Song of Solomon 2:7

Modern

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.

Traditional

I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

Literal

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field—do not arouse or awaken love, until it pleases.

Latin

Adjuro vos, filiæ Jerusalem, per capreas cervosque camporum, ne suscitetis, neque evigilare faciatis dilectam, quoadusque ipsa velit.

Hebrew

English

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.

I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: This plea is important in the Song; it repeats in Song of Solomon 3:5 and 8:4. A promise is requested, and witnesses were needed. The wild animals were the only witnesses present. These graceful animals suggest a romantic pastoral setting.
Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right: As in Song of Solomon 8:8–9, virginity is praised. The woman warns the women of Jerusalem to be cautious and not rush into love.

In this short poem, the man and woman exchange compliments. They use flower and tree metaphors to describe their loving relationship. The man is the protector and provider,
The poem ends (Song of Solomon 2:6) with the man and woman in an intimate embrace.

The couple lovingly describe each other. They admire her unique beauty and appreciate his strong protection and support.

Theme notes and profiles

Song of Solomon 3:5
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you by the gazelles and does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.
Song of Solomon 8:4
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.
Song of Solomon 1:5
I am dark, yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
Song of Solomon 5:8–9
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love.
Proverbs 5:19
A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.
Song of Solomon 5:16
His mouth is most sweet; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Song of Solomon 2:9
My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice.
Ephesians 5:22–33
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
Matthew 26:63
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions