Song of Solomon 8:1
O that thou wert as my brother that sucked the brests of my mother, when I should find thee without, I would kisse thee, yet I should not be despised. Song of Solomon 8:1 (KJV)
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. Song of Solomon 8:1 (KJV)
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs or Canticles, is a poetic book found in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is a collection of lyrical love poems traditionally attributed to King Solomon. The book explores the themes of love, desire, and the longing between a bride (the Shulammite woman) and her beloved, often interpreted as Christ and the Church or God and Israel.
In Song of Solomon 8:1 the speaker expresses a deep desire for intimacy and closeness with the beloved. The opening phrase, “O that thou wert as my brother,” conveys a longing for a relationship as close as that of siblings, expressing a desire for a deep bond and familiarity. The subsequent image, “that sucked the breasts of my mother,” symbolizes a shared childhood and a strong, nurturing connection rooted in family ties, emphasizing an intimate and caring relationship.
The speaker continues, “when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.” This expresses a yearning to encounter the beloved even in public spaces and to display affection openly through a kiss, with the confidence that such a public declaration would not bring shame or rejection. The sentiment reflects a hope that the love shown would be accepted rather than despised.
Interpreting the Song of Solomon requires sensitivity to its poetic and metaphorical language. While some passages may carry literal meaning, many are symbolic or allegorical, representing the love between God and His people or between Christ and the Church. The imagery invites readers to contemplate both human love and the divine love that sustains believers.
Overall, Song of Solomon 8:1 portrays a longing for a deep, intimate, and reciprocal love relationship. It highlights the desire for closeness, affection, and acceptance within a relationship, urging readers to reflect on the depth of love and desire in human relationships and in our relationship with God.
