Song Of Solomon 8:3

KJV

His left hand [should be] under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.

KJV (with Strong's)

His left hand {H8040} should be under my head {H7218}, and his right hand {H3225} should embrace {H2263} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

His left arm would be under my head and his right arm around me.

Berean Standard Bible

His left hand is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.

American Standard Version

His left handshould beunder my head, And his right hand should embrace me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 8:3 offers a tender and profound expression of intimate union, security, and deep affection between the beloved and her lover. Positioned near the conclusion of the Song, this verse reiterates a foundational motif of the book, portraying a mature and enduring relationship characterized by mutual delight, protective comfort, and a profound sense of belonging. It speaks to the ultimate peace and rest found in the secure embrace of one who cherishes and protects.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse echoes an earlier sentiment found in [Song of Solomon 2:6](/song_of_solomon/2-6 "Song of Solomon 2:6 - His Left Hand Is Under My Head"). Its reappearance in the final chapter is highly significant. While the earlier instance might represent the nascent stages of their love, full of longing and initial discovery, its repetition here signifies a love that has matured, endured trials, and settled into a deep, unwavering security. It acts as a thematic bookend, reinforcing the enduring nature of their bond and the consistent comfort and protection the beloved finds in her lover's presence. The Song concludes with a powerful affirmation of love's strength and unquenchable nature, and this verse contributes to that culminating declaration of steadfast affection and belonging.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon, set in ancient Israel, reflects a culture where marriage and family were central to societal structure. While the book is unique in its focus on romantic love, it operates within the broader biblical understanding of human relationships. The expressions of physical affection, though intimate, are presented within the context of a committed, pure, and exclusive relationship, celebrating the God-ordained beauty of marital love. The imagery of embrace and head resting on the arm would have conveyed a universal sense of comfort, protection, and deep personal connection, common across many cultures, but particularly poignant in a society where public displays of affection might be limited, making private intimacy all the more cherished.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 8:3 powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the entire book. Firstly, **Intimacy and Affection** are paramount, showcasing the profound emotional and physical closeness shared by the couple. The posture described—head supported, body embraced—speaks to a complete surrender and trust within a loving bond. Secondly, it highlights **Security and Protection**, as the lover's hands provide a haven of safety, suggesting a place where the beloved is utterly cherished and shielded from harm. This theme resonates with the broader biblical concept of finding refuge and strength in a beloved's presence, whether human or divine, as seen in passages like [Psalm 91:4](/psalm/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - Under His Wings You Will Find Refuge"). Finally, the verse speaks to **Comfort and Rest**, depicting a state of profound peace and contentment achieved through intimate communion. This rest is not merely physical but emotional and spiritual, a deep satisfaction found in the presence of the one who loves and cares.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _sᵉmôʼwl'_ H8040):** While literally meaning "left hand" and sometimes associated with "dark" or "north" (by orientation), in this context, the left hand is depicted as providing gentle support and tenderness, underscoring the lover's attentive care. It's not about strength or dexterity, but about intimate, comforting presence.
* **head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_ H7218):** This word refers to the literal head, the most vulnerable and often symbolic part of a person. Placing the left hand under the head signifies a position of tender support, vulnerability, and rest. It suggests the beloved is completely at ease, allowing her head—the seat of thought, identity, and often anxiety—to be fully supported and cared for by her lover.
* **embrace (Hebrew, _châbaq'_ H2263):** A primitive root meaning "to clasp" or "to fold," specifically in an embrace. This word conveys a strong, encircling, and affectionate hug. It implies a deep, secure, and intimate hold, not a casual touch. The right hand, typically associated with strength and action, here provides a powerful, protective, and loving embrace, signifying complete security and belonging.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His left hand [should be] under my head":** This clause conveys a sense of tender support and intimate comfort. The left hand, often associated with gentleness or proximity to the heart in ancient thought, provides a soft pillow, indicating a posture of rest, vulnerability, and complete trust. It speaks to the lover's attentive care for the beloved's most vulnerable part, offering solace and peace.
* **"and his right hand should embrace me":** This clause emphasizes strength, protection, and deep affection. The right hand, traditionally symbolic of power, authority, and action, is here used to encircle and hold the beloved securely. This embrace signifies a protective, all-encompassing love that provides a haven of safety and belonging, assuring the beloved of her cherished place in her lover's arms.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of physical intimacy and emotional security. The specific placement of the hands—one supporting the head, the other embracing—creates a tangible sense of comfort and protection. This imagery is highly **Sensory**, evoking feelings of warmth, safety, and tender touch. There is also profound **Symbolism** at play: the "left hand" often symbolizes tenderness and intimacy, while the "right hand" symbolizes strength, protection, and power. Together, they represent a holistic love that is both gentle and strong, nurturing and safeguarding. The **Repetition** of this phrase from [Song of Solomon 2:6](/song_of_solomon/2-6 "Song of Solomon 2:6 - His Left Hand Is Under My Head") serves as a **Motif**, emphasizing the enduring nature of their love and the consistent, unwavering security found in their relationship, marking a mature and settled affection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 8:3, while celebrating human love, also serves as a profound metaphor for the believer's relationship with God. The longing for intimacy, security, and rest expressed by the Shulamite woman mirrors the human soul's deepest yearning for communion with its Creator. Just as the beloved finds perfect peace and protection in her lover's embrace, so too can believers find ultimate comfort, unwavering security, and profound rest in the presence and love of God. This divine embrace is not merely a feeling but a reality grounded in God's faithfulness and power, providing a sanctuary for the weary soul. It speaks to a relationship where God actively supports, protects, and cherishes His people, inviting them into a place of deep, abiding peace.

* [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "The Eternal God is Your Dwelling Place")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God That Surpasses All Understanding")
* [John 15:9](/john/15-9 "Abiding in Christ's Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 8:3 offers a beautiful blueprint for healthy, loving relationships, particularly within marriage. It reminds us of the profound importance of providing and receiving tender care, protective comfort, and a safe space for vulnerability. In a world often characterized by anxiety and insecurity, this verse calls us to cultivate relationships where such deep rest and trust are possible. Spiritually, it invites us to consider the nature of our communion with God. Do we truly rest in His embrace? Do we allow His "left hand" to support our weary heads and His "right hand" to embrace us with protective love? This verse is an invitation to deeper intimacy with the Divine, a call to surrender our anxieties and find profound peace in the everlasting arms of our Heavenly Father, knowing that in His presence, we are utterly safe and cherished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean to truly "rest" in the embrace of another, whether human or divine?**
* **How can we cultivate relationships that offer the kind of tender support and protective embrace described in this verse?**
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God's "left hand" (tender support) or His "right hand" (protective embrace)?**
* **How does understanding God as one who embraces us with both gentleness and strength impact your trust in Him?**

### FAQ

**Why is this verse repeated in Song of Solomon 8:3 after appearing earlier in Song of Solomon 2:6?**

Answer: The repetition of this specific phrase, "His left hand [should be] under my head, and his right hand should embrace me," is a significant literary and thematic device. In [Song of Solomon 2:6](/song_of_solomon/2-6 "Song of Solomon 2:6 - His Left Hand Is Under My Head"), it appears earlier in the narrative, perhaps representing the initial blossoming of their love, characterized by longing and the joy of new intimacy. Its reappearance in [Song of Solomon 8:3](/song_of_solomon/8-3 "Song of Solomon 8:3 - A Mature Embrace") near the book's conclusion signifies the maturity, endurance, and deepening of their relationship. It suggests that their love has not only lasted but has settled into a profound, unwavering security and comfort. The repeated embrace underscores that the protective, tender intimacy they shared at the beginning has become a steadfast and defining characteristic of their enduring bond, a testament to love's strength and continuity.

**Does this verse only speak to physical intimacy, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While the imagery in [Song of Solomon 8:3](/song_of_solomon/8-3 "Song of Solomon 8:3 - A Holistic Embrace") is undeniably physical, depicting a tender and protective embrace, its implications extend far beyond mere physical intimacy. The Song of Solomon uses physical expressions as a metaphor for a holistic, comprehensive intimacy that includes emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. The "head" represents vulnerability, thought, and identity, while the "hands" represent care, strength, and protection. Thus, the embrace signifies a complete sense of security, belonging, comfort, and peace that encompasses the entire being. It speaks to a relationship where one feels utterly safe, cherished, and at rest, both physically and emotionally, in the presence of the beloved.

**How can Song of Solomon 8:3 be applied to individuals who are not married or in a romantic relationship?**

Answer: While the primary context of [Song of Solomon 8:3](/song_of_solomon/8-3 "Song of Solomon 8:3 - Universal Longing for Security") is romantic love, its underlying themes of security, comfort, rest, and profound intimacy are universal human longings. For individuals who are not married, this verse can be understood allegorically or metaphorically in their relationship with God. It beautifully illustrates the deep comfort and unwavering security that believers can find in the "embrace" of their Heavenly Father or Christ. Just as the Shulamite found perfect rest in her lover's arms, so too can every individual find ultimate peace, protection, and belonging in God's presence. It reminds us that our deepest need for security and love is ultimately met in our relationship with the Divine, who offers an embrace that is both tender and strong, providing refuge for every soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 8:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true Beloved, the one who perfectly embodies the tender support and protective embrace longed for by the soul. Just as the Shulamite finds rest and security in her lover's arms, so the believer finds ultimate peace and an unshakeable sense of belonging in the embrace of Christ. His "left hand," representing tender care and compassion, is perpetually "under our head," supporting us in our weakness, comforting us in our sorrows, and providing rest for our weary souls, as He invites all who labor and are heavy laden to [come to Him and find rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). Simultaneously, His "right hand," symbolizing His divine power, authority, and unwavering faithfulness, "embraces us" with a protective love that nothing can break. This is the love that led Him to lay down His life for His bride, the Church, just as a husband is to [love his wife as Christ loved the church](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church"). In Him, we are held secure, safe from all external threats and internal anxieties, knowing that [no one can snatch us out of His hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Security in Christ's Hand"). The intimate security and rest depicted in Song of Solomon 8:3 are fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who offers an eternal, perfect, and all-encompassing embrace.

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 2:6

His left hand [is] under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy [them].

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Isaiah 62:5

For [as] a young man marrieth a virgin, [so] shall thy sons marry thee: and [as] the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, [so] shall thy God rejoice over thee.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.