Song Of Solomon 6 2

Song Of Solomon 6:2 kjv

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 nkjv

My beloved has gone to his garden, To the beds of spices, To feed his flock in the gardens, And to gather lilies.

Song Of Solomon 6:2 niv

My beloved has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to browse in the gardens and to gather lilies.

Song Of Solomon 6:2 esv

My beloved has gone down to his garden to the beds of spices, to graze in the gardens and to gather lilies.

Song Of Solomon 6:2 nlt

My lover has gone down to his garden,
to his spice beds,
to browse in the gardens
and gather the lilies.

Song Of Solomon 6 verses

Song Of Solomon 6 2 meaning

Song of Solomon 6:2 expresses the Shulamite's confident declaration regarding her beloved's whereabouts and intentions. Having just passionately described his supreme beauty, she now knows exactly where he can be found: in his personal garden. Here, he engages in acts of tender care and delight—nurturing the flourishing "beds of spices" and cherishing the pure "lilies." Allegorically, this verse beautifully portrays Christ's dwelling and activity within His Church. He is intimately present in the lives of His believers, nourishing their spiritual growth and finding deep satisfaction in their holiness and devotion.

Song Of Solomon 6 2 Context

Song of Solomon chapter 6 begins with the "daughters of Jerusalem" inquiring after the beloved (6:1), prompted by the Shulamite's passionate description of him in the previous chapter (5:10-16). This verse (6:2) is the Shulamite's immediate and confident answer. She does not merely hope he is in his garden; she knows he has gone there for specific, loving purposes. Historically and culturally, gardens in the ancient Near East were private, enclosed spaces of beauty, luxury, and intimacy, often signifying wealth and peace. They were cultivated for fruit, fragrance, and pleasure. The scene evokes a deliberate withdrawal to a sacred, cherished space, removed from the outside world.

Song Of Solomon 6 2 Word analysis

• My beloved (Hebrew: `Dodi` - דּוֹדִי): A term of endearment signifying a personal, deep, and intimate affection. It emphasizes a unique and cherished relationship, not a casual acquaintance. In an allegorical sense, it highlights the personal relationship between Christ and the Church or individual believer.
• has gone down (Hebrew: `yarad` - יָרַד): Implies a deliberate and purposeful movement, perhaps suggesting a condescension or a descent into a specific, often lower-lying or enclosed, cultivated area like a garden. It indicates His intentional presence and accessibility.
• to his garden (Hebrew: `l'gan'no` - לְגַנֹּו): The garden is "his" possession, emphasizing ownership and sovereignty. It's a recurring symbol throughout the Song, representing intimacy, delight, cultivation, and the spiritual dwelling place—often interpreted as the Church or the individual soul of the believer.
• to the beds of spices (Hebrew: `la'arugot habbosem` - לַעֲרֻגֹות הַבֹּשֶׂם): "Beds" (arugot) are specially cultivated, raised plots for precious and aromatic plants. "Spices" (bosem) refer to highly fragrant and valuable herbs or incense materials. This symbolizes the cultivated beauty, preciousness, delightful fragrance, and spiritual value found within the garden, representing the virtues and worship of believers.
• To feed in the gardens (Hebrew: `lir'ot bagganim` - לִרְעֹות בַּגַּנִּים): The verb `ra'ah` means "to shepherd," "to feed," "to tend," "to pasture." While some English translations insert "his flock," the Hebrew literally translates as "to feed/graze in the gardens." This implies purposeful care, nurturing, providing spiritual nourishment, and maintaining the well-being and growth of everything within the garden. The use of "gardens" (plural) might indicate the Beloved's care extends to all individual churches or believers.
• And to gather lilies (Hebrew: `velilkote shoshanim` - וְלִלְקֹ֖וט שׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים): "To gather" (lilkote) suggests collecting, selecting, or plucking with intention and appreciation. "Lilies" (shoshanim) are symbols of purity, beauty, fragility, and joy. This action signifies his delight in the purity, grace, and simple beauty of His people, carefully drawing them to himself for intimate enjoyment and fellowship.

• My beloved has gone down to his garden: This phrase reveals the Shulamite's assured knowledge of her beloved's dwelling and focus. It points to Christ's purposeful, humble, and active presence within the assembly of His chosen ones, who constitute His private and cultivated space.
• to the beds of spices: This specific detail describes the highly valued, fragrant, and carefully tended aspects within His garden. It symbolizes the spiritual fruits, virtues, prayers, and worship of believers which are precious and pleasing to Him.
• To feed in the gardens, And to gather lilies: These two parallel purposes encapsulate the Beloved's active engagement. "To feed" speaks of nurturing, teaching, and strengthening, providing essential sustenance for growth. "To gather lilies" emphasizes His enjoyment, appreciation, and selection of what is pure, beautiful, and complete in His sight. Both actions highlight His deep care, pleasure, and intimate connection with His beloved.

Song Of Solomon 6 2 Bonus section

This verse stands as a powerful answer to the query "Where has your beloved gone?" (6:1). Instead of providing a physical address, the Shulamite declares her Beloved's character and ongoing work, affirming not just where He is, but what He does in His beloved space. It highlights the transformation from the bride's anxious search in Chapter 5 to a secure knowledge, signifying the spiritual maturity of a believer who, having intimately encountered Christ, understands His heart and focus. This confidence in the Beloved's purposeful engagement offers great comfort and assurance.

Song Of Solomon 6 2 Commentary

Song 6:2 shifts from the Shulamite's lyrical description of her beloved in chapter 5 to a confident statement about his current location and actions. Her unwavering certainty about "his garden" indicates deep intimacy and knowledge, symbolizing the Church's conviction regarding Christ's ongoing presence and work. The "garden" represents the consecrated space of fellowship and growth—the Church and individual believers. Here, the Beloved's purposes are dual: "to feed" and "to gather." "To feed in the gardens" depicts Christ's nurturing care, providing spiritual sustenance (through His Word and Spirit) to His people, fostering their growth in grace and knowledge. This is His daily shepherding work within His diverse "gardens." Concurrently, "to gather lilies" portrays His profound delight and selective appreciation for the purity, simple beauty, and holiness of His saints. It is not just about maintenance but about cherishing and drawing closer that which is beautiful to Him, anticipating future fellowship and glory. This verse beautifully paints a picture of Christ’s continuous, active, and intimate engagement with His beloved Church, finding joy and pleasure in her cultivated beauty and devoted life. For example, Christ continually teaches and comforts His followers through His Word (feeding), and He cherishes acts of sincere worship and service (gathering lilies).