King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 4:13 Mean?

Song of Solomon 4:13 in the King James Version says “Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, camphire: or, cypress” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, camphire: or, cypress”

Song of Solomon 4:13 · KJV

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits (shelachaykh pardes rimonim im peri megadim, שְׁלָחַיִךְ פַּרְדֵּס רִמּוֹנִים עִם פְּרִי מְגָדִים)—the term shelachaykh (שְׁלָחַיִךְ, your plants/shoots/channels) likely refers to the bride's body or her productive life. The metaphor of an orchard (pardes, פַּרְדֵּס—from which we get "paradise") celebrates abundance, cultivation, and fruitfulness. Pomegranates symbolized fertility and abundance throughout Scripture.

Camphire, with spikenard (keparim im neradin, כְּפָרִים עִם נְרָדִים)—camphire (henna) produced fragrant flowers used in perfumes; spikenard was expensive imported aromatic oil. This verse begins a catalog of spices (continuing through verse 14) celebrating the bride's comprehensive beauty and value. The beloved sees her as a cultivated paradise garden producing precious fruits and spices. The Church, indwelt by the Spirit, produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) that delights Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Persian loan-word pardes (paradise/orchard) suggests enclosed, cultivated garden—not wild growth but intentionally developed beauty. Ancient Near Eastern kings prized elaborate gardens showcasing rare plants and spices. Solomon himself cultivated extensive gardens (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6). Pomegranates decorated the temple and high priest's robes, symbolizing beauty and fruitfulness. Camphire (henna) and spikenard were luxury items—spikenard so valuable that Mary's anointing of Jesus with it represented extravagant devotion (John 12:3). The beloved sees his bride as producing precious, valuable fruits—her life yields abundant blessing. Early church fathers saw the Church as Christ's garden, cultivated by the Spirit, producing diverse spiritual gifts and graces. The Reformers emphasized sanctification—believers progressively produce spiritual fruit through the Spirit's work. The Puritans taught that godly character is cultivated, not automatic—requiring discipline, growth, and the Spirit's transforming work.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual fruit is your life producing—and are you cultivating the disciplines (prayer, Scripture, fellowship) that promote growth?
  2. How does Christ see you as His "paradise garden"—a place of beauty, fruitfulness, and delight—rather than wasteland or wilderness?
  3. What "pleasant fruits" (Christlike virtues, kingdom works) is the Spirit cultivating in your life for Christ's delight and others' blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
שְׁלָחַ֙יִךְ֙1 of 9

“Thy plants”

H7973

a missile of attack, i.e., spear; also (figuratively) a shoot of growth; i.e., branch

פַּרְדֵּ֣ס2 of 9

“are an orchard”

H6508

a park

רִמּוֹנִ֔ים3 of 9

“of pomegranates”

H7416

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

עִ֖ם4 of 9
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פְּרִ֣י5 of 9

“fruits”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

מְגָדִ֑ים6 of 9

“with pleasant”

H4022

properly, a distinguished thing; hence something valuable, as a product or fruit

כְּפָרִ֖ים7 of 9

“camphire”

H3724

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

עִם8 of 9
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

נְרָדִֽים׃9 of 9

“with spikenard”

H5373

nard, an aromatic

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 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 1:14Ecclesiastes 2:5Song of Solomon 6:11Song of Solomon 1:12Song of Solomon 6:2John 12:3

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