Song of Solomon 8:8-10, what does it mean?

Question

8 We have a little sister. She has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister in the day when she is to be spoken for?

9 If she is a wall, we will build on her a turret of silver. if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

10 I am a wall, and my breasts like towers, then I was in his eyes like one who found peace.

Answer 1

The Guy is trying to talk his love into marrying him. But she says she has to wait until her little sister is married off first, since she has the care of her sister. But she says the sister is not pretty enough.

So the guy says "if she is a wall" (meaning flat-chested) "they will build on her turrent of silver" (a big enough dowry that someone will marry her anyways) and "if she is a door" (think: fat) "we will enclose her with boards of cedar" (use wealth as a "girdle" for her fatness). *** No, he is not serious***

His love, probably with a laught, agrees that even though she is "a wall" also, that she knows she is beautiful in his sight.

Answer 2

This passage is an allegory for a girl coming into maturity. As a little sister (e.g. an unmarried woman) she has "no breasts"; that is, has never borne children of her own and has never been with (had sex with) a man. The question is partly rhetorical and partly, "What can we do for our 'little sister'? What virtues of her can we declare?"

All women are different, and verse 9 acknowledges that however the "little sister" turns out, she'll be adorned with the best "silver" and "cedar", the most precious things that will make her appeal to the man she marries, the ultimate goal of the book.

In verse 10, she declares she is a wall and her breasts (the givers of life due to the mother's milk and the receivers of pleasure due to the husband's contact) like towers, and that she can give and receive pleases her "like one who found peace", who found where she belonged, what completed her as a wife and mother.

Song of Solomon's a beautiful book, and even by our society's permissive standards it can often be a little raunchy, but it's God's statement on the fullest love two people, a man and a woman, can experience for one another. I read this to my wife before we got married and still do read parts of it occassionally . . . to say it's a turn-on would be a RADICAL understatement.

Have a great day, and God bless you!

Answer 3

Verse 8 and 9 are separate from verse 10. In 8 and 9, they're talking about a little sister who doesn't have any knockers, and they're working out ways to give her some. Perhaps an early version of the wonderbra.

In verse 10, the girl's older sister is talking about how nice her boobs are. Not so sure about one who finds peace, but I guess her man likes them ta-tas.

Some people believe that the Song of Solomon was originally magical incantations. Apparently, THIS one, if it is would have been used to increase breast size. Others argue that it's a bridal ceremony, so perhaps they used their sisters as sort of bridesmaids, or tried to get a date for them during the ceremony. Jewish tradition normally required the older siblings to get married before the younger siblings could get married, so once the older sister has a date, they would start looking for a man for the younger sister, who "has no breasts."

Answer 4

Selnyk,
Commentaries my friend! Multiple commentaries. That way you can check your sources.

CANT. 8:8-12

A brief dialogue commencing with a question and answer probably made by brothers of the bride concerning a younger sister who will soon be old enough to be asked in marriage. The answer is given in the form of a parable: "If she be a wall," i.e., stedfast in chastity and virtue, one on whom no light advances can be made, then let us honor and reward her. This fortress-wall shall be crowned as it were with a tower or battlement of silver. But "if she be a door," light-minded and accessible to seduction (Prov. 7:11,12), then let us provide against assailants the protection of a cedar bar or panel.
- Barnes Notes on the Ot and NT

8:8 {e} We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?

(e) The Jewish Church speaks this of the Church of the Gentiles. - Geneva Bible Notes

Cant. 8:8-12

The church pleads for the Gentiles, who then had not the word of God, nor the means of grace. Those who are brought to Christ themselves, should contrive what they may do to help others to him. Babes in Christ are always seen among Christians, and the welfare of their weak brethren is an object of continual prayer with the stronger believers. If the beginning of this work were likened to a wall built upon Him the precious Foundation and Corner-stone, then the Gentile church would become as a palace for the great King, built of solid silver. If the first preaching of the gospel were as the making a door through the wall of partition, that door should be lasting, as cased with boards of durable cedar. She shall be carefully and effectually protected, enclosed so as to receive no damage. The church is full of care for those yet uncalled. Christ says, I will do all that is necessary to be done for them. See with what satisfaction we should look back upon the times and seasons, when we were in his eyes as those that find favour. Our hearts are our vineyards, which we must keep with all diligence. To Christ, and to his praise, all our fruits must be dedicated. All that work for Christ, work for themselves, and shall be unspeakable gainers by it.
- Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Answer 5

It is important for you (and "DaisyKristina) to understand that the Song of Solomon symbolizes the love Christ and His Church have for each other. The Song is most definately divinely inspired, which is why it's in the Bible.

Matthew Henry wrote an excellent commentary on the entirety of this Book. Here's a link to his commentary on Chapter 8: http://www.apostolic-churches.net/bible/mhc/song_of_solomon/8.html

Scroll down until you reach the commentary on verses 8-12.

May God bless and keep you.

Answer 6

Tough one.

translator notes from the NIV:

"The girl was reflecting on the days when she was younger and under the care of her brothers, who wondered how to help her prepare for marriage. They decided that if she was built like a wall, standing firm against sexual temptation, they would praise her. But if she was like a door, open to immorality, they would take steps to guard her from doing something foolish. In 8:10 she testifies that she has been persistent in her morality and thus found favor in Solomon's eyes."

Answer 7

perfect! this could be the ultimate starting point for an exposition on the thesis that scripture can be interpreted in any way one wants. and, obviously for those "in power" the interpretation will always support their agenda. and for the usual narcissistic sociopaths who wind up with the power, that can only mean whatever will bring them more money, power and attractive little boys, eh? two possible interpretations for amusement. first, the "fundamentalist"-- read with appropriate twang--in the background nascar can be heard on the tv--iffin ya gots a flat chested little 'un, you wants ta marry off ta some rich fella from up north, one a them yankee j** an' n*****lovers, then it's best ta' hole er up
fer a spell in the chicken coop 'til ya kin find her some falsies. and don't let him get near her 'til after the weddin'. and now for the esoteric rendition. no twang and pas de nascar. if the feminine principle is denigrated by those in power as well as the masses under their guidance, woe betide us. but if it( the silver, yin, moon principle) is honored and integrated into our (male) beings then we will prosper and find peace (balance and wisdom). hmm. just a thought. :-)

Answer 8

I'm not exactly sure. Good question.

I think it has something to do with the preparation of the church for the day when Christ comes back, which really doesn't have anything to do with breasts, but it's an analogy.

This type of poetry was very common back when it was written. It's not supposed to be perverted or anything. It's just beautiful poetry that was very common at that time.

Answer 9

The Songs of Soloman aren't exactly revelations from God, they're just love poems that king Soloman wrote to his woman. I really don't know how that book made it through all the editors that were putting the Bible together.

Answer 10

If you re read the song and imagine it was written by a cross-dresser, it makes a lot more sense.

5:4-6 is what really scares me though.