TRV
“A Summons to Love”· Song of Solomon 2:10–13
Translation
King James Version
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
Complete Jewish Bible
the flowers are appearing in the countryside, the time has come for [the birds] to sing, and the cooing of doves can be heard in the land.
Berean Standard Bible
The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land.
American Standard Version
The flowers appear on the earth; The time of the singing of birds is come, And the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land;
World English Bible Messianic
The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The flowers appeare in the earth: the time of the singing of birdes is come, and the voyce of the turtle is heard in our land.
Young's Literal Translation
The flowers have appeared in the earth, The time of the singing hath come, And the voice of the turtle was heard in our land,
In the KJVVerse 17,567 of 31,102 · 56.5%
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Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
10 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Each one of the blessed will first be obliged to travel the narrow and hard way in winter to show what knowledge he has acquired for guiding his life, so that afterwards there may take place what is said in the Song of Songs to the bride when she has safely passed through the winter. For she says, "My beloved answers and says to me, 'Arise and come away, my love, my fair one, my dove; for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.' " And you must keep in mind that you cannot hear "the winter is past" any other way than by entering the contest of this present winter with all your strength and might and main. And after the winter is past and the rain is over and gone, the flowers will appear that are planted in the house of the Lord and flourish in the courts of our God.
There is thus no doubt that winter has a double meaning, either that harshness and severity belong to it, or that it is a time for sowing with the coming of the rain. When it says winter, therefore, it refers to the present world, where the Word of God is sowed in this age like a seed of righteousness by prophets and apostles, or priests, and is fertilized by assiduous preaching, as though by rains from heaven.…But with the passing of winter, that is, the tribulations of this world, and the cessation of the rains, that is, the preaching of the Word of God, and the subsequent arrival of the joy of Spring (which designates the coming of Christ’s vernal kingdom in great peace), then the bodies of the saints everywhere will emerge from the graves of the earth like flowers—lilies or roses—pure white with holiness and red with passion.
He is a fine deer, whose mountain is the house of God, to which he runs with such speed that he surpasses the wishes and desires of his bride. Indeed, when he saw him coming from afar, he suddenly recognized that he was present beside him. Hence he says: Behold, he is here behind our wall, looking through the windows, peering through the lattice. My cousin answered and said to me: Arise, come, my nearest one, my beautiful one, my dove; for behold, winter has passed, the rain has gone, it has departed for itself, flowers have appeared on the earth. Winter is the Synagogue: the rain is the Jewish people, who could not see the sun: the apostles are the flowers. And he added: The harvest of the incision has come, the voice of the turtledove was heard in our land. That harvest is the faith of the Church: the voice of the turtledove is chastity.
"Arise, come to me, my love," that is, rise from worldly pleasures, rise from earthly things, and come to me, who are still laboring and burdened, because you are anxious for the things of the world. Come above the world, come to me, for I have conquered the world. Come near to me now, beautiful with the beauty of eternal life, now a dove, that is, gentle and meek, now completely full of spiritual grace. Now winter has passed, that is, Easter has come, indulgence has come, remission of sins has come, temptation has ceased, the rain has gone, the storm has gone, and the shaking. Before the coming of Christ, there is winter, after His coming there are flowers. Hence it says: Flowers are seen on the earth. Where there were thorns before, there are now flowers. It is said that the time for cutting has come. Where there was a desert before, there is now a harvest. The voice of the turtle-dove has been heard in our land.
Then the bridegroom makes answer to the bride and teaches her that the shadow of the old law has passed away and the truth of the gospel has come. “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away, for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.” … “The voice of the turtle [dove] is heard in our land.” The turtle [dove], the most chaste of birds, always dwelling in lofty places, is a type of the Savior.
Immediately the turtle says to its fellow, “The fig tree has put forth its green figs,” that is, the commandments of the old law have fallen, and the blossoming vines of the gospel give forth their fragrance.… While you covered your countenance like Moses and the veil of the law remained, I neither saw your face, nor did I condescend to hear your voice. I said, “Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear.” But now, with unveiled face behold my glory, and shelter yourself in the cleft and steep places of the solid rock.
Such did the Savior of all become toward us, showing the most perfect gentleness, and like a turtle [dove], moreover, soothing the world and filling his own vineyard, even us who believe in him, with the sweet sound of his voice. For it is written in the Song of Songs, "The voice of the turtle[dove] has been heard in our land." For Christ has spoken to us the divine message of the gospel, which is for the salvation of the whole world.
Also in the Song of Songs we find Christ calling to the bride there described, and who represents the person of the church, in these words: "Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. For lo! the winter is past, and the rain is gone; it has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning is come." … A certain spring-like calm was about to arise for those who believe in him.
It makes sense, therefore, for the bridegroom to call the bride, mature in virtue as she is, “dove,” that is, spiritual and filled with the Holy Spirit.…The bridegroom encourages and consoles his church in its struggle with trials, “peeps through the windows and looks in through the netting,” and urges her to stand fast and to fly to him.…
He is saying, if you rest in the middle of the two Testaments and draw benefit from both, you will find there the manifold gifts of the Spirit. The bride, accordingly, by accepting the spiritual exhortation and lying between the lots, found the wings coated in silver through which she was bidden fly up to the bridegroom.
The voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. The voice of the preacher has been heard in the land, which has now begun to be ours, having received the word of faith; of which it is said in the psalm of the first Sabbath, that is the resurrection of the Lord, which has become the first of the Sabbaths; "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof" (Psalm 23). For the voice of the turtledove, which by its sound usually signifies the end of winter and the coming of spring, suits those who know how to say that the darkness has passed away, and the true light now shines (1 John 2). The voice of the turtledove, which humbly resounds with a groan instead of a song, fits those who, mindful of their pilgrimage and the promised homeland, are accustomed to say: "But we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for the adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." They also cry out to their listeners, "Be miserable, and mourn; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into sorrow." The bird itself, which is a lover of chastity, and always dwells on mountain peaks and treetops, represents the life of those who declare for themselves and others that it is good for a man not to touch a woman (1 Corinthians 7), and, "Our conversation is in heaven" (Philippians 3). For the fact that it shuns the roofs of men and their company and prefers to live in forests and deserts, signifies those who, although placed in the world in body, are separated from it in mind and desire to see the things above.
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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Summary
Song of Solomon 2:12 offers a vibrant poetic declaration of spring's triumphant arrival, painting a sensory-rich picture of nature's awakening. It describes the blossoming of flowers across the landscape, the joyous return of singing birds, and the distinctive, gentle call of the turtledove, all serving as unmistakable signals that winter's dormancy has passed. This verse ushers in a season of renewal, profound joy, and flourishing life, providing the idyllic backdrop for the lover's earnest invitation to his beloved, emphasizing the perfect timing for their shared experience of love and delight within creation's beauty.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal component within a larger poetic section spanning Song of Solomon 2:8-14, where the male lover, often identified as King Solomon, describes his eager approach and passionate invitation to his beloved, the Shulamite woman. Immediately preceding this verse, Song of Solomon 2:11 vividly portrays the harsh, cold, and rainy winter, characterized by its absence of life and beauty. Song of Solomon 2:12 then bursts forth as a joyful announcement of a complete transformation of the landscape, moving from barrenness to abundance. It meticulously sets an idyllic scene of beauty, vitality, and auditory delight, providing the compelling natural rationale for the lover's ardent plea for his beloved to "rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away," as articulated in Song of Solomon 2:10. The imagery here is far more than mere description; it is a persuasive and evocative backdrop, creating a sense of urgency and opportune timing for their shared intimacy amidst nature's glorious reawakening.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the arrival of spring held profound significance, marking the crucial transition from the cold, rainy winter to the dry, warm season essential for agricultural sustenance. The natural phenomena described in this verse—the emergence of flowers and the return of migratory birds, particularly the turtledove—were universally recognized and eagerly anticipated indicators of this vital seasonal shift. The turtledove (Hebrew: tôr) was especially noted for its punctual migration, a regularity even referenced in prophetic literature, as seen in Jeremiah 8:7. This period was intrinsically linked with new growth, the commencement of planting, and a pervasive sense of hope and prosperity following the lean, dormant winter months. The rich imagery of Song of Solomon 2:12 would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, symbolizing not only the sheer beauty of the natural world but also the tangible promise of renewed sustenance, abundance, and flourishing life, deeply intertwined with their daily existence and well-being.
Key Themes
Song of Solomon 2:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of Renewal and New Life, signifying the triumph of vitality over dormancy and the promise of fresh beginnings. This theme extends beyond the natural world, subtly suggesting a season ripe for spiritual and relational growth and flourishing. Secondly, the verse masterfully evokes Joy and Celebration, as the harmonious sounds of singing birds and the distinctive voice of the turtledove fill the air, creating an atmosphere of palpable delight and contentment. This rich sensory experience underscores the inherent happiness and vibrancy of the season. Lastly, positioned as it is within the lover's invitation, the verse highlights the theme of Intimacy and Companionship, emphasizing the beautiful and opportune setting for shared love and deep connection. This natural beauty provides an idyllic backdrop for the blossoming of human affection, echoing the pristine and harmonious setting of creation itself, as profoundly described in Genesis 2.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a root meaning "blossom," this word precisely signifies the emergence of new floral life, symbolizing renewal, beauty, and the vibrant awakening of nature after a period of dormancy. Its appearance "on the earth" marks a visible and transformative sign of spring's arrival, infusing the landscape with color and vitality.
This term refers to a song, often implying one accompanied by instrumental music, evoking a profound sense of joy, celebration, and harmonious sound. Its presence indicates a time of gladness and melody, specifically attributed to the birds whose return fills the air with their characteristic sounds, signaling the definitive end of winter's quietude and the beginning of a vibrant, audible season.
Specifically denoting the ring-dove or turtledove, this migratory bird's punctual return was a widely known and eagerly anticipated sign of spring in ancient Israel. Its distinctive cooing voice marks the season's change, and the bird itself is often used figuratively as a term of endearment, underscoring its gentle, evocative, and beloved presence in the springtime landscape.
Verse Breakdown
"The flowers appear on the earth"
This opening clause vividly depicts the first visible and tangible signs of spring, as dormant plant life bursts forth in a profusion of color and new growth, transforming the landscape from barrenness to breathtaking beauty. It signifies the physical and undeniable manifestation of nature's renewal.
"the time of the singing [of birds] is come"
This phrase signifies the joyous return of migratory birds, whose melodious sounds fill the air, marking the definitive end of winter's quietude and the vibrant commencement of an audibly lively season. It speaks to the auditory dimension of nature's reawakening, a symphony of new life.
"and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land"
The "turtle" here refers specifically to the turtledove, a particular migratory bird whose distinctive cooing call was a clear, widely recognized, and deeply anticipated indicator of spring's arrival in ancient Israel. This phrase further emphasizes the completeness of the seasonal shift, highlighting a specific sound that was profoundly associated with the promise of warmer, more fertile, and more abundant times.
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 2:12 is exceptionally rich in Imagery, painting a vivid sensory picture of spring's arrival through both visual (the "flowers appear on the earth") and auditory (the "singing of birds," the "voice of the turtle") details. This creates a powerful and immediate sense of Atmosphere, one permeated with joy, renewal, and idyllic beauty. The verse employs Personification subtly yet effectively by attributing "singing" and a "voice" to the birds and turtledove, suggesting a harmonious chorus of nature actively celebrating the season. The entire verse functions as a profound Symbolism of new beginnings, flourishing life, and the triumph of vitality. The dramatic transition from winter (implied by the preceding verse) to spring symbolizes a move from hardship, dormancy, or barrenness to a time of growth, delight, and intimacy. The specific mention of the turtledove, a migratory bird known for its punctual return, also serves as a potent Metonymy for the entire season of spring, as its arrival was the quintessential signpost for the change of seasons.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Beyond its immediate context as a celebration of human love and nature's exquisite beauty, Song of Solomon 2:12 resonates with profound theological themes. It speaks eloquently to God's enduring faithfulness in sustaining creation, bringing forth life and beauty in its appointed season, thereby echoing the divine order established from the very beginning. The dramatic shift from winter to spring can be seen as a powerful metaphor for spiritual revival, a time when the "winter" of spiritual dryness, dormancy, or struggle gives way to a "spring" of renewed communion, joy, and fruitfulness in the believer's life. This verse underscores the pervasive biblical emphasis on God's active and benevolent presence in the natural world and His continuous work of renewal, both physically in creation and spiritually in the hearts of His people.
Reflection and Application
Song of Solomon 2:12 profoundly invites us to cultivate a posture of keen attentiveness and responsive embrace of the seasons of life, both those manifest in the natural world and those experienced in our spiritual journeys. Just as nature transitions from the starkness of winter to the vibrancy of spring, our lives inevitably experience cycles of challenge, dormancy, and glorious renewal. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement to actively look for, anticipate, and wholeheartedly embrace periods of growth, fresh starts, and restored vitality, particularly after enduring difficult or barren times. It serves as a tender reminder that God is perpetually at work, ceaselessly bringing forth beauty and newness, and it calls us to actively participate in His ongoing work of transformation within our own lives and in the world around us. It is a compelling call to shed the old, embrace the new, and to find profound joy in the unfolding beauty of God's creation and the magnificent tapestry of His redemptive plan. We are thus encouraged to appreciate the divine artistry so evident in the natural world, seeing it as an undeniable testament to the Creator's meticulous care and boundless provision, and to respond with open hearts to the divine invitation to deeper intimacy and spiritual flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the specific significance of the "voice of the turtle" in this verse, and why is it mentioned?
The "voice of the turtle" refers specifically to the turtledove (Hebrew: tôwr), a migratory bird whose punctual return to the land of Israel historically marked the definitive and eagerly anticipated arrival of spring. Its distinctive, gentle cooing call was a welcome and unmistakable sound after the quiet, often harsh winter months. Therefore, its mention is highly significant as it serves as a powerful and widely recognized symbol of the season's change, signifying the completeness of nature's reawakening and the end of the cold, rainy season that was explicitly mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:11. It underscores the full transition to a time of warmth, fertility, and new life.
Is Song of Solomon 2:12 purely about romantic love, or does it carry deeper theological meanings?
While Song of Solomon 2:12 is undeniably a beautiful and sensuous expression within the immediate context of human romantic love, celebrating the joy and beauty of intimacy between a man and a woman, it is also widely interpreted allegorically in various theological traditions. Many scholars and spiritual leaders understand the Song of Solomon as a rich allegory for God's passionate and covenantal love for His people, or, more specifically, Christ's profound and unwavering love for the Church, His Bride. In this allegorical sense, the verse symbolizes spiritual revival, the end of spiritual barrenness or dormancy, and an urgent, loving invitation from Christ to His beloved (the believer or the Church) to enter into a season of renewed communion, profound joy, and abundant spiritual flourishing. This dual interpretation allows for both a celebration of the sacredness of human love and a deeper, spiritually enriching reflection on divine love and the promise of new beginnings, particularly within the context of the New Covenant established through Christ, which is described as a "better covenant" in Hebrews 8:6.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Song of Solomon 2:12, with its vivid imagery of renewal, the triumph of life over dormancy, and the ushering in of a season of joy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal "springtime" for humanity, bringing a decisive end to the "winter" of sin, death, and spiritual barrenness that plagued creation since the fall. Just as the flowers appear and the birds sing, Christ's advent and, supremely, His resurrection, ushered in a radical new creation, where "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" and "the old has passed away; behold, the new has come." His glorious resurrection from the grave is the ultimate blossoming, conquering death's dominion and bringing forth the promise of eternal life for all who believe, thereby perfectly fulfilling the prophetic hope that death would be "swallowed up in victory," as foretold in Isaiah 25:8. The "voice of the turtle," signaling a season of joy and life, can be seen as a beautiful foreshadowing of the "good news" proclaimed by Christ, the very voice of the Gospel that calls humanity out of the darkness of sin into His marvelous light, as celebrated in 1 Peter 2:9. In Christ, the time of true spiritual singing, flourishing, and intimate communion has irrevocably come, inviting us into an eternal relationship with the Bridegroom of the Church, where love blossoms forever.