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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Song of Solomon 8:1 O that you were to me like a brother who nursed at my mother's breasts! If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/songs/8-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/22_Sng_08_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Song of Solomon 8:1 - Longing for Her Beloved" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O that you were to me like a brother who nursed at my mother's breasts! 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Then, if I found you outside, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me. <a href="/nlt/songs/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Oh, I wish you were my brother, who nursed at my mother’s breasts. Then I could kiss you no matter who was watching, and no one would criticize me. <a href="/esv/songs/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Oh that you were like a brother to me who nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I found you outside, I would kiss you, and none would despise me. <a href="/bsb/songs/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> O that you were to me like a brother who nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me. <a href="/kjv/songs/8.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/songs/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Oh, that you were like my brother, Who nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I should find you outside, I would kiss you; I would not be despised. <a href="/nasb_/songs/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Oh that you were like a brother to me Who nursed at my mother’s breasts. If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you; No one would despise me, either. <a href="/nasb/songs/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Oh that you were like a brother to me Who nursed at my mother&#8217s breasts. If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you; No one would despise me, either. <a href="/nasb77/songs/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Oh that you were like a brother to me Who nursed at my mother’s breasts. If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you; No one would despise me, either. <a href="/lsb/songs/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Oh that you were like a brother to me Who nursed at my mother’s breasts. If I found you outside, I would kiss you; No one would despise me, either. <a href="/amp/songs/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Oh, that you were like a brother to me, Who nursed at the breasts of my mother. If I found you out of doors, I would kiss you; No one would blame me or despise me, either. <a href="/csb/songs/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If only I could treat you like my brother, one who nursed at my mother’s breasts, I would find you in public and kiss you, and no one would scorn me. <a href="/hcsb/songs/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If only I could treat you like my brother, one who nursed at my mother&#8217s breasts, I would find you in public and kiss you, and no one would scorn me. <a href="/asv/songs/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> Oh that thou wert as my brother, That sucked the breasts of my mother! When I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; Yea, and none would despise me. <a href="/cev/songs/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you were my brother, I could kiss you whenever we happen to meet, and no one would say I did wrong. <a href="/erv/songs/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> Oh that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, and none would despise me. <a href="/gwt/songs/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If only you were my brother, one who nursed at my mother's breasts. If I saw you on the street, I would kiss you, and no one would look down on me. <a href="/gnt/songs/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> I wish that you were my brother, that my mother had nursed you at her breast. Then, if I met you in the street, I could kiss you and no one would mind. <a href="/isv/songs/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> If only you were like a brother to me, like one who nursed at my mother's breasts. If I found you outside I would kiss you, and no one would view me with contempt. <a href="/msb/songs/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> O that you were to me like a brother who nursed at my mother?s breasts! If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me. <a href="/net/songs/8.htm">NET Bible</a> Oh, how I wish you were my little brother, nursing at my mother's breasts; if I saw you outside, I could kiss you--surely no one would despise me! <a href="/nheb/songs/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Oh that you were like my brother, who sucked the breasts of my mother. If I found you outside, I would kiss you; yes, and no one would despise me. <a href="/wbt/songs/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> O that thou wert as my brother, that was nourished at the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yes, I should not be despised. <a href="/web/songs/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Oh that you were like my brother, who nursed from the breasts of my mother! If I found you outside, I would kiss you; yes, and no one would despise me. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/songs/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Who makes you as a brother to me, "" Suckling the breasts of my mother? I find you outside, I kiss you, "" Indeed, they do not despise me, <a href="/ylt/songs/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Who doth make thee as a brother to me, Sucking the breasts of my mother? I find thee without, I kiss thee, Yea, they do not despise me, <a href="/slt/songs/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Who will give thee as a brother to me, sucking the breasts of my mother? I shall find thee without, I shall kiss thee; also they shall not despise me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/songs/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who shall give thee to me for my brother, sucking the breasts of my mother, that I may find thee without, and kiss thee, and now no man may despise me? <a href="/cpdv/songs/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Bride to Groom: Who will give you to me as my brother, feeding from the breasts of my mother, so that I may discover you outside, and may kiss you, and so that now no one may despise me? <a href="/nabre/songs/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Would that you were a brother to me, nursed at my mother’s breasts! If I met you out of doors, I would kiss you and none would despise me. <a href="/nrsvce/songs/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> O that you were like a brother to me, who nursed at my mother’s breast! If I met you outside, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/songs/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> WHO shall give you to me for my brother that sucked the breasts of my mother? When I should find you in the street, I would kiss you; yea, I should not be despised. <a href="/hpbt/songs/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Who shall give you as a brother to me? My breasts nursed my lambs. I will find you in the street. I will kiss you and they will not despise me<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/songs/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Oh that thou wert as my brother, That sucked the breasts of my mother! When I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; Yea, and none would despise me. <a href="/sep/songs/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I would that thou, O my kinsman, wert he that sucked the breasts of my mother; when I found thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, they should not despise me. <a href="/parallel/songs/8-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9D_QEk8ZdxU?start=1062" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/songs/8.htm">Longing for Her Beloved</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">O</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·ten·ḵā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">you were to me</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: kə·’āḥ (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">like a brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/3243.htm" title="3243: yō·w·nêq (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To suck. A primitive root; to suck; causatively, to give milk.">who nursed</a> <a href="/hebrew/517.htm" title="517: ’im·mî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- A mother. A primitive word; a mother; in a wide sense (like 'ab).">at my mother’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/7699.htm" title="7699: šə·ḏê (N-mdc) -- The breast of a, woman, animal. Or shod; probably from shuwd contracted; the breast of a woman or animal.">breasts!</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: ’em·ṣā·’ă·ḵā (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To attain to, find. ">If I found you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2351.htm" title="2351: ḇa·ḥūṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- The outside, a street. Or chuts; from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by a wall, i.e. Outside, outdoors.">outdoors,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5401.htm" title="5401: ʾɛ·šå̄·qə·ḵå̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To kiss, to equip with weapons. A primitive root; to kiss, literally or figuratively; also, to equip with weapons.">I would kiss you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/936.htm" title="936: yā·ḇū·zū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To despise. A primitive root; to disrespect.">would despise</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me.</a> 2I would lead you and bring you to the house of my mother who taught me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, the nectar of my pomegranates.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18-19</a> May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: / A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever. <a href="/genesis/29-11.htm">Genesis 29:11</a> Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud. <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Ruth 1:9</a> May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud <a href="/isaiah/66-11.htm">Isaiah 66:11-12</a> so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you may drink deeply and delight yourselves in her glorious abundance. / For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees. <a href="/john/13-23.htm">John 13:23-25</a> One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. / So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about. / Leaning back against Jesus, he asked, “Lord, who is it?” <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">Matthew 12:46-50</a> While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. / Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” ... <a href="/mark/3-31.htm">Mark 3:31-35</a> Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, / and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.” / But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” ... <a href="/luke/8-19.htm">Luke 8:19-21</a> Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were unable to reach Him because of the crowd. / He was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see You.” / But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out.” <a href="/john/7-3.htm">John 7:3-5</a> So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. / For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” / For even His own brothers did not believe in Him. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">1 Corinthians 9:5</a> Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? <a href="/ephesians/5-28.htm">Ephesians 5:28-29</a> In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. / Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:7</a> On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm">Philippians 1:8</a> God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1</a> Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. <a href="/genesis/24-67.htm">Genesis 24:67</a> And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>O that you were as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find you without, I would kiss you; yes, I should not be despised.that thou<a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a> Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.<a href="/haggai/2-7.htm">Haggai 2:7</a> And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.sucked<a href="/isaiah/66-11.htm">Isaiah 66:11,12</a> That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory… <a href="/galatians/4-26.htm">Galatians 4:26</a> But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.find thee<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.<a href="/john/3-13.htm">John 3:13</a> And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.<a href="/john/8-42.htm">John 8:42</a> Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.I would<a href="/songs/1-2.htm">Song of Solomon 1:2</a> Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.<a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Psalm 2:12</a> Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.<a href="/psalms/45-10.htm">Psalm 45:10,11</a> Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; … yea<a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a> The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.<a href="/psalms/102-16.htm">Psalm 102:16,17</a> When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory… <a href="/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42-44</a> And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing… I should not be despised<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/6-27.htm">Breast</a> <a href="/songs/7-8.htm">Breasts</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm">Either</a> <a href="/songs/5-8.htm">Find</a> <a href="/songs/5-7.htm">Found</a> <a href="/songs/1-2.htm">Kiss</a> <a href="/songs/6-9.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/songs/6-9.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/psalms/73-4.htm">Nourished</a> <a href="/job/3-12.htm">Nursed</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-18.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/luke/11-27.htm">Sucked</a> <a href="/job/8-6.htm">Wert</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/11-5.htm">Breast</a> <a href="/songs/8-8.htm">Breasts</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-9.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/songs/8-7.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-11.htm">Either</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-30.htm">Find</a> <a href="/songs/8-10.htm">Found</a> <a href="/hosea/13-2.htm">Kiss</a> <a href="/songs/8-2.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/songs/8-2.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Nourished</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-4.htm">Nursed</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-7.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-16.htm">Sucked</a> <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Wert</a><div class="vheading2">Song of Solomon 8</div>1. <a href="/songs/8-1.htm">The love of the church to Christ</a> 6. <a href="/songs/8-6.htm">The vehemence of love</a> 8. <a href="/songs/8-8.htm">The calling of the Gentiles</a> 14. <a href="/songs/8-14.htm">the church prays for Christ's coming</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/songs/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/songs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/songs/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>O that you were to me like a brother In ancient Near Eastern culture, familial relationships, especially those between siblings, were characterized by openness and public affection. The longing expressed here reflects a desire for a socially acceptable way to express love and affection. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this phrase highlights the deep yearning for intimacy and closeness without societal constraints. The reference to a brother suggests a bond that is both natural and enduring, echoing the familial love seen in other biblical relationships, such as that of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37).who nursed at my mother’s breasts! This phrase emphasizes the shared maternal bond, which in ancient times was a significant aspect of identity and relationship. The mention of nursing at the same mother's breasts underscores a deep, intrinsic connection, suggesting unity and equality. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual kinship and unity in the body of Christ, where believers are nurtured by the same spiritual source (<a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">1 Peter 2:2</a>).If I found you outdoors The setting of "outdoors" implies a public space, contrasting with the private, intimate settings often depicted in the Song of Solomon. In biblical times, public encounters were subject to social scrutiny, and the desire to find the beloved outdoors suggests a wish for freedom from societal judgment. This can be paralleled with the freedom believers seek in expressing their faith openly, as seen in the boldness of the apostles in <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13</a>.I would kiss you A kiss in biblical times was a common expression of affection and greeting, as seen in the New Testament with the "holy kiss" (<a href="/romans/16-16.htm">Romans 16:16</a>). Here, the kiss symbolizes a desire for open and unashamed affection. It reflects the purity and sincerity of love that transcends societal norms, akin to the love Christ has for His church, which is both intimate and public.and no one would despise me. The concern for societal judgment is evident here, as public displays of affection between non-familial individuals could lead to scorn or misunderstanding. This reflects the tension between personal desire and social expectations. In a broader spiritual sense, it echoes the believer's struggle to live out their faith in a world that may not understand or accept it, as Jesus warned in <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-19</a>. The longing for acceptance without despise can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate acceptance believers find in Christ, who removes shame and condemnation (<a href="/romans/8.htm">Romans 8:1</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_shulammite_woman.htm">The Shulammite Woman</a> The speaker in this verse, expressing her longing for open affection with her beloved. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_beloved.htm">The Beloved</a> The object of the Shulammite's affection, representing a deep and intimate relationship. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_mother.htm">The Mother</a> Mentioned in the context of familial bonds, symbolizing closeness and acceptance. 4. <a href="/topical/p/public_spaces.htm">Public Spaces</a> The setting where the Shulammite wishes to express her affection without societal judgment. 5. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_norms.htm">Cultural Norms</a> The societal expectations and norms regarding public displays of affection during the time.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_desire_for_intimacy.htm">The Desire for Intimacy</a> The Shulammite's longing for her beloved to be like a brother highlights the natural human desire for deep, intimate connections that transcend societal constraints. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_and_familial_acceptance.htm">Cultural and Familial Acceptance</a> The mention of a brother and mother suggests a longing for relationships that are accepted and celebrated within the community and family. <a href="/topical/p/public_expression_of_love.htm">Public Expression of Love</a> The wish to express love openly without judgment challenges us to consider how we express love and affection in our own relationships. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_family_bonds.htm">Symbolism of Family Bonds</a> The familial language used underscores the importance of love that is nurturing, protective, and enduring. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_parallel.htm">Spiritual Parallel</a> The longing for closeness with the beloved can be seen as a metaphor for our spiritual longing for closeness with God, who desires an intimate relationship with us.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/songs/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>VIII.(1) O that thou wert as my brother.--The poet makes his beloved recall the feelings she had for him before the obstacles to their union were removed. She dared not then avow her affection for him as a lover, and wished that their relationship had been such as to allow of their meeting and embracing without reproach. Marg., "They (i.e., her family and friends) should not despise (i.e., reproach) me."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/songs/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-3. - Oh that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! When I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; and none would despise me. 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. His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me. The meaning seems to be this - Let our relation to one another be the highest and the purest and the most permanent possible. The sisterly relation is not merely one of affection, but one of blood. The bond between husband and wife may be broken by the caprice and weakness of human feeling, but nothing can destroy the bond of blood. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (<a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a>); "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (<a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Proverbs 18:24</a>). The brotherly bond represents the strength of the blood relationship. When to that is added personal affection, then the tie is perfect. Shulamith means that she would have their love freed from all the uncertainties of human fickleness. As symbolically interpreted, therefore, we take this whole passage to signify that the Church, when it is desiring the closest fellowship with the Saviour, would be lifted above all the temptations of earthly life, which so often lower the standard of Christian feeling and service. The words are specially impressive in the lips of the bride of Solomon. It is a testimony to the inspiration of the whole book that the voluptuous monarch, whose life fell so far below the ideal of a godly king, should yet, indirectly though still powerfully, condemn and rebuke his own departure from God, setting clearly before us the surpassing excellence of pure love and the sanctity of married life. In the Mug's address to his bride he called her "sister" and "sister-bride;" she now virtually returns his own sentiment and calls him "brother."' She shows that she has risen in her love far above the mere fleshly desires - "the lust of the fiesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." She would blend her whole existence with that of her Lord. I would kiss thee; yea, and none would despise me. Nothing can more exquisitely and delicately express the fulness of affection. It is not merely a return for that which is given; it is free and spontaneous. So should our spiritual feelings be. They should be the natural outpouring of the soul towards the Saviour; not a worked up, artificial, spasmodic impulse, not a cold, dead formalism, not an unsympathetic service of conscience; but "doing the will of God from the heart." "Love is the fulfilling of the Law;" "Faith worketh by love." The second verse is differently rendered by some. Jerome, Venetian, and Luther take it as referring to the bride's dependence on her husband's superior wisdom - "Thou wouldest instruct me;" which, of course, is a very suitable sentiment as addressed to the wise King Solomon. The Targum expounds it thus: "I would conduct thee, O King Messiah, and bring thee into the house of my sanctuary; and thou wouldest teach me to fear God and to walk in his ways." Hitzig and our Revisers take the verb as in the third person feminine, and applied to the mother. "She would teach me as a mother teaches a young bride, from her own early experience." The old view that the bride is the personification of wisdom seems quite refuted by this speech of Shulamith's. She desires and waits for instruction. Solomon is wisdom. She is the soul of man, or the Church of God, delighting to sit at his feet and learn of him. Whichever rendering we choose, whether the mother or Solomon be regarded as teacher, the meaning is the same. It is, as Delitzsch has observed, a deep revelation of Shulamith's heart. "She knew how much she yet came short of being to the king all that a wife should be. But in Jerusalem the bustle of court life and the burden of his regal duties did not permit him to devote himself to her; in her mother's house, if he were once there, he would in. struct her, and she would requite him with her spiced wine and with the juice of the pomegranates." The "spiced wine," vinum conditura, aromatic wine, probably grape wine "mixed with fragrant and pungent essences," as in the East. The juice, or pressed juice, of the pomegranate is a delicious drink. There is no allusion to any love symbol. The grains of the pomegranates were said by the Arabians to be from Paradise (cf. the ῤοι'´της, or "vinum de punicis quod roidem vocant" in Dioscorides and Pliny). Perhaps this reference to exchange of gifts may be taken as symbolizing the happy state of the Church when she pours out her treasures in response to the spiritual blessings which she is freely receiving. The meaning is something beautiful and precious. And that is the highest state of religious life when the service we render and the gifts we place on the altar are felt to be the grateful sacrifices of our hearts under a sense of Divine love. When the Church of Christ depends for its support on such fellowship between itself and the Saviour there will be no limits to its attainments, no achievements beyond its powers. "All that see" such a state of the Church "shall acknowledge" the glory of it, "that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed" (see the whole of the sixty-first chapter of Isaiah, which breathes the very spirit of Solomon's Song). The rejoicing bride then gives herself up to the thought of her husband's affection. In that beautiful simplicity and purity of her childhood's life she would realize the bliss of her new relation. Delitzsch describes her state of mind thus: "Resigning herself dreamily to the idea that Solomon is her brother, whom she may freely and openly kiss, and her teacher besides, with whom she may sit in confidential intercourse under her mother's eye, she feels herself as if closely embraced by him, and calls from a distance to the daughters of Jerusalem not to disturb this her happy enjoyment." Perhaps the sense of weakness and dependence is meant to be expressed. The bride is conscious that her lord is everything to her. In that identification which the highest love brings vividly into the soul, there is the joy of exultation. "All things are ours; and we are Christ's, and Christ is God's." <a href="/commentaries/songs/8-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>O מִ֤י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix that יִתֶּנְךָ֙ (yit·ten·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set you [were] to me לִ֔י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> like a brother כְּאָ֣ח (kə·’āḥ) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) who nursed יוֹנֵ֖ק (yō·w·nêq) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3243.htm">Strong's 3243: </a> To suck, to give milk at my mother’s אִמִּ֑י (’im·mî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_517.htm">Strong's 517: </a> A mother, ) breasts! שְׁדֵ֣י (šə·ḏê) Noun - mdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7699.htm">Strong's 7699: </a> The breast of a, woman, animal If I found you אֶֽמְצָאֲךָ֤ (’em·ṣā·’ă·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present outdoors, בַחוּץ֙ (ḇa·ḥūṣ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2351.htm">Strong's 2351: </a> Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors I would kiss you, אֶשָׁ֣קְךָ֔‪‬‪‬ (’eš·šā·qə·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> To kiss, to equip with weapons and גַּ֖ם (gam) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and no one לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no would despise me. יָב֥וּזוּ (yā·ḇū·zū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_936.htm">Strong's 936: </a> To disrespect <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/songs/8-1.htm">Song of Solomon 8:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/songs/8-1.htm">OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 8:1 Oh that you were like my brother (Song Songs SS So Can)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/songs/7-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Song of Solomon 7:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Song of Solomon 7:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/songs/8-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Song of Solomon 8:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Song of Solomon 8:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>