22012 Commentary on the Song of Songs
Love Remains Deep Through Time
The Two Sides of Love
The Song of Songs 8:5-14

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All the Bible verses quoted in this article are from the King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

The Song of Songs 8:5-14

5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.

6 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.

7 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.

8 We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?

9 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.

10 I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.

11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.

12 My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

13 Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.

14 Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

In this lesson, we will study the final verses of the book The Song of Songs. These are The Song of Songs 8:5-14. These concluding verses recount the outdoor journey of Solomon and Shulamite. They traveled through the lush green pastures of spring and entered a rural village where Solomon’s vineyards were located. It is perhaps also the place where Solomon was born.

Shulamite expresses a statement summarizing her understanding of love and, once again, affirms her love for Solomon.

The local people watch as Solomon and Shulamite enter their village, expressing their views on the importance of women maintaining sexual purity and the responsibilities of brothers toward their sister’s reputation.

Below is the breakdown of verses according to the context of The Song of Songs 8:5-14:

I. The Engagement Stage (1:2-3:5)

A. Love for Each Other (1:2-2:7)

1. Shulamite’s Love for Solomon (1:2-8)

2. The Language of Love (1:9-2:7)

B. The Maturity of Love (2:8-3:5)

1. The Springtime of Love (2:8-17)

2. The Anxiety in Love (3:1-5)

II. The Wedding (3:6-5:1)

A. The Procession of Fetching the Bride (3:6-11)

B. The Wedding Night (4:1-5:1)

III. Marital Life (5:2-8:14)

A. Small Faults in Love (5:2-6:3)

1. A Moment of Indecision (5:2-5:8)

2. Missing the Beloved (5:9-6:3)

B. Love Does Not Keep Record of Wrongs (6:4-7:9)

1. Solomon Recognizes the Worth of Shulamite (6:4-13)

2. The Flavor of Love (7:1-9)

C. Love Remains Deep Through Time (7:10-8:14)

1. Love Does Not Change (7:10-8:4)

2. The Two Sides of Love (8:5-14)

(1) People: Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?

(2) Shulamite: I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. 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. 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.

(3) People: We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? 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.

(4) Shulamite: I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.

(5) Shulamite: Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

(6) Solomon: Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.

(7) Shulamite: Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

Next, let us explore the meaning of each verse:

(1) People: Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?

According to the plan, early in the morning Solomon and Shulamite left the palace together for an excursion to the vineyards. We do not know the exact location of Solomon’s vineyards, but around Jerusalem, especially to the south, there are many vineyards and wine presses for making wine. It is possible that Solomon’s vineyards were near Bethlehem, about 10 km from the palace.

Solomon and Shulamite walked together in the early sunlight on the lush green meadows, enjoying the fresh air of spring. As they approached the village, Shulamite might have become tired, so she leaned on Solomon. The local people came out to work in the vineyards and saw Solomon and Shulamite, but they might not have recognized them as the king and queen in their traveling attire. The people marveled at Shulamite’s beauty.

Verse (1) can be paraphrased as follows: The words of the people in the rural area: Who is this beautiful and beloved woman? She emerges from the wilderness, leaning on her lover.

Spiritual lesson: The life of the Church should be such that the world sees the close fellowship between the Church and Christ and perceives the Church’s faith in Christ. The world should see the glory of Christ through the Church. Therefore, Christ taught: “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

The close fellowship between the Church and Christ depends on the love and faith of the Church towards Christ. Christ has loved the Church and gave Himself up for it. The remaining part is whether the Church loves Christ enough to be willing to give itself up for Him. When it comes to giving oneself up for Christ, we often think of being willing to die rather than deny Him. While this is not incorrect, in reality, we need to give ourselves to Christ each day in our lives by giving ourselves to our brothers and sisters in faith. Each of our fellow believers is a member of Christ. What we do for our fellow believers is what we do for Christ Himself. We need to care for, nurture, visit, and support our fellow believers as we would care for, nurture, visit, and support Christ Himself.

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

Let us live in a way that the world sees our faith in Christ, perceives our deep fellowship with Him, and observes that we always reflect His love, holiness, and righteousness.

(2) Shulamite: I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. 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. 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.

Perhaps the vineyard that Solomon and Shulamite are about to enter is the very place where they first met and fell in love. The first time they met and fell for each other was by an apple tree in the vineyard. That very apple tree was also where Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, went into labor and gave birth to Solomon.

It is possible that in the final week of her pregnancy, Bathsheba visited the vineyard and unexpectedly went into labor while enjoying the scenery. By that apple tree, Bathsheba awakened Solomon from his slumber in her womb, allowing him to be born. And, around 30 years later, by that same apple tree, Shulamite awakened him from the passions of life, leading him into romantic love.

In the literature of the peoples of the Middle East, the apple tree is often symbolized as representing love. However, we can understand that the apple tree mentioned in Shulamite’s song here is a real apple tree.

The verb translated as “brought forth” in the original Hebrew means: to writhe, suffer, and groan while waiting for the child to be born.

Shulamite recalls the first time they fell in love by the apple tree, marking the space and location as the backdrop for the beginning of their romantic love. She then expresses her desire to Solomon. She wants to be like a seal on his heart and like a seal on his arm.

In the Old Testament, a seal, also known as a signet, carried the emblem or mark of a person and was used to stamp documents, signifying ownership of property. A seal could be engraved on the face of a ring worn on the finger; the ring could be attached to a bracelet worn on the wrist; or it could be attached to a chain worn around the neck, hanging down in front. Shulamite desires Solomon to belong to her. She wants Solomon’s heart and actions to be directed toward her and for her. She wants to possess both Solomon’s inner and outer selves.

Shulamite recognizes the power of love and also understands the two aspects of love: the positive aspect of passionate emotion and the negative aspect of jealousy.

The power of death almost overwhelms all of humanity. Until the day Christ returns to take the Church out of the world, no one can escape death except Enoch and Elijah (Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11). The phrase “love is as strong as death” means that no one can escape the power of love. When we love, we are passionate, fond, nostalgic, and always desire to be with the one we love. We cannot escape these feelings. However, while the power of death brings destruction and sorrow, the power of love brings edification and joy. This is the passionate aspect of love. The phrase “love is as strong as death” also means that one might be willing to die for the person they love. The Scriptures teach:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

The aspect of jealousy involves feelings of sorrow, anger, and discomfort when the person we love is close to someone else, especially when our loved one abandons us to love someone else. The term “grave” literally refers to a tomb where dead bodies are buried; metaphorically, it represents a place that holds the souls of the deceased. Thus, the grave is used to symbolize death. Jealousy as fierce as the grave signifies that jealousy brings about outcomes as sorrowful as death. The burning intensity of jealousy is the destruction and ruin it causes in the lives of the jealous person and their victims. The destructive power of jealousy is strong and frightening, like the devastation caused by fire. Every day in the news, we see numerous cases of suicides, murders, self-harm, or harm inflicted on others due to jealousy. Jealousy itself is not wrong, but committing sins because of jealousy is wrong. Even God is described as a jealous God (Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Numbers 25:11; Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9; 6:15; 29:20; Joshua 24:19).

The intensity of love encompasses both positive and negative aspects: the fervor of passion and the heat of jealousy. Shulamite compares this intensity to the burning of fire. Fire can be both beneficial and destructive; whether it helps or destroys, its power is immense. Often, water can extinguish fire, but no amount of water can extinguish love. Even large torrents of water cannot submerge or wash away love.

“Many waters” or “mighty waters” symbolize difficulties and trials in life, as recorded in Psalms 32:6; 69:1-2, 14-15; Isaiah 43:2; Lamentations 3:54. They also represent the power of enemies against God’s people, as described in 2 Samuel 22:17-18; Psalms 18:16-17; 124:4-5; 144:7; Isaiah 8:7; Jeremiah 47:2. However, all the disasters, trials, and fiercest enemies in life cannot overcome or drive away love. On the contrary, love endures all suffering and death so that the beloved may find peace and life!

Love is priceless. Therefore, even if someone were to give up all their wealth to buy love, it could not be purchased; even if someone were to dedicate their entire fortune to the person they love, such a dedication would be worth nothing. Only the offering of oneself is worthy of love and is the only thing love demands. This offering makes the two people become one.

Verse (2) can be paraphrased as follows: Shulamite speaks to Solomon: “My beloved! Do you remember, in this very vineyard, how I first met you and awakened your heart beneath the apple tree? It was under that very apple tree that your mother went into labor, awakened you, and brought you into this world. My beloved! Please let me be like a seal on your heart, like a seal on your arm, so that I may fully possess you, inside and out. For love is as strong as death, and jealousy is as fierce as the grave. The intensity of jealousy is like the burning of fire. No amount of water can extinguish love; mighty torrents and rushing rivers cannot submerge or sweep away love. Even if someone gives all their wealth, they cannot buy love. Even if someone dedicates their entire estate for love, it would still be nothing.”

Spiritual Lesson: God loves humanity (John 3:16). He desires to fully possess our spirits, souls, and bodies so that He can fill each person with His love. He wants us to love Him and each other with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27).

As children of God, do we desire to completely belong to Him? Do we rely on Him with faith every time we are weary in life?

Love is a two-way exchange of emotions. God loves us and has done everything necessary and worthy to reveal His love for us. Do we respond to His love as He expects us to? If we do not respond to His love, if we love anyone or anything more than we love God, He will be jealous of us (James 4:5). The fire of hell originates from God’s jealousy. That fire will eternally burn those who do not respond to or betray God’s love.

God desires nothing more from us than for us to offer ourselves to Him, living for Him and dying for Him; whether we live or die, we belong to Him forever, living in His love, enjoying Him, and pleasing Him (Romans 14:8). Certainly, nothing can prevent us from coming to God’s love, and nothing can separate us from God’s love except our own freedom to choose.

Romans 8:35-39

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Taking the opportunity to study God’s Word today, let us examine whether our love for Him meets the level that He expects from us.

(3) People: We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? 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.

This is a song from the people when Solomon and Shulamite approached them, expressing their views on the importance of preserving the purity of young women in their families.

In Israeli tradition, women were always taught and protected by their families to maintain sexual purity from a young age. In families where a daughter had brothers, the brothers took a keen interest in protecting their sister’s honor. Genesis 34 recounts the incident where Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, was abducted and raped by Shechem, a prince of the Hivites. Although Shechem loved Dinah and was willing to marry her, Dinah’s brothers, Simeon and Levi, devised a plan to kill Shechem and all the men in his city to avenge the dishonor done to their sister.

“We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts.” This refers to a younger sister who has not reached puberty and whose body has not fully matured.

“What shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?” This is not a question seeking an answer but rather a rhetorical question that introduces the self-answering issue at hand. The day when “someone asks for her” is the day when someone comes to propose marriage to the girl.

“If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silve.” A wall symbolizes strong defense, representing the modesty and propriety of the girl, who knows how to guard herself against the seduction of the wicked. A battlement of silver represents the reward from the brothers for the girl by providing the utmost support to help her maintain her purity.

“If she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.” A door symbolizes openness and lack of restraint, referring to the girl’s loose or provocative behavior, which could give opportunity to the wicked to exploit or harm her. Cedar wood, known for its durability, represents the effective measures taken by the brothers to prevent their sister from falling into wrongdoing due to her flirtatious nature.

Verse (3) can be paraphrased as follows: The people’s response to Solomon and Shulamite regarding their views on preserving the purity of young women in their families: We have a little sister, not yet of marriageable age. What shall we do for our sister until she is old enough for someone to propose to her? If she is modest and virtuous, maintaining herself like a strong wall, we will praise and encourage her, as if building a silver battlement on the wall. If she is open and provocative, with a loose demeanor like a door, we will protect her as one would seal a door with cedar boards.

Spiritual Lesson: The elders in the Church have the duty and responsibility to protect God’s people within the Church, ensuring they lead a holy and faithful life. Elders should praise and encourage those who live exemplary lives within the Church. At the same time, elders need to promptly rebuke and correct those who err or sin and implement appropriate disciplinary measures to maintain the holiness of the Church.

(4) Shulamite: I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.

This is what Shulamite says to the people about her qualities. Shulamite affirms that she is a modest and virtuous young woman, like a wall. As she matured and her body fully developed, she found love in Solomon. Solomon’s name means “peace.” The phrase “in his eyes, I found peace” is a play on words.

Shulamite finds peace in Solomon’s eyes because, looking into his eyes, she knows that he truly loves her.

Verse (4) can be paraphrased as follows: The words of Shulamite to the people: “I am a modest and virtuous woman, like a wall. When I matured, I found peace in the eyes of my beloved because he loves me sincerely.”

Spiritual Lesson: The Church remains pure in the Lord and will always have peace from the Lord. This peace is for those who belong to Him, a peace that comes from knowing that one is loved by the Lord and always belongs to Him.

(5) Shulamite: Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

Solomon had many vineyards spread across the territory of Israel. The vineyard at Baal Hamon was not the one near Bethlehem that Solomon and Shulamite were visiting. The place name Baal Hamon means “Lord of Abundance” and was likely a fertile area at the foot of Mount Hermon, about 191 km north of Jerusalem. Shulamite refers to Solomon’s most famous and expensive vineyard, with an annual yield worth a thousand pieces of silver at that time. A piece of silver might have been a talent of silver, equivalent to 3,000 shekels of silver (silver coins). Each shekel weighed approximately 11 grams. Based on current prices, where one gram of silver is valued at $0.46 USD, it follows that:

• One shekel of silver = $5.06 USD.

• One piece of silver (3,000 shekels) = $15,180.00 USD.

• One thousand pieces of silver = $15,180,000.00 USD.

• Two hundred pieces of silver = $3,036,000.00 USD.

In the Bible, 1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15; and 2 Chronicles 9:27 state that King Solomon made silver and gold as common as stones. This highlights the immense wealth of King Solomon, which was given to him by God, as recorded in 1 Kings 3:13.

The phrase “My vineyard, which is mine, is before me” means that I have full authority over my vineyard. Shulamite is not referring to a literal vineyard but is likening herself to the most famous and valuable vineyard of Solomon. Even so, she offers herself completely to Solomon and subtly reminds him to reward her brothers for their protection and care of her until she becomes his wife.

Verse (5) can be paraphrased as follows: Shulamite’s metaphorical words to Solomon: King Solomon has the most famous and valuable vineyard at Baal-hamon. He entrusts that vineyard to the keepers. It costs one thousand pieces of silver to buy the grapes from the vineyard. As for my vineyard, I am the one who decides. O Solomon! My vineyard has been fully given to you; please pay two hundred pieces of silver to the keepers of the vineyard.

Spiritual Lesson: God uses shepherds and elders to guard His Church. When shepherds and elders fulfill their duties properly, the Church will yield good results. God will reward the shepherds and elders accordingly.

(6) Solomon: Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.

Perhaps after Shulamite finished singing the metaphor about the vineyard, she quickly ran into the garden. Solomon could no longer see her, so he wanted to hear her voice in order to find her.

True love between a husband and wife never grows old with the passing years or their advancing age. If it is God’s will, they will live together into their old age, and their love will remain as fresh as it was in the beginning.

Solomon calls Shulamite “Thou that dwellest in the gardens” because Shulamite has hidden herself in the garden, but it also implies that she is the mistress of the garden. Previously, the garden belonged to Solomon, but now that Shulamite is Solomon’s wife, she is also the owner of the garden.

The friends mentioned by Solomon are likely the people from the town of Bethlehem, who came out to work in the garden and saw Solomon and Shulamite, greeting and conversing with them. Solomon refers to them as friends, probably because they were his neighbors from his childhood. Bethlehem was the hometown of King David, and it is likely that Solomon lived in Bethlehem during his youth and often played with the local children.

Verse (6) can be paraphrased as follows: Solomon is calling to Shulamite: “My beloved, you are the master of the garden! My friends all listen to your voice when you speak! Please let me hear your voice so that I can come to you!”

Spiritual lesson: Christ loves the Church and desires to have close fellowship with it. Christ wants to hear us converse with Him.

(7) Shulamite: Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

Shulamite urges her beloved to come to her quickly. Perhaps she has reached the middle of the garden and is now by the apple tree, the place where Solomon’s mother gave birth to him and where she and Solomon first met and fell in love. She desires to see his strong and swift figure, like a young stag or a young deer among the fragrant herbs and flowers of the mountains. This is also an invitation for Solomon to join her in a romantic encounter amidst the natural beauty of the vineyard.

Verse (7) can be paraphrased as follows: Shulamite invites Solomon: “My beloved, come quickly to me! Be swift like a young stag or a young deer on the fragrant mountains.”

Spiritual lesson: The Church eagerly awaits the coming of Christ, as expressed by the Apostle John in Revelation 22:20, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

We have now completed our study of the meaning of The Song of Songs 8:5-14. We will summarize our interpretations of The Song of Songs 8:5-14 as follows:

Who is this beautiful and beloved woman? She emerges from the wilderness, leaning on her lover.

My beloved! Do you remember, in this very vineyard, I met you and awakened your heart under the apple tree? It was also under that apple tree where your mother gave birth to you, bringing you into this world. My beloved! Please let me be like a seal upon your heart, like a seal upon your arm, so that I may fully possess you, inside and out. For love is as strong as death, and jealousy is as fierce as the grave. The blazing heat of jealousy is like the burning of fire. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. Even if someone were to give all the substance of their house for love, it would be utterly despised.

We have a little sister who has not yet reached puberty. What shall we do for our sister until she is of age for someone to seek her in marriage? If she is chaste and virtuous, like a fortified wall, we will praise and encourage her, as if building a watchtower of silver on the wall. But if she is open and carefree, like an open door, we will protect her as if closing the door with cedar panels.

I am a chaste and virtuous woman, like a fortified wall. When I matured, I found peace in the eyes of my beloved, because he loves me sincerely.

King Solomon had a renowned and valuable vineyard at Baal-hamon. He entrusted that vineyard to caretakers, and people had to pay a thousand pieces of silver to buy the fruit from it. But my vineyard is mine to give. Oh Solomon! I have entrusted my vineyard to you, so please pay two hundred pieces of silver to the caretakers of the vineyard.

My beloved! You are the master of the vineyard! My friends listen to your voice when you speak! Please let me hear your voice, so I may come to you!

My beloved! Come quickly to me! Be swift like a young stag or a young deer on the mountains of spices.

And here is the poem:

The Two Sides of Love

Who is this beauty, cherished and beloved,
Emerging from the wilderness, leaning on her love?
My darling, do you recall our meeting in the vineyard,
Beneath the apple tree where your heart I touched?
That very tree where your mother gave birth to you,
Bringing you into this world so fair.
Let me be a seal upon your heart, my love,
A seal upon your arm, my claim so rare.

For love is as strong as death, jealousy fierce as the grave,
Its blazing heat like fire that cannot be restrained.
No amount of water can quench love’s enduring flame,
Nor rivers wash away what love has gained.
Even if one gave all their wealth for love’s embrace,
It would be scorned and utterly misplaced.

Our little sister, still not of age,
What shall we do until she’s sought?
If she’s a wall, we’ll build her silver towers,
If she’s a door, with cedar we’ll surround.

I am a wall, and in my lover’s eyes,
I’ve found my peace, his love profound.
Solomon’s vineyard at Baal-hamon was renowned,
Left to keepers, with silver fruit sold around.
But my own vineyard is mine to give,
Two hundred pieces for the keepers, I state.

O beloved, master of the vineyard, your voice I hear,
My friends listen to your words so dear.
Let me hear your voice, that I may come,
Swift as a stag on mountains of spice, I’ll run.

May the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit help us to understand the meaning of marital love, so that we may gain some insight into the love between Christ and the Church. May we always dwell in the love of Christ, live to please God, and be a source of joy to Christ.

Timothy Christian Huynh
Priscilla Christian Huynh
11/17/2018

Note:

About Using “*God” and “holy spirit”

Wherever the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the Bible uses a definite article with a noun to denote GOD, we translate it into English as *God or “the God” to refer to God the Father. We understand that “God,” without a definite article, was used as a collective noun for all and any of the three Persons of the Godhead. And “God,” with a definite article, was used to refer to God the Father.

In the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, the term “holy spirit” (πνευματι αγιω) without the definite article “the” (το) is used to denote the power of God, which is given by God the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit” (το πνευματι το αγιω) is God, and “holy spirit” (πνευματι αγιω) is the power that comes from God.