Add parallel Print Page Options

Promise me, O women of Jerusalem,
    not to awaken love until the time is right.[a]

Young Women of Jerusalem

Who is this sweeping in from the desert,
    leaning on her lover?

Young Woman

I aroused you under the apple tree,
    where your mother gave you birth,
    where in great pain she delivered you.
Place me like a seal over your heart,
    like a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death,
    its jealousy[b] as enduring as the grave.[c]
Love flashes like fire,
    the brightest kind of flame.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 8:4 Or not to awaken love until it is ready.
  2. 8:6a Or its passion.
  3. 8:6b Hebrew as Sheol.

Bible Gateway Recommends

NLT Children's Outreach Bible, Softcover
NLT Children's Outreach Bible, Softcover
Retail: $5.49
Our Price: $2.99
Save: $2.50 (46%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
NLT Every Man's Bible Explorer Edition, Leatherlike
NLT Every Man's Bible Explorer Edition, Leatherlike
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $39.49
Save: $20.50 (34%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
NLT One Year Bible Softcover
NLT One Year Bible Softcover
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $11.49
Save: $7.50 (39%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars