Song of Solomon 8:9 If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

◄ Song of Solomon 8:9 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her. If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

English Standard Version
If she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver, but if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.

New American Standard Bible
"If she is a wall, We will build on her a battlement of silver; But if she is a door, We will barricade her with planks of cedar."

King James Bible
If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If she is a wall, we will build a silver parapet on it. If she is a door, we will enclose it with cedar planks. W

International Standard Version
If she's a wall, on her we will build a battlement of silver. If she's a door, we will enclose her with planks of cedar.

American Standard Version
If she be a wall, We will build upon her a turret of silver: And if she be a door, We will inclose her with boards of cedar.

Douay-Rheims Bible
If she be a wall: let us build upon it bulwarks of silver: if she be a door, let us join it together with boards or cedar.

Darby Bible Translation
If she be a wall, We will build upon her a turret of silver; And if she be a door, We will enclose her with boards of cedar.

Young's Literal Translation
If she is a wall, we build by her a palace of silver. And if she is a door, We fashion by her board-work of cedar.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

8:8-12 The church pleads for the Gentiles, who then had not the word of God, nor the means of grace. Those who are brought to Christ themselves, should contrive what they may do to help others to him. Babes in Christ are always seen among Christians, and the welfare of their weak brethren is an object of continual prayer with the stronger believers. If the beginning of this work were likened to a wall built upon Him the precious Foundation and Corner-stone, then the Gentile church would become as a palace for the great King, built of solid silver. If the first preaching of the gospel were as the making a door through the wall of partition, that door should be lasting, as cased with boards of durable cedar. She shall be carefully and effectually protected, enclosed so as to receive no damage. The church is full of care for those yet uncalled. Christ says, I will do all that is necessary to be done for them. See with what satisfaction we should look back upon the times and seasons, when we were in his eyes as those that find favour. Our hearts are our vineyards, which we must keep with all diligence. To Christ, and to his praise, all our fruits must be dedicated. All that work for Christ, work for themselves, and shall be unspeakable gainers by it.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

9. wall … door—the very terms employed as to the Gentile question (Ac 14:27; Eph 2:14). If she be a wall in Zion, founded on Jesus Christ (1Co 3:11), we will not "withstand God" (Ac 11:17; 15:8-11). But if so, we must not "build" (Ac 15:14-17) on her "wood, hay, stubble" (1Co 3:12), that is, Jewish rites, &c., but "a palace of silver," that is, all the highest privileges of church communion (Ga 2:11-18; Eph 2:11-22). Image from the splendid turrets "built" on the "walls" of Jerusalem, and flanking the "door," or gateway. The Gentile Church is the "door," the type of catholic accessibleness (1Co 16:9); but it must be not a mere thoroughfare but furnished with a wooden framework, so as not merely to admit, but also to safely enclose: cedar is fragrant, beautiful, and enduring.