King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:2 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:2 in the King James Version says “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. thy: Heb. thy loves” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. thy: Heb. thy loves”

Song of Solomon 1:2 · KJV

Love

Context

1

The song of songs, which is Solomon's.

2

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. thy: Heb. thy loves

3

Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

4

Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. the upright: or, they love thee uprightly

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride speaks: 'Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.' This opening verse establishes the Song's unabashed celebration of physical intimacy and passionate desire within covenant relationship. The Hebrew 'yishaqeni' (יִשָּׁקֵנִי, let him kiss me) uses an intensive form expressing urgent longing. The shift from third person ('him') to second person ('thy') creates dramatic immediacy—moving from description to direct address. The comparison 'thy love is better than wine' employs the Hebrew 'dodekha' (דֹּדֶיךָ), which can mean 'love' or 'lovemaking,' suggesting both emotional and physical intimacy. Wine represented joy, celebration, and sensory pleasure in ancient Israel (Psalm 104:15), yet the bride declares her beloved's love surpasses even this delight. This verse teaches that godly passion within marriage is appropriate, beautiful, and divinely ordained—not shameful or merely functional for procreation. The church fathers saw this as the believer's longing for intimate communion with Christ, whose love surpasses all earthly pleasures (Philippians 3:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern love poetry (Egyptian love songs, Sumerian sacred marriage texts) celebrated romantic and sexual love, but often in fertility cult contexts or without covenant commitment. The Song of Solomon uniquely celebrates erotic love within exclusive covenant relationship—neither ascetic denial nor promiscuous indulgence. In Solomon's cultural context, wine was precious and pleasurable, making the comparison especially powerful. The early church's allegorical reading saw the 'kisses of his mouth' as God's word and revelation (Psalm 119:103), with believers longing for intimate knowledge of Christ through Scripture. Bernard of Clairvaux's sermons on the Song emphasized spiritual eros—holy desire for God that transcends and fulfills all lesser desires. The Puritans recovered appreciation for marital sexuality as divine gift, rejecting medieval asceticism that viewed celibacy as superior. Modern applications must hold together both the literal affirmation of marital passion and the typological anticipation of Christ's passionate love for His Church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge both prudish embarrassment about sexuality and cultural obsession with eroticism outside covenant commitment?
  2. What does it mean practically to pursue spiritual intimacy with Christ that surpasses all lesser pleasures, as this verse metaphorically suggests?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יִשָּׁקֵ֙נִי֙1 of 7

“Let him kiss”

H5401

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

מִנְּשִׁיק֣וֹת2 of 7

“me with the kisses”

H5390

a kiss

פִּ֔יהוּ3 of 7

“of his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

כִּֽי4 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

טוֹבִ֥ים5 of 7

“is better”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

דֹּדֶ֖יךָ6 of 7

“for thy love”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

מִיָּֽיִן׃7 of 7

“than wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Song of Solomon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Song of Solomon 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Song of Solomon 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 4:10Song of Solomon 1:4Psalms 36:7Isaiah 55:1-2Psalms 63:3-5Luke 15:20

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