Song Of Solomon 7:8

I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;

I said {H559}, I will go up {H5927} to the palm tree {H8558}, I will take hold {H270} of the boughs {H5577} thereof: now also thy breasts {H7699} shall be as clusters {H811} of the vine {H1612}, and the smell {H7381} of thy nose {H639} like apples {H8598};

I said, "I will climb up into the palm tree, I will take hold of its branches." May your breasts be like clusters of grapes, your breath as fragrant as apples,

I said, “I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.” May your breasts be like clusters of the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples,

I said, I will climb up into the palm-tree, I will take hold of the branches thereof: Let thy breasts be as clusters of the vine, And the smell of thy breath like apples,

Song of Solomon 7:8 captures the male lover's deep admiration and passionate desire for the Shulamite woman, employing vivid natural imagery to express her beauty and allure. This verse is part of a larger section where he praises her physical attributes, culminating in his ardent longing for intimacy.

Context

This verse is spoken by King Solomon (or the shepherd, depending on interpretation) as he continues to describe and praise the Shulamite woman's beauty from head to toe, beginning in Song of Solomon 7:1. Having detailed her elegance and grace, he now expresses his eager desire to draw near to her, using metaphors that highlight her intoxicating charm and ripeness, inviting her into a deeper level of intimacy.

Key Themes

  • Passionate Desire and Affection: The verse vividly expresses the lover's intense longing and admiration for his beloved. His declaration, "I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof," signifies his eager anticipation and initiative to embrace her and enjoy her beauty.
  • Natural Imagery for Beauty and Fertility: The use of the "palm tree," "clusters of the vine," and "apples" draws on familiar symbols of beauty, fruitfulness, and delight in the ancient Near East. The palm tree, known for its uprightness and abundant fruit, suggests her stately beauty and desirability. Her breasts likened to "clusters of the vine" speaks to their fullness, ripeness, and the intoxicating pleasure they offer, similar to wine. Her fragrance, "the smell of thy nose like apples," emphasizes her overall alluring scent, contributing to her irresistible charm.
  • Celebration of Marital Intimacy: Within the broader context of the Song of Solomon, this verse celebrates the physical and emotional delight found within the bounds of a committed, loving relationship. It highlights the mutual attraction and the God-given joy of marital intimacy, portraying it as a beautiful and desirable aspect of love.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "smell of thy nose" (Hebrew: 'aph) can refer not just to the nose itself, but also to the breath or the general fragrance emanating from her person. This emphasizes her captivating aroma. The "apples" (Hebrew: tappuach) in ancient Israel were likely not the common red apple of today, but more probably quince, apricot, or a similar fragrant fruit prized for its sweet scent and pleasant taste, reinforcing the idea of her delightful presence.

Practical Application

Song of Solomon 7:8 offers timeless insights into the beauty of romantic love and physical attraction within marriage. It reminds us:

  • To appreciate and verbally affirm the beauty and desirability of one's spouse, as the lover does for the Shulamite woman.
  • That physical intimacy is a natural and blessed part of the marital covenant, intended for joy and pleasure. This biblical perspective affirms the goodness of the body and the delight found in mutual love and desire.
  • The Song of Solomon encourages a vibrant, passionate relationship between husband and wife, rooted in mutual admiration and deep affection, reflecting a facet of God's design for human relationships.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 14:21

    He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

  • John 14:23

    Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:14

    Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

  • Jeremiah 32:41

    Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:16

    Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, [that] the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:1

    ¶ I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:3

    Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name [is as] ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

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