Song of Solomon 8:7 Meaning: Love That Can't Be Quenched or Bought
Many waters can’t quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned.
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.
Many waters cannot quench love, Neither can floods drown it: If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, He would utterly be contemned.
Many waters are not able to quench the love, And floods do not wash it away. If one give all the wealth of his house for love, Treading down--they tread upon it.
Many waters cannot quench love, Neither do the floods drown it: Even if a man gave all the substance of his house for love, It would utterly be contemned.
Meaning in one sentence
Song of Solomon 8:7 declares love is indestructible and priceless. Neither floods can drown it nor wealth can buy it. A powerful statement on love's nature.
Context
The Song of Solomon reaches its climax in this verse. The bride and groom have traveled through longing, separation, and joyful reunion. Now, in the final chapter, she leans on her beloved. Verse 6 calls love strong as death, a blazing flame. Verse 7 takes it further: no amount of water can put it out, and no amount of money can buy it. This is the heart of the poem, a celebration of love that cannot be defeated or purchased. It stands as the definitive statement on love's power and worth.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words carry the force of this verse. First, 'quench' (kabah) is the word for putting out a fire. Love is like a flame that no amount of water can extinguish. Second, 'drown' or 'overwhelm' (shataph) means to wash away by flood. Rivers cannot sweep love off its feet. Third, 'utterly scorned' (buz) means to be treated with contempt. When someone tries to buy love with wealth, the offer itself is despised. The verse makes two bold claims: love is invincible, and it is priceless. You cannot destroy it, and you cannot purchase it. For anyone who has ever wondered if love can survive hardship or if it can be earned, this verse gives a clear answer.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have read this verse differently. Many Protestant interpreters see it as celebrating the strength of human marital love. The bride declares that nothing can overcome her love for her husband. Others, including many Catholic and Orthodox readers, have understood the Song of Solomon as an allegory of God's love for His people. In that reading, the 'love' here is Christ's love for the Church or the soul's love for God. Both readings honor the text. The verse itself lifts up love as unconquerable and priceless, whether between a husband and wife or between God and His beloved.
A common misunderstanding
One common mistake is to think this verse means love can be earned or secured through enough effort or gifts. Some read the second half as saying love is simply not for sale, but they miss the force of the word 'scorned.' The offer to buy love is treated with contempt. In fact, the verse teaches that love cannot be purchased at any price. It is not that love is cheap; it is that love is so valuable it has no price tag. Attempts to buy it are an insult to its true nature.
Living This Out
This verse asks something honest of you this week. Look at your closest relationships. Are you trying to earn love by what you do or give? Maybe you pour out gifts or favors, hoping to secure affection. The verse says that approach is not just ineffective, it is an insult to love. Love must be given freely. And the same is true for God's love. You cannot earn it. You can only receive it. This week, practice receiving love without trying to pay for it. Let someone love you just because they do.
Main takeaway: True love cannot be destroyed by any force and cannot be bought with any price.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Love is like a fire that water cannot put out. And you cannot buy love with money. Love is very strong, and it is a free gift.
For ages 9, 12
This verse shows how powerful real love is. Nothing, not even a flood, can stop it. And you cannot buy it. Some people think if they give enough gifts or money, they can get someone to love them. But love is not for sale. It has to be given freely. God's love for us is like that, nothing can stop it, and we don't have to earn it.
Questions People Ask
What does 'many waters' mean in Song of Solomon 8:7?
In the Bible, water often symbolizes danger, chaos, or trouble. Here, 'many waters' and 'floods' represent any force that might try to destroy love. The verse says love is so strong that no amount of trouble can put it out or wash it away.
Is Song of Solomon 8:7 about romantic love or God's love?
Christians read it both ways. Some see it as a celebration of human marriage love, the bond between a husband and wife. Others read the Song of Solomon as an allegory of Christ's love for the Church or the soul's love for God. Both interpretations honor the verse because love, whether human or divine, is presented as unconquerable and priceless.
What does 'utterly scorned' mean in this verse?
The Hebrew word 'buz' means to despise or treat with contempt. When a person tries to buy love with all their wealth, the offer is not just rejected, it is scorned. This shows that love cannot be purchased. Such an attempt is insulting to the true nature of love.
How does Song of Solomon 8:7 relate to verse 6?
Verse 6 says 'love is strong as death' and its flames are 'a very flame of Yah.' Verse 7 continues that thought by saying not even many waters can quench that love. Together, they form the strongest statement in the book about love's power and endurance.
Does this verse say wealth is bad?
No. Wealth is not condemned here. The verse says that if someone tries to use wealth to buy love, the attempt is scorned. Love and money are different kinds of things. Love cannot be traded for money, no matter how much is offered.
For pastors & researchers
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