My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:14KJV
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Song of Solomon 1:14 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 1:14 mean?

Song of Solomon 1:14 uses a picture from nature to describe how precious and delightful the beloved is to the speaker. The beloved is compared to a cluster of camphire (often understood as henna flowers) found in the vineyards of Engedi, a lush oasis known for its beauty and fragrant plants.

In this verse, the woman is speaking about her beloved, expressing how special he is to her by likening him to something rare, fragrant, and beautiful. Engedi was famous in ancient Israel for its fertile vineyards and valuable plants, so this comparison highlights the beloved’s uniqueness and the pleasure he brings.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 1:14

  • beloved (דּוֹד, dōd): This word means "beloved" or "dear one," and it is a term of deep affection, showing the closeness and warmth in the relationship.
  • cluster (אֶשְׁכּוֹל, eshkol): This word refers to a bunch or cluster, often of grapes or flowers, suggesting abundance and beauty.
  • camphire (כֹּפֶר, kōpher): This is usually understood as henna, a plant with fragrant white or reddish flowers used for perfume and dye. The mention of camphire points to something both beautiful and aromatic.
  • vineyards (כֶּרֶם, kerem): Vineyards were places of growth and fruitfulness, and mentioning them adds to the sense of abundance and delight.
  • Engedi (עֵין גֶּדִי, ‘En Gedi): Engedi was a well-known oasis near the Dead Sea, famous for its lush vegetation and rare plants. Referencing Engedi emphasizes the rarity and value of the beloved.

Why Song of Solomon 1:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that the comparison is not to camphor (a different plant), but to henna, which was valued in ancient times for its fragrance and beauty.
  • The mention of Engedi connects the beloved to a real place known for its natural beauty, grounding the poetic language in something familiar to ancient readers.
  • The verse highlights the theme of delight and admiration that runs throughout Song of Solomon, showing how the lovers use rich, sensory images to express their feelings for each other.

Where else these words appear

“Engedi” Hebrew H5872 · used in 6 verses

  • Joshua 15:62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.
  • 1 Samuel 23:29 And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.

“cluster” Hebrew H811 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Numbers 13:24 The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.
  • Song of Solomon 7:8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;

“camphire” Hebrew H3724 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • 1 Samuel 6:18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.
  • Proverbs 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

“beloved” Hebrew H1730 · used in 53 verses

  • Leviticus 10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
  • Song of Solomon 2:3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
  • Song of Solomon 6:1 Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.