King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 5:4 Mean?

Song of Solomon 5:4 in the King James Version says “My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. for him: or, (as some read) in me” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. for him: or, (as some read) in me”

Song of Solomon 5:4 · KJV

Context

2

I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

3

I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?

4

My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. for him: or, (as some read) in me

5

I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. sweet: Heb. passing, or, running about

6

I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door (dodi shalach yado min hachor, דּוֹדִי שָׁלַח יָדוֹ מִן־הַחֹר)—the beloved reaches through the door's opening, attempting entry despite the bride's hesitation. This demonstrates persistent love that doesn't abandon the reluctant beloved but continues seeking access. The imagery is both literal (physical door) and metaphorical (the heart's door).

And my bowels were moved for him (umeay hamu alav, וּמֵעַי הָמוּ עָלָיו)—the Hebrew meay (מֵעַי, bowels/inward parts) represents the seat of deep emotions. Hamu (הָמוּ, were moved/stirred/yearned) suggests intense emotional response—the bride's heart is stirred to action. Seeing her beloved's hand reaching for her breaks through her complacency. This teaches that experiencing Christ's persistent, reaching love overcomes spiritual lethargy. Revelation 3:20 echoes this: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock"—Christ persistently seeks entrance to lukewarm hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient doors had openings or latches that allowed someone outside to reach through and manipulate the lock from inside. The beloved's reaching hand demonstrated both his authority (he could enter) and his patience (he waited for welcome, not forcing entry). The physical gesture became spiritually powerful—seeing his hand moved the bride from excuses to action. Early church fathers saw this as Christ's incarnation—He "put in his hand" by becoming human, reaching into our world to open the door we had closed. Christ knocks but doesn't force entry—He invites response. The Reformers saw this as prevenient grace—God's loving initiatives that stir hearts toward repentance. The Puritans warned that experiencing stirred affections ("my bowels were moved") must lead to action, not merely pleasant feelings.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you experienced Christ's hand reaching into your life, stirring your heart from complacency or resistance?
  2. How does Christ's patient, persistent love—knocking but not forcing entry—demonstrate both His respect for human will and His determined pursuit?
  3. What stirred affections or convicted conscience should move you from spiritual hesitation to active obedience and renewed fellowship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
דּוֹדִ֗י1 of 8

“My beloved”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

שָׁלַ֤ח2 of 8

“put in”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָדוֹ֙3 of 8

“his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מִן4 of 8

“by”

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַחֹ֔ר5 of 8

“the hole”

H2356

a cavity, socket, den

וּמֵעַ֖י6 of 8

“of the door and my bowels”

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

הָמ֥וּ7 of 8

“were moved”

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

עָלָֽיו׃8 of 8
H5921

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

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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 1:42 Corinthians 8:1-2Philippians 2:13Genesis 43:301 Kings 3:26Psalms 110:3

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