King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 2:3 Mean?

Song of Solomon 2:3 in the King James Version says “As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great d...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. I sat: Heb. I delighted and sat down, etc taste: Heb. palate”

Song of Solomon 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

2

As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

3

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. I sat: Heb. I delighted and sat down, etc taste: Heb. palate

4

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. banqueting: Heb. house of wine

5

Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love. comfort: Heb. straw me with apples

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride declares, 'As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.' The comparison elevates the beloved above all others—as an apple tree (bearing fruit, providing shade) stands out among forest trees (non-fruit-bearing), so the beloved surpasses all competitors. The imagery emphasizes both protection ('shadow') and provision ('fruit'). The bride finds refuge, rest, and refreshment in her beloved's presence. The Hebrew 'chimmadti' (חִמַּדְתִּי, I delighted) expresses intense desire and pleasure. The 'sweet' fruit suggests satisfying nourishment and delight. This verse teaches that covenant love provides security, refreshment, and deep satisfaction—not fleeting pleasure but enduring fulfillment. Theologically, this prefigures the believer's rest and satisfaction in Christ. Jesus is the true source of shade (protection, Isaiah 25:4) and fruit (nourishment, John 15:5). Believers find 'great delight' in sitting under His authority, receiving His provision, and tasting His goodness (Psalm 34:8; 1 Peter 2:3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Apple trees (or possibly apricots—Hebrew 'tappuach' identification is debated) were cultivated in ancient Israel and prized for their fruit and shade. Most forest trees in Palestine were non-fruit-bearing (oaks, terebinths), making fruit trees especially valuable. The image of sitting in a tree's shade was common in hot climates—providing rest from labor and scorching sun. Ancient Near Eastern poetry employed similar metaphors, but Israel's covenant theology transformed them: protection and provision come ultimately from YHWH. Jesus used agricultural imagery extensively: 'I am the vine' (John 15:5), 'Come unto me... and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). Early church fathers saw the apple tree as Christ—unique among humanity, offering salvation's fruit and sheltering protection. The Puritans emphasized that believers should actively 'sit down' in Christ's presence through means of grace—Scripture, prayer, sacraments—tasting His sweetness and finding rest for weary souls.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'sit down under His shadow with great delight'—finding rest, protection, and refreshment in Christ's presence?
  2. How have you tasted that the Lord's 'fruit is sweet'—experiencing the satisfying nourishment of relationship with Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כְּתַפּ֙וּחַ֙1 of 13

“As the apple tree”

H8598

an apple (from its fragrance), i.e., the fruit or the tree (probably including others of the pome order, as the quince, the orange, etc.)

בַּעֲצֵ֣י2 of 13

“among the trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַיַּ֔עַר3 of 13

“of the wood”

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

כֵּ֥ן4 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

דּוֹדִ֖י5 of 13

“so is my beloved”

H1730

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

בֵּ֣ין6 of 13
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַבָּנִ֑ים7 of 13

“among the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּצִלּוֹ֙8 of 13

“down under his shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

חִמַּ֣דְתִּי9 of 13

“with great delight”

H2530

to delight in

וְיָשַׁ֔בְתִּי10 of 13

“I sat”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וּפִרְי֖וֹ11 of 13

“and his fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

מָת֥וֹק12 of 13

“was sweet”

H4966

sweet

לְחִכִּֽי׃13 of 13

“to my taste”

H2441

properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)

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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 8:5Hebrews 1:1-6Isaiah 32:2Isaiah 25:4Hebrews 12:2John 1:14-18

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