King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 2:8 Mean?
“The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.”
Context
6
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.
7
I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. I charge: Heb. I adjure you
8
The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.
9
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice. shewing: Heb. flourishing
10
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **The voice of my beloved.**—So here there is no need of the clumsy device of supposing the heroine in a dream. This most exquisite morsel of the whole poem falls quite naturally into its place if we regard it as a sweet recollection of the poet’s, put into the mouth of the object of his affections. “The voice” (Heb., *kôl*)*, *used to arrest attention = Hark! (Comp. Psalms 29) The quick sense of love discerns his approach a long way off. (Compare—
“Before he mounts the hill, I know
He cometh quickly.”—Tennyson’s *Fatima.*)
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 2:8 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 2:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge