King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:4 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:4 in the King James Version says “Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we wil...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Song of Solomon 1:4 · KJV

Love

Context

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

5

I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

6

Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride declares, 'Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers.' The imperative 'draw me' (Hebrew 'moshkeni,' מָשְׁכֵנִי) suggests active pursuit by the beloved, while 'we will run after thee' indicates eager, voluntary response. The sudden shift from singular ('me') to plural ('we') may include the bride's companions (daughters of Jerusalem, verse 5) in celebration of the relationship. The phrase 'the king hath brought me into his chambers' uses the Hebrew 'chadrayikh' (חֲדָרָיךָ, inner rooms/private chambers), indicating intimate, secluded space reserved for the closest relationship. This isn't forced intrusion but welcomed invitation into privileged intimacy. The verse portrays love as both divine initiative ('draw me') and human response ('we will run'). Theologically, this anticipates Jesus's teaching: 'No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him' (John 6:44). God initiates relationship through grace, and believers respond with eager pursuit. The 'king's chambers' prefigure the believer's access to God's presence through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Royal imagery pervades the Song—Solomon is repeatedly called 'the king' (1:4, 12; 3:9-11). In ancient Near Eastern culture, the king's inner chambers were highly restricted space, accessible only to those in intimate relationship with the monarch. Being brought into such private quarters signified honor, trust, and special favor. The Song democratizes this royal imagery: the beloved isn't a foreign dignitary but the bride, suggesting that covenant love grants access royalty might otherwise monopolize. Church tradition interpreted this eschatologically: Christ the King brings His beloved Church into the intimacy of the Father's presence. The phrase 'we will run after thee' echoes the psalmist's declaration: 'I will run the way of thy commandments' (Psalm 119:32). Early monasticism emphasized the contemplative life as entering the King's chambers through prayer and meditation. The Puritans balanced this with active service—running after Christ in both devotional intimacy and missional obedience. Modern application emphasizes both the priority of intimacy with God and the privilege of access through Christ's finished work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you experience the balance between God's initiative ('draw me') and your responsive pursuit ('we will run after thee') in your spiritual life?
  2. What does it mean practically to be brought into the 'King's chambers'—experiencing privileged intimacy with God through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מָשְׁכֵ֖נִי1 of 14

“Draw”

H4900

to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

אַחֲרֶ֣יךָ2 of 14

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

נָּר֑וּצָה3 of 14

“me we will run”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

הֱבִיאַ֨נִי4 of 14

“hath brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ5 of 14

“thee the king”

H4428

a king

חֲדָרָ֗יו6 of 14

“me into his chambers”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

נָגִ֤ילָה7 of 14

“we will be glad”

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

וְנִשְׂמְחָה֙8 of 14

“and rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בָּ֔ךְ9 of 14
H0
נַזְכִּ֤ירָה10 of 14

“in thee we will remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

דֹדֶ֙יךָ֙11 of 14

“thy love”

H1730

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

מִיַּ֔יִן12 of 14

“more than wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

מֵישָׁרִ֖ים13 of 14

“the upright”

H4339

evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv

אֲהֵבֽוּךָ׃14 of 14

“love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 11:4John 6:44Psalms 45:14-15John 12:32Jeremiah 31:3Luke 22:19

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