Song of Songs 8:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, the Lord Almighty, the One who established the seasons and years, knows our needs more profoundly than we ourselves do, akin to a skilled physician discerning the right moment to celebrate the healing of the afflicted. Therefore, at the appointed time, the Father will fulfill His promise by sending forth the Son.

What could the breasts of the Church symbolize if not the Sacrament of Baptism? It is truly said, “suckling,” as if one who, after being baptized, desires nourishment. “When I find you in the street,” she proclaims, “I would kiss you” (Song 8:1), which means, “encountering you beyond the physical realm, I embrace you within the sacramental space. No one will disregard or belittle you; I will lead you into the recesses of the mother Church and into the sacred places of the sacraments, so that you may partake of the cup of spiritual grace.”

Therefore, since He emerged from perfection, not for Himself, but for others, He exited the comfort of the Eternal, akin to the Bridegroom coming forth from his chamber, and set out (cf. Ps. 19:5). Let Him find the weak and not remain on this concealed throne of the Father, in the light too brilliant for the weak to withstand. Instead, let Him be welcomed and taken into the bride's throne and her hidden rooms, let Him be outside Himself and within us, present among us, though unseen (cf. Jn. 1:26).

“Taken up,” He says, “and brought you in” (Song 8:1). Indeed, the Word of God is received and welcomed, for He knocks on the soul, asking her to open the door to Him. If she does not find the door ajar, He does not enter; yet if anyone opens the door, He comes in and shares a meal with them. Thus, the bride receives the Word, and having received Him, may she be instructed.

Do not hinder the young maidens, of whom it is written, “Therefore the virgins love you” (Song 1:2) and who have brought you into my mother’s house (Song 8:2). Lastly, do not exclude even the children from their love for Christ: those who were imprisoned while still in their mother’s womb proclaimed Him in prophetic joy (cf. Lk. 1:41).

Song of Songs 8:1 Who will give You, my brother, to nurse at my mother's breast? When I find You outside, I will kiss You, and thus I will not be held in disdain. Song of Songs 8:2 I will comprehend You, and I will lead You into my mother’s house, into the embrace of my child: there I will instruct You; I will offer You the wine of my beloved’s embrace and the water of my fruits. The Bridegroom Himself, as a man, received the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Of Him it is said: ‘But the boy grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him’ (Luke 2:40). Consequently, the Bride, in awe of His ineffable humanity, asserts: ‘You, who out of Your profound kindness took on my nature, suckled from the breast of my mother, not out of necessity, but to teach me how to partake of the nourishing milk of wisdom. ‘Who will give You, O my Brother, to nurse at my mother's breast? When I find You outside, I will kiss You; and for this I shall not be belittled.’ I, captivated by Your love, will not only pursue You in the royal palace but also seek You openly; I will kiss You, and no one will chide me, provided they recognize my deep longing for You. Yet when I find You, ‘I will comprehend You, and I will bring You into my mother’s house.’ The Holy Temple, a representation of the Heavenly Jerusalem, is designated as ‘home’ - ‘I will offer You the wine of the beloved embrace and the water of my fruits.’ By wine, He refers to doctrine filled with grace and imbued with fragrance, and the water of apples signifies the blessings that stem from the fruits of love. In these words, the Bride and the Bridegroom converse with the young women: Song 8:3 His left hand is under my head, and His right hand embraces me. I have no fear of punishment, as I am showered with the blessings of the Bridegroom. For this reason, He places His left hand under my head and His right hand around me. Song of Songs 8:4 I urge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the might and strength of the fields: if you stir up and awaken love as He desires. You must continually kindle love, striving to yearn for Him more earnestly, that you may attain perfection according to His will. When the young women heard this and witnessed all her beauty, they were astounded and spoke.