Topical Encyclopedia The term "love-sick" refers to a state of emotional and physical distress caused by unrequited love or the intense longing for a beloved. This condition is characterized by a deep yearning and often manifests in symptoms such as sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and a preoccupation with the object of one's affection. In the context of the Bible, love-sickness is most vividly depicted in the Song of Solomon, a poetic book that explores the themes of love and desire between a bride and her bridegroom.Biblical References: 1. Song of Solomon 2:5 : "Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love." This verse captures the essence of love-sickness, where the Shulammite woman expresses her overwhelming desire and longing for her beloved. The request for sustenance with raisins and apples symbolizes a need for strength and refreshment amidst the emotional turmoil of love. 2. Song of Solomon 5:8 : "O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love." Here, the bride implores the daughters of Jerusalem to convey her condition to her beloved. Her plea underscores the depth of her affection and the physical and emotional impact of her longing. 3. Song of Solomon 5:9-10 : The daughters of Jerusalem respond, asking what makes her beloved so special. The bride's subsequent description of her beloved highlights the idealization and intense admiration that often accompany love-sickness. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, love-sickness in the Song of Solomon can be seen as an allegory for the soul's longing for God. The intense desire and yearning for the beloved mirror the believer's pursuit of a deeper relationship with the Divine. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's love for His people and the reciprocal love that believers are called to exhibit. Historical and Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, love poetry often employed the motif of love-sickness to convey the intensity of romantic and marital love. The Song of Solomon, while unique in its canonical status, shares similarities with other ancient love literature in its use of vivid imagery and emotional expression. Practical Application: For contemporary believers, the concept of love-sickness can serve as a reminder of the passionate and personal nature of God's love for humanity. It encourages Christians to cultivate a fervent love for God, akin to the longing depicted in the Song of Solomon. Additionally, it highlights the importance of healthy expressions of love in human relationships, grounded in mutual respect and commitment. In summary, love-sickness, as portrayed in the Bible, offers rich insights into the nature of love, both human and divine. It challenges believers to reflect on their own relationships and their spiritual journey, seeking a love that is both passionate and enduring. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Languishing with love or amorous desire; as, a love-sick maid.2. (a.) Originating in, or expressive of, languishing love. Strong's Hebrew 2470a. chalah -- to be weak or sick... become weak (3), been sick (2), diseased (2), faint (1), fell sick (1), grief (1), grieved (1), grievous (2), incurable (2), infected (1), lovesick* (2), made ... /hebrew/2470a.htm - 6k 160. ahabah -- love (noun) Library Match-Making. The Home-Parlor. Blessed Henry Suso's Preface to his Book Vindication of Christian Women. How the Desire to Praise God Makes us Aspire to Heaven. Christian Names. Love Home-Sympathy. Arria and Her Mother Sat with the Emperor. ... The Family Bible. Thesaurus Lovesick (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Lovesick (3 Occurrences). Song of Songs 2:5 Stay ye me with dainties, refresh me with apples; for I am love-sick.' (See NAS). ... /l/lovesick.htm - 7k Love-sick (2 Occurrences) Lovest (13 Occurrences) Love's (3 Occurrences) Lover (55 Occurrences) Resources Does God love me? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about infatuation? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual sickness? What does it mean to be spiritually sick? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Love-sick (2 Occurrences)Song of Songs 2:5 Song of Songs 5:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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