King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 7:9 Mean?

Song of Solomon 7:9 in the King James Version says “And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Song of Solomon 7:9 · KJV

Context

7

This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved (וְחִכֵּךְ כְּיֵין הַטּוֹב)—the bridegroom continues celebrating sensory delights, comparing the bride's kisses to finest wine. Wine represented joy, celebration, and covenant blessing (Psalm 104:15). 'Best wine' (yayin hattov, יֵין הַטּוֹב) emphasizes quality and excellence. That goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak (הוֹלֵךְ לְדוֹדִי לְמֵישָׁרִים דּוֹבֵב שִׂפְתֵי יְשֵׁנִים)—the wine 'goes down smoothly' (lemesharim, לְמֵישָׁרִים) and has remarkable effects, even making sleepers' lips move.

Some translations attribute the end of verse 9 to the bride responding: 'going down smoothly for my beloved, gliding over lips and teeth.' This reading shows the bride affirming that she belongs to her beloved and desires to bring him delight—mutuality in covenant love. Church fathers saw the 'best wine' as Christ's love that surpasses all earthly pleasures, or as the word of God that refreshes and invigorates believers. The reference to 'those that are asleep' suggests love's power to awaken and enliven.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, wine was served at feasts, weddings, and celebrations—the best wine was reserved for honored guests and special occasions (John 2:10). The phrase 'causing lips of those that are asleep to speak' is enigmatic but suggests wine's enlivening, loosening effect—even sleeping persons might murmur or move their lips. Some interpreters see this as describing wine's quality (so smooth it seems to flow even to unconscious persons), others as the bride's playful hyperbole about her beloved's kisses. Church tradition connected this to Christ as the true vine (John 15:1) whose love invigorates spiritually dead souls. Early monastics saw the 'best wine' as contemplative union with God that surpasses all earthly pleasures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's love function as 'the best wine' in your life—bringing joy, celebration, and refreshment?
  2. What does mutual delight in covenant relationship look like practically—how do both parties seek to bring pleasure to the other?
  3. In what ways does God's love 'awaken' you from spiritual sleep or numbness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְחִכֵּ֕ךְ1 of 9

“And the roof of thy mouth”

H2441

properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)

כְּיֵ֥ין2 of 9

“wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

הַטּ֛וֹב3 of 9

“like the best”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הוֹלֵ֥ךְ4 of 9

“that goeth”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְדוֹדִ֖י5 of 9

“for my beloved”

H1730

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

לְמֵישָׁרִ֑ים6 of 9

“down sweetly”

H4339

evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv

דּוֹבֵ֖ב7 of 9

“to speak”

H1680

to move slowly, i.e., glide

שִׂפְתֵ֥י8 of 9

“causing the lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

יְשֵׁנִֽים׃9 of 9

“of those that are asleep”

H3463

sleepy

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 7:9 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 7:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 5:16Colossians 3:16-17Colossians 4:6Proverbs 16:24Ephesians 4:29Acts 2:11-13

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