Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

SONG OF SOLOMON 4:14KJV
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Song of Solomon 4:14 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 4:14 mean?

Song of Solomon 4:14 lists a variety of rare and valuable spices and fragrant plants, describing them as part of a garden. The verse uses this imagery to express the beauty, richness, and desirability of the beloved, comparing her qualities to the finest scents and treasures of the ancient world.

In the context of the Song of Solomon, the man is speaking to his beloved, praising her in poetic language. The setting is a love poem where the beloved is compared to a lush, fragrant garden filled with precious spices. This verse deepens the sense of admiration and delight, showing the beloved as someone full of goodness, beauty, and allure, much like a garden overflowing with the best things.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 4:14

  • נֵרְדְּ (nerd; H5373, "spikenard"): This was a rare and costly perfume in the ancient world, highlighting the beloved's exceptional value.
  • קַנֶּה (qaneh; H7070, "calamus"): Calamus is a fragrant reed, used in perfumes and incense, suggesting a sense of sweetness and pleasantness.
  • לְבוֹנָה (levonah; H3828, "frankincense"): Frankincense was used in worship and as a luxury item, pointing to something both sacred and precious.
  • רֹאשׁ (rosh; H7218, "chief"): This word means "head" or "chief," emphasizing that these are not just any spices, but the very best and most prized.

Why Song of Solomon 4:14 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the beloved is being praised only for physical beauty; instead, the imagery of rare spices points to inner qualities and the richness of character.
  • The list of spices connects the beloved to the imagery of a garden, a theme that runs through the Song of Solomon, symbolizing love, delight, and abundance.
  • By naming specific, costly spices, the verse emphasizes the depth of the speaker's admiration and the uniqueness of the beloved, setting a tone of deep appreciation and honor.

Where else these words appear

“Spikenard” Hebrew H5373 · used in 3 verses

  • Song of Solomon 1:12 While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
  • Song of Solomon 4:13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,

“cinnamon” Hebrew H7076 · used in 3 verses

  • Exodus 30:23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
  • Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

“aloes” Hebrew H174 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 24:6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
  • Psalms 45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
  • Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

“myrrh” Hebrew H4753 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 30:23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
  • Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
  • Song of Solomon 4:6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.