Song of Solomon 8:9

Translations

Modern

If she is a wall, we will build a tower of silver upon her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

Traditional

If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

Literal

If she is a wall, we will build upon her a tower of silver; and if she is a door, we will enclose her with a plank of cedar.

Latin

Si murus est, ædificemus super eum propugnacula argentea; si ostium est, compingamus illud tabulis cedrinis.

Original

Hebrew

English

If she is a wall, we will build a tower of silver upon her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

Notes

Song of Solomon 8:9

wall: This term has two metaphorical meanings:
1. A young girl's chest is flat like a wall (see Song of Solomon 8:10)
2. Until marriage, she should remain abstinent and strong like a wall
build a tower of silver upon her: Towers served as lookouts to protect the city; a silver one would be more noticeable and strong. If the woman is already a wall, having kept her virginity, they will honor and support her decision.
On the other hand, a swinging door suggests promiscuity. The brothers will make her control herself.

Song of Solomon 8:8–10

During a heartfelt exchange of romantic compliments and promises, there is strong support for waiting until marriage for sexual activity.

Theme notes and profiles

Human Sexuality

Related verses

1 Kings 6:15
He lined the interior walls with cedar paneling from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and he covered the floor with cypress boards.
Isaiah 58:12
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.
Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
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.
1 Corinthians 3:10–12
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.
Zechariah 6:12–15
And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD.
Revelation 21:12–19
The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.
Ephesians 2:20–22
…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
Isaiah 60:17
Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler.
Acts 15:16
‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,
Acts 14:27
When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Isaiah 61:4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.

Glossary

Song of Solomon

Topics

Palaces: The Splendour of the Church Silver: Palace Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation

Song of Solomon 8:9

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Translations

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