Old Testament
Song of Solomon 3:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the speaker, likely a woman, is addressing the daughters of Jerusalem, urging them not to disturb or awaken her love until he is ready.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 960 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and love song
- Original Audience
- Lovers and the community of Israel
I charge you, daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and the hinds of the field, do not stir up or awaken my love until he pleases.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker, likely a woman, is addressing the daughters of Jerusalem, urging them not to disturb or awaken her love until he is ready. The imagery of gazelles and hinds suggests beauty and grace, emphasizing the preciousness of love. The speaker is expressing a desire for patience and respect for the natural timing of love. This reflects a deep understanding of love's delicate nature, where rushing or forcing feelings can lead to complications. The charge is both a warning and a plea, highlighting the importance of allowing love to develop organically. The speaker values the emotional state of her beloved and recognizes that true love cannot be hurried. This verse encapsulates the theme of love's timing and the need for mutual respect in relationships, reminding us that love should unfold at its own pace, rather than being forced or manipulated.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Song of Solomon 3:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to respect the timing of love in our own lives. It reminds us to be patient and not rush relationships, allowing feelings to develop naturally. By doing so, we honor both ourselves and our partners, fostering deeper connections.
Curated for this public verse page. Song of Solomon Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Song of Solomon 3:5 mean?
Song of Solomon 3:5 expresses a woman's plea to the daughters of Jerusalem not to disturb her love until he is ready. It highlights the importance of patience and respecting the natural timing of love.
What is the significance of gazelles in Song of Solomon 3:5?
The mention of gazelles and hinds in Song of Solomon 3:5 symbolizes beauty and grace, emphasizing the preciousness of love. These images suggest that love should be approached delicately and with care.
How can Song of Solomon 3:5 apply to modern relationships?
Song of Solomon 3:5 encourages individuals to respect the timing of love in their lives. It serves as a reminder to be patient and allow feelings to develop naturally, fostering deeper connections.
What themes are present in Song of Solomon 3:5?
Key themes in Song of Solomon 3:5 include love's timing, respect in relationships, patience, and the natural development of love. These themes emphasize the importance of emotional sensitivity in romantic connections.

The Book of Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon 1: Longing for the Beloved
The woman speaks first. She longs for the kisses of the man she loves and says his love is better than wine. She speaks of his name as fragrant perfume and says the virgins love him. She asks him to draw her away so they may run together. She says the king brings her into his chambers, and the daughters of Jerusalem speak of rejoicing and remembering his love more than wine. The woman says she is dark but beautiful, like the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon. She asks the daughters of Jerusalem not to stare at her because the sun has darkened her. She explains that her brothers were angry with her and made her keep the vineyards, but she has not kept her own vineyard.
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