Song Of Solomon 1:14

KJV

My beloved [is] unto me [as] a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.

KJV (with Strong's)

My beloved {H1730} is unto me as a cluster {H811} of camphire {H3724} in the vineyards {H3754} of Engedi {H5872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to me the man I love is a spray of henna flowers in the vineyards of 'Ein-Gedi.

Berean Standard Bible

My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi.

American Standard Version

My beloved is unto me as a cluster of henna-flowers In the vineyards of En-gedi.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:14 captures the Shulamite woman's profound admiration for her beloved, likening him to a "cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi." This vivid simile conveys his exceptional beauty, delightful fragrance, and the deep pleasure he brings to her, emphasizing his unique and precious qualities within a setting of lush abundance and natural splendor. It is a passionate declaration of personal delight and exclusive affection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the opening dialogue of the Song of Solomon, a lyrical poem celebrating human love. The Shulamite woman, the primary speaker in this section, is expressing her deep longing for and appreciation of her beloved. Her words are part of a tender exchange where she seeks his presence and declares her affection. Preceding this verse, she has expressed her desire for his kisses and acknowledged the delight of his presence among the maidens (Song of Solomon 1:2-4). Following this, the dialogue continues to explore their mutual admiration and the unique qualities each sees in the other, setting a tone of romantic intimacy and passionate devotion that permeates the entire book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon is set in ancient Israel, a land where agriculture, especially viticulture (vineyards) and the cultivation of fragrant plants, was central to life and economy. Engedi, specifically mentioned in this verse, was a renowned oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, famed for its abundant springs, lush vegetation, date palms, and vineyards. It was also known for cultivating valuable aromatic plants like balsam and henna (camphire). The comparison to "camphire" (henna) is significant; henna was highly prized for its fragrant white blossoms and its leaves, which produced a reddish-orange dye used for cosmetics, body art, and hair. To evoke Engedi and camphire was to conjure images of exceptional beauty, fertility, luxury, and delightful sensory experiences in a region often characterized by aridity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Song of Solomon. Foremost is the theme of **Profound Admiration and Delight**, as the Shulamite uses rich natural imagery to articulate the immense value and pleasantness of her beloved. The comparison highlights his **Beauty and Fragrance**, suggesting not only visual appeal but also an alluring scent, much like the pleasant aroma of a garden (as seen in [Song of Solomon 4:16](/song_of_solomon/4-16 "Song of Solomon 4:16 - A Garden of Spices")). It also underscores the theme of **Exclusivity and Personal Affection**, as she declares, "My beloved is unto me," emphasizing the unique and personal joy he brings. Finally, it exemplifies the pervasive use of **Natural Imagery** throughout the book, grounding the celebration of human love in the vibrant, sensory world of ancient Israel, where the natural world serves as a rich tapestry for expressing the depths of human emotion and desire, a characteristic evident in passages like [Song of Solomon 2:1](/song_of_solomon/2-1 "Song of Solomon 2:1 - I Am the Rose of Sharon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root meaning "to boil," this word figuratively means "to love." It implies a love-token, a lover, or a friend, and specifically an uncle. In the Song of Solomon, it is consistently used to refer to the male lover, emphasizing deep affection, endearment, and a cherished relationship, highlighting the intense emotional bond between the Shulamite and her partner.
* **camphire (Hebrew, _kôpher'_):** This term refers to the henna plant, known for its fragrant white flowers that grow in clusters and its leaves used for dye. The word itself, from a root meaning "to cover," can also denote a village (as covered in), bitumen, or even a redemption price. In this context, it specifically points to the henna plant, valued for its beauty, delightful aroma, and ornamental use, symbolizing attractiveness, allure, and pleasantness.
* **Engedi (Hebrew, _ʻÊyn Gedîy'_):** Meaning "fountain of a kid," Engedi is a specific geographical location, a fertile oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. It was renowned for its abundant springs, lush vegetation, and particularly its vineyards and fragrant balsam trees. Its mention evokes a place of exceptional natural beauty, fertility, and delightful sensory experience, contrasting with the surrounding arid landscape and enhancing the preciousness of the "cluster of camphire."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My beloved is unto me":** This opening phrase establishes the deeply personal and subjective nature of the Shulamite's declaration. It emphasizes her exclusive perception and affection for her beloved, indicating that his value and beauty are uniquely experienced and appreciated by her. It is a statement of possessive endearment, signaling the intimate bond between them.
* **"as a cluster of camphire":** This is the core of the simile, comparing the beloved to a cluster of henna blossoms. The "cluster" suggests abundance and richness, while "camphire" (henna) signifies beauty, fragrance, and a delightful, alluring presence. This comparison highlights the beloved's attractiveness, his pleasantness, and the joy he brings, much like the sensory pleasure derived from a fragrant, beautiful plant.
* **"in the vineyards of Engedi":** This phrase provides the specific, idyllic setting for the "cluster of camphire." Engedi, known for its lushness and fertility, enhances the value and preciousness of the camphire cluster. It suggests that the beloved's qualities are not merely beautiful in isolation but are found in a place of exceptional abundance and natural splendor, making his presence even more delightful and rare, like a prized plant in a perfect garden.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Simile**, explicitly using "as" to draw a direct comparison between the beloved and a "cluster of camphire." This comparison is not merely descriptive but evocative, conveying the Shulamite's deep emotional response. **Imagery** is powerfully employed, appealing to multiple senses: sight (the cluster, the lush vineyards), smell (the fragrance of camphire), and even a sense of touch or taste (the implied richness and delight). The phrase "vineyards of Engedi" itself is a vivid **Topographical Image**, painting a picture of an idyllic, fertile oasis. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is at play, as "camphire" symbolizes beauty, fragrance, and allure, while "Engedi" symbolizes a place of lushness, fertility, and exceptional natural beauty, amplifying the beloved's preciousness and the delight he brings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While primarily a celebration of human romantic love, Song of Solomon 1:14, like the entire book, has been interpreted allegorically by many traditions to represent the divine love between God and His people, or Christ and the Church. In this light, the Shulamite's profound admiration for her beloved can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's deep delight in Christ, recognizing His surpassing beauty, fragrance (His perfect character and sacrifice), and the life-giving abundance He provides. Just as the beloved is a source of unique joy and satisfaction, Christ is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and delight, making the believer's life a "vineyard of Engedi" where His presence flourishes. This verse underscores the theme of cherishing and delighting in the beloved, whether human or divine, and finding ultimate satisfaction in their presence.

* [Song of Solomon 4:13](/song_of_solomon/4-13 "Song of Solomon 4:13 - A Garden of Spices and Fragrant Plants")
* [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth")
* [Psalm 45:8](/psalms/45-8 "Psalm 45:8 - All Your Garments Are Fragrant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 1:14 invites us to cultivate a deep and expressive appreciation for those we love. The Shulamite does not merely feel affection; she articulates it with rich, sensory language, comparing her beloved to something exceptionally beautiful and delightful found in an ideal setting. This challenges us to move beyond generic expressions of love and to truly see, value, and vocalize the unique qualities of our partners, family, and friends. It encourages us to find specific, vivid ways to affirm their worth and the joy they bring into our lives, creating a culture of active appreciation. Furthermore, it reminds us that true love finds delight in the beloved's inherent qualities, viewing them as a precious gift, much like a rare and fragrant blossom in a lush garden. This perspective fosters gratitude and deepens connection, transforming ordinary relationships into extraordinary celebrations of mutual admiration and joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I express specific and rich appreciation for the people I love?**
* **What unique qualities in my loved ones bring me delight, and how can I articulate them more vividly?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate an "Engedi" (a place of beauty and abundance) in my relationships, fostering an environment where love can flourish?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "camphire" and "Engedi" in this verse?**

Answer: The terms "camphire" and "Engedi" are highly significant because they are rich in sensory and cultural meaning, elevating the praise of the beloved. "Camphire" (Hebrew: *kopher*) refers to the henna plant, which was prized in ancient times for its intensely fragrant white blossoms and its leaves, used to create a reddish-orange dye for cosmetics and body art. By comparing her beloved to a "cluster of camphire," the Shulamite is emphasizing his exceptional beauty, delightful fragrance, and the alluring pleasure he brings, much like the sensory delight of the henna plant. "Engedi" (Hebrew: *ʻÊyn Gedîy*, meaning "fountain of a kid") is a fertile oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, famous for its abundant springs, lush vegetation, date palms, and vineyards. It was a place of rare beauty and fertility in an otherwise arid region. Placing the "cluster of camphire" specifically "in the vineyards of Engedi" amplifies the beloved's preciousness and desirability. It suggests that his qualities are not just beautiful in themselves but are found in an idyllic, abundant, and highly cherished setting, making him even more valuable and delightful, like a rare treasure in a perfect garden. The combination creates an image of unparalleled attractiveness and profound satisfaction, grounding the beloved's appeal in the most exquisite natural imagery available to the ancient audience, as seen in other descriptions of natural beauty throughout [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/4-13 "Song of Solomon 4:13 - A Garden of Spices").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 1:14 celebrates the beauty and delight found in human romantic love, it also provides a rich allegorical lens through which to understand the believer's profound adoration for Jesus Christ. Just as the Shulamite's beloved is to her "as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi"—a source of unparalleled beauty, fragrance, and delight—so too is Christ to the believer. He is the one whose perfections are beyond compare, whose character is a sweet aroma to God and to those who are being saved ([2 Corinthians 2:14-16](/2_corinthians/2-14 "2 Corinthians 2:14-16 - The Aroma of Christ")). He is the ultimate source of life and spiritual abundance, transforming the barrenness of our lives into a spiritual "Engedi" where His presence flourishes and bears fruit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I Am the Vine, You Are the Branches")). The Shulamite's exclusive declaration, "My beloved is unto me," mirrors the believer's personal and supreme valuing of Christ, echoing Paul's declaration that he considers everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Paul's Supreme Value of Christ")). This verse, therefore, beautifully foreshadows the Church's profound love for her Bridegroom, Jesus, who is utterly delightful, perfectly beautiful, and the source of all spiritual joy and flourishing, having loved His Church and given Himself up for her ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 23:29

And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

1 Samuel 24:1

¶ And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David [is] in the wilderness of Engedi.

Song Of Solomon 2:3

¶ As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit [was] sweet to my taste.

Song Of Solomon 1:13

A bundle of myrrh [is] my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

Joshua 15:62

And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.

Song Of Solomon 4:13

Thy plants [are] an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,

Song Of Solomon 4:14

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