Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The speaker addresses the beloved, concluding a poetic exchange about love's inviolability before turning to a younger sister's upcoming betrothal.
The words — The Hebrew מַיִם (mayim, "waters") and אַהֲבָה ('ahavah, "love") anchor the declaration that natural forces cannot extinguish the bond.
The thread — The unquenchable waters and unpayable ransom imagery runs parallel to Proverbs 6:35, Proverbs 6:31, and Isaiah 43:2.
Why it lands — The text states that love cannot be purchased or nullified, demanding the reader acknowledge that genuine affection operates outside economic transaction and resists all external pressure.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 6:35 He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts.
- Proverbs 6:31 Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
- Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
- Romans 13:8 Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
- Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
- Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.