King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 6:3 Mean?

Song of Solomon 6:3 in the King James Version says “I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Song of Solomon 6:3 · 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.

5

Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead. overcome: or, puffed me up

Read Song of Solomon 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride affirms with confidence: 'I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.' This verse echoes 2:16 but reverses the order—there, 'My beloved is mine, and I am his'; here, 'I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine.' The subtle shift prioritizes belonging to the beloved before claiming him as one's own. This may reflect maturing love—earlier emphasis on possession ('mine') now gives way to self-giving ('I am his'). The reciprocal possessive pronouns maintain mutual covenant commitment—both belong fully to each other. The phrase 'he feedeth among the lilies' repeats the image from 2:16, suggesting the beloved delights in the bride's beauty and presence (lilies representing the bride or beautiful pasture). This verse teaches that covenant love involves both giving oneself ('I am his') and receiving the other ('he is mine'), and that mature love increasingly emphasizes self-giving over possessing. Theologically, it reflects the believer's relationship with Christ: we belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 14:8), and He graciously belongs to us through covenant union (John 17:9-10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The shift from 2:16 ('My beloved is mine, and I am his') to 6:3 ('I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine') may reflect the song's narrative progression—the relationship deepening and maturing through trials (chapters 3 and 5 describe separation and seeking). Mature covenant love increasingly emphasizes self-giving and belonging to the other rather than merely possessing. Ancient Near Eastern marriage involved reciprocal obligations and mutual belonging, but biblical covenant theology uniquely emphasized that God's people belong first to Him ('ye are not your own,' 1 Corinthians 6:19), then receive Him as their covenant God. The pastoral imagery of feeding among lilies continues the shepherd motif—the beloved as shepherd finding satisfaction and delight among beautiful pasture (his bride). Early church fathers saw progression in the believer's relationship with Christ: initial emphasis on what Christ gives ('he is mine') matures into sacrificial devotion ('I am his'). The Reformers emphasized that believers belong to Christ through His redemption, and He condescends to belong to them through covenant grace. Modern application affirms both marital maturity (from 'what can I get?' to 'how can I give?') and spiritual growth in Christ-centeredness.

Reflection Questions

  1. Has your love for Christ matured from primarily 'he is mine' (what you receive) to 'I am his' (giving yourself completely to Him in glad surrender)?
  2. How does emphasizing 'I am my beloved's' before 'my beloved is mine' transform your approach to marriage or spiritual devotion—prioritizing self-giving over receiving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֲנִ֤י1 of 6
H589

i

וְדוֹדִ֣י2 of 6

“I am my beloved's”

H1730

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

וְדוֹדִ֣י3 of 6

“I am my beloved's”

H1730

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

לִ֔י4 of 6
H0
הָרֹעֶ֖ה5 of 6

“is mine he feedeth”

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

בַּשׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים׃6 of 6

“among the 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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 2:16Song of Solomon 7:10Hebrews 8:10Revelation 21:2-4

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