King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 2:5 Mean?
“Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love. comfort: Heb. straw me with apples”
Context
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
6
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.
7
I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. I charge: Heb. I adjure you
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Flagons.**—Heb., *ashishôth, *apparently a dried cake, but of what substance is uncertain. From the margin of Hosea 3:1, possibly “grape cakes.” In 2Samuel 6:19 it occurs as one of the gifts distributed by David at the removal of the ark, and is rendered by the LXX., *a cake from the frying-pan. *Here the LXX. have *sweet unguents, *and the Vulg. *flowers. *The Authorised Version, *flagons, *follows a Rabbinical interpretation.
**Comfort.**—The margin, *straw me with apples, *follows the LXX.; the Hebrew word occurs in Job 17:3; Authorised Version, “make my bed”—Job 41:30 (Heb. 22). Authorised Version, “spreadeth.” Hence some translate here, “make me a bed of apple-leaves;” but the parallelism is against this, and the root idea in both the words translated “comfort” and “stay” is putting a prop or support under. Metaphorically = *refresh *or *sustain.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:5 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 2:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge