King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 2:14 Mean?

Song of Solomon 2:14 in the King James Version says “O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me he...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.”

Song of Solomon 2:14 · KJV

Context

12

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

13

The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

14

O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.

15

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

16

My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Read Song of Solomon 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bridegroom calls to his beloved: 'O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.' The 'dove' (yonati, יוֹנָתִי) symbolizes purity, gentleness, and faithfulness. The phrase 'clefts of the rock' (chagvey hasela, חַגְוֵי הַסֶּלַע) suggests hidden refuge—the dove finding safety in rock crevices. The bridegroom invites the bride from hiding into his presence. The dual requests—'let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice'—express desire for both visual and verbal communion. The affirmations—'sweet is thy voice, comely is thy countenance'—provide reassuring acceptance. This verse celebrates the beloved's desire to draw the shy or fearful into secure intimacy. Christ similarly calls believers from fearful hiding into confident fellowship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Doves in ancient Palestine nested in rock clefts, seeking safety from predators. The imagery would resonate with shepherding culture familiar with rocky terrain. The bridegroom's invitation reflects courtship patience—drawing the beloved from reserve into confident relationship. Early church fathers saw Christ calling the timid soul from fearful hiding into His presence. The 'clefts of the rock' became imagery for refuge in Christ (Exodus 33:22; Isaiah 2:21). Bernard of Clairvaux preached on this verse, emphasizing Christ's gentle invitation to fearful sinners. The Reformers taught that Christ doesn't coerce but graciously invites; the Spirit enables responsive coming. Modern readers see both courtship wisdom (patient drawing out shy partners) and gospel invitation (Christ calling fearful sinners to Himself).

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes you hide 'in clefts of the rock'—fear, shame, unworthiness—and how does Christ's invitation to come forth address these?
  2. How can you emulate the bridegroom's approach—gently inviting others from hiding with reassuring affirmations rather than harsh demands?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
יוֹנָתִ֞י1 of 16

“O my dove”

H3123

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

בְּחַגְוֵ֣י2 of 16

“that art in the clefts”

H2288

a rift in rocks

הַסֶּ֗לַע3 of 16

“of the rock”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

בְּסֵ֙תֶר֙4 of 16

“in the secret”

H5643

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

הַמַּדְרֵגָ֔ה5 of 16

“places of the stairs”

H4095

properly, a step; by implication, a steep or inaccessible place

הַרְאִ֙ינִי֙6 of 16

“let me see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

וּמַרְאֵ֥יךְ8 of 16

“and thy countenance”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

הַשְׁמִיעִ֖נִי9 of 16

“let me hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת10 of 16
H853

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

קוֹלֵ֥ךְ11 of 16

“is thy voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

כִּי12 of 16
H3588

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

קוֹלֵ֥ךְ13 of 16

“is thy voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

עָרֵ֖ב14 of 16

“for sweet”

H6156

pleasant

וּמַרְאֵ֥יךְ15 of 16

“and thy countenance”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

נָאוֶֽה׃16 of 16

“is comely”

H5000

suitable, or beautiful

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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 1:5Ezra 9:5-6Song of Solomon 5:2Exodus 3:6Song of Solomon 8:13Exodus 33:22-23

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