Song of Solomon 8:1–7

Longing for Her Beloved

8 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.

2  I would lead you and rbring you

into the house of my mother—

she who used to teach me.

I would give you sspiced wine to drink,

the juice of my pomegranate.

3  tHis left hand is under my head,

and his right hand embraces me!

4  I uadjure you, O vdaughters of Jerusalem,

wthat you not stir up or awaken love

until it pleases.

5  xWho is that coming up from the wilderness,

leaning on her beloved?

Under the apple tree I awakened you.

There your mother was in labor with you;

there she who bore you was in labor.

6  Set me as a seal upon your heart,

as ya seal upon your arm,

for zlove is strong as death,

ajealousy1 is fierce as the grave.2

Its flashes are flashes of fire,

the very bflame of the Lord.

7  Many waters cannot quench love,

neither can floods drown it.

If a man offered for love

all the wealth of his chouse,

he3 would be utterly despised.