Song of Solomon 7:2 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 7:2 mean?

Song of Solomon 7:2 uses poetic language to describe a woman's body, comparing her navel to a round goblet always filled with wine and her belly to a heap of wheat surrounded by lilies. The verse is part of a lover's praise, expressing admiration and delight in her physical beauty using rich, agricultural and festive imagery.

In this verse, the man is speaking to his beloved, celebrating her form with metaphors that would have been familiar and appealing in ancient Israel. The comparison to a goblet and a heap of wheat suggests abundance, fertility, and attractiveness, while the lilies add a sense of delicacy and fragrance. The verse is part of a larger section where the lover describes his beloved from head to toe, highlighting both affection and admiration.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 7:2

• "navel" (טַבּוּר, tabbur): This word refers specifically to the navel or belly button. In ancient poetry, the navel could symbolize the center of life or sensuality, making the comparison to a goblet especially intimate.
• "goblet" (אַגָּן, agan): This is a word for a round bowl or cup, often used for drinking. Comparing the navel to a goblet "which wanteth not liquor" (never lacking wine) suggests fullness, pleasure, and celebration.
• "belly" (בֶּטֶן, beten): This term can mean belly or womb. The image of a "heap of wheat" (עֲרֵמַת חִטִּים, aremat chittim) emphasizes abundance and fertility, as wheat was a staple crop and a symbol of prosperity.
• "lilies" (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה, shoshanah): Lilies are often used in Song of Solomon as symbols of beauty and fragrance, adding a gentle, decorative touch to the description.

Why Song of Solomon 7:2 matters

• This verse helps modern readers see how ancient love poetry used everyday images—food, drink, and flowers—to express admiration and desire, rather than focusing on abstract or distant ideals.
• The agricultural and festive imagery connects the beloved's beauty to themes of abundance, life, and celebration, which would have resonated deeply in a farming society.
• Understanding the metaphors in their original context clears up confusion for readers who might find the comparisons odd or unromantic today; in the ancient world, these were vivid and affectionate compliments.