Die besweringsrefrein in Hooglied 2:7, 3:5 en 8:4 � �Moenie die liefde rypdruk nie� of �Steur ons nie in ons liefde nie�

Abstract

The refrain of adjuration in Song of Songs 2:7, 3:5 and 8:4: �Don�t arouse young love prematurely� or �don�t interrupt our love� The refrain of adjuration in Song of Songs 2:7,3:5 and 8:4 has to date mainly been explained in two ways, viz. a warning against young love that is aroused prematurely (cf Nuwe Afrikaanse Bybelvertaling) or an earnest request not to disturb the two lovers in their lovemaking (e.g. Good New Bible). Lovemaking between man and woman occurs in every context which immediately precedes the refrain and in that of which the refrain is a part. The second explanation, the request not to be interrupted, would be much more applicable here than the moralising first explanation. The tenor of the book as a whole also seems to favour the second explanation, because the Song of Songs is not a moralising book!