I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

SONG OF SOLOMON 6:3KJV
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Song of Solomon 6:3 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 6:3 mean?

Song of Solomon 6:3 expresses a deep, mutual belonging and affection between two lovers, with the speaker declaring, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies." The verse highlights a relationship marked by exclusivity, intimacy, and delight.

In the context of the Song of Solomon, the woman is speaking about her beloved, affirming their close bond. The phrase about feeding among the lilies uses poetic imagery to suggest a peaceful, beautiful setting where the beloved is present, emphasizing both the joy and the security found in their relationship.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 6:3

  • "beloved's" and "beloved" (דּוֹד, dōd): This word means "beloved" or "dear one" and is used for a close, affectionate relationship. Its repetition in this verse underscores the mutual love and possession between the two.
  • "feedeth" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This verb means "to graze" or "to shepherd." Here, it paints a picture of the beloved moving or resting among the lilies, which adds a gentle, nurturing quality to the relationship.
  • "lilies" (שׁוּשַׁן, shūshan): Lilies are often symbols of beauty and purity in Hebrew poetry. Mentioning lilies sets a scene of natural beauty and tranquility, reinforcing the peacefulness of their love.

Why Song of Solomon 6:3 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the love described in the Song of Solomon is not one-sided; both individuals claim each other, which is central to the book’s portrayal of love as mutual and secure.
  • The imagery of feeding among lilies connects this verse to earlier and later passages, creating a recurring motif of beauty and delight that runs throughout the book.
  • By using everyday images from nature, the verse grounds its lofty language of love in familiar, tangible experiences, making the relationship feel both idealized and real.

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 4:5 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

“beloved's” 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 5:16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

“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.