King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 8:3 Mean?

Song of Solomon 8:3 in the King James Version says “His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Song of Solomon 8:3 · 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

5

Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.

Read Song of Solomon 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me (שְׂמֹאלוֹ תַּחַת לְרֹאשִׁי וִימִינוֹ תְּחַבְּקֵנִי)—this exact phrase appeared earlier in 2:6, demonstrating the Song's recurring themes and the bride's continued delight in intimate embrace. The imagery is tender and protective: the left hand supporting the head, the right hand embracing. The Hebrew techabbeqeni (תְּחַבְּקֵנִי, would embrace me) suggests close, affectionate holding. This is covenant intimacy—mutual, tender, and secure.

The repetition from 2:6 shows that genuine love doesn't grow tired of familiar expressions of affection but finds continued comfort and delight in them. The embrace represents security, belonging, and mutual commitment. Church tradition saw Christ's embrace as both protective (left hand under head—sustaining) and affectionate (right hand embracing—loving). The imagery assures believers of God's tender care and intimate presence. This is the security that perfect love provides—being held in the beloved's arms.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The embrace described here reflects ancient Near Eastern reclining posture for intimate meals and romantic encounters—couples would recline on couches, allowing for the tender positioning described. The left hand supporting the head suggests care and attentiveness, while the right hand embracing demonstrates affection and possession. The repetition of this exact phrase from 2:6 creates a literary frame, showing the enduring nature of the couple's love through the Song's progression. Church fathers saw Christ's two hands as his divine and human natures, or as providence and grace. The Puritans emphasized God's tender, affectionate love—not merely sovereign power but genuine delight in His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the repeated imagery of Christ's embrace provide security and comfort in your spiritual life?
  2. What does it mean to rest in God's left hand (providential sustaining) while being drawn close by His right hand (affectionate love)?
  3. How can covenant relationships cultivate this kind of secure, tender, repeated expressions of affection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
שְׂמֹאלוֹ֙1 of 5

“His left hand”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

תַּ֣חַת2 of 5
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

רֹאשִׁ֔י3 of 5

“should be under my head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וִֽימִינ֖וֹ4 of 5

“and his right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

תְּחַבְּקֵֽנִי׃5 of 5

“should embrace”

H2263

to clasp (the hands or in embrace)

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 8:3 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 8:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 2:6Isaiah 62:4-5Deuteronomy 33:272 Corinthians 12:9

Test Your Knowledge

Song of Solomon 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterSong of Solomon Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Song of Solomon 8 with CommentaryAll Song of Solomon ChaptersComplete Song of Solomon QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes