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Song Of Solomon 8:9

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If she [be] a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she [be] a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

If she be a wall {H2346}, we will build {H1129} upon her a palace {H2918} of silver {H3701}: and if she be a door {H1817}, we will inclose {H6696} her with boards {H3871} of cedar {H730}.

If she is a wall, we will build on her a palace of silver; and if she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

If she is a wall, we will build a tower of silver upon her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

If she be a wall, We will build upon her a turret of silver: And if she be a door, We will inclose her with boards of cedar.

Commentary

Song of Solomon 8:9 (KJV) presents a fascinating communal discussion concerning the character and future of a younger sister, introduced in the preceding verse. The verse metaphorically describes two potential states for this young woman and the corresponding community response, highlighting themes of purity, protection, and value.

Context

This verse comes from the concluding chapter of the Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating marital love. Here, a collective voice, likely her older brothers or the community, ponders the upbringing and future of a "little sister" who has not yet reached maturity (Song of Solomon 8:8). Their concern is her development and how they will safeguard her purity and prepare her for a future relationship. It reflects the communal responsibility in ancient Israelite society for the moral well-being of its members, especially young women.

Key Themes

  • Purity and Integrity: The "wall" metaphor signifies a young woman who has maintained her purity, integrity, and self-control. She is unbreachable, secure in her virtue.
  • Protection and Guidance: The "door" metaphor suggests vulnerability or a lack of firm boundaries. In this case, the community commits to providing the necessary protection and guidance, "inclosing her with boards of cedar," to reinforce her character and shield her from harm.
  • Value and Honor: If she proves to be a "wall," she will be honored and celebrated ("a palace of silver"). Silver often symbolizes purity, refinement, and great value, indicating that her steadfastness is highly esteemed.
  • Communal Responsibility: The verse underscores the role of family and community in nurturing and protecting the young, guiding them toward maturity and responsible choices. This collective care is crucial for the well-being of individuals and society.

Linguistic Insights

The imagery of the "wall" (Hebrew: chomah) and "door" (Hebrew: delet) are powerful metaphors. A chomah, or city wall, was a symbol of strength, defense, and security, representing an uncompromised state of purity and firmness of character. Conversely, a delet, or door, implies access and vulnerability; it can be opened or breached. The "palace of silver" (Hebrew: tiyrath kesef) suggests a crowning achievement or magnificent adornment, signifying the honor and beauty that result from a life of integrity. The "boards of cedar" (Hebrew: luach erez) indicate strong, durable, and valuable wood, often associated with significant structures like Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:9), emphasizing the robust and lasting protection the community intends to provide.

Practical Application

For believers today, Song of Solomon 8:9 offers several profound applications:

  • Personal Purity: It encourages individuals, especially the young, to cultivate a strong inner character like a wall, guarding their hearts and minds against worldly influences (Proverbs 4:23). This self-control leads to honor and true spiritual beauty.
  • Community and Church's Role: The verse highlights the church's responsibility to mentor, protect, and guide its younger members. Like the community in the Song, believers are called to identify vulnerabilities ("doors") and provide support, wisdom, and accountability ("boards of cedar") to help others grow in spiritual maturity and withstand temptation.
  • Value of Integrity: It affirms that steadfastness in faith and purity of life are highly valued by God and bring true honor, far more precious than fleeting worldly pleasures.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 58:12 (2 votes)

    And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:10 (2 votes)

    According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:12 (2 votes)

    Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

  • Ephesians 2:20 (2 votes)

    And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

  • Ephesians 2:22 (2 votes)

    In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

  • Isaiah 61:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

  • Zechariah 6:12 (2 votes)

    And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: