Song of Solomon 7:8
I say I will climb the palm tree and lay hold of its fruit. Oh may your breasts be like clusters of the vine, and the scent of your breath like apples,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The lover's anticipation is palpable as he doesn't just want to see his beloved, but to climb to her and lay hold of the fruit – a beautiful metaphor for intimate, active desire. His wish for her breasts to be like clusters of the vine isn't just about appearance, but about the abundance and sweetness of her physical presence, ready to be enjoyed.
This passage comes after the Shulamite woman has described her beloved's striking appearance and the intense longing he evokes in her. Following his own poetic praise of her beauty, she responds with a playful, eager desire for physical intimacy, comparing her own body to ripe fruit and fragrant spices that she wants him to enjoy. The verses that follow continue this intimate conversation, with the man expressing his desire to embrace and savor her presence fully.
The lover's desire isn't passive; it's active, a climb towards something precious. What does this tell us about the nature of deep connection?
The Climb
The verse opens with a powerful image: "I say I will climb the palm tree and lay hold of its fruit." This isn't a gentle stroll; it's an intentional, even vigorous, act of seeking and possessing something valuable. The palm tree, known for its height and the sweetness of its fruit, symbolizes something highly desirable.
This desire to "climb" and "lay hold" speaks to the active pursuit inherent in deep, intimate relationships. It's about actively engaging, overcoming obstacles, and reaching for the cherished rewards of closeness. It mirrors the way love requires effort, intention, and a reaching out, not just a waiting to be found.
Beyond the act of pursuit, this verse overflows with rich sensory imagery. What do these specific descriptions reveal about the beauty of intimacy?
Sweetness and Aroma
The lover then shifts to a beautiful comparison: "Oh may your breasts be like clusters of the vine, and the scent of your breath like apples." These are not generic compliments; they are deeply evocative and specific.
Together, these images paint a picture of love that is both physically satisfying and aromatically appealing—a full, delightful, and deeply attractive experience.
This passage also speaks of the beloved's captivating beauty and love, describing how her love is better than wine and the fragrance of her garments is like the scent of Lebanon.
Song of Solomon 8:11This verse parallels the idea of a fruitful harvest and valuable yield, comparing Solomon's vineyard and its produce to a thousand pieces of silver.
Song of Solomon 2:3This verse uses the imagery of an apple tree to express delight and security in the presence of the beloved, noting how the lover sat down and his fruit was sweet to his taste.
Proverbs 5:18This proverb speaks of rejoicing in one's spouse, likening their wife to a fountain of water and a graceful doe, echoing the theme of finding pleasure and satisfaction in marital intimacy.
The lover's anticipation is palpable as he doesn't just want to see his beloved, but to climb to her and lay hold of the fruit – a beautiful metaphor for intimate, active desire. His wish for her breasts to be like clusters of the vine isn't just about appearance, but about the abundance and sweetness of her physical presence, ready to be enjoyed.
This passage comes after the Shulamite woman has described her beloved's striking appearance and the intense longing he evokes in her. Following his own poetic praise of her beauty, she responds with a playful, eager desire for physical intimacy, comparing her own body to ripe fruit and fragrant spices that she wants him to enjoy. The verses that follow continue this intimate conversation, with the man expressing his desire to embrace and savor her presence fully.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Song of Solomon 7:8 is available in the Sola app.
This passage comes after the Shulamite woman has described her beloved's striking appearance and the intense longing he evokes in her. Following his own poetic praise of her beauty, she responds with a playful, eager desire for physical intimacy, comparing her own body to ripe fruit and fragrant spices that she wants him to enjoy. The verses that follow continue this intimate conversation, with the man expressing his desire to embrace and savor her presence fully.
"I say I will climb the palm tree and lay hold of its fruit. Oh may your breasts be like clusters of the vine, and the scent of your breath like apples," — The lover's anticipation is palpable as he doesn't just want to see his beloved, but to climb to her and lay hold of the fruit – a beautiful metaphor for intimate, active desire. His wish for h…
