Song of Solomon 8:2
I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
In ancient patriarchal culture, the emphasis on 'my mother's house' (rather than father's house) is noteworthy—it suggests the domestic, intimate sphere where women had authority and where marriage preparation occurred. Mothers instructed daughters in matters of love, marriage, and sexuality. Spiced wine was a luxury, made by adding aromatic herbs to wine. Pomegranate juice was refreshing and symbolized fertility and abundance. The bride's offer to serve her beloved fine wine demonstrates generous love—not demanding but giving. Church fathers saw the 'mother's house' as Jerusalem above (Galatians 4:26), the mother of believers. Medieval interpretation connected this to Mary (Jesus's mother) or to the Church as mother of believers.
Questions for Reflection
- What role does spiritual community ('mother's house') play in teaching you about covenant love and faithfulness?
- How can you actively serve Christ and others with your choicest gifts—your 'spiced wine and pomegranate juice'?
- What does it mean to receive instruction about love from those who have gone before you in faith and marriage?
Analysis & Commentary
I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me (אֶנְהָגֲךָ אֲבִיאֲךָ אֶל־בֵּית אִמִּי תְּלַמְּדֵנִי)—the bride imagines bringing her beloved to her mother's house, a place of safety, intimacy, and instruction. The Hebrew enhaghakha (אֶנְהָגֲךָ, I would lead you) and avi'akha (אֲבִיאֲךָ, I would bring you) show active initiative. 'My mother's house' represents intimacy and domestic privacy. The phrase telammedeni (תְּלַמְּדֵנִי, she would instruct me) suggests the mother teaching the bride about love and marriage.
I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate (אַשְׁקְךָ מִיַּיִן הָרֶקַח מֵעֲסִיס רִמֹּנִי)—the bride offers her beloved the choicest refreshment: spiced wine (yayin hareqach, יַיִן הָרֶקַח, blended/spiced wine) and pomegranate juice. This continues the garden/fruit/wine imagery throughout the Song, celebrating sensory delight and generous hospitality. The bride actively serves and delights her beloved. Church tradition saw the mother's house as the Church teaching believers, and the spiced wine as spiritual nourishment offered through ministry.