What does Song of Solomon 2:14 mean?
What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 2:14?

O my dove

• The bridegroom tenderly calls his beloved “dove,” a bird known for purity, faithfulness, and gentleness (Matthew 10:16; Genesis 8:9–11).

• Literally, Solomon speaks to his bride; spiritually, Christ cherishes His people with the same affectionate title (Psalm 55:6; Ephesians 5:25-27).

• The word conveys safety and innocence—qualities the Lord delights to preserve in those who belong to Him.


in the clefts of the rock

• The bride is pictured sheltered in a rocky crevice, a place of protection from predators and storms (Judges 6:2).

• Spiritually, believers are hidden in the “Rock” of Christ (Exodus 33:22; 1 Corinthians 10:4).

• Bullet points of encouragement:

– Refuge: Psalm 18:2 reminds us the Lord is “my rock, my fortress.”

– Nearness: The cleft brings us close enough to hear His heartbeat, not merely admire from a distance.

– Security: Psalm 91:1–2 assures that those who dwell in His shelter are safe.


in the crevices of the cliff

• The image shifts to narrow, lofty crags—hard to reach, yet chosen by doves for nesting (Jeremiah 49:16; Obadiah 1:3).

• Physically, the bride may be shyly withdrawn; spiritually, believers sometimes retreat into hidden places of fear or discouragement.

• The Bridegroom’s pursuit declares that no height, depth, or rugged circumstance can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

• He invites us out from lonely crags into open fellowship.


let me see your face

• The lover seeks unveiled fellowship (Songs 2:9).

• For the church, this points to the Lord’s desire that we “behold, with unveiled faces, the glory of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

• Our response echoes Psalm 27:8—“Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

• Application:

– Remove the veil of sin through confession (1 John 1:9).

– Enter boldly into His presence (Hebrews 4:16).

– Live transparently before Him and others.


let me hear your voice

• True love longs for conversation. The Bridegroom does not grow weary of hearing His beloved pray and praise (Songs 8:13).

• Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27) and also listens for ours (Psalm 66:19).

• Practical steps:

– Speak to Him regularly in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

– Sing to Him (Psalm 96:1).

– Share His words with others (Colossians 3:16).


for your voice is sweet

• The Lord delights in sincere, trusting words from His people—sweet like “honey from the comb” (Psalm 19:10).

• Gracious speech pleases Him (Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 16:24).

• Even broken, whispered prayers are precious to the One who bottles our tears (Psalm 56:8).


and your countenance is lovely

• The bride’s appearance thrills the lover (Psalm 45:11).

• In Christ, believers are “radiant” with His beauty (2 Corinthians 4:6).

• Joy reflected on the face bears witness to inner transformation (Proverbs 15:13; Isaiah 60:1).

• Our loveliness is not self-made; it is the righteousness of Christ adorning us (Isaiah 61:10).


summary

Song of Solomon 2:14 paints an intimate portrait of a devoted bridegroom calling his shy bride from hiding. Literally, it captures Solomon’s yearning for personal, face-to-face fellowship. Prophetically, it mirrors Christ’s heart for His church: He shelters us in Himself, seeks our open communion, delights in our prayers, and beholds us as beautiful through His redeeming love. Our response is to step out of fearful crevices, look upon Him, speak freely, and shine with the loveliness He has bestowed.

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