Song of Solomon 1:16

Translation
King James Version
Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Behold, thou art fair H3303, my beloved H1730, yea, pleasant H5273: also our bed H6210 is green H7488.
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Complete Jewish Bible
[She] - Look at you! So handsome, so pleasing, my darling! Our bed is the greenery;
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Berean Standard Bible
How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how delightful! The soft grass is our bed.
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American Standard Version
Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: Also our couch is green.
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World English Bible Messianic
Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, yes, pleasant; and our couch is verdant. Lover
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The beames of our house are cedars, our rafters are of firre.
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Young's Literal Translation
Lo, thou art fair, my love, yea, pleasant, Yea, our couch is green,
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See also
Song of Solomon 2:3Psalms 45:2Zechariah 9:17Song of Solomon 3:7Revelation 5:11Revelation 5:13Psalms 110:3
In the KJVVerse 17,554 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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. 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 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.
  • 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.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • beloved (Hebrew, dôwd', H1730): 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', H3303): 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', H7488): 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, 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.

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.

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.

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), the one who laid down His life for His bride (Ephesians 5:25), 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). 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), where the Bride and Bridegroom are united in perfect and perpetual joy.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, and comely. As if it openly says: Indeed whatever beauty, simplicity, and spiritual grace I have, I have certainly received this through you, by whom I have also obtained forgiveness of sins and the efficacy of good action. But you are truly beautiful and comely without comparison, because you are God before the ages, always begotten from the Father, and when the time of my redemption came, conceived and born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin mother; not only free from all stain of iniquity, but also full of grace and truth, and you came into the world, and lived in the world; moreover, to all who partake of your grace, so that they too might be beautiful with virtues, you have given. Therefore, you are beautiful and comely, that is, wonderful both by the perpetuity of divine nature and the dignity of the assumed humanity. The splendor of whose beauty, because it usually becomes known to hearts at rest from exterior act, the more freely, the more clearly, according to that of the Psalmist, “Be at leisure and see that I am God” (Psalm 46), it rightly adds:
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
Our bed is in bloom. For sometimes the holy Church, as though in a bed with the Lord, indeed her Bridegroom, rests; sometimes it stands with Him against the enemies in the battlefield; it stands in the battlefield when, in the face of sharper assaults of temptations, it engages in the struggle of faith against the wicked even unto blood; but it rests in the bed when, as times smile with peace, it renders free service to Him, turning the serene gaze of the mind to behold the glory of His majesty. Hence, rightly is the same bed said to be in bloom, because indeed the saints enjoy the tranquility of the times, and then they especially dedicate themselves to sacred readings, fasts, prayers, and other fruits of the Spirit, when they refrain from the labors of tribulations. Then they elevate themselves higher in the contemplation of heavenly matters, when they receive a serene time free from external disturbances. Moreover, the bed of the Church can rightly be understood to be in bloom, not only because of the works of purity, through which each of the elect arrive at the fruit of eternal life, but also because of the offspring of the faithful, whom the Church herself customarily brings forth to God, fragrant with the bloom of faith, through water and spirit. To this action, which indeed the Lord cooperates with and confirms the word, she subjects herself more diligently the more she perceives a tranquil and peaceful time from the persecution of the envious by His granting. And it is to be noted that throughout the text of this little book, the bride always desires to remain in the house or in the bed or any other inner place with her Beloved, which is more fitting for the female sex; but the Bridegroom himself, which is fitting for the male, calls his friend to external works, namely, to the vineyards or gardens or other such things: because indeed the holy Church, if it could be, always desires to converse with the Lord in the peace of worldly tranquility, to propagate and nurture heavenly offspring for Him. But truly, He disposes that she be exercised with frequent tribulations in the present time, in order that she may come to eternal goods purer, and lest, if all temporal things perhaps run prosperous, delighted by the residence of the present exile, she might yearn less for the heavenly homeland. Therefore, the bride of Christ, desiring to live a quiet life with Him, consequently indicates what kind of houses she would like to receive Him in, saying
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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