King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:14 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:14 in the King James Version says “My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. camphire: or, cypress — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. camphire: or, cypress

Song of Solomon 1:14 · KJV


Context

12

While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

13

A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

14

My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. camphire: or, cypress

15

Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. my love: or, my companion

16

Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride adds another metaphor: My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En-gedi. The Hebrew 'eshkol hakofer' (אֶשְׁכּוֹל הַכֹּפֶר, cluster of henna blossoms) refers to fragrant white flowers of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis), used for perfume and dye. The 'vineyards of En-gedi' (karmey eyn gedi, כַּרְמֵי עֵין גֶּדִי) locates this imagery in a specific oasis on the Dead Sea's western shore—a lush, green paradise amid barren desert, famous for springs, gardens, and fragrant plants.

The beloved is like fragrant henna blooming in paradisiacal En-gedi—beautiful, rare, life-giving, refreshing amid desolation. En-gedi's contrast between desert harshness and oasis abundance intensifies the metaphor: in life's spiritual desert, the beloved is refreshing paradise. The image celebrates both the beloved's beauty (fragrant blossoms) and his refreshing presence (oasis in desert). Christ is supremely the cluster of henna in En-gedi—bringing life, beauty, refreshment, and fragrance to souls parched by sin's desert. He transforms desolation into paradise wherever He dwells.

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Historical & Cultural Context

En-gedi (meaning 'spring of the kid/goat') was renowned for natural springs creating lush vegetation amid the Dead Sea's desolate landscape. David hid there from Saul (1 Samuel 23:29; 24:1), finding refuge and sustenance in its caves and greenery. The site's vineyards, gardens, and aromatic plants made it proverbial for beauty and abundance. Ancient readers would immediately appreciate the powerful contrast: barren desert versus blooming oasis. The Song employs this geography theologically: the beloved brings life to desolation. Early church fathers saw Christ as true En-gedi—bringing living water (John 4:10; 7:38) and transforming spiritual desert into garden. The Puritans emphasized that Christ's presence transforms the soul from barren wasteland into fruitful garden. Modern readers living in spiritually arid culture recognize Christ as the oasis bringing life, beauty, and refreshment—the fragrant cluster in desolate vineyards of a dying world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has Christ been 'a cluster of henna in En-gedi' for you—bringing life, beauty, and refreshment to your spiritual desert?
  2. What 'deserts' in your life need Christ's oasis-like presence to transform barrenness into fruitful beauty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֶשְׁכֹּ֨ל1 of 7

is unto me as a cluster

H811

a bunch of grapes or other fruit

הַכֹּ֤פֶר׀2 of 7

of camphire

H3724

properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)

דּוֹדִי֙3 of 7

My beloved

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

לִ֔י4 of 7
H0
בְּכַרְמֵ֖י5 of 7

in the vineyards

H3754

a garden or vineyard

עֵ֥ין6 of 7
H0
גֶּֽדִי׃7 of 7

of Engedi

H5872

en-gedi, a place in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Song of Solomon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Song of Solomon 1:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Song of Solomon 1:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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