Song Of Solomon 8:2

KJV

I would lead thee, [and] bring thee into my mother's house, [who] would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.

KJV (with Strong's)

I would lead {H5090} thee, and bring {H935} thee into my mother's {H517} house {H1004}, who would instruct {H3925} me: I would cause thee to drink {H8248} of spiced {H7544} wine {H3196} of the juice {H6071} of my pomegranate {H7416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I would lead you and bring you to my mother's house, and she would instruct me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, fresh juice from my pomegranates.

Berean Standard Bible

I would lead you and bring you to the house of my mother who taught me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, the nectar of my pomegranates.

American Standard Version

I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother’s house, Who would instruct me; I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine, Of the juice of my pomegranate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 8:2 captures the Shulamite's profound longing for a deeper, unhindered intimacy with her beloved, expressed through an invitation to her mother's house—a place of security, instruction, and familial acceptance. This intimate setting provides a sanctuary where their love can flourish without societal constraints, culminating in an offer of "spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate," symbolizing a unique and passionate shared delight. The verse encapsulates a desire for complete union, approval, and mutual pleasure within a cherished, private space.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the climactic final chapter of the Song of Solomon, a book that poetically explores the multifaceted nature of romantic love. Following the Shulamite's wish for her beloved to be like a brother she could openly embrace in the street [Song of Solomon 8:1](/song_of_solomon/8-1 "Song of Solomon 8:1 - A Sister's Embrace"), verse 2 escalates this desire for uninhibited affection by inviting him into the most private and secure space: her mother's home. This progression from public longing to private sanctuary underscores the deepening intimacy and trust between the lovers. It contrasts sharply with earlier episodes of separation and searching, such as the Shulamite's anxious quest for her beloved through the city streets in [Song of Solomon 3:1-4](/song_of_solomon/3-1-4 "Song of Solomon 3:1-4 - The Shulamite's Night Search"), highlighting a journey from initial longing and occasional frustration to a settled, secure, and deeply cherished bond. The entire chapter serves as a final affirmation of their enduring and exclusive love, culminating in a powerful declaration of love's strength and jealousy in [Song of Solomon 8:6-7](/song_of_solomon/8-6-7 "Song of Solomon 8:6-7 - Love as a Flame of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the "mother's house" (`bayith`) often represented a place of nurturing, safety, and familial authority, particularly for a young woman. It was the primary sphere of a woman's upbringing and instruction, where she would learn domestic skills, wisdom, and the values necessary for marriage and family life. Bringing a beloved into this space signified a profound level of acceptance, trust, and a desire for the relationship to be fully integrated and blessed by the family unit. This was not a casual invitation but a significant step towards formalizing or deeply affirming their bond within the most intimate social circle. The offering of "spiced wine" and "pomegranate juice" was a gesture of lavish hospitality and a symbol of abundance and delight. Pomegranates, in particular, were highly esteemed fruits in the ancient Near East, often associated with fertility, prosperity, and passionate love due to their numerous seeds and vibrant color. The act of sharing such a drink underscored a desire for mutual pleasure and a celebration of their unique connection.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes woven into [Song of Solomon 8:2](/song_of_solomon/8-2 "Song of Solomon 8:2 - Invitation to Intimacy") include the **Desire for Unhindered Intimacy**, where the Shulamite seeks a space free from external scrutiny to fully express her love. This yearning for a private sanctuary reflects a universal human desire for complete acceptance and vulnerability within a relationship. Another key theme is **Security and Familial Blessing**, as the invitation to the mother's house implies a desire for the relationship to be recognized, affirmed, and blessed by her family, adding a layer of stability and permanence to their union. This familial approval was crucial in ancient cultures for the establishment of a lasting bond. Finally, **Mutual Delight and Hospitality** are central, illustrated by the offer of "spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate." This is not merely an act of hospitality but a tender, passionate invitation to shared pleasure and deep intimacy, symbolizing the richness, sweetness, and unique flavor of their shared affection. The pomegranate, as seen in other passages like [Song of Solomon 4:13](/song_of_solomon/4-13 "Song of Solomon 4:13 - A Garden of Delights"), consistently represents the fruitful and passionate aspects of their love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From a root likely meaning "to build," `bayith` refers to a physical dwelling but extends broadly to encompass the household, family, lineage, and even a palace or temple. In this context, "my mother's house" signifies more than just a building; it represents the intimate, secure, and nurturing environment of her upbringing, the very heart of her familial identity and personal formation. It is a place of belonging and deep-rooted security, a sanctuary where love can be expressed without inhibition.
* **instruct (Hebrew, _lâmad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to goad," and by implication, "to teach" or "to learn." It conveys the idea of diligent instruction, often leading to skill or expertise. The KJV rendering "who would instruct me" suggests the mother's ongoing role in guiding her daughter in matters of love, wisdom, and domestic life. This implies that the Shulamite desires to perfect her love for her beloved under the wise tutelage of her mother, or perhaps that the mother would instruct both of them in the ways of a blessed and enduring union.
* **pomegranate (Hebrew, _rimmôwn'_):** From a root meaning "to be high" or "to be exalted," the pomegranate is a fruit native to the Middle East, frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of beauty, fertility, abundance, and passionate love. Its many seeds within a single fruit often represented fruitfulness and prosperity. In the context of the Song of Solomon, the "juice of my pomegranate" is a potent symbol of the Shulamite's most intimate and delightful offerings, representing the richness, sweetness, and passionate depth of her love, freely and lavishly given to her beloved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I would lead thee, [and] bring thee into my mother's house":** This opening clause expresses the Shulamite's fervent desire to bring her beloved into a place of ultimate safety, intimacy, and acceptance. The "mother's house" symbolizes a sanctuary from the outside world, a private space where their love can be expressed without inhibition or public scrutiny. It signifies a longing for their relationship to be deeply integrated into her personal history and family identity, receiving familial blessing and recognition. The active verbs "lead" and "bring" emphasize her initiative and profound desire to secure this profound level of intimacy and belonging.
* **"[who] would instruct me":** This phrase, particularly in the KJV, highlights the significant role of the mother as a source of wisdom and guidance. It can be interpreted as the mother instructing the Shulamite in the ways of love, marriage, and domestic virtue, enabling her to be an even more devoted and capable partner. Alternatively, some modern translations render this as "where you could instruct me," suggesting a desire for the beloved to teach her within this intimate setting, fostering mutual growth. Regardless of the precise subject of instruction, the presence of instruction underscores a desire for growth, wisdom, and the perfection of their love within a nurturing and private environment.
* **"I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate":** This culminating offer is a tender and passionate invitation to shared pleasure and deep intimacy. "Spiced wine" (likely a rich, aromatic blend, `reqach yayin`) and "pomegranate juice" (fresh, sweet, and symbolic of fertility and passion, `ʻâçîyç rimmôwn`) represent the finest and most delightful offerings she possesses. It is an act of profound hospitality and self-giving, signifying her desire to lavish her beloved with the best of her affection and to experience mutual delight in their union. The imagery evokes a sense of abundance, sweetness, and the intoxicating joy of their love, celebrating the unique and rich flavor of their bond.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 8:2 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "mother's house" symbolizes a sanctuary of security, familial acceptance, and unhindered intimacy, a private space where love can flourish without external judgment. The "spiced wine" and "juice of my pomegranate" are potent symbols of the Shulamite's unique and passionate offerings of love, delight, and hospitality. The pomegranate, in particular, carries long-standing symbolic weight in ancient cultures, representing fertility, abundance, and the intoxicating nature of deep affection. The entire verse functions as an vivid **Imagery** of profound desire and intimate invitation, painting a vivid picture of a deeply cherished and private moment between lovers. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the intensity of the Shulamite's longing and the lavishness of her proposed offering, underscoring the depth and fervor of her love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 8:2, while celebrating human romantic love, resonates with profound theological truths about God's desire for intimacy with His people. The Shulamite's longing for unhindered access and shared delight in a secure, familial space mirrors the divine invitation for humanity to enter into an unreserved relationship with God. Just as the beloved is invited into the most cherished private sphere, God continually invites believers into His presence, offering a relationship characterized by security, acceptance, and profound spiritual nourishment. This verse speaks to the sanctity of intimate relationships, whether human or divine, emphasizing that true connection thrives in environments of trust, vulnerability, and mutual delight. It highlights the biblical value of hospitality, not just as a social custom, but as an expression of love and welcome, reflecting God's own welcoming nature towards us.

* [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")
* [Hosea 2:14-16](/hosea/2-14-16 "Hosea 2:14-16 - God's Wooing of Israel")
* [John 15:9-11](/john/15-9-11 "John 15:9-11 - Abiding in Christ's Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 8:2 offers a beautiful blueprint for cultivating deep and enduring relationships, both human and divine. For couples, it underscores the importance of creating a "safe house" for their love—a space of trust, vulnerability, and mutual acceptance where intimacy can flourish without fear of judgment or external pressures. It encourages intentional acts of hospitality and delight, reminding us that nurturing a relationship involves offering our best, celebrating shared joys, and actively seeking to please one another. The desire for familial blessing also highlights the value of integrating our chosen partners into our broader support systems, seeking wisdom and affirmation from those who love us. Spiritually, this verse calls believers to a deeper, unhindered communion with God. It challenges us to invite Christ into the most intimate "rooms" of our lives—our thoughts, desires, and vulnerabilities—allowing Him to instruct us and to partake in the "spiced wine" of our worship and devotion. It's a reminder that true spiritual life is not merely adherence to rules, but a passionate, reciprocal relationship of love and delight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mother's house" (safe, intimate space) are you cultivating in your most important relationships, and how can you make it more secure and welcoming?**
* **In what ways do you "cause your beloved (or God) to drink of spiced wine of the juice of your pomegranate"—that is, offer your best, unique, and most delightful expressions of love and devotion?**
* **How does the idea of "instruction" in this verse relate to growth and wisdom within your relationships, both human and spiritual?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "my mother's house" in this verse?**

Answer: "My mother's house" (Hebrew: `bayith`) signifies far more than just a physical dwelling. In ancient Israelite culture, it represented a place of profound security, nurturing, and familial identity. For a woman, it was the primary sphere of her upbringing, where she received instruction and wisdom from her mother regarding domestic life, love, and marriage. By inviting her beloved into this space, the Shulamite expresses a desire for their relationship to be fully accepted, integrated, and blessed by her family. It symbolizes a longing for unhindered intimacy in a sanctuary free from public scrutiny, where their love can be completely vulnerable and celebrated within the most trusted and foundational circle of her life. It is a place of deep belonging and personal history, offering ultimate comfort and acceptance for their union, as seen in the broader themes of security throughout [the Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon "Song of Solomon - The Song of Songs").

**What does the "spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate" symbolize?**

Answer: This phrase is a rich symbol of the Shulamite's passionate and unique offering of love, delight, and hospitality to her beloved. "Spiced wine" (Hebrew: `reqach yayin`) suggests a specially prepared, aromatic, and highly desirable drink, indicative of a lavish and intimate offering. The "juice of my pomegranate" (Hebrew: `ʻâçîyç rimmôwn`) further enhances this imagery. Pomegranates were highly valued fruits in the ancient Near East, often associated with fertility, abundance, and passionate love due to their vibrant color and numerous seeds. Together, these elements symbolize the richness, sweetness, and intoxicating joy of their shared affection. It represents the Shulamite's desire to give her very best, most intimate, and most delightful self to her beloved, fostering mutual pleasure and celebrating the unique flavor of their deep bond, echoing the imagery of a fruitful garden found elsewhere in [the Song](/song_of_solomon/4-12-16 "Song of Solomon 4:12-16 - A Garden Enclosed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 8:2, while an exquisite portrayal of human romantic love, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. The Shulamite's fervent desire to bring her beloved into the secure, intimate sanctuary of her "mother's house" mirrors the longing of the Church, the Bride of Christ, for unhindered, complete communion with her divine Bridegroom. Christ Himself has already initiated this invitation, not into a physical house, but into the very presence of God through His sacrifice, opening the way to the Father's "house" (cf. [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - My Father's House")). He desires an intimate relationship where we can approach Him with confidence, finding grace and mercy in our time of need (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Furthermore, the Shulamite's offer of "spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate" symbolizes the Church's offering of worship, devotion, and all that she is to Christ—her very best, poured out in love and gratitude. This echoes the New Testament's portrayal of the Church as those who are called to "abide in Christ" (cf. [John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")), experiencing His presence and sharing in His divine life. The ultimate consummation of this divine romance is anticipated in the marriage supper of the Lamb (cf. [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where the Church will be brought into the eternal, unhindered presence of her Beloved, experiencing a joy and intimacy far surpassing any earthly delight. In Christ, we find the ultimate "safe house" and the deepest, most satisfying "spiced wine" of eternal communion.

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

Song Of Solomon 3:4

[It was] but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

Song Of Solomon 7:12

Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, [whether] the tender grape appear, [and] the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.

Song Of Solomon 4:10

How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

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.

Galatians 4:26

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

2 Timothy 3:15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

John 5:46

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.