King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 2:14 Mean?
“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.”
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **O my dove . . . in the clefts of the rock.**—The rock pigeon (*Columba livia*)*, *the origin of the domestic races, invariably selects the lofty cliffs and deep ravines (comp. Jeremiah 48:28; Ezekiel 7:16) for its roosting places, and avoids the neighbourhood of men. The modesty and shyness of his beloved are thus prettily indicated by the poet. For the expression “clefts of the rock,” see Note, Obadiah 1:3.
**The stairs**—*i.e., *steep places (comp. Ezekiel 38:20, margin), from root = *to go up.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge