Song Of Solomon 8:7

Commentary on Song of Solomon 8:7

Song of Solomon 8:7 is a profound declaration on the nature of true love, serving as a powerful summary and capstone to the entire book. It speaks to both the invincibility and the invaluable, unpurchasable quality of genuine affection.

Context

The Book of Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a lyrical poem celebrating the beauty and intimacy of love between a man and a woman. While often interpreted allegorically to represent God's love for Israel or Christ's love for the Church, its literal meaning provides timeless insights into human relationships. This particular verse, located near the conclusion of the book, stands as a climactic statement, distilling the essence of the love described throughout the preceding chapters. It emphasizes the enduring and supreme nature of love, contrasting it with external forces and material wealth.

Key Themes

• The Invincibility and Endurance of True Love: The opening phrase, "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it," vividly portrays love as an unyielding force. Like a flame that cannot be extinguished by overwhelming torrents, genuine love perseveres through immense trials, adversities, and challenges. This imagery suggests that true affection is resilient, capable of withstanding the fiercest pressures life may bring, echoing the sentiment that love never fails. It highlights that authentic love is not fleeting but possesses an inherent strength to endure.
• The Incomparable Value and Unpurchasable Nature of Love: The second part of the verse, "if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned," asserts that love is priceless and cannot be bought. Any attempt to acquire love through material possessions, wealth, or power is not only futile but also met with scorn and contempt. This emphasizes that true love is a freely given gift, a bond of affection and commitment that transcends monetary value. It cannot be earned or commanded through riches; its essence lies in genuine connection and devotion, much like spiritual blessings that are offered without money and without price.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's use of the word "contemned" is particularly strong. It comes from the Hebrew root bazah (בזה), meaning to despise, scorn, or hold in contempt. This choice of word underscores the deep disdain for the idea of trying to purchase something as sacred and invaluable as love. It's not merely that such an attempt would fail, but that it would be met with utter rejection and moral indignation because it fundamentally misunderstands and devalues love's true nature.

Practical Application

Song of Solomon 8:7 offers profound wisdom for contemporary relationships and life:

• Resilience in Relationships: It encourages perseverance and faith in the face of difficulties within a relationship, reminding us that genuine love is built to withstand storms, not to be extinguished by them.
• Prioritizing True Affection: It serves as a powerful reminder that material wealth cannot buy genuine affection, loyalty, or intimacy. True love is based on shared values, respect, and commitment, not on financial gain or status.
• Spiritual Significance: From a spiritual perspective, this verse beautifully reflects God's unquenchable and unpurchasable love for humanity. His love cannot be earned by our works or wealth; it is a freely given, enduring gift that overcomes all obstacles, a love from which nothing can separate us (Romans 8:39). Our response to such love should be one of grateful devotion, not transactional bargaining.