Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context:The term "lovesick" refers to a deep emotional longing or yearning for a loved one, often accompanied by a sense of melancholy or distress due to separation or unrequited love. In the biblical context, lovesickness is most prominently featured in the poetic and romantic expressions found in the Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs. This book of the Bible is a collection of lyrical poems that celebrate the beauty of love between a bride and her bridegroom, often interpreted allegorically as the love between God and His people or Christ and the Church. Biblical References: The concept of being lovesick is vividly illustrated in the Song of Solomon. In Song of Solomon 2:5, the bride expresses her overwhelming emotions: "Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love." . This verse captures the intensity of her longing and desire, portraying lovesickness as a physical and emotional state that requires sustenance and comfort. Similarly, in Song of Solomon 5:8, the bride implores the daughters of Jerusalem: "O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am faint with love." . Here, the bride's lovesickness is so profound that she seeks the help of others to communicate her deep yearning to her beloved. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, lovesickness in the Song of Solomon can be seen as a metaphor for the soul's longing for God. Just as the bride yearns for her bridegroom, believers are called to yearn for a deeper relationship with the Lord. This intense desire reflects the believer's recognition of their need for God's presence and love, echoing the psalmist's cry in Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God." . Allegorical Interpretations: Throughout Christian history, the Song of Solomon has been interpreted allegorically, with the lovesick bride representing the Church or the individual believer, and the bridegroom symbolizing Christ. This interpretation emphasizes the intimate and personal relationship that God desires with His people. The lovesickness of the bride serves as a reminder of the passionate and all-consuming love that believers are to have for their Savior, a love that mirrors Christ's sacrificial love for the Church. Practical Applications: In practical terms, the concept of lovesickness can inspire believers to cultivate a fervent and devoted love for God. It encourages Christians to seek a deeper communion with the Lord through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. The imagery of lovesickness challenges believers to examine their own spiritual lives and to rekindle their passion for God, ensuring that their love for Him remains vibrant and wholehearted. Conclusion: While the term "lovesick" may evoke images of romantic love, its biblical usage in the Song of Solomon provides a profound illustration of the spiritual longing and desire that characterizes the believer's relationship with God. Through this lens, lovesickness becomes a powerful metaphor for the soul's pursuit of divine intimacy and the fulfillment found in God's presence. 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 How the Desire to Praise God Makes us Aspire to Heaven. Love The Nature of Spiritual Hunger 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's (3 Occurrences) Love-sick (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the bridal paradigm, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon? | GotQuestions.org Lovesick: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lovesick (3 Occurrences)Song of Songs 2:5 Song of Songs 5:8 Ezekiel 16:30 Subtopics Related Terms |