International Standard Version
SongofSolomon 8
1 If only you were like a brother to me, like a 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. b
2 I would lead you, I would bring you to the house of my mother who used to teach me. I would give you some spiced wine to drink, from the juice of my pomegranates. c
3 Let his left hand be under my head, and let his right hand embrace me.
4 Swear to me, young women of Jerusalem, that you won’t awaken or arouse love before its proper time! d
5 Who is this coming up from the desert, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree e I awakened you. There your mother had gone into labor with you; there she went into labor and gave birth to you.
6 Set me like a seal f over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, passion g as intense as Sheol. h The flames of love i are flames of fire, a blaze that comes from the LORD. j
7 Mighty bodies of water cannot extinguish love, rivers cannot put it out. If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, he would surely be viewed with contempt.
8 We k have a little sister, and she has not yet reached maturity. l What will we do for our sister to prepare her for m her engagement? n
9 If she’s a wall, on her we will build a battlement of silver. If she’s a door, we will enclose her with planks of cedar.
10 I was a wall and my breasts were like towers. Then I became like one who finds peace o in his eyes.
11 Solomon has a vineyard in Baal-hamon. He entrusted the vineyard to caretakers— each one is to bring 1,000 pieces of silver in exchange for its fruit.
12 My vineyard belongs to me and is at my disposal. p The 1,000 are for you, Solomon, and 200 are for those who take care of its fruit.
13 You who sit in the gardens, companions are listening for your voice, but let me hear it.
14 Come quickly, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.