(The Lord speaking is red text)
My beloved [is] unto me [as] a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.
to me the man I love is a spray of henna flowers in the vineyards of 'Ein-Gedi.
My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi.
My beloved is unto me as a cluster of henna-flowers In the vineyards of En-gedi.
My beloved{H1730} is unto me as a cluster{H811} of camphire{H3724} in the vineyards{H3754} of Engedi{H5872}.
Song of Solomon 1:14 is a verse from the biblical book also known as the Song of Songs, which is a collection of lyrical poems celebrating love, desire, and the beauty of nature and humanity. The verse reads, "My beloved [is] unto me [as] a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi." Engedi is an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, known for its lush vegetation and freshwater springs, contrasting sharply with the surrounding arid landscape.
In this verse, the female speaker compares her lover to "a cluster of camphire," which likely refers to the henna plant, known for its fragrant flowers and use in perfumes and cosmetics. The comparison suggests that her beloved is both rare and delightful, evoking the sweetness and beauty of the camphire blossom amidst the vineyards. The setting of Engedi underscores the idyllic and fertile nature of their love, as the oasis represents a place of refuge and abundance in a harsh environment.
Themes in this verse include the beauty of romantic love, the use of nature to describe human emotions, and the sanctity of the intimate relationship between the lovers. Historically, the Song of Solomon has been interpreted in various ways, including as an allegory of the relationship between God and Israel or between Christ and the Church. However, many modern scholars view it as a celebration of human love and sexuality, emphasizing the mutuality and passion between the lovers. The verse reflects the broader context of the Song of Solomon, which is unique in the Bible for its unabashed portrayal of love and desire between two people, without explicit moral or religious instruction.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)