Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. Love is as powerful as death, and jealousy is as harsh as the grave. Its flames burn like blazing fire with the most intense heat.
The writer is expressing that true love creates an unbreakable bond and burns with incredible intensity, comparing it to the strongest forces we know - death and fire.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient times, seals were precious personal stamps worn on rings or as pendants, used to mark ownership and authenticate documents. They were kept close to the heart or worn on the arm as symbols of identity and authority. This passionate declaration comes near the end of Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating romantic love between a bride and groom.
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