TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.
Complete Jewish Bible
[Chorus] Who is this, coming up from the desert, leaning on her darling? [He] I awakened you under the apple tree. It was there that your mother conceived you; there she who bore you conceived you.
Berean Standard Bible
Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? I roused you under the apple tree; there your mother conceived you; there she travailed and brought you forth.
American Standard Version
Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, Leaning upon her beloved? Under the apple-tree I awakened thee: There thy mother was in travail with thee, There was she in travail that brought thee forth.
World English Bible Messianic
Who is this who comes up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I aroused you. There your mother conceived you. There she was in labor and bore you.
Geneva Bible (1599)
(Who is this that commeth vp out of the wildernesse, leaning vpon her welbeloued?) I raysed thee vp vnder an apple tree: there thy mother conceiued thee: there she coceiued that bare thee.
Young's Literal Translation
Who is this coming from the wilderness, Hasting herself for her beloved? Under the citron-tree I have waked thee, There did thy mother pledge thee, There she gave a pledge that bare thee.
See also
In the KJVVerse 17,646 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
Copy as
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Interrogation of Job and David 2.4.16
She is radiant … because she is resplendent in faith and in works.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Isaac and the Soul 8.72
She ascends leaning on the Word of God. For those who are more perfect recline upon Christ, just as John also was reclining at Jesus’ bosom. So then she either rested in Christ or reclined upon him or even—since I am speaking of a marriage—as if already given into the power of Christ, she was led to the bridal couch by the bridegroom.
JeromeAD 420
Against the Pelagians 3.15
O mortal, you have now been cleansed in baptism, and it is said of you, “Who is she that comes up, cleansed and leaning upon her beloved?” so that she, indeed, is cleansed, but she is not able to guard her purity, unless she is sustained by the Lord God. You, who but a moment ago were freed from your sins, how is it that you desire to be delivered by the mercy of God, if not in the way I stated, that, when we have done everything, we confess that we of ourselves are insufficient?
Augustine of HippoAD 430
TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 65:3.2
Oh, bride of Christ, beautiful among women! Oh, you in white, coming up and leaning upon your beloved! For by his light you are illuminated that you may shine; by his help you are supported that you may not fall! Oh, how well it is sung to you in that Song of Songs, your wedding song, as it were, that “there is love in your delights!”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 65:1.2
Therefore Christ has given a new commandment to us: that we love one another as he also has loved us. This love renews us that we may be new, heirs of the New Testament, singers of a new song. This love renewed even then those just persons of ancient times, then the patriarchs and the prophets, as it did the blessed apostles later. Even now it also renews the nations, and from the whole human race, which is scattered over the whole world, it makes and gathers a new people, the body of the new spouse, the bride of the Son of God, the Only Begotten about whom it is said in the Song of Songs, “Who is this who comes up in white?” In white, of course, because renewed. By what, except by the new commandment?
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS 8
“Who is this coming up all covered in white, leaning on her nephew?” They do not say “white” but “all covered in white,” being black, remember. While the bride said of the bridegroom, “My nephew is white,” and did not say “covered in white,” being such by nature, she on the contrary was covered in black (the sun looked on her, remember) and is now covered in white and shares the bridegroom’s whiteness. And just as being the light he both made her light and called her so, and being holy he made her holy, and becoming resurrection he accorded her resurrection, so he also gave her a share in his own peculiar whiteness. Hence on seeing her, the young women say, “Who is this coming up all covered in white, leaning on her nephew?” Guided by him and as it were led hand in hand, she makes her ascent into heaven and her departure to her beloved through her firm belief in him.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
Under the apple tree, I awakened you, etc. The apple tree most aptly symbolizes the wood of the holy cross, on which He deigned to hang for the salvation of all; about which the Church said above in praise, "As an apple tree among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved among the sons." Under the apple tree, therefore, the Lord awakened the Synagogue, which He recalled from eternal death through the faith in His Passion. Under this same tree, His mother and progenitor was also corrupted and violated, namely the major and elder portion of His people. Certainly, she who, seduced by the persuasion of her leaders, chose Barabbas over the Lord, foolishly shouting, "His blood be on us and on our children" (Matthew 27). For she was also under the tree of the cross, not humbly submitting herself to this faith, but stubbornly invoking its vengeance upon her. From whose company separating the people who agreed to believe, the Lord exhorts them to retain in their heart the memory of the grace given to them, and to join works worthy of the faith received. He follows with:
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
Who is this who ascends from the desert, etc.? But the Church of the gentiles ascends from the desert, because she who had been abandoned by her Creator for a very long time, now advancing with steps of faith and good works, has reached His grace, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, where he says, "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose" (Isaiah 35). Overflowing with delights, namely those about which the bridegroom above says, "How beautiful and how charming you are, my love, in delights!" that is, in the desires of heavenly life. Leaning on my beloved: rightly leaning on Him, without whose aid she could not only ascend to the heights but could not even rise: for both the advancement of virtues and the very beginnings of faith we can only have by the Lord's granting. Therefore Judea marveled more at this grace of the new conversion of the gentiles, since she believed that only she and those who were received into her rite through the mystery of circumcision belonged to it, as the book of the Acts of the Apostles most openly testifies. Therefore, when she said with admiration, "Who is this who ascends from the desert, overflowing with delights?" she concluded with even greater admiration, leaning on my beloved. "My beloved," she said, meaning, "the one whom I thought loved only me and was unknown to other nations"; to which He, who is our peace, who made both one, and came to preach peace to us who were far off, and peace to those who were near (Ephesians 2), responded, reminding her to remember the grace by which she herself was rescued from gravest evils and brought to the way of truth, and to rejoice in the salvation of others as well, since the author of salvation and life is rich to all who call on Him.
Richard ChallonerAD 1781
Who is this: The angels with admiration behold the Gentiles converted to the faith: coming up from the desert, that is, coming from heathenism and false worship: flowing with delights, that is, abounding with good works which are pleasing to God: leaning on her beloved, on the promise of Christ to his Church, that the gates of hell should not prevail against it; and supported by his grace conferred by the sacraments. Under the apple tree I raised thee up; that is, that Christ redeemed the Gentiles at the foot of the cross, where the synagogue of the Jews (the mother church) was corrupted by their denying him, and crucifying him.
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 8:5 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 8:5 presents a poignant and climactic scene, opening with an exclamation of wonder from observers as the Shulamite and her beloved emerge triumphantly from a journey. The verse then transitions to the beloved's tender recollection of a foundational moment in their shared history, emphasizing the deep roots of their affection and the enduring strength of their bond, which is grounded in a cherished origin point and characterized by mutual reliance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 8:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its rich meaning and emotional depth. The opening Rhetorical Question, "Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?", immediately draws the reader into the scene, inviting a sense of wonder and contemplation about the identity and nature of the approaching figure, creating a dramatic entrance for the couple. Symbolism is richly woven throughout the verse: the "wilderness" represents a journey, a period of trial, or a place of growth and refinement, while the "apple tree" symbolizes comfort, beauty, nurturing, and the sweet origin or blossoming of love. The vivid Imagery of the Shulamite "leaning upon her beloved" creates a powerful visual of profound intimacy, dependence, and mutual support, conveying the strength and security of their bond. Finally, the Repetition of "there she brought thee forth" underscores the profound significance and tender memory associated with the "apple tree" as a place of origin or foundational love, emphasizing its enduring importance to the beloved and the depth of their shared history.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 8:5, while primarily a celebration of profound human love, resonates with significant theological implications regarding the believer's relationship with God. The imagery of emerging "from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved" beautifully illustrates the Christian journey through life's inevitable trials and challenges. Just as the Shulamite finds strength and comfort in her beloved, believers are called to find their ultimate strength and security in Christ, leaning entirely on His unfailing love, grace, and provision. The "wilderness" can represent periods of spiritual testing, doubt, or isolation, from which we emerge refined and more deeply dependent on God's sustaining presence. The "apple tree" can be seen as a symbol of divine grace, a sacred place of spiritual birth or profound renewal, where God's comforting presence and the sweetness of His love are intimately experienced, providing the foundational strength for our ongoing walk of faith and growth in Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound invitation for personal reflection on our spiritual journey and the nature of our relationship with God. Life often presents its own "wilderness" experiences – periods of challenge, uncertainty, spiritual dryness, or profound loss. It is precisely in these moments that we are called to deepen our "leaning" upon our Beloved, Jesus Christ. This posture of leaning is not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of profound trust and strength found in His absolute sufficiency and unwavering faithfulness. Reflect on how past trials have refined your faith, increased your dependence on God, and revealed His sustaining grace. Furthermore, the "apple tree" reminds us of foundational moments in our faith – perhaps a conversion experience, a significant spiritual breakthrough, a moment of profound revelation, or a consistent place of communion with God where His love was tangibly experienced. Remembering these "birthplaces" of grace can anchor us when the journey becomes difficult, reminding us of the sweet, life-giving source from which our spiritual life springs and the enduring nature of God's love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the "wilderness" in Song of Solomon 8:5 a negative symbol?
Answer: Not necessarily. While the wilderness can symbolize desolation, trial, or judgment in some biblical contexts, here it primarily represents a journey or a period of growth and development. The couple emerges from it stronger and more intimately bonded, suggesting that the "wilderness" was a place where their love matured and deepened, rather than a place of permanent hardship. It signifies a transition from a less settled state to one of secure and triumphant love, much like Israel's formative journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land.
What is the significance of the "apple tree" in this verse, and why is it mentioned twice?
Answer: The "apple tree" (or similar fragrant fruit tree) symbolizes a place of beauty, comfort, shade, and sweet delight. In this verse, it represents a cherished, foundational place where the Shulamite's life, or the blossoming of their love, began or was nurtured. The beloved's tender recollection underscores its significance as a sacred and formative memory of origin. The repetition of "there she brought thee forth" emphasizes the profound importance and tenderness of this specific location and event, highlighting its role as a sacred and deeply personal memory for the beloved.
Who is asking the question "Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness...?"
Answer: The question is posed by external observers, most likely the "daughters of Jerusalem" or other companions who have followed the narrative of the lovers throughout the Song. Their question conveys a sense of wonder, admiration, and perhaps even awe at the sight of the couple, now mature in their love and clearly devoted to one another, emerging together from their journey. It highlights the visible strength, beauty, and undeniable bond of their relationship to those around them.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 8:5, while celebrating the beauty and resilience of human love, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. The "wilderness" from which the Shulamite emerges can be seen as a powerful metaphor for humanity's fallen state, a world marred by sin and trial, or the challenging journey of sanctification that believers undertake in this present age. Yet, the Church, the Bride of Christ, does not traverse this wilderness alone; she is seen "leaning upon her Beloved," Jesus Christ. This posture beautifully illustrates our complete dependence on Him for strength, guidance, and sustenance through every trial and triumph. Just as the beloved recalls raising the Shulamite "under the apple tree," Christ, our Beloved, "raised us up" from spiritual death to new life, often at the "apple tree" of the cross, where His sacrifice bore the sweetest fruit of salvation and reconciliation (John 15:13). There, our spiritual "mother" – perhaps the Holy Spirit who births us anew (John 3:5-8) or the Church as the instrument of God's grace – brought us forth into new birth. This verse speaks to the profound intimacy and secure foundation of our union with Christ, who not only initiates our salvation but sustains us through every step of our journey, leading us triumphantly through the wilderness of this world towards the eternal marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). He is our constant strength, our tender nurturer, and the very source of our spiritual being, inviting us to cast all our burdens upon Him and find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30).