Tease about When not If

Scripture Text: Song of Solomon  8:1-3     (22a, page 188)

Verses 1-3

Oh that you were like a brother to me, who nursed at the breasts of my mother.  Then if I found you outside, I would kiss you, And no one would scorn me.  I would lead you to the house of my mother.  You would instruct me.  I would let you drink from the wine—the spice wine—From the sweet wine of my pomegranate.  Oh, may his left hand be under my head and his right hand embrace me.

Below are some selections from other versions

verse  1

If only I could treat you like my brother,   HCSB

verse  1

Oh, if only you were my brother, who nursed at my mother’s breast. Then I could kiss you no matter who was watching, and no one would criticize me. NLT

verse  1

If you were my brother, I could kiss you whenever we happen to meet, and no one would say I did wrong. CEV

verse  2

I would cause you to drink spiced wine from the juice of my pomegranates FRU

verse  2

I would let you drink form the wine—the spice wine—from the sweet wine of my pomegranate. GLK

verse  2

I would give you wine with spices to drink, made from my pomegranates. NLV

verse  2

I’d give you spiced wine to drink.  It’s the juice of my pomegranates. NIRV

verse  3

Let his left hand be under my head and his right hand embrace me.   NASB

verse  3

Your left hand would be under my head and your right hand would embrace me NLT

verse  3

Put your left hand under my head and embrace me with your right arm. CEV

verse  3

His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me. KJ21

verse  3

His left hand should be under my head, And his right hand should embrace me. ASV

verse  3

Let his left hand be under my head, and his right hand hold me close.’ NLV

verse  3

Imagine! His left hand cradling my head, his right arm around my waist!