Song Of Solomon 8:13

¶ Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear [it].

Thou that dwellest {H3427} in the gardens {H1588}, the companions {H2270} hearken {H7181} to thy voice {H6963}: cause me to hear {H8085} it.

[He] You who live in the garden, friends are listening for your voice. Let me hear it!

You who dwell in the gardens, my companions are listening for your voice. Let me hear it!

Thou that dwellest in the gardens, The companions hearken for thy voice: Cause me to hear it.

Song of Solomon 8:13 marks a tender and significant moment near the conclusion of this ancient love poem, capturing the intimate desire of the Lover (King Solomon) for his Beloved (the Shulamite).

Context

This verse is part of the final dialogue in the Song of Solomon, a book that beautifully portrays the affection and longing between a man and a woman, often interpreted allegorically as Christ and His Church, or God and His people. By this point, the couple's relationship has matured, overcoming challenges and deepening in commitment. The setting is described as "gardens," a recurring motif throughout the book symbolizing a place of intimacy, beauty, and shared delight. The "companions" mentioned are likely the "daughters of Jerusalem" or other friends who have observed and supported the couple's journey, as seen in Song of Solomon 1:5 and throughout the narrative.

Key Themes

  • Desire for Intimacy: The primary theme is the Lover's profound desire for exclusive and personal communion with his Beloved. Despite the presence of others ("the companions hearken to thy voice"), his plea is for her voice to be heard by him alone: "cause me to hear [it]." This highlights the irreplaceable value of personal connection in a relationship.
  • The Value of Her Voice: The Beloved's voice represents her unique expression, her heart, her thoughts, and her very essence. For the Lover to ask to hear her voice signifies that her spoken word, her song, or her intimate expressions are deeply cherished and sought after above all else.
  • Shared Space and Public Affirmation: "Thou that dwellest in the gardens" speaks to the beauty and tranquility of their shared space. The fact that "companions hearken to thy voice" suggests that her wisdom, joy, or character is recognized and admired by others, yet the Lover's desire remains for a private, direct communication.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "gardens" (gannim) often carries connotations of fertility, delight, and a secluded, cultivated space, frequently used in the Song of Solomon to denote a place of intimate encounter, such as the "garden locked up" in Song of Solomon 4:12. The word "voice" (qol) refers not just to audible sound, but can also imply a declaration, a song, or a deep expression of one's inner self. The Lover's request is for this personal, unique expression from his Beloved.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound insights for both human relationships and the spiritual life:

  • In Human Relationships: It underscores the vital importance of open and direct communication. True intimacy flourishes when partners actively desire to hear and understand each other's thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. It's not enough for others to know or appreciate your partner; you, as the beloved, must prioritize hearing their unique voice.
  • In the Believer's Relationship with God: Many interpret the Song of Solomon as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and His Church, or between God and the individual believer. From this perspective, God (the Lover) deeply desires to hear our voice—through prayer, praise, worship, and honest communion. Just as the Shulamite's voice was precious to her King, our personal communication is precious to God. Similarly, we are called to be attentive to His voice through His Word and Spirit, as a mark of a deepening relationship (compare John 10:27). This verse reminds us that while our faith may be observed by others, the most profound connection is found in intimate, two-way communication with the Divine.
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.

  • 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 1:7

    ¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

  • John 14:13

    And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

  • John 14:14

    If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].

  • Psalms 45:14

    She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:13

    The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines [with] the tender grape give a [good] smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:14

    ¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

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