Song Of Solomon 8:4

KJV

I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, until he please.

KJV (with Strong's)

I charge {H7650} you, O daughters {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}, that ye stir not up {H5782}, nor awake {H5782} my love {H160}, until he please {H2654}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I warn you, daughters of Yerushalayim, not to awaken or stir up love until it wants to arise!

Berean Standard Bible

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.

American Standard Version

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, That ye stir not up, nor awake my love, Until he please.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 8:4 serves as the climactic and final repetition of a profound admonition from the Shulamite woman to the "daughters of Jerusalem." This charge underscores the sacred importance of allowing love, particularly its intimate expressions, to develop naturally and to be awakened only at the proper, mutually desired time. It is a powerful plea for patience, respect, and the guarding of romantic affection against premature arousal or external interference, emphasizing that true love flourishes best when it is unforced and aligned with divine timing and mutual consent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 8:4 concludes the book's recurring refrain, appearing twice before in [Song of Solomon 2:7](/song_of_solomon/2-7 "Song of Solomon 2:7 - The First Admonition") and [Song of Solomon 3:5](/song_of_solomon/3-5 "Song of Solomon 3:5 - The Second Admonition"). Its placement at the very end of the Song, after the lovers have navigated challenges, affirmed their deep commitment, and celebrated their secure bond, lends it immense weight and finality. This third iteration acts as a summary and a powerful, emphatic statement on the sanctity and natural progression of their unique and mature love, signifying that their relationship has reached its desired state of rest and security, and now the caution is given to others.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "daughters of Jerusalem" function as a narrative chorus throughout the Song, representing the community, observers, or perhaps even the Shulamite's peers. Their presence highlights the public dimension of love and marriage within ancient Israelite society, where relationships were not purely private affairs but had communal implications. The cultural expectation was that sexual intimacy was reserved for the covenant of marriage, and any premature arousal or illicit relations were strongly condemned. The Song itself, while a celebration of human love, is often understood within a broader theological framework that values purity, fidelity, and the proper ordering of relationships as ordained by God.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes. Foremost is the theme of **patience and divine timing in love**, stressing that genuine affection and its full expression should not be rushed or forced, but allowed to blossom naturally. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that there is "a time for every purpose under heaven," as seen in [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Every Purpose"). It also emphasizes the **sanctity of intimacy**, portraying it as a sacred gift to be cherished and protected within its proper bounds, rather than a casual pursuit. Furthermore, the Shulamite's charge illustrates the **protection of love's purity**, guarding her relationship from external pressures, societal expectations, or even the curious eyes of others, ensuring its unadulterated course. Finally, the phrase "until he please" highlights the critical importance of **mutual consent and readiness**, suggesting that true love flourishes best when both parties are willing and delighted, echoing God's perfect timing and design for relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **charge (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, meaning "to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times); adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath)." This word implies a solemn, binding appeal, almost an oath, underscoring the gravity and earnestness of the Shulamite's admonition. It is not a casual request but a weighty declaration.
* **stir not up (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** From H5782, meaning "to wake (literally or figuratively); (a-)wake(-n, up), lift up (self), raise (up), stir up (self)." The double negative ("stir not up, nor awake") intensifies the command, emphasizing the prohibition against prematurely arousing, exciting, or disturbing the nascent or developing love. It speaks to the danger of forcing intimacy before its natural time.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼahăbâh'_):** From H160, meaning "affection (in a good or a bad sense); love." In this context, it refers to the deep, personal affection and intimate bond between the Shulamite and her beloved, or the beloved himself as a term of endearment. It encompasses the entirety of their romantic relationship, not just physical desire.
* **please (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** From H2654, meaning "to incline to; to be pleased with, desire; (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will." This crucial word denotes willingness, delight, and mutual consent. It signifies that the full expression of love, particularly its intimate dimensions, must await the beloved's (and by extension, the Shulamite's) readiness and joyful desire, not external pressure or artificial stimulation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem":** This opening establishes the speaker (the Shulamite) and her audience (the young women of the city). The use of "charge" (a solemn adjuration) indicates the profound seriousness and binding nature of her plea, akin to an oath or a sacred trust. She is entrusting them with a vital truth about love.
* **"that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love":** This is the core prohibition, a powerful double negative emphasizing the absolute necessity of non-interference. "Stir up" and "awake" are synonymous actions, reinforcing the idea of not prematurely arousing or disturbing the natural, unforced progression of her deep affection or her beloved. It's a call to respect the organic development of true love.
* **"until he please":** This is the critical condition for the full expression of love. It signifies that the timing and readiness for intimacy must come from within the beloved (and implicitly, mutually from both partners), driven by genuine desire and delight, rather than external pressure, societal expectations, or impatient longing. It emphasizes consent, readiness, and the inherent beauty of love's natural unfolding.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Refrain**, as this is the third and final repetition of the exact same phrase, emphasizing its central importance and serving as a climactic summation of the Song's message about love's sacred timing. **Apostrophe** is used as the Shulamite directly addresses the "daughters of Jerusalem," drawing them into her solemn declaration and making them witnesses or guardians of this truth. The concept of "love" is subtly **personified** as something that can be "stirred up" or "awakened," implying it has its own life and readiness, akin to a sleeping entity that should not be roused prematurely. This personification functions as a **metaphor** for the delicate and organic nature of romantic intimacy, which should be allowed to blossom in its own time and by its own will, rather than being forced or rushed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 8:4 offers profound theological insights into God's design for human love and intimacy. It teaches that genuine love, particularly within the context of marriage, is a sacred gift to be honored with patience, purity, and mutual respect. The "until he please" clause subtly points to the importance of God's perfect timing in all things, suggesting that the most beautiful and fulfilling expressions of love align with His divine order and wisdom. This principle extends beyond romantic relationships, highlighting the need for patience and trust in God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, allowing His plans to unfold in His perfect time. It underscores that true intimacy is not something to be seized impulsively but is a precious treasure to be guarded and enjoyed when both parties are truly ready and delighted, reflecting God's own delight in His creation and His children.

* [1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "1 Corinthians 7:9 - Better to Marry Than to Burn")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless wisdom for navigating relationships in a world often characterized by instant gratification and blurred boundaries. For individuals, it serves as a powerful call to cultivate patience, self-control, and discernment in romantic pursuits, urging against rushing into physical intimacy or commitment before true love has matured and been mutually affirmed. It reminds us that genuine, lasting affection is a delicate plant that needs time and careful nurturing to grow into its full beauty. For couples, it underscores the vital importance of respecting each other's emotional, spiritual, and physical boundaries, recognizing that true intimacy is built on a foundation of mutual readiness, trust, and deep respect, rather than fleeting passions or external pressures. In a broader societal context, Song of Solomon 8:4 stands as a counter-cultural message, promoting the value of waiting, guarding purity, and allowing love to blossom naturally and beautifully within its proper, God-ordained context, such as the covenant of marriage. It encourages a posture of intentionality and reverence for the sacred bond of love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge contemporary views on relationships and intimacy, particularly in a culture that often promotes immediate gratification?**
* **In what ways might we, either consciously or unconsciously, "stir up" or "awake" love prematurely, either in ourselves or in others?**
* **What does the phrase "until he please" teach us about the importance of mutual consent, readiness, and delight in the context of healthy, flourishing relationships?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse only about sex?**

Answer: While Song of Solomon 8:4 certainly carries implications for sexual intimacy within the context of marriage, its meaning is broader. It encompasses the entire spectrum of romantic love, including emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects. The "stirring up" and "awakening" refers to the premature arousal or forcing of the entire intimate relationship, not just the physical dimension. It's about respecting the natural progression and sacredness of the entire bond, ensuring that all aspects of love develop at the right time and with mutual delight, rather than being rushed or externally influenced.

**Who are the "daughters of Jerusalem" and why are they addressed?**

Answer: The "daughters of Jerusalem" function as a recurring chorus or audience throughout the Song of Solomon. They represent the young women of the city or community, serving as witnesses to the Shulamite's experiences and reflections on love. By addressing them directly, the Shulamite is not only sharing her personal wisdom but also issuing a solemn charge to her peers and, by extension, to all who observe or participate in the unfolding of love. They are addressed to emphasize the communal aspect of guarding the sanctity of love and intimacy, ensuring that it is not disturbed or rushed by external pressures or societal expectations.

**How does "until he please" relate to mutual consent?**

Answer: The phrase "until he please" is profoundly significant in its emphasis on consent and mutual readiness. While "he" refers to the beloved, the underlying principle is that true intimacy and the full blossoming of love should only occur when both parties are willing, delighted, and prepared. It speaks to a love that is freely given and received, not coerced or rushed. This highlights the importance of respecting boundaries, emotional maturity, and the unforced desire of both individuals within a relationship, ensuring that love is awakened by genuine, reciprocal delight rather than external pressure or impatient longing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 8:4, with its emphasis on patience, sacred timing, and the unforced blossoming of love, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His relationship with the Church. Just as the Shulamite guards her love until her beloved "pleases," Christ, the divine Bridegroom, patiently and perfectly loves His Bride, the Church. His love is not impulsive or premature; it is a steadfast, sanctifying love that waits for the Church's full readiness and purification, as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"), where He gave Himself up for her "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." The ultimate "pleasure" or "delight" is found in God's perfect timing for His redemptive plan, culminating in the glorious union of Christ and His Church at the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). The Shulamite's call to protect love's purity and wait for its proper timing beautifully foreshadows the Church's call to faithfulness and purity as the betrothed bride of Christ, eagerly awaiting His return ([2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "2 Corinthians 11:2 - Betrothed to Christ")). In Christ, we see the perfect embodiment of love that is patient, pure, and always acts in perfect timing, for His glory and our ultimate good.

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 2:7

I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please.

Song Of Solomon 3:5

I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please.