your Own")). We are no longer our own, but His, adopted into His family and made heirs with Him (see [Romans 8:16-17](/romans/8-16-17 "Romans 8:16-17 - Children of God")). 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](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")), 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](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). 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.

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

Psalms 45:11

So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he [is] thy Lord; and worship thou him.

Song Of Solomon 6:3

I [am] my beloved's, and my beloved [is] mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song Of Solomon 2:16

My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Job 14:15

Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

Psalms 147:11

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

John 17:24

¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.