Song Of Solomon 2 12

Song Of Solomon 2:12 kjv

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

Song Of Solomon 2:12 nkjv

The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land.

Song Of Solomon 2:12 niv

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

Song Of Solomon 2:12 esv

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

Song Of Solomon 2:12 nlt

The flowers are springing up,
the season of singing birds has come,
and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.

Song Of Solomon 2 verses

Song Of Solomon 2 12 Meaning

Song of Solomon 2:12 depicts the glorious arrival of spring, marking a time of rejuvenation, beauty, and delightful sounds. The blooming flowers signify new life appearing on the earth, and the distinct cooing of the turtledove heralds the departure of winter and the dawn of a fresh, vibrant season. This natural imagery poetically portrays a period of new beginnings, comfort after hardship, and the blossoming of love and joy, both in the literal sense of natural seasons and metaphorically as a spiritual awakening or the flourishing presence of the beloved.

Song Of Solomon 2 12 Context

Song of Solomon chapter 2 is a vibrant poetic exchange between the Beloved (Shulamite) and the Lover (King Solomon, or the Shepherd). This specific verse, 2:12, forms part of the Lover's evocative invitation to his Beloved in verses 10-14, urging her to "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away." It paints a picture of a transition from the harshness of winter (verse 11) to the burgeoning life of spring. The natural beauty and awakening of the land serve as a profound metaphor for the flourishing and deepening of their love. This context is deeply rooted in ancient agrarian life, where the coming of spring was not only a natural event but a source of immense joy and vitality, directly tied to survival and prosperity. Allegorically, it is often interpreted as Christ (the Lover) calling His Church (the Beloved) into a new season of spiritual intimacy, joy, and fruitfulness, signifying an era of grace and divine presence after a period of struggle or spiritual dormancy.

Song Of Solomon 2 12 Word analysis

• הַנִּצָּנִים (hannitzanim) - "The flowers / opening buds": From nitzan, meaning "sprout," "bud," or "blossom." These are the first visible signs of life emerging from the dormant earth. This emphasizes the freshness and newness of the season. They are not fully bloomed flowers, but the initial, delicate appearance of potential beauty and life.
• נִרְאוּ (nir'u) - "appear": From ra'ah, "to see." The verb is in the Niph'al stem, signifying something that is seen, made visible, or reveals itself. It indicates a clear, undeniable manifestation, not merely a hidden change. The arrival of this new season is observable to all.
• בָּאָרֶץ (ba'aretz) - "in the earth": Denotes the physical ground, the soil from which life springs. It grounds the poetic image in concrete reality, emphasizing that the renewal is tangible and widespread across the land. It implies the universal effect of this seasonal change.
• עֵת (et) - "the time": Refers to a specific, appointed season or moment. It implies a sense of divinely ordained timing, where conditions are just right for something new to occur. This is not a random occurrence but the fulfillment of a natural cycle.
• הַזָּמִיר (hazzamir) - "of singing / pruning": This is a rich word with a fascinating double meaning. Zāmîr (זָמִיר) can refer to "pruning" (related to zamar, to prune a vine), which is a vital activity in agriculture for producing greater fruit. However, it also commonly refers to "singing" (especially of birds, like zamar used for vocal music), suggesting the sweet melodies that accompany spring. In this context, given the general joyous theme, "singing" of birds is the most natural interpretation, announcing the season with cheer. Yet, the underlying sense of "pruning" can also hint at preparatory work for future abundance.
• הִגִּיעַ (higgia') - "has come": From naga', "to touch," "to arrive," or "to reach." It conveys immediacy and a present reality. The season is not just approaching; it has fully arrived. This highlights the fulfillment and consummation of a longing.
• וְקוֹל (v'qol) - "and the voice": Qol means sound, voice, or even thunder. It draws attention to the auditory aspect of spring, making the imagery complete beyond just sight. A "voice" implies communication, a declaration of the season's arrival.
• הַתּוֹר (hattôr) - "of the turtledove": The turtledove (Streptopelia turtur) is a migratory bird known for its distinct, mournful yet often comforting cooing. It is a traditional harbinger of spring in the Middle East, symbolizing new life, faithfulness (as they mate for life), and peace. Its gentle sound confirms the serene arrival of the warm season.
• נִשְׁמַע (nishmah) - "is heard": From shama', "to hear." Similar to nir'u, it is in the Niph'al stem, indicating that the voice is audibly received. It signifies that the presence of this new season is not only seen but profoundly felt through sound, filling the atmosphere.
• בְּאַרְצֵנוּ (b'artzenu) - "in our land": This phrase makes the experience intimate and personal. It's "our" shared space, emphasizing a collective, localized joy and blessing. This brings the universal phenomenon down to a personal and communal level.

• The flowers appear in the earth: A visible sign of breaking out of dormancy, life pushing through the ground. It is delicate yet powerful evidence of change.
• the time of singing has come: This signals an end to silence or sorrow, replaced by expressions of joy and melody. The reference to "singing" creates an atmosphere of cheerfulness and natural music.
• and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land: The distinct sound of a specific bird, strongly associated with spring, migration, and faithful love. Its hearing solidifies the evidence of spring, permeating the shared environment. It’s not just seen; it’s heard, enveloping them in the new atmosphere.

Song Of Solomon 2 12 Bonus section

The ancient Jewish understanding often connects the Song of Solomon allegorically to God's love for Israel, or the Messiah's love for His people. In this interpretation, the "winter" represents a period of hardship, exile, or the absence of visible divine activity, while the "spring" signifies a time of redemption, the ingathering of exiles, or the messianic age bringing prosperity and peace. The specific detail of the "turtledove" also has theological weight, often associated with faithfulness, peace, and covenant. The arrival of this migratory bird symbolizes the return of a beloved and long-awaited presence, aligning with the return of God's favor or the Messiah's advent. The imagery reinforces that this is not merely a change in weather, but a deep spiritual and relational restoration.

Song Of Solomon 2 12 Commentary

Song of Solomon 2:12 functions as a crescendo within the Lover’s passionate invitation, building upon the preceding verse that declared, "For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone." This verse solidifies the promise of renewal through concrete sensory details. The appearing "flowers" or "opening buds" mark the visible start of transformation from barrenness to bloom, while the "time of singing" brings a joyous auditory element. The distinctive "voice of the turtledove," a well-known herald of spring and peace in the ancient Near East, makes the arrival undeniable and intimate ("in our land").This verse moves beyond merely describing the season to celebrating a moment of profound flourishing and vitality. Spiritually, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the soul awakening to Christ's presence, the Church experiencing revival, or the Kingdom of God breaking into the human experience. It signifies that dark or difficult periods are temporary, giving way to times of divine blessing, comfort, and joyful fellowship. It's a call to perceive and embrace the fresh season of grace that has arrived.Example: Just as the land sheds winter's slumber for spring's vibrancy, a soul moves from spiritual barrenness to blooming faith and joy when Christ's presence is truly embraced.