Song Of Solomon 2 11

Song Of Solomon 2:11 kjv

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

Song Of Solomon 2:11 nkjv

For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone.

Song Of Solomon 2:11 niv

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

Song Of Solomon 2:11 esv

for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.

Song Of Solomon 2:11 nlt

Look, the winter is past,
and the rains are over and gone.

Song Of Solomon 2 verses

Song Of Solomon 2 11 Meaning

Song of Solomon 2:11 speaks to a profound transition, metaphorically signaling the end of a season of difficulty or dormancy and the beginning of a vibrant, joyful new period. The declaration, "For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone," signifies a clear, definitive cessation of adverse conditions, making way for the flourishing beauty and intimate fellowship described in the verses that follow. Spiritually, it portrays the believer's experience of being freed from times of struggle, sin, or spiritual barrenness, to enter into a new life of refreshing and abundant grace with the Beloved, who is often understood to represent Christ. It is a tender invitation to come and embrace the renewal that has arrived.

Song Of Solomon 2 11 Context

Song of Solomon 2:11 is uttered by the Beloved (the Shulammite's lover, often allegorically representing Christ) as a reason for his fervent invitation to "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away" (v.10). The setting is a burgeoning spring, following the cold, rainy Palestinian winter. This verse marks the natural context for an intimate outing and joyful fellowship. In the broader chapter, the Beloved describes his admiration for the Shulammite and the beautiful characteristics of spring (the blossoms, the birds, the fragrance of the grapes). This verse specifically establishes the reason for leaving a place of comfort to join the lover in this new season of vibrant life and fellowship. The book itself, Song of Solomon, is a rich poetic celebration of pure, exclusive marital love, often interpreted allegorically to depict the divine love between Christ and His church, or Yahweh and Israel. Within this larger narrative, the change of seasons serves as a potent metaphor for transitions in spiritual life, moving from periods of barrenness or distance to renewal and intimacy. Historically, this celebration of natural love within a devoted relationship provides a gentle contrast to prevalent ancient fertility cults by grounding intimacy in God-ordained fidelity rather than pagan ritual.

Song Of Solomon 2 11 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): This Hebrew particle serves as a causal conjunction, meaning "because" or "for." It directly links the preceding invitation (v.10) to the reason being provided. It establishes the foundational truth for the beloved to "come away."
• lo (הִנֵּה - hinneh): An exclamatory interjection, "Behold!" or "Look!" It functions as a deictic particle, drawing immediate attention to what follows. It emphasizes the certainty, vividness, and significance of the coming statement, inviting the beloved to perceive this reality as a divine truth.
• the winter (הַסְּתָו - hassethâv): Refers to the cold, often barren and rainy season in Israel. This period is associated with inactivity, dampness, and difficulty for outdoor activities. Symbolically, it represents seasons of struggle, sorrow, dormancy, or spiritual coldness.
• is past (עָבַר - 'âvar): The verb means "to pass over," "to pass away," or "to cross." Used in the perfect tense, it signifies a completed action. The winter is definitively gone, not merely ending but having already passed into history. This speaks to a decisive shift.
• the rain (הַגֶּשֶׁם - haggeshem): Specifically the heavy winter rains. While rain brings life, here its cessation signals the end of a difficult or isolating period associated with the "winter" season, which would hinder joyful outdoor communion.
• is over and gone (חָלַף הָלַךְ - chalâph hâlak): A powerful combination of two verbs, חָלַף (chalâph) meaning "to pass away," "to vanish," or "to change," and הָלַךְ (hâlak) meaning "to go," "to walk," or "to depart." The repetition and conjunction emphasize the thorough and complete nature of the departure. It’s not merely past; it has vanished and gone away completely, indicating a new, uncontaminated start.

Words-group analysis

• For, lo, (כִּי הִנֵּה): This emphatic opening serves as a divine assurance and an urgent call to attention. It asserts the fundamental reason for the invitation in a way that demands immediate acknowledgment and response.
• the winter is past, the rain is over and gone: These phrases paint a vivid picture of meteorological change with profound spiritual implications. The repetition, particularly with the reinforcing verbs for "over and gone," highlights the certainty and finality of the transition from hardship or dormancy to a new, flourishing season. It underscores that any reason for staying in a state of sadness or unresponsiveness is removed.

Song Of Solomon 2 11 Bonus section

• The transition from "winter" (which includes cold, short days, dormancy, heavy rains, potential flooding, and discomfort) to "spring" (with its longer, warmer days, budding, blooming, bird songs, and fragrant air) signifies a complete transformation, from something restraining to something liberating and invigorating.
• In biblical understanding, God controls the seasons (Gen 8:22, Ps 74:17). Therefore, the declaration that "winter is past" is implicitly an announcement of God's active involvement in changing the circumstances or the spiritual state. The Beloved (Christ) declares the winter past because He is the Lord of the seasons of life, the one who brings an end to sorrow and inaugurates joy.
• The specific mention of the end of rain, typically a blessing, underscores that this specific period of winter rain brings cessation from restrictive conditions associated with that season, rather than desiring perpetual dryness. It points to a new kind of blessing appropriate for the next phase.

Song Of Solomon 2 11 Commentary

Song of Solomon 2:11 is a declarative affirmation of the passing of unfavorable conditions, forming the bedrock for an intimate invitation. The "winter" and "rain" symbolize periods of hardship, sorrow, spiritual dryness, or even the shadows of sin. The Beloved's statement isn't a mere observation of natural change; it is an authoritative declaration that a season of adversity has definitively ended, inaugurated by His presence and His work. This makes way for "spring," a season of flourishing, beauty, growth, and renewed communion. The verse thus beckons the beloved (the church, the individual believer) to arise from spiritual lethargy or despondency, for the reasons for such a state have been definitively removed. It signifies that the pathway to a vibrant, unhindered relationship with Christ is now open, characterized by joy, rest, and intimate fellowship in the light of His love and grace.