King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 8:4 Mean?

Song of Solomon 8:4 in the King James Version says “I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please. that: Heb. why should y...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Song of Solomon 8:4 · KJV

Love

Context

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.

6

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. cruel: Heb. hard

Read Song of Solomon 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride repeats for the third time: 'I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.' This final occurrence of the refrain (see 2:7; 3:5) comes near the Song's conclusion, after celebrating covenant love's fullness. The warning remains relevant even in mature relationship: respect love's rhythms, don't force or manipulate. The absence of the oath formula ('by the roes and hinds') in some manuscripts may indicate increased confidence—the adjuration now rests on proven wisdom rather than formal oath. This verse teaches that covenant love requires ongoing vigilance and respect for proper timing, even within committed relationship. Patience, respect, and restraint remain virtues throughout marriage, not just during courtship. Spiritually, it reminds believers that God's timing in spiritual formation and answered prayer cannot be rushed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The threefold repetition of this warning structures the Song, marking transitions and emphasizing its importance. Ancient readers, familiar with the pattern, would recognize this as climactic reminder: wisdom about love's timing isn't outgrown with maturity but remains perpetually relevant. The warning against awakening love prematurely applies to courtship, marriage, and all seasons of relationship. Early church fathers applied this to spiritual discipline—don't presume on grace or demand immediate spiritual experiences; trust God's timing in sanctification. The mystics valued patient waiting on God rather than forcing ecstatic experiences. The Reformers emphasized that spiritual growth follows God's ordained means and timing, resisting both impatient activism and passive quietism. Modern readers see wisdom for sexual ethics, marriage, and spiritual formation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this repeated warning inform your understanding of patience, timing, and respect in relationships—both human and divine?
  2. What areas of life tempt you to 'stir up or awaken' prematurely rather than trusting God's timing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּי1 of 12

“I charge”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

אֶתְכֶ֖ם2 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנ֣וֹת3 of 12

“you O daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם4 of 12

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

מַה5 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תְּעֹֽרְר֛וּ6 of 12

“nor awake”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

וּֽמַה7 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תְּעֹֽרְר֛וּ8 of 12

“nor awake”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

אֶת9 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאַהֲבָ֖ה10 of 12

“my love”

H160

love

עַ֥ד11 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שֶׁתֶּחְפָּֽץ׃12 of 12

“until he please”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

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 8:4 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 8:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 2:7Song of Solomon 3:5

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Song of Solomon 8 →

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