King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 8:9 Mean?
“If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.”
Context
7
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
8
We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?
9
If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.
10
I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour. favour: Heb. peace
11
Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(9) **If she be a wall.**—The *wall *and *door *are emblems of chastity and its opposite. The *palace of silver *some commentators explain by reference to the custom (among the Druses) of wearing an ornament like a horn on the head. But this is unlikely. The metaphors of the *wall *and *door *are naturally expanded. If the maiden grows up virtuous and inaccessible to seduction *we will build upon her a palace of silver, i.e., *we will so provide for her in marriage that from her may spring an illustrious house; but if otherwise, *we will enclose her with boards of cedar, i.e., *the strongest precautions shall be taken to guard her honour. This passage is one of the strongest arguments for the theory that chaste wedded love is the theme of this book, the poet going on in Song of Solomon 8:10 to put into the heroine’s mouth a protestation of purity; and by which virtuous disposition, even more than by her beauty, she had won her husband’s love: “I have grown up to virtuous womanhood, and I have found favour in his eyes.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 8:9 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 8:9
Zechariah 6:12-15
→1 Corinthians 3:10-12
→1 Kings 6:15
→Revelation 21:12-19
→Isaiah 58:12
→Matthew 16:18
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge