Song of Solomon8:14
Previous VerseTranslation
THE PEACEFUL WOMAN TO THE PEACEFUL MAN
Hurry,
Go to footnote numbermy Love,
and be like a gazelle
Go to footnote numberor like a young stag
on the spice-laden
Go to footnote numbermountains.
Go to footnote numberParaphrase
THE COMPLETE WOMAN TO THE COMPLETE MAN
Hurry, O love of my life,
be what I know you are—
be swift, and agile
be strong and swift,
be refreshing and strong.
Footnotes
1: “hurry”
The word used here means to “flee, to run away.” There is an intensity and an urgency about it. In this context it is that urgency that is being referred to. She does not want him to run away from her, but wants him to immediately put into action what she is asking him to do. Therefore, “hurry” seems to fit better than “run away.”
2
The word means “beautiful.” “Gazelle” is one if its additional meanings because of the grace and beauty of its movements. In this context it is the gazelle’s swiftness and grace that are in view.
Implications for marriage: An attractive wife is one who knows how to be her husband’s biggest cheer leader, one who encourages him to be all he can be, rather than cutting him down at every opportunity. A woman who knows how to encourage rather than criticize will naturally call out the best in her man.
3: "spice-laden"
The name Basemath is inferred here for the sixth time in the Song.
4: "mountains"
It is no coincidence that the Song ends with the symbols for strength and refreshing. A healthy marriage requires inner strength. A healthy marriage is also refreshing. Unfortunately, we have failed to show the next generation that such is the case because we have failed to follow God’s ways in our own marriages. Now we have an opportunity to show the world what marriage was intended to be. What will we do with this opportunity?