Song Of Solomon 8:8

KJV

¶ 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?

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}?

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?

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?

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 8:8 presents a collective inquiry from the Shulamite's brothers or companions regarding the welfare and future of their younger, unmarried sister. This verse shifts the 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 themes of familial duty, purity, and the collective effort required to safeguard the innocence and 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 begins with the Shulamite expressing a desire for her beloved to be like 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 affirms the strength and unquenchable nature of true love, comparing it to a seal on the heart and arm. Suddenly, the narrative voice shifts, introducing the brothers' concern for a "little sister," indicating a communal or familial interjection into the lovers' private world, underscoring that even in the most passionate love, there is a broader community context and responsibility. The subsequent verses (Song of Solomon 8:9-10) offer potential responses to this question, with the brothers proposing protective measures and the sister affirming her own maturity and self-possession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, the family, particularly the male head or older brothers, held significant responsibility for the protection, honor, and marriage arrangements of their younger female relatives. A woman's purity and reputation were paramount, directly reflecting on the family's honor. The concept of "no breasts" signifies not only physical immaturity but also a lack of readiness for marriage and its responsibilities, including childbearing. Marriage was a communal affair, often arranged, and involved negotiations and agreements between families. The phrase "when she shall be spoken for" refers to the formal process of betrothal or marriage proposal, a critical juncture in a young woman's life that required careful preparation and protection to ensure an honorable union. This cultural emphasis on familial oversight for young women's purity and future well-being is a key backdrop to the brothers' inquiry.
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several profound themes. Primarily, it highlights the **Protection of the Vulnerable**, particularly young women, from moral compromise and societal dangers. The "little sister" who "hath no breasts" serves as a **Metaphor for Immaturity and Vulnerability**, emphasizing her need for guidance and safeguarding before she is ready for the responsibilities of adulthood and marriage. This concern underscores the theme of **Communal Responsibility**, where the family or community collectively bears the duty to nurture, educate, and shield its younger members. The question "what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?" points to the theme of **Preparation for Significant Life Stages**, specifically marriage, but broadly applicable to any transition into maturity. It implies a proactive approach to moral and spiritual development. This communal care echoes principles found elsewhere in Scripture, such as the call to [bear one another's burdens](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens") and the importance of [training up a child in the way he should go](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Training Children").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **little (Hebrew, _qâṭân'_):** This word signifies something abbreviated, diminutive, or small, whether literally in size or quantity, or figuratively in age or importance. Here, it emphasizes the sister's youth and immaturity, highlighting her vulnerability and the need for protective care. It's not merely about physical stature but her developmental stage.
* **sister (Hebrew, _ʼâchôwth'_):** This term is the irregular feminine form of "brother" 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 are concerned for her.
* **spoken for (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to arrange" or "to speak," this word in its passive form ("shall be spoken for") refers to the act of being discussed or proposed for marriage. It underscores the formal, communal nature of betrothal in ancient society, where a young woman's future was often decided through negotiations and public declarations, necessitating her readiness and the family's prior preparation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We have a little sister,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker as a collective ("We") and introduces the subject: a young, presumably unmarried, female relative. The term "little" (qâṭân) emphasizes her immaturity, suggesting she is not yet of marriageable age or fully developed. This sets the stage for the communal 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, making her unready for the physical and relational aspects of marriage and motherhood. It underscores her vulnerability and the need for continued protection.
* **"what shall we do for our sister"**: This is a rhetorical question that expresses a deep, collective concern and a sense of responsibility. The "we" highlights the familial or communal duty to care for and guide the younger generation. It implies a proactive desire to take appropriate action to ensure her well-being and honor.
* **"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 transition in her life, demanding that she be prepared, honorable, and protected from any blemish that might hinder a suitable union. It is a forward-looking question about safeguarding her future.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the phrase "she hath no breasts" serves as a powerful symbol for immaturity, vulnerability, and lack of readiness for marriage and womanhood. It's not merely a literal observation but a culturally understood idiom for a girl who has not yet come of age. 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 sense of shared responsibility among the speakers themselves. It underscores their collective concern and determination to act. Furthermore, the shift in narrative voice from the Shulamite and her beloved to the brothers represents a **Narrative Interruption**, broadening the scope of the Song of Solomon from purely romantic love to include familial and communal concerns, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual relationships within a broader social fabric.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 8:8, while rooted in the context of human relationships, 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 and protect 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, like deeper commitment to Christ or facing worldly temptations, requires intentional guidance and protection from the community of faith.

* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child") - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
* [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Galatians 6:1 - Restoring the Erring") - "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](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Shepherd the Flock of God") - "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 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 engagement in the spiritual and moral development of those who are still maturing. Just as the brothers pondered how to ensure their sister's honor for her "day," 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 compass. This involves creating environments where purity is valued, spiritual growth is encouraged, and open dialogue about life's challenges is fostered. For the Church, it means prioritizing discipleship, providing sound biblical teaching, and offering loving accountability to help new believers and young Christians mature into strong, Christ-like individuals, ready to stand firm in their faith and fulfill their divine calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "little sisters" (or brothers) in your life, family, or church community are you responsible for nurturing and protecting?**
* **How are you actively preparing the younger generation for the "day" when they will face significant life decisions, temptations, or spiritual challenges?**
* **What protective "walls" or "palaces" (as mentioned in Song of Solomon 8:9) can the Church or family 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 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 role in protecting the honor and arranging the marriages of their younger female kin. This concern for their "little sister" who "hath no breasts" (meaning she is 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.

**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 marriage. Therefore, their absence indicates that the "little sister" is still a child or a very young adolescent, not yet physically or socially prepared for the responsibilities of a wife. 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 8:8, with its communal concern for a vulnerable "little sister," finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's protective 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](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ and the Church")). The "little sister" who "hath no breasts" can be seen as a metaphor for new believers or the Church in its early, immature stages, needing spiritual nourishment and protection. Christ, through His Spirit and the ministry of the Church, provides the spiritual "breasts" of truth and grace, enabling believers to grow in maturity, moving from spiritual infancy (as described in [Hebrews 5:12-14](/hebrews/5-12 "Hebrews 5:12-14 - From Milk to Solid Food")) to full spiritual stature. His ongoing 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](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), His Bride, the Church, will be fully prepared, perfected, and eternally united with Him, having been protected and nurtured by His unfailing love and grace.

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

Psalms 2:8

Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.

1 Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Ezekiel 16:55

When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.

Ezekiel 16:56

For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride,

Romans 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Romans 10:15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Ezekiel 16:61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.