Song Of Solomon 8:6

KJV

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love [is] strong as death; jealousy [is] cruel as the grave: the coals thereof [are] coals of fire, [which hath a] most vehement flame.

KJV (with Strong's)

Set {H7760} me as a seal {H2368} upon thine heart {H3820}, as a seal {H2368} upon thine arm {H2220}: for love {H160} is strong {H5794} as death {H4194}; jealousy {H7068} is cruel {H7186} as the grave {H7585}: the coals {H7565} thereof are coals {H7565} of fire {H784}, which hath a most vehement flame {H7957}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[She] Set me like a seal on your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, passion as cruel as Sh'ol; its flashes are flashes of fire, [as fierce as the] flame of Yah.

Berean Standard Bible

Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all.

American Standard Version

Set me as a seal upon thy heart, As a seal upon thine arm: For love is strong as death; Jealousy is cruel as Sheol; The flashes thereof are flashes of fire, A very flame of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 8:6 is a climactic declaration of love's profound power, exclusivity, and enduring nature, voiced by the Shulamite woman to her beloved. It passionately pleads for an unbreakable bond, likening love's strength to the inevitability of death and the consuming nature of the grave, while also portraying its fiery intensity as a divinely kindled flame. This verse encapsulates the book's celebration of committed, passionate, and exclusive marital affection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears near the very end of the Song of Solomon, functioning as a powerful summary and capstone to the themes explored throughout the book. The preceding verses (Song of Solomon 8:1-5) depict the Shulamite's longing for intimacy and public affirmation of her love, imagining a time when she could freely express her affection without societal constraints. Following this, Song of Solomon 8:6-7 serves as a grand poetic declaration, elevating the nature of love beyond mere human emotion to a force of cosmic significance. It is positioned as the definitive statement on the power and purity of the love shared between the two lovers, emphasizing its unyielding strength against all odds, concluding the narrative arc of their deepening relationship. The final verses (Song of Solomon 8:8-14) then shift to a reflection on the broader implications of such love, including the protection of purity and the enduring nature of their bond.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a "seal" (or signet ring) was a crucial item, signifying ownership, authority, and authenticity. It was used to stamp documents, secure property, and validate decrees, making its impression legally binding and highly personal. To "set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm" would have resonated deeply, conveying a desire for an indelible mark of belonging and an unshakeable bond. The heart (`lêb`) was considered the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, while the arm (`zᵉrôwaʻ`) symbolized strength, action, and protection. Thus, the plea was for total, encompassing commitment—emotional, volitional, and practical. The concepts of death (`mâveth`) and the grave/Sheol (`shᵉʼôwl`) were understood as inescapable and all-consuming forces, making the comparison to love's strength incredibly potent. The imagery of fire (`ʼêsh`) was also common, representing both destructive power and purifying passion.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 8:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it champions **exclusive, passionate marital love**, portraying it as a sacred and powerful bond that demands total devotion, echoing the sentiment found in [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the wife of your youth"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **irresistible and unconquerable nature of true love**, asserting its enduring power against all adversaries, even death itself. This foreshadows the ultimate triumph of love over all things, a theme also seen in [1 Corinthians 13:7-8](/1_corinthians/13-7 "1 Corinthians 13:7-8 - Love endures all things"). Thirdly, it introduces the concept of **"jealousy" (qinʼâh)** as a fierce, protective, and demanding aspect of love, ensuring its purity and exclusivity. This "jealousy" is not negative envy but a zealous passion for the beloved's undivided affection, mirroring God's own divine jealousy for His covenant people, as expressed in [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God is a Jealous God"). Finally, the imagery of "fire" and "vehement flame" underscores love's **intense, consuming, and purifying power**, suggesting its divine origin and sacred quality, a concept that resonates with the burning bush in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seal (Hebrew, _chôwthâm'_):** This word refers to a signature-ring or signet, an object used to make an official, indelible mark. In ancient times, a seal was a symbol of ownership, authority, and authenticity. To be set as a seal implies a desire for permanent, undeniable belonging and a deep, personal identification with the beloved. It speaks to a covenantal commitment, where the beloved is indelibly marked upon the heart (emotions, will) and arm (strength, action) of the other, signifying an exclusive and unbreakable bond.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼahăbâh'_):** This term denotes affection, encompassing both good and bad senses, but here it clearly refers to a pure, intense, and passionate attachment. The context describes it as a powerful, irresistible force, likened to death. It is not a fleeting emotion but a profound, enduring commitment that shapes and defines the relationship, possessing an inherent strength that overcomes obstacles and sustains through all circumstances.
* **jealousy (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** While often carrying negative connotations in English, here `qinʼâh` signifies a fierce, protective zeal or passion for exclusive devotion. It is not envy of another's possessions but a fervent desire for the beloved's undivided affection and loyalty. The comparison to the grave (`shᵉʼôwl`) emphasizes its all-consuming and unyielding nature; just as the grave takes all and gives nothing back, this jealousy demands absolute exclusivity and tolerates no rivals in the beloved's heart. It underscores the sacred and exclusive nature of true, committed love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Set me as a seal upon thine heart,"**: This is a fervent plea from the Shulamite for her beloved to engrave her presence, her identity, and her love deeply and permanently within his innermost being—his emotions, intellect, and will. It signifies a desire for complete emotional and spiritual possession, an indelible mark of belonging that transcends superficial affection.
* **"as a seal upon thine arm:"**: Complementing the previous clause, this extends the desire for an indelible mark to his physical strength, actions, and public display. The arm symbolizes power, protection, and visible commitment. It signifies a longing for her to be central to his active life, his decisions, and his public identity, demonstrating an all-encompassing, visible, and protective bond.
* **"for love [is] strong as death;"**: This clause introduces the foundational reason for the preceding plea. It declares love's immense, irresistible, and unconquerable power. Just as death is an ultimate, inevitable force that no human can resist or escape, so true love possesses an overwhelming strength that transforms, dictates life's course, endures all challenges, and ultimately prevails over all opposition.
* **"jealousy [is] cruel as the grave:"**: This further elaborates on love's intensity and exclusive nature. "Jealousy" here refers to a zealous, protective passion for exclusive devotion. Like the grave (Sheol), which consumes all and yields nothing back, this protective jealousy demands absolute loyalty and brooks no rivals. It highlights the fierce, unyielding demand for singularity in affection inherent in true love, emphasizing its profound and demanding nature.
* **"the coals thereof [are] coals of fire,"**: This imagery shifts to describe the active, consuming nature of this powerful love and jealousy. "Coals of fire" evoke intense heat, passion, and a purifying, transformative force. It suggests that the very essence of this love is fiery, not a passive sentiment but an active, burning reality.
* **"[which hath a] most vehement flame."**: This final phrase intensifies the fiery imagery, emphasizing the extreme heat and unquenchable nature of love's passion. The Hebrew original (often translated "flame of Yah" or "flame of the Lord") suggests a divine origin or quality to this intense flame, implying that such profound love is not merely human but is divinely kindled, pure, sacred, and irresistible.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 8:6 is rich in **Simile**, powerfully comparing abstract concepts to concrete, undeniable forces. Love is declared "strong as death," and jealousy "cruel as the grave," using these ultimate, inescapable realities to convey the irresistible and all-consuming nature of profound affection. The verse also employs potent **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, particularly in the opening plea, "Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm." The "seal" symbolizes ownership, authenticity, and an indelible mark, while the "heart" represents the inner being (emotions, will) and the "arm" signifies strength, action, and public identity. The imagery of "coals of fire" and "most vehement flame" serves as a **Metaphor** for love's intense, consuming, and purifying passion. Furthermore, the verse uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary power of love and jealousy, elevating them to forces comparable to death and Sheol. Finally, **Personification** is subtly present as love and jealousy are described with active, almost human-like qualities ("strong," "cruel," having "coals" and "flame"), underscoring their dynamic and impactful nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 8:6 offers profound theological insights into the nature of love, reflecting both human experience and divine attributes. The intense, exclusive, and unyielding love described here mirrors God's own covenantal love for His people, which is characterized by a fierce, protective "jealousy" for their undivided devotion. This divine jealousy, unlike human envy, stems from God's holiness and His desire to protect His beloved from anything that would harm them or lead them astray. The verse also implicitly points to the sacredness of love within the marital covenant, suggesting that such a bond, when pure and exclusive, reflects a divine design. The idea that love is "strong as death" foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's love over sin and death through Christ.

* [Isaiah 49:16](/isaiah/49-16 "Isaiah 49:16 - God has inscribed us on the palms of His hands")
* [1 Corinthians 13:8](/1_corinthians/13-8 "1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love never fails")
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 8:6 challenges us to consider the depth and quality of our own love, both for God and for others, particularly within the context of marriage. It calls us to cultivate a love that is not fleeting or superficial but profound, enduring, and fiercely committed. For married couples, this verse serves as a powerful ideal: a call to seek to be so deeply interwoven into each other's lives—heart, mind, and action—that the bond becomes an indelible seal, a visible testament to their exclusive devotion. It reminds us that true love is not passive but an active, consuming force that demands loyalty and protection. Beyond marriage, it invites us to reflect on the intensity of God's love for us, a love stronger than death, and to respond with a reciprocal love that is equally fervent, exclusive, and zealous for His glory. This passage encourages us to pursue a love that is resilient, passionate, and unwavering, capable of overcoming life's challenges and reflecting the divine nature of love itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I "set" my beloved (or God) as a "seal upon my heart and arm" in my daily life?**
* **How does the comparison of love to "death" and "the grave" challenge or affirm my understanding of love's power?**
* **What does "jealousy" in this verse teach me about the nature of true commitment and exclusivity in relationships?**
* **How can I cultivate a love that is characterized by such "vehement flame" in my most important relationships?**
* **Considering the "flame of Yah" interpretation, how does this verse suggest a divine origin or quality to genuine love?**

### FAQ
**What does "Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm" mean?**

Answer: This poetic plea from the Shulamite woman to her beloved expresses a profound desire for an indelible, permanent, and encompassing bond. A "seal" (or signet ring) in ancient times was a mark of ownership, authority, and authenticity. To be a seal "upon thine heart" signifies a longing for deep emotional, intellectual, and volitional possession—to be central to his innermost being. To be a seal "upon thine arm" implies a desire for her presence to be integral to his strength, actions, and public identity, signifying a visible, protective, and active commitment. Together, these phrases convey a desire for total, exclusive, and unbreakable belonging, both inwardly and outwardly.

**Is the "jealousy" mentioned in this verse a negative emotion?**

Answer: No, the "jealousy" (Hebrew: `qinʼâh`) in Song of Solomon 8:6 is not typically interpreted as negative envy, but rather as a fierce, protective passion for exclusive devotion. Like God's own "jealousy" for His people (e.g., [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God is a jealous God")), it is a zealous demand for singular loyalty and affection within a committed relationship. The comparison to the grave (`shᵉʼôwl`), which consumes all and yields nothing back, emphasizes its unyielding and all-consuming nature, tolerating no rivals. It underscores the exclusive and sacred nature of true, committed love.

**What is the significance of "most vehement flame" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "most vehement flame" translates the Hebrew `shalhebeth-yah`, which can literally be rendered "flame of Yah" or "flame of the Lord." This is a highly significant nuance. It suggests that the intense, consuming, and purifying fire of love described in the verse is not merely a human emotion but has a divine origin or is divinely kindled. It implies that such profound, irresistible love is pure, sacred, and perhaps even a gift from God Himself, elevating human love to a spiritual dimension. This interpretation underscores the sacredness and enduring power of the love depicted in the Song of Solomon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 8:6, with its profound declaration of love's strength, exclusivity, and fiery intensity, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Shulamite's plea to be set as an indelible "seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm" beautifully foreshadows Christ's unyielding commitment to His Church. Just as a seal signifies ownership and authenticity, believers are spiritually "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit," who is "a guarantee of our inheritance" in Christ ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). This divine sealing marks us as His own, securing our eternal belonging and demonstrating His protective power, for no one can snatch us out of His hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - No one can snatch them out of my hand")). The declaration that "love is strong as death" finds its climactic reality in Christ's triumph over death. His sacrificial love on the cross was so powerful that it conquered the ultimate enemy, death itself, breaking its hold and opening the way to eternal life ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from the love of God")). The "jealousy" that is "cruel as the grave" also resonates with Christ's zealous, protective love for His bride, the Church. He demands exclusive devotion, not out of insecurity, but out of a holy passion to preserve her purity and protect her from spiritual adultery. His love is an all-consuming fire that purifies and transforms, a "most vehement flame" that originated from the very heart of God the Father ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is love")). Therefore, Song of Solomon 8:6 ultimately points to the unparalleled, conquering, and eternally faithful love of Christ for His people, a love that is truly stronger than death and burns with a divine, unquenchable flame.

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

Isaiah 49:16

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of [my] hands; thy walls [are] continually before me.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

Philippians 1:23

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Song Of Solomon 5:8

I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I [am] sick of love.

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:19

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.