Song of Solomon 8:7

Mighty waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, his offer would be utterly scorned.

Study Bible

Mighty waters cannot quench love;
This phrase emphasizes the enduring and powerful nature of true love. In biblical times, water was often seen as a force of destruction, as seen in the story of Noah's flood (Genesis 6-9) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). The imagery of "mighty waters" suggests overwhelming challenges or adversities. Yet, love is portrayed as invincible, unable to be extinguished by even the most formidable forces. This reflects the steadfast love of God, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, such as in Romans 8:38-39, where Paul speaks of nothing being able to separate us from the love of God.

rivers cannot sweep it away.
Rivers, often representing chaos or danger in ancient literature, are depicted as unable to carry away true love. This imagery reinforces the idea of love's resilience and permanence. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, rivers could be unpredictable and destructive, yet love remains unyielding. This can be seen as a metaphor for God's covenant love with His people, which remains constant despite the tumultuous events of history, as seen in the promises made to Israel in Isaiah 43:2.

If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love,
This phrase highlights the inestimable value of love, suggesting that it cannot be bought or sold. In the ancient world, wealth was often measured in terms of land, livestock, and precious metals. The idea that all of one's material possessions could not purchase love underscores its priceless nature. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 8:11, where wisdom, often associated with love, is said to be more valuable than rubies.

his offer would be utterly scorned.
The rejection of such an offer indicates that love is not a commodity to be traded. This reflects the biblical principle that true love is selfless and sacrificial, not transactional. The scorn for attempting to buy love can be paralleled with the story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:18-20, who tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit and was rebuked by Peter. This underscores the idea that spiritual and relational truths cannot be acquired through material means.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of the Song of Solomon, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom and wealth. The Song of Solomon is a poetic dialogue celebrating love and marriage.

2. The Shulammite Woman
The beloved in the Song of Solomon, often seen as a representation of the bride in the poetic dialogue. Her love account with Solomon is central to the account.

3. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in this verse, Jerusalem is the setting for much of the Song of Solomon, symbolizing a place of beauty and spiritual significance.

4. Love
The central theme of this verse, representing a powerful, unquenchable force that cannot be bought or diminished by external circumstances.

5. Rivers and Waters
Symbolic elements representing challenges or overwhelming circumstances that cannot extinguish true love.

Teaching Points

The Power of Love
True love is a powerful force that cannot be extinguished by external challenges or circumstances. It is enduring and steadfast.

Love's Inestimable Value
Love cannot be bought or sold; it is priceless. Attempting to purchase love diminishes its true value and essence.

God's Love for Us
The love described in this verse can be seen as a reflection of God's love for humanity, which is unwavering and cannot be diminished by any force.

Marital Love as a Reflection of Divine Love
The love between a husband and wife should mirror the steadfast and sacrificial love that God has for His people.

Challenges in Relationships
Just as waters and rivers cannot quench love, challenges in relationships should not extinguish the love that is rooted in commitment and faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of love in Song of Solomon 8:7 compare to the love described in 1 Corinthians 13?

2. In what ways can we see the love between Christ and the Church reflected in the marital love described in the Song of Solomon?

3. What are some practical ways to ensure that love in a marriage remains unquenchable, even in the face of challenges?

4. How does understanding the inestimable value of love influence our relationships with others?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed love that could not be "swept away" by circumstances. How did this impact your understanding of love?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Corinthians 13
This chapter describes the nature of love, emphasizing its enduring and selfless qualities, which align with the unquenchable love described in Song of Solomon 8:7.

Ephesians 5:25-33
This passage discusses the love between Christ and the Church, drawing a parallel to the marital love celebrated in the Song of Solomon.

Romans 8:38-39
These verses speak of the inseparable love of God, which cannot be overcome by any external force, similar to the love described in Song of Solomon 8:7.