Song Of Solomon 1:16

Behold, thou [art] fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed [is] green.

Behold, thou art fair {H3303}, my beloved {H1730}, yea, pleasant {H5273}: also our bed {H6210} is green {H7488}.

[She] - Look at you! So handsome, so pleasing, my darling! Our bed is the greenery;

How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how delightful! The soft grass is our bed.

Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: Also our couch is green.

Commentary

Song of Solomon 1:16 presents a beautiful expression of mutual admiration and delight between the beloved and her king, likely King Solomon. This verse captures the Shulamite woman's reciprocal praise for her beloved, echoing his earlier compliments to her.

Context

This verse is part of an intimate dialogue within the opening chapter of the Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating marital love and intimacy. The Shulamite woman, having just expressed her longing for her beloved and acknowledged his beauty, now receives his praise in Song of Solomon 1:15. Her response in verse 16 is a direct reciprocation, confirming his attractiveness and the delightful nature of their shared space.

Key Themes

  • Mutual Admiration: The verse powerfully illustrates the healthy dynamic of a relationship where both partners openly express appreciation for each other's beauty and character. Her calling him "fair" and "pleasant" reflects a deep, affectionate regard.
  • Intimacy and Delight: The phrase "our bed is green" is highly evocative. It speaks to a deep, natural intimacy, suggesting a setting of comfort, freshness, and vitality for their love. It implies a relationship that is not only passionate but also refreshing and life-giving.
  • Natural Beauty and Growth: The imagery of "green" connects their love to the flourishing beauty of nature, symbolizing growth, life, and an unblemished, vibrant bond.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fair" (יָפֶה, yafeh) means beautiful or handsome, emphasizing his physical attractiveness. "Pleasant" (נָעִים, na'im) conveys delight, agreeableness, and charm, pointing to his character and presence being enjoyable.

The most striking phrase is "our bed is green." The Hebrew word for "green" (רַעֲנָן, ra'anan) typically describes something lush, verdant, or flourishing, like a tree full of leaves. This is not necessarily a literal bed, but rather a metaphorical expression for their intimate space or relationship. It evokes images of a natural, secluded setting—perhaps a grove or garden—where their love can thrive and be refreshed. This imagery is consistent with the garden motif prevalent throughout the Song of Solomon, symbolizing purity, fertility, and delight.

Practical Application

Song of Solomon 1:16 offers timeless insights for relationships today:

  1. Verbal Affirmation: It underscores the importance of regularly expressing admiration and appreciation to one's spouse or beloved. Such verbal affirmation strengthens bonds and fosters security.
  2. Cultivating a Vibrant Relationship: The "green bed" symbolizes a relationship that is alive, growing, and full of vitality. It encourages couples to create an environment where their love can flourish, finding refreshment and joy in their shared intimacy.
  3. Beauty in God's Design: The verse reminds us that physical and emotional intimacy within the covenant of marriage is a beautiful, God-ordained aspect of human experience, meant to be delightful and life-giving.
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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Psalms 45:2

    Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

  • Zechariah 9:17

    For how great [is] his goodness, and how great [is] his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:7

    ¶ Behold his bed, which [is] Solomon's; threescore valiant men [are] about it, of the valiant of Israel.

  • Revelation 5:11

    And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

  • Revelation 5:13

    And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

  • Psalms 110:3

    Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
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