King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 6:2 Mean?

Song of Solomon 6:2 in the King James Version says “My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.”

Song of Solomon 6:2 · KJV

Context

1

Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.

2

My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

3

I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

4

Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices—the bride answers with confidence and intimacy. The Hebrew gan (גַּן, garden) recalls Eden and represents a place of beauty, cultivation, and fruitfulness. Earlier (4:12-16), the bride herself was described as a garden; now her beloved enters his own garden. The phrase la'arugot habosem (לַעֲרוּגוֹת הַבֹּשֶׂם, to the beds of spices) emphasizes the garden's fragrant beauty and precious cultivation.

To feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies (לִרְעוֹת בַּגַּנִּים וְלִלְקֹט שׁוֹשַׁנִּים)—the beloved delights in what grows in his garden. Church tradition saw Christ entering His Church as a garden, feeding among His people and gathering those who bloom for Him. The imagery assures believers that Christ isn't absent but actively present, delighting in and tending His own. The bride's answer demonstrates covenant knowledge—she knows where her beloved is even when he's not immediately visible.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern gardens were highly cultivated spaces requiring constant care, irrigation, and attention—especially in the arid climate of Israel. Gardens represented beauty, abundance, and the owner's investment. Solomon's gardens were famous (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6). Spices and lilies were valuable plants requiring skilled cultivation. The imagery of the beloved 'feeding in the gardens' uses shepherding language—the same verb (ra'ah) means both 'to feed/pasture' and 'to tend/shepherd.' Early church fathers saw the garden as the Church where Christ feeds among His people through Word and sacrament, gathering believers to Himself. The Puritans emphasized that Christ delights to be present with His people—His 'garden'—not reluctantly but joyfully.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing that Christ delights to be in His garden (the Church) change your understanding of corporate worship and fellowship?
  2. What 'lilies' might Christ be gathering from your life—what growth or fruit is He cultivating in you?
  3. How can you cultivate your heart as a fragrant garden where Christ delights to dwell?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
דּוֹדִי֙1 of 9

“My beloved”

H1730

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

יָרַ֣ד2 of 9

“is gone down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בַּגַּנִּ֔ים3 of 9

“in the gardens”

H1588

a garden (as fenced)

לַעֲרוּג֖וֹת4 of 9

“to the beds”

H6170

something piled up (as if (figuratively) raised by mental aspiration), i.e., a paterre

הַבֹּ֑שֶׂם5 of 9

“of spices”

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

לִרְעוֹת֙6 of 9

“to feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

בַּגַּנִּ֔ים7 of 9

“in the gardens”

H1588

a garden (as fenced)

וְלִלְקֹ֖ט8 of 9

“and to gather”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

שֽׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים׃9 of 9

“lilies”

H7799

a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape)

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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 5:13John 4:34-35Song of Solomon 6:11Ezekiel 34:23John 17:24Isaiah 58:11

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