King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 4:13 Mean?
“Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, camphire: or, cypress”
Context
11
Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.
12
A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. inclosed: Heb. barred shut up: Heb. barred
13
Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, camphire: or, cypress
14
Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:
15
A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Thy plants.**—Some have thought the offspring of the marriage intended here; but the poet is plainly, by a new adaptation of the language of flowers, describing the charms of the person of his beloved.
**Orchard.**—Heb. *pardes*; LXX. παράδεισος; found only elsewhere in Nehemiah 2:8 (where see Note), Ecclesiastes 2:5. *The pomegranate *was perhaps an emblem of love, having been held sacred to the Syrian Venus. (See Tristram, *Nat. Hist. of Bible, *p. 389.)
**Camphire.**—See Note, Song of Solomon 1:14.
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 4:13 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 4:13
Song of Solomon 1:14
→Ecclesiastes 2:5
→Song of Solomon 6:11
→Song of Solomon 1:12
→Song of Solomon 6:2
→John 12:3
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge