Song of Solomon 8:1 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-4

Here, I. The spouse wishes for a constant intimacy and freedom with the Lord Jesus. She was already betrothed to him, but, the nuptials being yet not solemnized and published (the bride, the Lamb's wife, will not be completely ready till his second coming), she was obliged to be shy and to keep at some distance; she therefore wishes she may be taken for his sister, he having called her so (Song 5:1), and that she might have the same chaste and innocent familiarity with him that a sister has... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1

O that thou wert as my brother ,.... Or, "who will give thee as a brother to me?" F17 מי יתנך "quis det te?" Pagninus, Montanus, Marckius. an usual form of wishing, Deuteronomy 5:29 , Psalm 14:7 . The church here not only requests that Christ would be like a brother to her, but appear to be really one, and to act the part of one towards her; with whom she might as freely converse as brother and sister may. Several Jewish F18 Targum in loc. Zohar in Gen. fol. 104. 1.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Song of Solomon 8:1

O that thou wert as my brother - The bride, fearing that her fondness for her spouse might be construed into too great a familiarity, wishes that he were her little brother; and then she might treat him in the most affectionate manner, and kiss him even in the streets without suspicion, and without giving offense to any one. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-3

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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-3

The ardour of spiritual love. There is no measure, no restraint, in this language. If it is possible for human love, when duly placed, to be too fervent and absorbing, this is when that is given to the creature which it behoves us to reserve for the Creator. Passion and poetry combine to express the deepest emotions, the most ardent wishes of the soul. I. THE OBJECT OF SPIRITUAL LOVE . 1 . In loving Christ the soul centres its purest and strongest affections upon One who... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-4

Wishes of the bride. 1 . That she had known the bridegroom always. The bride continues the address of Song of Solomon 7:1-13 . She is still speaking to the king, telling him of her love. He had again and again called her his sister—his sister-bride. She now wishes that he were to her as a brother; that they could have been children of the same mother; that they could have known one another from infancy. So in the close union of love between husband and wife there comes sometimes... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-4

Oh that men would understand! Such seems to be the sentiment of these verses. She who speaks grieves that those about her did not see how natural and right was her love for her beloved. She could almost wish he were her brother instead of her betrothed, for then those who saw her love for him would not, as now they did, despise her for it. She could not have been already a bride, as is so constantly assumed, for in that case her love could not have awakened scorn. But they despised her for... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Song of Solomon 8:1

Royal rank and splendor are grown wearisome. The king once called her “sister” and “sister-bride.” Would he were indeed as a “brother,” her mother’s own child whom she might meet, embrace, and welcome everywhere without restraint or shame. Her love for him is simple, sacred, pure, free from the unrest and the stains of mere earthly passion. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Song of Solomon 8:1

Song of Solomon 8:1. O that thou wert as my brother Most intimate, and free, and familiar with me, as brethren and sisters commonly are; that sucked the breasts of my mother That came out of the same womb and sucked the same breasts, and were brother and sister by father and mother too: for such are generally most dear to one another. The intent of these expressions, and of those in the three following verses, is to signify the church’s earnest desire of a stricter union, and more... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-4

Restrained behaviour (8:1-4)A brief poem addressed by the girl to her lover displays the frustration that the two felt in not being able to show their love to each other openly. The girl comments that if they were brother and sister they would at least be able to kiss in public (8:1-3). But fitting expressions of love between the two will come in their own good time. They do not need anyone to arouse them (4). read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Song of Solomon 8:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Song of Solomon 8:1

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Song of Solomon 8:1

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 8:1-4

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