Old Testament
Song of Solomon 8:13
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 addresses someone who is in a garden, a metaphor for a place of beauty and intimacy.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 960 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and love song
- Original Audience
- Lovers and the community of Israel
You who linger in the gardens — your friends are listening. Let me hear your voice!
Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker addresses someone who is in a garden, a metaphor for a place of beauty and intimacy. The mention of 'friends listening' suggests that this person is not alone; their words and actions are observed by others. The speaker expresses a desire to hear the voice of the one in the garden, indicating a longing for connection and communication. This reflects the theme of love and the importance of expressing feelings openly. The garden symbolizes a private space where love can flourish, but the presence of friends implies that love is also a communal experience. The speaker's request to hear the voice emphasizes the significance of communication in relationships, highlighting that love thrives on dialogue and understanding. Overall, this verse captures the essence of romantic longing and the beauty of shared moments in love, while also acknowledging the social context in which relationships exist.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Song of Solomon 8:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to communicate openly with those we love. It reminds us that expressing our feelings is vital for nurturing relationships. Additionally, it highlights the importance of being aware of our surroundings and the impact our words can have on others, fostering a sense of community.
Curated for this public verse page. Song of Solomon Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Song of Solomon 8:13 mean?
Song of Solomon 8:13 expresses a longing for connection and communication in a romantic relationship. The speaker addresses someone in a beautiful, intimate setting, emphasizing the importance of sharing feelings openly.
What is the significance of the garden in Song of Solomon 8:13?
The garden in Song of Solomon 8:13 symbolizes a place of beauty and intimacy where love can grow. It represents a private space for romantic expression, while also acknowledging that relationships exist within a social context.
What does 'your friends are listening' imply in Song of Solomon 8:13?
The phrase 'your friends are listening' suggests that the person in the garden is not alone and that their words and actions are observed by others. This highlights the communal aspect of love and the impact of communication on relationships.
How does Song of Solomon 8:13 relate to love and communication?
Song of Solomon 8:13 emphasizes that love thrives on dialogue and understanding. The speaker's desire to hear the voice of their beloved underscores the importance of open communication in nurturing relationships.

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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