Song of Solomon 8:2

Translation
King James 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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
I would lead you, bringing you into my mother’s house, who would instruct me. I would have you drink spiced wine, of the juice of my pomegranate.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
I will leade thee and bring thee into my mothers house: there thou shalt teache me: and I will cause thee to drinke spiced wine, and newe wine of the pomegranate.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
I lead thee, I bring thee in unto my mother's house, She doth teach me, I cause thee to drink of the perfumed wine, Of the juice of my pomegranate,
Ask
See also
Song of Solomon 3:4Song of Solomon 7:12Song of Solomon 4:10Song of Solomon 5:1Galatians 4:262 Timothy 3:15John 5:46
In the KJVVerse 17,643 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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, 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, 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.
  • 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 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, consistently represents the fruitful and passionate aspects of their love.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • house (Hebrew, bayith', H1004): 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', H3925): 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', H7416): 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.

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.

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.

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" (John 14:2-3). He desires an intimate relationship where we can approach Him with confidence, finding grace and mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). 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" (John 15:4), 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 (Revelation 19:7-9), 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.

Copy as
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
Copy as
Athanasius of AlexandriaAD 373
FESTAL LETTERS 1:1
Thus the God of all, after the manner of wise Solomon, distributes everything in time and season, to the end that, at the right time, the salvation of humankind should be everywhere spread abroad. In this way, “the Wisdom of God,” our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ … “passed into holy souls, making them friends of God, and prophets.” Although very many were praying for his coming and saying, “O that the salvation of God would come out of Sion,” the spouse also, as it is written in the Song of Songs, was praying and saying, “O that you were like a brother to me, that nursed at my mother’s breasts.” And the meaning of that prayer is, “O that you were like humanity and would take on human nature for our sake.” After all, it was God who set up times and seasons, and he knows our needs better than we do. Because he loves us, he exhorts us to do right things at right times so that we may be healed. Thus, when the appropriate time had come, the Father sent the Son, just as he had promised.
Cyril of JerusalemAD 386
SERMON ON THE PARALYTIC 11
Again, referring to the wine mingled with myrrh, the Canticle says, “I will give you a cup of spiced wine.”
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Concerning Virginity 7:41
Neither hold back the maidens of whom it is written, “Thus have the maidens loved you, and they have brought you into the house of their mother.” You may not, then, separate the little ones from the love of Christ whom they proclaimed with prophetic exaltation even from their mother’s womb.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On the Mysteries 7:40
The church answers unto [God the Word], “Who will give you to me, my brother, you who did suck the breasts of my mother? If I find you outside I will kiss you, and indeed they will not despise me. I will take you, and bring you into the house of my mother; and into the secret chamber of her who conceived me. You shall teach me.” You see how, delighted with the gifts of grace, she longs to attain to the innermost mysteries and to consecrate all her affections to Christ. She still seeks, she still stirs up his love, and asks of the daughters of Jerusalem to stir it up for her, and desires that by their beauty, which is that of faithful souls, her spouse may be incited to ever richer love for her.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Isaac and the Soul 8.71
“I will take you up and lead you in.” It is right to take up the Word of God and lead him in, because he knocks at the soul, that the door may be opened to him, and, unless he finds the door opened to him, he does not enter. But if anyone opens the door, he enters and dines. The bride takes up the Word in such a way that she is taught in the taking up.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Isaac and the Soul 8.69
Therefore she interceded so that he would go forth from the bosom of the Father, go out of doors like the bridegroom coming out from his chamber, and run his course. She interceded, too, that he would win those who were weak, would not linger on the distant throne of the Father and in that light, for those without strength cannot follow there. Instead he would be taken up and led into the dwelling of the bride and her chamber, that he would be out of doors for her but within for us, would be in our midst, even though unseen by us.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
CONSOLATION ON THE DEATH OF EMPEROR VALENTINIAN 75
What are the breasts of the church except the sacrament of baptism? And well does he say “sucking,” as if the baptized were seeking him as a draught of snowy milk. “Finding you without,” he says, “I shall kiss you,” that is, finding you outside the body, I embrace you with the kiss of mystical peace. No one shall despise you; no one shall shut you out. I will introduce you into the inner sanctuary and hidden places of Mother Church, and into all the secrets of mystery, so that you may drink the cup of spiritual grace.
Julian of EclanumAD 455
COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS, FRAGMENT 11
Here are shown many infancies in her, from which we ought to learn. First, it was the Creator of everything that is born from the union of masculine and feminine who fabricated a body from a virgin without the assistance of a man. Next, no sin is congenital to humankind, since it comes forth surrounded by the truth of the flesh and free from stain. Finally, it is impious to ascribe our origin to the works of the devil, since it rejoices that the true God is not only its founder but also its inhabitant.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS 8
“I shall lead you into my mother’s house and into the chamber of the one who conceived me.” Now, what is the house of the all-holy Spirit (of whom the bride was born, after all) if not the divine temple, which resembles the Jerusalem on high, where they enter to speak with the bridegroom, having received the status of bride? And there, she says, “I shall give you some spiced wine to drink and some juice from my pomegranates,” by “spiced wine” referring to the teaching redolent of divine grace, as it were spiced and proving to be fragrant. By “juice of pomegranates” she refers to the benefit deriving from the fruits of love.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
There you will teach me, etc. There you will teach me, in the very substance of flesh, in which I will find you outwardly and kiss you; there you will give me the precepts of your Gospel, which the prophets, the law, and the psalms promised: there you will teach me to hope for more excellent gifts than I read in the law and the prophets; or certainly to be understood more deeply: there you will teach me in that house of my mother, into which I desire to lead you with a delightful company of eyes, and at the same time with praise of words. For there he taught and teaches the Church, from that part of it which he has received to himself there. There he will teach the whole Church, when, the universal judgment having been completed, his saints will be nowhere else, but all in heaven with him. What he will teach there, he himself designates in the Gospel, when in that most sweet and extensive discourse, which he held with it last before the passion, he says among other things: These things I have spoken to you in proverbs: the hour is coming, when I will no longer speak to you in proverbs, but I will tell you plainly about the Father, that is, I will plainly show you the Father.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
I will apprehend thee, etc. But thus the Synagogue speaks, as Paul says, We who live, who are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep (1 Thess. IV). He, though knowing certainly that he could not endure in the flesh until the day of judgment, yet on account of the fellowship of one and the same brotherhood, joins himself to the number of those who in the advent of the Judge will be found alive in the flesh. And here, therefore, the ancient people of God speaks from the perspective of that part of itself which would see Him appearing in the flesh: I will apprehend thee, and bring thee into my mother’s house: I will receive thee with ready and faithful devotion as thou comest, and with eager desires I will embrace thy words, I will await thy promises, and after the dispensation of the flesh is completed, I will lead thee back to the heavens with joyous eyes, I will proclaim thee with a joyful voice to all. For this is the house of His mother, namely the happiness of the heavenly homeland, for the inhabitation of which human nature was created, to which, if no one had sinned, the whole human race would have passed from the delights of paradise, in which the first man was placed, without the intermediary of death. Into this house, therefore, the Church promises to bring her Lord, not able to achieve this by her own power, but desiring it to be fulfilled through her prayers, proclaiming it to be fulfilled or predicting it to be fulfilled; just as the Psalmist could exalt Him to the heavens, who nevertheless said, I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast raised me up (Psalm XXIX). Which is to say openly, Because thou hast deigned to take upon thee my human frailty, rightly do I profess the praises of thy power, who hast glorified this with the unfailing delight of my mind.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
And I will give you a cup of spiced wine, etc. The Church gives a cup of wine to the Lord when, having received His benefits, it returns great and fervent gratitude of love, and the wine itself is not pure, but seasoned as if with a mixture of noble spices when the same love is proven by the attestation of good works. Nor should we only engage in those works that show our love for the Creator, but also those that demonstrate our fraternal love, if we wish to offer a worthy and acceptable cup of our devotion to Him. This is clearly differentiated by Him when, admonishing His disciples not to show their righteousness before men to be seen by them, He immediately added three types of good action to conclude the same instruction: namely, almsgiving, prayer, and fasting; clearly indicating that our righteousness should consist in these three. For almsgiving pertains to all we mercifully do to relieve our neighbor's needs; prayer encompasses all that we perform with devoted piety to appease our Creator; fasting involves the full chastisement of the mind by which we strive to abstain from vices and worldly contagions. And because the holy Church offers not only the purity of life to her beloved but also the precious cup of death in many of her members for His love, it is fitting that after saying, "And I will give you a cup of spiced wine," it adds, "And the juice of my pomegranates." For the pomegranates are the same as the pomegranates; they are called pomegranates because of their abundance of seeds and are known as "pomegranates" because they are especially abundant in Africa and around Carthage. Since they hold the figure of the blessed martyrs, the reddish color itself is indicative. And well does he call it the juice of pomegranates, not a potion, wine, or strong drink, to signify the fervor of unquenchable love in the heart of the victorious army. For the juice, that is, wine taken directly from the press, is usually of greater fervor; therefore it aptly suits their most fervent virtue, who do not hesitate to pass through iron and flames for the vision of the Creator: for since this type of drink is said to not only heal the heat of the stomach and corrupted belly but also benefit the rest of the body, who does not see that the fervor of charity, the more it abounds, the more it covers, indeed even extinguishes the multitude of sins? Let then the ancient congregation of the righteous, desiring to see their creator’s advent in the flesh, say, "There you will teach me, and I will give you a cup of spiced wine, and the juice of my pomegranates." As if openly declaring: "There, that is, in the very time or place where I will have found and deserved to speak with You, and You will give me the commands and gifts appropriate for the Son of God appearing in human form to men, and I will render to You the service of an undivided heart, which is truly due to God; because surely His advent grants heavenly rest to the Church laboring in the adversities of the world, both now in hope and in the future in reality," rightly does it continue:
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 8:2 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.