"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
— Song of Solomon 8:7 (NIV)
Song of Solomon 8:7 is the verse people mean when they search "many waters cannot quench love." This page is that line and a plain reading. Verse 6 before it — the seal and love as strong as death — is Song of Solomon 8:6. The line-by-line study of verse 6 is Song of Solomon 8:6 meaning. Verses 6–7 together are Bible verses on true love in Song of Solomon 8:6-7. Ceremony lists that use this chapter are Wedding Bible verses and Wedding Bible readings.
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The verse
Song of Solomon 8:7 (NIV) reads: "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
The King James says, "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned." Floods and fortune both fail against this love.
What the verse is saying
Verse 6 named love as strong as death and as fierce as a flame. Verse 7 answers the threat of water and the lure of money. Waters and rivers are what put out fire; this love will not go out. Wealth offered as a substitute is refused — love is not for sale.
Read with verse 6, the pair holds exclusivity and endurance: a seal on the heart, then a love floods cannot drown. This page stays with verse 7. The seal and strong-as-death line stay on Song of Solomon 8:6.
How people use Song of Solomon 8:7
People look up the reference for wedding readings, anniversary cards, and the "many waters" line when they want language for love that outlasts pressure. It fits beside Anniversary Bible verses and Bible verses about marriage. Marriage lists that include Song of Solomon lines are Bible verses for marriage.
Questions people ask
What does Song of Solomon 8:7 say?
It says many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away; and if someone gave all the wealth of their house for love, it would be utterly scorned.
What does many waters cannot quench love mean?
It means this love will not be put out by overwhelm — floods that would kill a normal flame. See Bible verses on true love in Song of Solomon 8:6-7.
How does verse 7 relate to verse 6?
Verse 6 is the seal and love as strong as death. Verse 7 is the claim that water and wealth cannot undo that love. Start with Song of Solomon 8:6.
Is this only a wedding verse?
Weddings often use it. In the poem it continues the woman's speech about exclusive, lasting love. The application fits a marriage that means endurance; the first speakers are the lovers in the song.
Where should I read next?
For verse 6, read Song of Solomon 8:6. For both verses, read Bible verses on true love in Song of Solomon 8:6-7. For ceremony lists, read Wedding Bible readings.
