Song Of Solomon 1:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:16 captures the Shulamite woman's heartfelt reciprocal praise for her beloved, affirming his beauty and pleasantness. This verse deepens the intimate dialogue between the lovers, highlighting their mutual admiration and the profound delight they find in each other. The evocative phrase "also our bed is green" symbolizes a relationship characterized by vibrant vitality, flourishing intimacy, and a refreshing, natural environment where their love thrives. It speaks to a shared space of comfort, growth, and unblemished joy within their sacred bond.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 1:16 is an integral part of the opening dialogue in this unique poetic book, serving as the Shulamite's direct and enthusiastic response to her beloved's praise of her in [Song of Solomon 1:15](/song_of_solomon/1-15 "Song of Solomon 1:15 - The Beloved's Praise"). This immediate reciprocation, where she mirrors his compliments, establishes a foundational pattern of mutual affirmation and respect that permeates their entire relationship. The verse's placement early in the narrative sets a tone of deep intimacy and shared delight, hinting at the developing emotional and physical bond that will be explored in greater depth throughout the book. The mention of "our bed" in this initial exchange introduces the theme of their shared private space, a theme that reappears in various forms, such as in the longing expressed in [Song of Solomon 2:6](/song_of_solomon/2-6 "Song of Solomon 2:6 - His Left Hand Is Under My Head") and the consummation described later.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the ancient Near East, where nature, gardens, and pastoral settings were frequently used as metaphors for love, fertility, and romance. The imagery of "green" and "bed" within a natural context aligns with the common practice of seeking secluded, lush environments for intimate encounters or restful contemplation. The "bed" (_ʻeres_) here may not refer to a constructed piece of furniture but rather a metaphorical "couch" or resting place, perhaps under trees or in a garden, which was a common romantic motif in the literature of the period. This emphasis on natural beauty and flourishing life speaks to a society deeply connected to its agricultural surroundings, drawing profound symbolism for human relationships from the natural world, much like wisdom literature often connects human flourishing to natural processes, as seen in [Proverbs 3:18](/proverbs/3-18 "Proverbs 3:18 - Wisdom as a Tree of Life").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Song of Solomon. Firstly, **Mutual Admiration and Affirmation** is central, demonstrating a healthy, balanced relationship where both partners openly express appreciation for each other's beauty, character, and presence. This reciprocal praise fosters security, deepens affection, and builds a foundation of respect. Secondly, **Intimacy and Delight** are vividly portrayed through the phrase "our bed is green," which speaks to a profound, natural, and refreshing shared space for their love. It implies a relationship that is not only passionate but also life-giving, invigorating, and a sanctuary of joy. Lastly, the theme of **Natural Beauty and Growth** is reinforced by the "green" imagery, connecting their love to the vibrant, flourishing aspects of creation. This symbolizes a love that is alive, growing, pure, and unblemished, echoing the pervasive garden motif found throughout the Song, such as in the description of the beloved as a "garden locked up" in [Song of Solomon 4:12](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12 - A Garden Locked Up").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root meaning properly, to boil, i.e., (figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle; (well-) beloved, father's brother, love, uncle. In this context, it is used as an intimate term of endearment, signifying deep affection and a cherished relationship, highlighting the lover as the unique and intensely desired object of devotion.
* **fair (Hebrew, _yâpheh'_):** From יָפָה; beautiful (literally or figuratively); [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. This term emphasizes the physical attractiveness and aesthetic appeal of the beloved, indicating that the Shulamite finds him visually pleasing and handsome, mirroring his earlier compliment to her and affirming his outward grace.
* **green (Hebrew, _raʻănân'_):** From an unused root meaning to be green; verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous; green, flourishing. This term describes something lush, flourishing, and vibrant, like a healthy tree or plant. Applied to their "bed," it metaphorically conveys freshness, vitality, growth, and prosperity within their intimate relationship, suggesting a thriving and unblemished union.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant:"** This opening clause is the Shulamite's direct, enthusiastic, and comprehensive affirmation of her beloved. The exclamation "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) serves to draw immediate attention to her profound observation and deep feeling. She first declares him "fair" (_yâpheh_), acknowledging his physical attractiveness and comeliness, mirroring his earlier praise of her. She then extends her commendation by adding "yea, pleasant" (_nâʻîym_), which goes beyond mere physical beauty to describe his agreeable character, charming presence, and the sheer delight he brings to her. This dual description highlights both his outward appeal and his inner charm, demonstrating a holistic appreciation. Her use of "my beloved" (_dôwd_) underscores the personal, intimate, and possessive nature of her address, marking him as the unique object of her affection and devotion.
* **"also our bed is green."** This striking and highly evocative phrase shifts from direct praise to symbolic imagery, describing the state and nature of their shared intimacy. The "bed" (_ʻeres_) here is not necessarily a literal piece of furniture but a metaphorical representation of their intimate space, their shared relationship, or the context of their love. The descriptor "green" (_raʻănân_) is profoundly symbolic, suggesting lushness, vitality, freshness, flourishing life, and even prosperity. It implies that their shared space—whether physical or metaphorical—is vibrant, healthy, continually growing, and full of life, free from decay or barrenness. This imagery conveys a sense of natural comfort, purity, and a perpetually renewed delight and fruitfulness within their union, a place of abundant life and unblemished joy.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 1:16 is rich with **Imagery**, particularly the vivid picture of a "green bed." This phrase employs **Metaphor** to describe the state of the lovers' relationship, equating their shared intimacy and space with a verdant, flourishing environment. The color "green" is a powerful **Symbol** of life, growth, freshness, vitality, and prosperity, suggesting that their love is not stagnant but continually renewed, thriving, and blessed. This natural imagery is consistent with the pastoral settings and garden motifs prevalent throughout the Song, reinforcing themes of purity, fertility, and delight. The Shulamite's reciprocal praise also demonstrates **Parallelism** with the beloved's earlier affirmation in [Song of Solomon 1:15](/song_of_solomon/1-15 "Song of Solomon 1:15 - The Beloved's Praise"), creating a harmonious call-and-response structure that highlights their mutual admiration and the balanced nature of their affection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 1:16, while a profound celebration of human marital love, subtly points to deeper theological truths about relationships as designed and blessed by God. It underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a place of mutual affirmation, deep delight, and flourishing intimacy. The reciprocal praise between the lovers reflects the ideal of a relationship where both partners genuinely see, cherish, and express appreciation for the beauty and character in the other, not merely physically but in their very being. The evocative "green bed" symbolizes a covenantal space that is vibrant, life-giving, and continually renewed, mirroring God's desire for human relationships to be marked by growth, purity, and abundant joy. This passage affirms the sacredness and beauty of marital intimacy as a gift from God, intended for mutual pleasure, the cultivation of a thriving bond, and a reflection of His own relational nature.

* [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18-19 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth")
* [Ephesians 5:28-29](/ephesians/5-28-29 "Ephesians 5:28-29 - Love Your Own Body")
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 1:16 offers timeless wisdom for cultivating healthy and vibrant relationships in any era. The Shulamite's immediate and enthusiastic affirmation of her beloved reminds us of the profound power of verbal praise and appreciation. In a world often quick to criticize or take partners for granted, intentionally expressing admiration for a spouse's character, appearance, and presence can significantly strengthen emotional bonds and foster a sense of security and value. This verse challenges us to be proactive in our affirmation, recognizing and vocalizing the qualities we cherish in our loved ones. Furthermore, the imagery of "our bed is green" serves as a powerful metaphor for the state of our intimate relationships. It challenges us to actively cultivate an environment where love can flourish, remain fresh, and continually grow. This means prioritizing quality time, nurturing shared interests, communicating openly and honestly, and ensuring that the "space" of our relationship—whether physical or emotional—is a place of refreshment, vitality, and unblemished joy, rather than neglect or stagnation. It encourages us to see our relationships as living entities that require ongoing care, intentionality, and spiritual nourishment to remain verdant and thriving, reflecting God's design for life-giving union.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I verbally affirm my loved ones, particularly my spouse, for both their inner qualities and outward appearance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that the "bed" or shared space of my most important relationships remains "green" and flourishing?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a sense of freshness and vitality in my relationship, preventing it from becoming stagnant or dry?**
* **How does the mutual admiration depicted in this verse challenge me to see and appreciate the beauty in my partner as God sees them?**

### FAQ
**Is the "bed" in Song of Solomon 1:16 a literal bed, or is it metaphorical?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word for "bed" (_ʻeres_) can refer to a literal couch or bed, in the context of Song of Solomon 1:16 and the broader poetic nature of the book, it is widely understood to be primarily metaphorical. It symbolizes the intimate space shared by the lovers, encompassing their physical union, emotional connection, and the sanctuary of their relationship. The phrase "our bed is green" further supports this metaphorical interpretation, as it describes the *quality* of their intimacy rather than a physical object. It suggests a flourishing, vibrant, and natural setting for their love, perhaps evoking images of a verdant garden or a secluded, lush resting place where their affection thrives, consistent with the pervasive garden motif found throughout the Song of Solomon, such as in [Song of Solomon 4:12](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12 - A Garden Locked Up").

**What is the significance of the "green" imagery in this verse?**

Answer: The term "green" (Hebrew: _raʻănân_) is highly significant and symbolic. It literally means verdant, lush, or flourishing, often used to describe healthy, vibrant plant life. When applied to the "bed" or intimate space of the lovers, it symbolizes several profound qualities of their relationship: **Vitality and Life:** Their love is alive, dynamic, and full of energy, not stagnant or decaying. **Growth and Freshness:** It suggests a relationship that is continually developing, renewed, and invigorating, preventing monotony. **Purity and Naturalness:** The imagery evokes an unblemished, authentic, and organic bond, free from artificiality or corruption. **Prosperity and Blessing:** In biblical thought, greenness can also be associated with blessing, fruitfulness, and prosperity, implying that their union is blessed and thriving. This imagery reinforces the idea that their intimacy is a source of refreshment and joy, a place where their love can genuinely flourish, much like a well-watered tree described in [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 1:16 directly celebrates the beauty of human marital love, its themes of mutual admiration, flourishing intimacy, and the beloved's delight subtly foreshadow the ultimate divine love between Christ and His Church. Just as the Shulamite finds her beloved "fair" and "pleasant," the Church, as the Bride of Christ, recognizes the unparalleled beauty, perfection, and delightful character of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "beloved" who is "altogether lovely" ([Song of Solomon 5:16](/song_of_solomon/5-16 "Song of Solomon 5:16 - His Utter Loveliness")), the one who laid down His life for His bride ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loved the Church")), and who continually draws her into deeper communion. The "green bed" symbolizing a vibrant, flourishing intimacy finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the new covenant relationship. Through Christ, believers are brought into a living, growing union with God, where spiritual life is continually refreshed and renewed by the Holy Spirit, like "rivers of living water" ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). This divine "bed" is not a physical place but the spiritual reality of communion with Christ, a relationship characterized by abundant life, purity, and unending delight, culminating in the eternal marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where the Bride and Bridegroom are united in perfect and perpetual joy.

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

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.