Song of Solomon 8:8

Translation
King James Version
¶ We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?
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KJV (with Strong's)
We have a little H6996 sister H269, and she hath no breasts H7699: what shall we do H6213 for our sister H269 in the day H3117 when she shall be spoken for H1696?
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Complete Jewish Bible
[Chorus] We have a little sister; her breasts are still unformed. What are we to do with our sister when she is asked for in marriage?
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Berean Standard Bible
We have a little sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What shall we do for our sister on the day she is spoken for?
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American Standard Version
We have a little sister, And she hath no breasts: What shall we do for our sister In the day when she shall be spoken for?
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World English Bible Messianic
We have a little sister. She has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister in the day when she is to be spoken for?
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Wee haue a litle sister, and she hath no breastes: what shall we do for our sister when she shalbe spoken for?
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Young's Literal Translation
We have a little sister, and breasts she hath not, What do we do for our sister, In the day that it is told of her?
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See also
Psalms 2:81 Peter 2:12Ezekiel 16:55Ezekiel 16:56Romans 10:12Romans 10:15Ezekiel 16:61
In the KJVVerse 17,649 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Song of Solomon 8:8 presents a poignant, collective inquiry from the Shulamite's brothers or companions regarding the welfare and future of their younger, unmarried sister. This verse shifts the narrative focus from the intense romantic dialogue between the lovers to the broader communal responsibility of protecting and preparing the vulnerable for maturity and the significant life stage of marriage. It encapsulates profound themes of familial duty, the safeguarding of purity, and the collective effort required to ensure the honorable future of the young.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse appears in the concluding chapter of the Song of Solomon, a book primarily focused on the intimate relationship between the Shulamite and her beloved. Chapter 8 opens with the Shulamite expressing a deep desire for her beloved to be as close as a brother, allowing for open affection without societal judgment, and a longing for him to feed her in her mother's house. Immediately preceding this verse, the Shulamite powerfully affirms the unyielding and unquenchable nature of true love, comparing its strength to a seal on the heart and arm, declaring it more valuable than all possessions. Abruptly, the narrative voice shifts from the lovers' private discourse to introduce a communal or familial interjection, specifically the brothers' concern for a "little sister." This sudden shift underscores that even the most passionate and personal love exists within a broader community context, where familial responsibility and the well-being of the younger generation remain paramount. The subsequent verses (Song of Solomon 8:9-10) then offer a proposed plan of protective measures from the brothers and the sister's confident affirmation of her own maturity and self-possession, providing a resolution to the question posed here.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern societies, the family, particularly the male head or older brothers, bore immense responsibility for the protection, honor, and marriage arrangements of their younger female relatives. A woman's purity and reputation were of paramount importance, directly reflecting on the family's honor and standing within the community. The phrase "she hath no breasts" signifies not merely physical immaturity but a lack of readiness for marriage and its associated responsibilities, including childbearing, which was a primary function of marriage in that culture. Marriage itself was a deeply communal affair, often arranged, involving intricate negotiations and agreements between families to ensure a proper and honorable union. The phrase "when she shall be spoken for" refers to the formal process of betrothal or a marriage proposal, a critical juncture in a young woman's life that necessitated careful preparation and protection to ensure an honorable and advantageous union. This pervasive cultural emphasis on familial oversight for young women's purity and future well-being forms the essential backdrop to the brothers' inquiry.
  • Key Themes: Song of Solomon 8:8 introduces several profound and enduring themes. Primarily, it highlights the Protection of the Vulnerable, particularly young women, from moral compromise and societal dangers. The description of the "little sister" who "hath no breasts" serves as a vivid Metaphor for Immaturity and Vulnerability, emphasizing her profound need for guidance, safeguarding, and nurturing before she is ready for the responsibilities of adulthood and marriage. This deep concern underscores the theme of Communal Responsibility, where the family or broader community collectively bears the duty to nurture, educate, and shield its younger members. The rhetorical question, "what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?", points directly to the theme of Preparation for Significant Life Stages, specifically marriage, but broadly applicable to any transition into maturity and responsibility. It implies a proactive and intentional approach to moral and spiritual development. This communal care for the young echoes principles found elsewhere in Scripture, such as the call to bear one another's burdens and the importance of training up a child in the way he should go.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • little (Hebrew, qâṭân', H6996): This word (H6996) derives from a root meaning "to abbreviate" and signifies something diminutive, small, or insignificant, whether literally in quantity, size, or number, or figuratively in age or importance. Here, it emphasizes the sister's youth and immaturity, highlighting her vulnerability and the inherent need for protective care. It denotes not merely physical stature but a developmental stage that precedes readiness for adult responsibilities.
  • sister (Hebrew, ʼâchôwth', H269): This term (H269) is the irregular feminine form of the Hebrew word for "brother" (אָח, ʼâch) and is used very widely, both literally and figuratively, to denote a female sibling or a close female associate. In this context, it emphasizes the familial bond and the inherent responsibility that comes with kinship, reinforcing the collective "we" who express concern for her well-being and future.
  • spoken for (Hebrew, dâbar', H1696): This word (H1696), from a primitive root meaning "to arrange" or "to speak," is used here in its passive form ("shall be spoken for"). It refers to the act of being discussed, proposed, or negotiated for marriage. This highlights the formal, often communal, nature of betrothal and marriage arrangements in ancient society, where a young woman's future was determined through public declarations and negotiations, necessitating her readiness and the family's prior preparation.

Verse Breakdown

  • "We have a little sister,": This opening clause immediately establishes the speakers as a collective "we," indicating a shared familial or communal concern. The subject is introduced as a "little sister," with "little" (qâṭân) emphasizing her youth, immaturity, and perhaps her status as not yet being of marriageable age. This sets the stage for the collective responsibility and concern that follows.
  • "and she hath no breasts:": This phrase serves as a vivid and culturally understood metaphor for the sister's physical, and by extension, social and emotional immaturity. The absence of breasts signifies that she has not yet reached puberty or womanhood, rendering her unready for the physical and relational aspects of marriage and motherhood. It underscores her vulnerability and the urgent need for continued protection and nurturing.
  • "what shall we do for our sister": This is a rhetorical question that powerfully expresses a deep, collective concern and a profound sense of responsibility. The "we" highlights the familial or communal duty to care for, guide, and proactively prepare the younger generation. It implies a strong desire to take appropriate action to ensure her well-being, honor, and future.
  • "in the day when she shall be spoken for?": This final clause specifies the critical juncture for which the preparation is needed: the time when she will be considered for marriage proposals. This "day" represents a significant and potentially vulnerable transition in her life, demanding that she be prepared, honorable, and protected from any blemish that might hinder a suitable and respectable union. It is a forward-looking question about safeguarding her future and ensuring her readiness for this momentous life event.

Literary Devices

Song of Solomon 8:8 employs several impactful literary devices that deepen its meaning. The most prominent is Metaphor, where the phrase "she hath no breasts" serves as a powerful and culturally specific symbol for immaturity, vulnerability, and a lack of readiness for marriage and womanhood. It is not merely a literal observation but a culturally understood idiom indicating a girl who has not yet come of age or developed the physical attributes associated with full womanhood and the capacity for childbearing. The question "what shall we do for our sister?" functions as a Rhetorical Question, not necessarily seeking a direct answer from an external party, but rather prompting reflection, discussion, and a profound sense of shared responsibility among the speakers themselves. It underscores their collective concern and determination to act. Furthermore, the abrupt shift in narrative voice from the intimate dialogue of the Shulamite and her beloved to the collective voice of the brothers represents a significant Narrative Interruption, broadening the scope of the Song of Solomon from purely romantic love to include broader familial and communal concerns, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual relationships within a larger social fabric and the responsibilities that extend beyond the immediate couple.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Song of Solomon 8:8, while rooted in the context of human relationships and ancient societal norms, carries profound theological and thematic implications, particularly when viewed allegorically or applied to the spiritual life. It underscores the biblical principle of communal responsibility for the vulnerable, echoing the Church's call to nurture, protect, and disciple its younger or newer members. Just as the brothers are concerned for their sister's purity and readiness for a future union, the mature body of believers is tasked with discipling and safeguarding those who are spiritually immature, ensuring they grow in grace and truth, prepared for their ultimate union with Christ. This verse highlights the proactive nature of spiritual guardianship, emphasizing that preparation for significant spiritual milestones, such as deeper commitment to Christ, resisting worldly temptations, or fulfilling one's calling, requires intentional guidance, sound teaching, and loving protection from the community of faith. It speaks to the ongoing work of sanctification within the Church, where older believers invest in the spiritual development of younger ones, ensuring they are equipped to stand firm and flourish.

  • Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
  • Galatians 6:1 - "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
  • 1 Peter 5:2 - "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind."

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This verse serves as a powerful and timeless reminder of our collective responsibility within families, communities, and the Church to nurture, protect, and prepare the younger generation. It challenges us to move beyond passive observation to active, intentional engagement in the spiritual, moral, and emotional development of those who are still maturing. Just as the brothers pondered how to ensure their sister's honor and readiness for her "day" of betrothal, we are called to intentionally mentor, teach, and shield young people from the corrupting influences of the world, equipping them with wisdom, discernment, and a strong moral and spiritual compass. This involves creating environments where purity is valued, spiritual growth is actively encouraged, and open dialogue about life's challenges and temptations is fostered. For the Church, it means prioritizing robust discipleship programs, providing sound biblical teaching, and offering loving accountability and community support to help new believers and young Christians mature into strong, Christ-like individuals, ready to stand firm in their faith, navigate life's complexities, and fulfill their divine calling. It compels us to ask: what practical steps are we taking to build "walls" of protection and "palaces" of spiritual strength for the vulnerable among us?

Questions for Reflection

  • What "little sisters" (or brothers) in your life, family, or church community are you personally responsible for nurturing, protecting, and guiding?
  • How are you actively preparing the younger generation for the "day" when they will face significant life decisions, spiritual challenges, or worldly temptations?
  • What protective "walls" or "palaces" (as mentioned in Song of Solomon 8:9) can your family or church community build to safeguard the purity and spiritual integrity of its vulnerable members?

FAQ

Who are the "we" referring to in this verse, and what is their relationship to the "little sister"?

Answer: The "we" in Song of Solomon 8:8 are generally understood to be the Shulamite's brothers or male companions, as indicated by the subsequent verses (Song of Solomon 8:9-10) where they propose specific actions concerning her. Their relationship to the "little sister" is one of familial guardianship and responsibility. In ancient Near Eastern culture, older male relatives had a significant, indeed crucial, role in protecting the honor, purity, and marriage arrangements of their younger female kin. This deep concern for their "little sister" who "hath no breasts" (meaning she is physically and socially immature and not yet ready for marriage) highlights their collective duty to ensure her purity and prepare her for an honorable future when she "shall be spoken for," or considered for marriage. This familial oversight was a cornerstone of societal structure, ensuring the well-being and reputation of the family unit.

What is the significance of the phrase "she hath no breasts" in this context?

Answer: The phrase "she hath no breasts" is a direct and culturally understood metaphor for the sister's immaturity and lack of physical development necessary for marriage and childbearing. In the cultural context of the Song of Solomon, breasts symbolized womanhood, maturity, and readiness for the responsibilities of a wife and mother. Therefore, their absence indicates that the "little sister" is still a child or a very young adolescent, not yet physically, emotionally, or socially prepared for the profound responsibilities and intimate aspects of marriage. This emphasizes her vulnerability and the urgent need for her family's protective oversight and guidance before she enters the significant life stage of betrothal and marriage, ensuring her honor and future well-being. It underscores the cultural emphasis on appropriate timing and preparation for such a pivotal life transition.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Song of Solomon 8:8, with its communal concern for a vulnerable "little sister" needing protection and preparation for a future union, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's protective, sanctifying, and perfecting work for His Church. Just as the brothers sought to prepare their sister for an honorable union, Christ, as the ultimate Bridegroom, is actively preparing His Church to be presented to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" (as seen in Ephesians 5:27). The "little sister" who "hath no breasts" can be seen as a powerful metaphor for new believers or the Church in its early, immature stages, needing spiritual nourishment, growth, and protection from the world's corrupting influences. Christ, through His Spirit and the ongoing ministry of the Church, provides the spiritual "breasts" of truth, grace, and sound doctrine, enabling believers to grow in maturity, moving from spiritual infancy (as described in Hebrews 5:12-14) to full spiritual stature and discernment. His continuous work of sanctification ensures that when the "day" comes for His glorious return and the marriage supper of the Lamb (foretold in Revelation 19:7-9), His Bride, the Church, will be fully prepared, perfected, and eternally united with Him, having been protected, nurtured, and made pure by His unfailing love and sovereign grace.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE SONG OF SONGS 8
It is the holy authors who were celebrated in the Old Testament who see the bride’s spiritual youth and the immaturity and inconspicuous condition of her breasts. In their capacity as go-betweens and marriage brokers [they] say among themselves, “The king is now on the point of taking our sister as his bride, but she is small and without breasts. She is not yet fertile, nor can she provide the milk of instruction or offer developed nourishment to the needy. So we must give thought to what is to be done. Since she is about to be related to the great king and be like a wall of his house, watching and guarding what is within, and being like a door that protects the contents, let us build as if on a wall ‘silver parapets.’ ” That is,[the parapets are] arguments splendid for their reasoning, the Lord’s sayings, after all, being “pure sayings, silver tried in the fire, tested in the earth.” “So … from her position on them she may fire at the enemy and hunt down the schemers. Let us place on her as on a door tablets made of cedar that incur no decay from sin, cedar being incorruptible.”
AponiusAD 500
EXPOSITION OF SONG OF SONGS 12:29
This sister is undoubtedly understood to be the Jewish people (a people that we said was converted to the God of heaven in the final days), who are led out of the prophesied desert before the end of the world. [They are]“ascending from the desert” of unbelief, where God is not worshiped, “leaning upon” the Word of God, “flowing with delights,” known by faith in the indivisible Trinity, without which not only are there no delights, but the soul incurs danger of starvation. She is a sister because she descended from the seed of Abraham, from whom came Christ according to the flesh and the church according to faith, inasmuch as Abraham would be established by God as a father to the nations. And from these nations comes the church, which is made one body through faith in Christ, just as the soul of Christ is proven to be made one person with the Word, to whom the Word of God the Father united himself. It is the soul of our Lord Jesus Christ which is now understood to say, with pious affection for this very people, “Our sister is little and has no breasts.”
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
Our little sister, etc. And this is addressed by the Lord to the Synagogue, admiring the faith or reception of the Church of the Gentiles; with great dispensation, calling her their sister, that is, both His and the Synagogue’s, so that the same Synagogue may recollect that the presence of its Creator was made through grace, and that it may rejoice more and more for the addition of the genuine society in grace. The sister, however, of the Lord the Savior is the entire Church gathered from both peoples, and each holy soul, not only because of the assumption of the same nature by which He also became human, but also by the grant of grace, by which He gave to those who believe in Him the power to become children of God, so that He who was the only Son of God by nature became the firstborn among many brothers by grace. Hence there is that most sweet saying of His to Mary: "Go to my brothers and say to them, I ascend to my Father and your Father; to my God, and your God" (John 20). Therefore, when He says, "Our little sister is immature and has no breasts," He designates the early times of the nascent Church of the Gentiles, when it was still small in the number of believing peoples, and less capable of preaching the word of God. Read the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, which extends from the eighteenth year of Tiberius Caesar to the fourth year of Nero, and you will find that during the preaching of the apostles, many crowds from the Gentiles believed; yet you will not find that they preached during that entire time of about thirty years. For the Church of the Gentiles was still small and was not yet sufficient to generate or nourish through doctrine the sons of Christ. Therefore, the Lord admonishes the Synagogue, using fraternal charity, to rejoice in auspicious salvation, and to offer aid to its immaturity so that it can grow. To which He also adds:
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
What shall we do for our sister, etc.? The Lord speaks to the Church; He speaks to every chosen soul, when He admonishes it for eternal salvation, either through the hidden illumination of His Spirit or the open voice of preachers, in which address divine mercy considers the measure of our capabilities and grants its gifts according to the capacity of human understanding. So He says: "What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is to be spoken to?" As if He openly says: "Indeed, the Church of the Gentiles is small in number, and not yet sufficient to undertake the ministry of the word." What, then, does it seem to you, O Synagogue, should be done with regard to the care of her, that is, our sister, at the time when I begin to address her through my apostles and their successors? Should we entrust her, still as a little child, with the small secrets of heaven? Or should we already render her greater by growth so that, progressing well, she may be capable of perfect virtues? To her, silent and rather listening to what He Himself would want, He immediately reveals what it is proper to do, thus adding:
Richard ChallonerAD 1781
Our sister is little: Mystically signifies the Jews, who are to be spoken to: that is, converted towards the end of the world: and then shall become a wall, that is, a part of the building, the church of Christ.
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.
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