Translations
Modern
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.
Traditional
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.
Literal
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, why stir up and why awaken love until it pleases.
Latin
Adjuro vos, filiæ Jerusalem, ne suscitetis, neque evigilare faciatis dilectam, donec ipsa velit.
Original
Hebrew
English
O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you: Do not arouse or awaken love until the time is right.
Notes
I adjure you: For the third time, the woman urges the young women of Jerusalem to keep their virginity (see Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5). The importance of virginity is affirmed in Song of Solomon 8:8–9.
The woman wants to be with the man and in his arms.
Theme notes and profiles
Places
Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions