The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

SONG OF SOLOMON 2:13KJV
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Song of Solomon 2:13 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 2:13 mean?

Song of Solomon 2:13 describes a scene where the natural world is coming alive with new growth and fragrance, signaling a time of invitation and love. The speaker calls to their beloved, urging them to rise and come away together, using the blossoming fig tree and fragrant grapevines as symbols of beauty and readiness.

In this verse, the woman (often understood as the bride) is being addressed by her lover (the bridegroom). The setting is springtime, a season full of life and promise, which reflects the emotional and relational awakening between the two. The language paints a vivid picture of a garden in bloom, emphasizing both the beauty of the moment and the closeness of the relationship.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 2:13

  • "tree" (תְּאֵנָה, te'enah): This word refers specifically to the fig tree, a common symbol of fertility and new beginnings in ancient Israel. Its mention highlights the sense of renewal.
  • "forth" (חָנַט, chanat): This verb means to put forth or to bud, emphasizing the active, visible change in the season and the readiness for something new.
  • "grape" (אֲנָבִים, anavim): This word means grape, here described as "tender," pointing to the early, delicate stage of growth, which carries a sweet fragrance.
  • "smell" (רֵיחַ, reyach): This word means scent or fragrance. The verse notes that the vines give a good smell, which adds to the sensory richness and the sense of invitation.

Why Song of Solomon 2:13 matters

  • Song of Solomon 2:13 uses the imagery of spring to communicate not just physical beauty, but also emotional readiness and invitation, making the relationship feel alive and urgent.
  • The verse connects the natural world with human love, showing how creation itself can mirror and celebrate the joys of relationship.
  • Understanding the specific plants and their stages—fig trees budding, grapevines blossoming—helps the reader sense the freshness and anticipation in the passage, deepening the sense of longing and delight between the lovers.