King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 8:2 Mean?

Song of Solomon 8:2 in the King James Version says “I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced w...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.”

Song of Solomon 8:2 · KJV

Context

1

O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised. I should not: Heb. they should not despise me

2

I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.

3

His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.

4

I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please. that: Heb. why should ye stir up, or, why, etc

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me (אֶנְהָגֲךָ אֲבִיאֲךָ אֶל־בֵּית אִמִּי תְּלַמְּדֵנִי)—the bride imagines bringing her beloved to her mother's house, a place of safety, intimacy, and instruction. The Hebrew enhaghakha (אֶנְהָגֲךָ, I would lead you) and avi'akha (אֲבִיאֲךָ, I would bring you) show active initiative. 'My mother's house' represents intimacy and domestic privacy. The phrase telammedeni (תְּלַמְּדֵנִי, she would instruct me) suggests the mother teaching the bride about love and marriage.

I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate (אַשְׁקְךָ מִיַּיִן הָרֶקַח מֵעֲסִיס רִמֹּנִי)—the bride offers her beloved the choicest refreshment: spiced wine (yayin hareqach, יַיִן הָרֶקַח, blended/spiced wine) and pomegranate juice. This continues the garden/fruit/wine imagery throughout the Song, celebrating sensory delight and generous hospitality. The bride actively serves and delights her beloved. Church tradition saw the mother's house as the Church teaching believers, and the spiced wine as spiritual nourishment offered through ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient patriarchal culture, the emphasis on 'my mother's house' (rather than father's house) is noteworthy—it suggests the domestic, intimate sphere where women had authority and where marriage preparation occurred. Mothers instructed daughters in matters of love, marriage, and sexuality. Spiced wine was a luxury, made by adding aromatic herbs to wine. Pomegranate juice was refreshing and symbolized fertility and abundance. The bride's offer to serve her beloved fine wine demonstrates generous love—not demanding but giving. Church fathers saw the 'mother's house' as Jerusalem above (Galatians 4:26), the mother of believers. Medieval interpretation connected this to Mary (Jesus's mother) or to the Church as mother of believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role does spiritual community ('mother's house') play in teaching you about covenant love and faithfulness?
  2. How can you actively serve Christ and others with your choicest gifts—your 'spiced wine and pomegranate juice'?
  3. What does it mean to receive instruction about love from those who have gone before you in faith and marriage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֶנְהָֽגֲךָ֗1 of 11

“I would lead”

H5090

to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh

אֲבִֽיאֲךָ֛2 of 11

“thee and bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל3 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֥ית4 of 11

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אִמִּ֖י5 of 11

“thee into my mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

תְּלַמְּדֵ֑נִי6 of 11

“who would instruct”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

אַשְׁקְךָ֙7 of 11

“me I would cause thee to drink”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

מִיַּ֣יִן8 of 11

“wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

הָרֶ֔קַח9 of 11

“of spiced”

H7544

properly, perfumery, i.e., (by implication) spicery (for flavor)

מֵעֲסִ֖יס10 of 11

“of the juice”

H6071

must or fresh grape-juice (as just trodden out)

רִמֹּנִֽי׃11 of 11

“of my pomegranate”

H7416

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

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 8:2 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 8:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 3:4Song of Solomon 7:12Song of Solomon 4:10-5:1Galatians 4:26John 5:46-47Song of Solomon 7:9

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