King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:8 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:8 in the King James Version says “If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside t...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.”

Song of Solomon 1:8 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? as one: or, as one that is veiled

8

If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

9

I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.

10

Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bridegroom responds to the bride's question: If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents. The address 'fairest among women' (yaphah banashim, יָפָה בַּנָּשִׁים) affirms the bride's beauty and value even while gently redirecting her. The beloved doesn't rebuke her seeking but provides gracious guidance. The instruction go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock (iqvey hatson, עִקְבֵי הַצֹּאן, footprints of the flock) suggests following the established paths where God's people have walked—the well-trodden ways of faith and obedience.

The phrase feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents encourages productive activity and community presence while waiting for fuller revelation. Rather than anxious seeking in wrong places, the bride should remain near the shepherding community, engaged in faithful work. Spiritually, this teaches that believers find Christ by following the paths of Scripture, staying near the Christian community, and engaging in faithful service rather than pursuing novel or isolated spirituality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Palestinian shepherds established regular patterns and camping sites. Following the flock's footprints meant taking proven, safe routes to water and pasture. 'Shepherds' tents' represented community and established practice—the gathered wisdom and safety of experienced shepherds. The bridegroom's counsel is both tender ('fairest among women') and practical (follow established paths). Early church fathers saw this as Christ directing seekers to the Church—follow the apostolic witness, remain within Christian community, engage in faithful discipleship. The Reformers emphasized Scripture and the gathered church as means of grace—don't seek private revelations apart from Word and community. The Puritans taught that spiritual growth occurs through ordinary means (Bible, prayer, fellowship, service) rather than extraordinary experiences. Modern readers see wisdom for resisting individualistic spirituality and embracing the communal, historical faith of God's people.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you following the 'footsteps of the flock'—the established paths of Scripture and historic Christian faith—or pursuing novel spiritual paths apart from community?
  2. What 'kids' (responsibilities, callings) should you faithfully tend while waiting for greater spiritual clarity or Christ's fuller revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אִם1 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֤א2 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵדְעִי֙3 of 16

“If thou know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לָ֔ךְ4 of 16
H0
הַיָּפָ֖ה5 of 16

“not O thou fairest”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

בַּנָּשִׁ֑ים6 of 16

“among women”

H802

a woman

צְֽאִי7 of 16

“go thy way forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לָ֞ךְ8 of 16
H0
בְּעִקְבֵ֣י9 of 16

“by the footsteps”

H6119

a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)

הַצֹּ֗אן10 of 16

“of the flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

הָרֹעִֽים׃11 of 16

“and feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

אֶת12 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גְּדִיֹּתַ֔יִךְ13 of 16

“thy kids”

H1429

a young female goat

עַ֖ל14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִשְׁכְּנ֥וֹת15 of 16

“' tents”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

הָרֹעִֽים׃16 of 16

“and feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 6:1Song of Solomon 5:9Hebrews 11:4-40James 5:10James 2:21Hebrews 13:7

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