Old Testament
Song of Solomon 2:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"My dove, hiding in the clefts of the rock, tucked away on the mountainside — let me see your face. Let me hear your voice. Your voice is so sweet, and your face is so lovely."
Compare translations
O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
What Song of Solomon 2:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker expresses a deep longing for intimacy and connection with their beloved. The imagery of a dove hiding in the clefts of the rock suggests vulnerability and a desire for safety. The speaker invites their beloved to reveal themselves, emphasizing the beauty of their voice and face. This reflects a yearning for closeness and understanding, highlighting the importance of communication in relationships. The mention of 'sweet' and 'lovely' indicates admiration and affection, suggesting that true beauty is found in the heart and spirit of a person. Overall, this verse captures the essence of love, where one seeks to know and be known by the other, fostering a bond that transcends mere physical attraction.
How to apply Song of Solomon 2:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek deeper connections in our relationships. By being open and vulnerable, we can foster intimacy and understanding. It reminds us to appreciate the beauty in others and to communicate our feelings, enhancing our bonds with loved ones.
Curated for this public verse page. Song of Solomon Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Song of Solomon 2:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Song of Solomon 2:14
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Song of Solomon
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 960 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and love song
- Original Audience
- Lovers and the community of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the dove symbolize in Song of Solomon 2:14?
In Song of Solomon 2:14, the dove symbolizes purity, love, and vulnerability. Doves are often associated with peace and gentleness, reflecting the speaker's deep affection for their beloved. The imagery of the dove hiding in the clefts of the rock suggests a desire for safety and intimacy, indicating that true love involves both openness and protection.
How does this verse express the theme of intimacy?
This verse expresses intimacy through the speaker's longing to see their beloved's face and hear their voice. The invitation to reveal oneself highlights the importance of emotional connection and communication in relationships. By emphasizing the beauty of the beloved's voice and face, the verse illustrates that intimacy goes beyond physical attraction, focusing on the deeper emotional bonds that unite two people.
What is the significance of 'sweet' and 'lovely' in this verse?
The terms 'sweet' and 'lovely' in Song of Solomon 2:14 signify admiration and affection. They convey the speaker's deep appreciation for the beloved's inner beauty and charm. This language underscores the idea that true beauty is not just about physical appearance but also about the qualities that make a person special, such as kindness, warmth, and the ability to connect emotionally.
How can we apply the message of this verse in our relationships?
We can apply the message of Song of Solomon 2:14 by striving for deeper connections in our relationships. This involves being open and vulnerable with our loved ones, expressing our feelings, and actively listening to them. By appreciating the beauty in others and fostering communication, we can enhance our bonds and create a more intimate and understanding relationship.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.