King James Version
Song of Solomon 3:8 in the King James Version says “They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.”
Song of Solomon 3:8 · KJV
Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?
Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. a chariot: or, a bed
He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“hath his sword”
H2719drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
“being expert”
H3925properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
“every man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“hath his sword”
H2719drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“upon his thigh”
H3409the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
“because of fear”
H6343a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
“in the night”
H3915properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
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.
Song of Solomon 3:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Song of Solomon 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge