Song of Solomon 8:6

Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all.

Study Bible

Place me like a seal over your heart
The word "seal" in Hebrew is "chotam," which refers to a signet ring or a stamp used to denote ownership or authenticity. In ancient times, a seal was a symbol of authority and possession. By asking to be placed as a seal over the heart, the speaker is expressing a desire for an intimate and unbreakable bond, signifying belonging and deep emotional connection. The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing emotions, will, and intellect. This phrase suggests a profound commitment and an indelible mark of love that is both personal and eternal.

like a seal on your arm
The arm represents strength and action. In the context of a seal, it implies visibility and protection. To have a seal on the arm means that the love is not only internal and hidden but also external and evident to others. It signifies a love that is active and protective, one that is demonstrated through actions and is visible to the world. This dual imagery of heart and arm encapsulates a love that is both deeply personal and publicly affirmed.

for love is as strong as death
The comparison of love to death highlights the inevitability and power of true love. Just as death is inescapable and affects all, so is the strength of genuine love. The Hebrew word for "strong" is "az," which conveys might and intensity. This phrase underscores the idea that love, in its truest form, is an unstoppable force, as certain and powerful as death itself. It speaks to the enduring and unyielding nature of love that persists beyond circumstances and challenges.

its jealousy as unyielding as the grave
The term "jealousy" here is "qinah" in Hebrew, which can also mean zeal or ardor. It is not a negative jealousy but rather a passionate commitment. The grave, or "Sheol" in Hebrew, is depicted as insatiable and relentless. This comparison suggests that love's zeal is persistent and consuming, much like the grave's unending appetite. It conveys the idea of a love that is fervent and exclusive, demanding total devotion and fidelity.

Its sparks are fiery flames
The imagery of "sparks" and "fiery flames" evokes the intensity and consuming nature of love. Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's presence, purity, and passion. The Hebrew word for "flames" is "shalhevet," which implies a flame that is both beautiful and powerful. This part of the verse emphasizes the transformative and purifying power of love, capable of igniting passion and bringing warmth and light into the lives of those it touches.

the fiercest blaze of all
The phrase "fiercest blaze" suggests an unparalleled intensity. The Hebrew word "resheph" can mean a flame or a flash of fire, indicating something that is both sudden and overwhelming. This description of love as the fiercest blaze highlights its unmatched power and the profound impact it has on individuals. It is a love that consumes and refines, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts and lives of those who experience it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Shulammite Woman
The primary female character in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as a bride or beloved, representing the church or the soul in love with God.

2. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author and male protagonist, representing the bridegroom or Christ in allegorical interpretations.

3. Seal
A symbol of ownership, authenticity, and protection, often used in ancient times to signify a binding agreement or covenant.

4. Love and Death
Personified concepts in this verse, illustrating the powerful and unyielding nature of true love.

5. Jealousy and the Grave
Metaphors for the intensity and permanence of love, suggesting that love's passion and commitment are as inevitable and consuming as death.

Teaching Points

The Power of Love
Love is depicted as a force as strong and inevitable as death, highlighting its profound impact on human relationships and spiritual life.

Covenantal Commitment
The imagery of a seal signifies a binding commitment, encouraging believers to view love as a covenant that requires faithfulness and dedication.

Jealousy in Love
Jealousy, when understood as protective zeal, can be a positive force in love, ensuring the exclusivity and purity of the relationship.

Spiritual Passion
The fiery nature of love calls believers to cultivate a passionate and fervent relationship with God, mirroring the intensity of divine love.

Eternal Perspective
Just as love is as unyielding as the grave, believers are reminded of the eternal nature of God's love, which transcends earthly life and death.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a "seal" in Song of Solomon 8:6 enhance our understanding of commitment in relationships, both human and divine?

2. In what ways can the strength and jealousy of love, as described in this verse, be reflected in our relationship with God?

3. How does the concept of love being as strong as death challenge or affirm your current understanding of love in marriage or friendships?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your love for others reflects the passionate and enduring nature described in Song of Solomon 8:6?

5. How can the teachings of Ephesians 5:25-33 deepen our understanding of the love described in Song of Solomon 8:6, particularly in the context of marriage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Corinthians 13
This chapter describes the nature of love, emphasizing its enduring and selfless qualities, which align with the depiction of love's strength in Song of Solomon 8:6.

Ephesians 5:25-33
Paul’s instructions on marital love reflect the sacrificial and covenantal love depicted in Song of Solomon, drawing parallels between Christ's love for the church and the love between husband and wife.

Jeremiah 31:33
The concept of a "seal" can be related to God's covenant with His people, where He writes His law on their hearts, symbolizing a deep, personal relationship.