Song of Solomon 8:9 If she is a wall, we will build a tower of silver upon her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

◄ Song of Solomon 8:9 ►

New International Version
If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

New Living Translation
If she is a virgin, like a wall, we will protect her with a silver tower. But if she is promiscuous, like a swinging door, we will block her door with a cedar bar. Young Woman

English Standard Version
If she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver, but if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

Berean Standard Bible
If she is a wall, we will build a tower of silver upon her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

King James Bible
If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

New King James Version
If she is a wall, We will build upon her A battlement of silver; And if she is a door, We will enclose her With boards of cedar.

New American Standard Bible
“If she is a wall, We will build on her a battlement of silver; But if she is a door, We will barricade her with planks of cedar.”

NASB 1995
“If she is a wall, We will build on her a battlement of silver; But if she is a door, We will barricade her with planks of cedar.”

NASB 1977
“If she is a wall, We shall build on her a battlement of silver; But if she is a door, We shall barricade her with planks of cedar.”

Legacy Standard Bible
If she is a wall, We will build on her a battlement of silver; But if she is a door, We will barricade her with planks of cedar.”

Amplified Bible
“If she is a wall (discreet, womanly), We will build on her a turret (dowry) of silver; But if she is a door (bold, flirtatious), We will enclose her with planks of cedar.”

Christian Standard Bible
If she is a wall, we will build a silver barricade on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with cedar planks. Woman

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If she is a wall, we will build a silver parapet on it. If she is a door, we will enclose it with cedar planks. W

American Standard Version
If she be a wall, We will build upon her a turret of silver: And if she be a door, We will inclose her with boards of cedar.

Contemporary English Version
She isn't a wall that we can defend behind a silver shield. Neither is she a room that we can protect behind a wooden door.

English Revised Version
If she be a wall, we will build upon her a turret of silver: and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If she is a wall, we will build a silver barrier around her. If she is a door, we will barricade her with cedar boards.

Good News Translation
If she is a wall, we will build her a silver tower. But if she is a gate, we will protect her with panels of cedar.

International Standard Version
If she's a wall, on her we will build a battlement of silver. If she's a door, we will enclose her with planks of cedar.

Majority Standard Bible
If she is a wall, we will build a tower of silver upon her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

NET Bible
If she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver; but if she is a door, we will barricade her with boards of cedar.

New Heart English Bible
If she is a wall, we will build on her a turret of silver. If she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

Webster's Bible Translation
If she is a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she is a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

World English Bible
If she is a wall, we will build on her a turret of silver. If she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
If she is a wall, we build by her a palace of silver. And if she is a door, "" We fashion by her board-work of cedar.

Young's Literal Translation
If she is a wall, we build by her a palace of silver. And if she is a door, We fashion by her board-work of cedar.

Smith's Literal Translation
If she be a wall, we will build upon her a fortress of silver: and if she is a door we will bind upon her a tablet of cedar.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
If she be a wall: let us build upon it bulwarks of silver: if she be a door, let us join it together with boards or cedar.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If she is a wall, let us build a rampart of silver upon it. If she is a door, let us join it together with boards of cedar.

New American Bible
If she is a wall, we will build upon her a silver turret; But if she is a door, we will board her up with cedar planks.”

New Revised Standard Version
If she is a wall, we will build upon her a battlement of silver; but if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
If she be a wall, we will build upon her an upper chamber of silver; and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If she is a wall, we will build up on her battlements of silver, and if she is a door, we will bind upon her a title of cedar

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
If she be a wall, We will build upon her a turret of silver; And if she be a door, We will enclose her with boards of cedar.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
If she is a wall, let us build upon her silver bulwarks; and if she is a door, let us carve for her cedar panels.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Longing for Her Beloved
…8We have a little sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What shall we do for our sister on the day she is spoken for? 9If she is a wall, we will build a tower of silver upon her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar. 10I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. So I have become in his eyes like one who brings peace.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 9:1
Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.

1 Corinthians 3:9-11
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. / By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. / For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:20-22
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. / And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.

1 Peter 2:4-5
As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, / you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.

Matthew 7:24-25
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

Ephesians 4:12-13
to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, / until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

1 Timothy 3:15
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Hebrews 3:6
But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.

Revelation 21:14
The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Zechariah 6:12-13
And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD. / Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’

1 Kings 6:7
The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.

Isaiah 54:11-12
“O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires. / I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.

Jeremiah 1:18
Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

Treasury of Scripture

If she be a wall, we will build on her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

a wall

Song of Solomon 2:9
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.

Revelation 21:12-19
And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: …

we will

Isaiah 58:12
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Isaiah 60:17
For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

Isaiah 61:4
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

a door

Acts 14:27
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

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Song of Solomon 8

1. The love of the church to Christ
6. The vehemence of love
8. The calling of the Gentiles
14. the church prays for Christ's coming

Berean Study Bible

If she is a wall
The imagery of a "wall" in this context suggests strength, stability, and purity. In ancient times, walls were essential for protection and security, symbolizing a steadfast character. The Hebrew word for "wall" is "חוֹמָה" (chomah), which often denotes a barrier or defense. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for a person who is firm in their convictions and moral integrity, standing strong against external pressures. In a conservative Christian perspective, this could represent a believer's steadfastness in faith and commitment to God's commandments.

we will build a tower of silver on her
The "tower of silver" signifies beauty, value, and honor. Silver, in biblical times, was a precious metal often associated with redemption and purity. The Hebrew word for "silver" is "כֶּסֶף" (kesef), which also implies longing or desire. Building a tower of silver on a wall suggests enhancing and adorning what is already strong and pure. From a spiritual standpoint, this could symbolize the blessings and honor bestowed upon those who remain faithful and pure, as God enriches their lives with grace and spiritual beauty.

If she is a door
A "door" represents openness, access, and vulnerability. The Hebrew word "דֶּלֶת" (delet) can imply an entrance or a passageway. In this context, it may suggest a person who is open to influence or susceptible to external forces. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this could be interpreted as a call to guard one's heart and mind, ensuring that what enters is aligned with God's will and truth. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and the need for spiritual boundaries.

we will enclose her with panels of cedar
Cedar wood, known for its durability and pleasant aroma, was highly valued in ancient Israel, often used in temple construction and royal palaces. The Hebrew word for "cedar" is "אֶרֶז" (erez), symbolizing strength and protection. Enclosing a door with panels of cedar suggests providing protection and fortification. In a spiritual sense, this could represent the protective measures taken to safeguard one's faith and purity, ensuring that one's life remains aligned with God's purposes. It highlights the importance of community and accountability in maintaining spiritual integrity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) If she be a wall.--The wall and door are emblems of chastity and its opposite. The palace of silver some commentators explain by reference to the custom (among the Druses) of wearing an ornament like a horn on the head. But this is unlikely. The metaphors of the wall and door are naturally expanded. If the maiden grows up virtuous and inaccessible to seduction we will build upon her a palace of silver, i.e., we will so provide for her in marriage that from her may spring an illustrious house; but if otherwise, we will enclose her with boards of cedar, i.e., the strongest precautions shall be taken to guard her honour. This passage is one of the strongest arguments for the theory that chaste wedded love is the theme of this book, the poet going on in Song of Solomon 8:10 to put into the heroine's mouth a protestation of purity; and by which virtuous disposition, even more than by her beauty, she had won her husband's love: "I have grown up to virtuous womanhood, and I have found favour in his eyes."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - If she be a wall, we will build upon her a turret of silver: and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. The interpretation which Delitzsch suggests of these words is that the "wall" represents firmness of character, and the "door" weakness and insecurity. If she firmly and successfully withstands all immoral approaches, then we will bestow high honour upon her, as a tribute to her maidenly virtue and constancy. The turret or castle of silver would mean rewarding her with increase. Silver is the emblem of holiness, gold of nobility. The meaning may, however, merely be, "We will endow her with plenty." The boards of cedar are supposed to be special protections, as cedar is noted for its hardness and durability. But is not the meaning much simpler and more natural? It would be rather a far fetched use of the figure of a door that it should suggest seduction, and would be rather unsuitable in the lips of the bridegroom when speaking of the little sister of his own bride. May not the meaning be no more than this? - She may become one of the most substantial parts of the building, like a wall; in that ease all that she can be she shall be; we will put the highest honour upon her. She may be a door, that is, though not so great and substantial as the wall, still in the very front of the building and before the eyes of all. In that case we will beautify her with costly and fragrant adornment. The gate shall be enclosed in cedar wood. "The wall and the door," says Zockler, "are mostly understood of the steadfast and faithful keeping of the Word of God and of its zealous proclamation to the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 16:9, etc.); but some also explain them of the valiant in faith and the weak in faith, or of the learned and simple, or of faithful Christians and such as are recreant and easily accessible to the arts of seduction. And then, according to these various interpretations, the 'silver bulwarks' are now the miracles of the first witnesses of Jesus, now the distinguished teachers of the Church, now pious Christian rulers, now the testimonies of Holy Scripture by which faith is strengthened. And, again, by the 'cedar boards' are sometimes understood the ten commandments or the Law, sometimes Christian teachers, sometimes the examples of the saints, sometimes the salutary discipline of the cross and sufferings for Christ's sake," etc. All such attempts at detailed interpretation fail to give satisfaction. Their effect is to repel many from the study of the book altogether, just as the follies and. extravagances of the interpreters of prophecy have greatly hindered the study of the prophetic Scriptures. The wall and the door need not be taken as opposed to one another, as they are not in our conceptions of a city. They fulfil different functions. The wall is for defence; the door is for admission. In the one case we think of strength, and in the other case of beauty. The application of the symbols is very easy if the general meaning alone is regarded. There is a variety of capacity and function in the Church of Christ. There are differences in the forms of Christianity among different nations. But the Lord will receive and bless all. Some are not fitted to be built upon as strong wails, but they may still be beautiful examples of Christian graces in the eyes of the world, through whom many gladly enter into the truth and into the fellowship of Christ.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

she
הִ֔יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a wall,
חוֹמָ֣ה (ḥō·w·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

we will build
נִבְנֶ֥ה (niḇ·neh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1129: To build

a tower
טִ֣ירַת (ṭî·raṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2918: A wall, a fortress, a hamlet

of silver
כָּ֑סֶף (kā·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

to protect her.
עָלֶ֖יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

If
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

she
הִ֔יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a door,
דֶּ֣לֶת (de·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1817: Something swinging, the valve of a, door

we will enclose
נָצ֥וּר (nā·ṣūr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 6696: To confine, bind, besiege

her
עָלֶ֖יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

with panels
ל֥וּחַ (lū·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3871: To glisten, a tablet, of stone, wood, metal

of cedar.
אָֽרֶז׃ (’ā·rez)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 730: A cedar tree

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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 8:9 If she is a wall we will (Song Songs SS So Can)