My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

SONG OF SOLOMON 2:16KJV
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Song of Solomon 2:16 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 2:16 mean?

Song of Solomon 2:16 expresses a mutual belonging and affection between two lovers, with the speaker declaring that her beloved belongs to her and she to him. The verse uses the image of the beloved feeding among the lilies to evoke a scene of peace, beauty, and intimacy.

In this verse, the woman is speaking about her relationship with her beloved, likely King Solomon, in a poetic and personal way. The phrase “he feedeth among the lilies” suggests that her beloved is present in a place of purity and delight, possibly referring to the setting where their love flourishes. The verse highlights the closeness and exclusivity of their bond within the larger love poem.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 2:16

  • The word "beloved" (דּוֹד, dōd) refers to a dearly loved one, often used in Song of Solomon for a romantic partner. Its use here emphasizes the deep affection and personal connection between the speaker and her beloved.
  • The word "feedeth" (רָעָה, ra‘ah) literally means to graze or shepherd. In this context, it paints a picture of the beloved moving gently and attentively among the lilies, suggesting care and a peaceful presence.
  • The word "lilies" (שׁוּשַׁן, shūshan) refers to a beautiful, fragrant flower. Mentioning lilies adds to the sense of beauty, purity, and perhaps even exclusivity in the relationship described.

Why Song of Solomon 2:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the relationship described is mutual and exclusive, countering any idea that the affection is one-sided or casual.
  • The imagery of feeding among the lilies connects the love between the two to themes of beauty, peace, and natural delight, which recur throughout the book.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew words helps the reader see that the language is both tender and intentional, deepening the sense of intimacy and care in the relationship.

Where else these words appear

“lilies” Hebrew H7799 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:19 And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.
  • Psalms 45:1 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
  • Song of Solomon 5:13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

“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 1:16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
  • 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.

“feedeth” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
  • Jeremiah 33:12 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.