Song of Songs 8 – NIVUK & KSS

1If only you were to me like a brother,

who was nursed at my mother’s breasts!

Then, if I found you outside,

I would kiss you,

and no-one would despise me.

2I would lead you

and bring you to my mother’s house –

she who has taught me.

I would give you spiced wine to drink,

the nectar of my pomegranates.

3His left arm is under my head

and his right arm embraces me.

4Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:

do not arouse or awaken love

until it so desires.

Friends

5Who is this coming up from the wilderness

leaning on her beloved?

She

Under the apple tree I roused you;

there your mother conceived you,

there she who was in labour gave you birth.

6Place me like a seal over your heart,

like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

its jealousy8:6 Or ardour unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

like a mighty flame.8:6 Or fire, / like the very flame of the Lord

7Many waters cannot quench love;

rivers cannot sweep it away.

If one were to give

all the wealth of one’s house for love,

it8:7 Or he would be utterly scorned.

Friends

8We have a little sister,

and her breasts are not yet grown.

What shall we do for our sister

on the day she is spoken for?

9If she is a wall,

we will build towers of silver on her.

If she is a door,

we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

She

10I am a wall,

and my breasts are like towers.

Thus I have become in his eyes

like one bringing contentment.

11Solomon had a vineyard in Baal Hamon;

he let out his vineyard to tenants.

Each was to bring for its fruit

a thousand shekels8:11 That is, about 12 kilograms; also in verse 12 of silver.

12But my own vineyard is mine to give;

the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,

and two hundred8:12 That is, about 2.3 kilograms are for those who tend its fruit.

He

13You who dwell in the gardens

with friends in attendance,

let me hear your voice!

She

14Come away, my beloved,

and be like a gazelle

or like a young stag

on the spice-laden mountains.