King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 7:10 Mean?

Song of Solomon 7:10 in the King James Version says “I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.”

Song of Solomon 7:10 · KJV

Context

8

I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;

9

And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. sweetly: Heb. straightly of those: or, of the ancient

10

I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.

11

Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages.

12

Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. appear: Heb. open

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride declares, 'I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.' This verse presents the third variation on the mutual belonging theme (see 2:16; 6:3), now emphasizing the beloved's desire for the bride. The phrase 'I am my beloved's' reaffirms covenant commitment and self-giving. The second clause 'his desire is toward me' (Hebrew 'teshuqato alay,' תְּשׁוּקָתוֹ עָלָי) employs the same root word (teshuqah, תְּשׁוּקָה) used only twice elsewhere in Scripture: Genesis 3:16 ('thy desire shall be to thy husband') and Genesis 4:7 ('sin's desire is for you'). In Genesis 3:16, teshuqah describes the fallen dynamic where the woman's desire is toward her husband who will rule over her—a consequence of the fall. Here in Song of Solomon, the desire flows from the beloved toward the bride—reversing the curse. In redeemed covenant love, the husband desires his wife (not merely rules her), and she joyfully belongs to him (not in subjection but in mutual love). This verse celebrates the beloved's pursuing desire and the bride's security in being desired—love that seeks and treasures the other.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The use of teshuqah (desire) creates an intertextual link with Genesis 3:16, where the fall distorted relationships—introducing domination, conflict, and broken mutuality. Song of Solomon presents redemptive covenant love that reverses curse dynamics: instead of ruling and domination, there is mutual desire and delight; instead of conflict, there is harmonious belonging. Ancient patriarchal cultures often emphasized husband's authority with little regard for wife's dignity or mutual desire. The Song's celebration of the beloved's pursuing desire for the bride affirms her value, beauty, and worth—she is treasured and sought, not merely tolerated or used. Early church fathers saw this as Christ's passionate desire for His Church—He seeks, pursues, and treasures His people (Luke 19:10; John 10:11). The Reformers emphasized that salvation originates in God's electing love and pursuing grace—He desires us before we desire Him (1 John 4:19). Modern readers find hope both in marriage (spouses should actively desire and pursue each other) and gospel truth (Christ passionately desires His people, not reluctantly tolerating them).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that Christ's 'desire is toward you'—He actively pursues, treasures, and delights in you—transform your security and identity in Him?
  2. In marriage, how can both spouses cultivate and express ongoing desire for each other, reversing cultural patterns of neglect or dominance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
אֲנִ֣י1 of 4
H589

i

לְדוֹדִ֔י2 of 4

“I am my beloved's”

H1730

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

וְעָלַ֖י3 of 4
H5921

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

תְּשׁוּקָתֽוֹ׃4 of 4

“and his desire”

H8669

a longing

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 7:10 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 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 45:11Song of Solomon 2:16Song of Solomon 6:3Galatians 2:20Job 14:15Song of Solomon 7:5-6

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