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“A Summons to Love”· Song of Solomon 2:10–13
Translation
King James Version
The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Complete Jewish Bible
The fig trees are forming their unripe figs, and the grapevines in bloom give out their perfume. Get up, my love, my beauty! Come away!"
Berean Standard Bible
The fig tree ripens its figs; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come away, my darling; come away with me, my beautiful one.”
American Standard Version
The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs, And the vines are in blossom; They give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
World English Bible Messianic
The fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give out their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” Lover
Geneva Bible (1599)
The figtree hath brought foorth her yong figges: and the vines with their small grapes haue cast a sauour: arise my loue, my faire one, and come away.
Young's Literal Translation
The fig-tree hath ripened her green figs, And the sweet-smelling vines have given forth fragrance, Rise, come, my friend, my fair one, yea, come away.
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Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
9 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.
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 flowering vines have given forth their fragrance. For through the blossoming of the vines, the beginnings of the multiplying Churches, from that one which was first planted in Jerusalem, through its fragrance diffused far and wide, its fame was expressed. For what is more pleasant than the fragrance of a flowering vine? Since indeed the juice expressed from their flowers makes the kind of cup that is suitable for both health and pleasure. Who would not easily see the comparison with the reputation of good deeds? Therefore, the example of the vines, from which wine is born that gladdens the heart of man, is fitting both for the churches of the faithful in general and for the elect individually, who bring forth spiritual joy and gladness for themselves. According to the Apostle: "This is our glory, the testimony of our conscience" (I Cor. III). And as the Psalmist says, "All the glory of the king's daughter is within" (Psalm XLV). Saint Jerome explains these verses thus: "the voice of the turtle-dove has been heard in our land: The turtle-dove, the most chaste bird, always dwelling in the heights, is a type of the Savior." And a little later, "And immediately the turtle-dove says to the turtle-dove: The fig tree has brought forth its green figs, that is, the precepts of the old law have fallen, and from the Gospel, the flowering vines have given forth their fragrance."
The fig tree has produced its early fruit. They call the early and immature figs "grossi," which are unsuitable for eating and fall off even with a light touch if shaken. And when the turtle dove is singing, the fig tree produced its early fruit, for when the apostles were preaching in Judea, the synagogue produced many who had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge; who would rather hold to the still imperfect and as if immature observance of the letter of the law than receive in it the sweetness of spiritual understanding. Apponius explains this verse in such a way that the fig tree produced its early fruit when the synagogue brought forth apostles, who, being generated from it, would minister the sweetest food of doctrine to believers. And since, when the synagogue brought forth either the apostles who preached the Gospel or those who still tried to prefer the ceremonies of the law over the Gospel, nevertheless, at that time, the faith and salvation of the whole world followed, it is right to add:
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 2:13 presents a tender and urgent invitation from the Beloved to his Shulamite, set against the vibrant backdrop of early spring. It masterfully weaves together imagery of ripening fruit and fragrant vines, symbolizing the opportune season for love to flourish and for shared intimacy to deepen, culminating in a passionate call to "arise and come away" into a deeper communion.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal moment within a larger poetic dialogue (Song of Solomon 2:8-14) where the Beloved arrives, full of eager anticipation, to call his beloved Shulamite to join him. The verses immediately preceding, which describe the departure of winter, the blossoming of flowers, the singing of birds, and the appearance of the turtle-dove, vividly set the scene for a season of renewal and joy, establishing the natural world as a mirror for their burgeoning love. Verse 13 continues this progression of natural imagery, offering further, more specific evidence of the season's readiness for their shared experience, moving from general signs of spring to particular indicators of fruitfulness and harvest. The invitation to "arise" and "come away" is a direct and passionate response to this blossoming world, emphasizing that the time for their love to flourish in shared presence is now.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the rhythms of nature deeply influenced daily life, cultural understanding, and even spiritual metaphors. Spring was a crucial season, marking the end of the rainy winter and the beginning of the agricultural cycle, promising new growth and future harvest. Figs and grapes were not merely crops but staple foods, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and divine blessing within the land. The "green figs" (Hebrew: pag) refer to the early, unripe figs that appear before the main crop, while "tender grape" (Hebrew: çᵉmâdar) denotes the vine blossom or very young grape, both signaling the initial, delicate stages of fruit production. This imagery would have resonated profoundly with an audience familiar with the land's bounty, associating the season with hope, abundance, and the delightful anticipation of a rich harvest. The setting often evokes a garden or vineyard, which in ancient Near Eastern literature, including the Bible, frequently serves as a potent metaphor for intimacy, delight, and sacred space, as seen in the description of the beloved as a "garden locked up" in Song of Solomon 4:12.
Key Themes
The verse powerfully conveys several key themes central to the Song of Solomon and broader biblical thought. Firstly, it highlights The Beauty and Renewal of Spring, portraying nature's awakening as a vibrant backdrop and mirror to the flourishing love between the Beloved and the Shulamite. This natural imagery of "green figs" and "tender grape" signifies growth, fertility, and new beginnings, suggesting a time ripe with promise and delightful anticipation. Secondly, the repeated call to "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away" underscores The Urgency and Passion of Love's Invitation. It is a tender yet insistent plea for immediate companionship and shared joy, emphasizing that the ideal moment for deepening intimacy should not be missed. This urgency is a recurring motif when God calls His people to action or fellowship, as seen in the prophetic calls to return to the Lord in Hosea 6:1. Thirdly, the imagery of early fruit, not yet fully ripe, speaks to Anticipation and Maturation. The "green figs" and "tender grape" signal the coming harvest and the sweet fruit to be enjoyed, symbolizing the delightful prospects and growing intimacy within the relationship, a process of development and fulfillment. Finally, the terms "my love" (Hebrew: ra'yah, often meaning 'my companion' or 'my friend') and "my fair one" (Hebrew: yafah, 'beautiful') emphasize Mutual Admiration and Affection, reinforcing the deep foundation of their loving bond and the esteem in which they hold one another.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H2590), translated "putteth forth," signifies the process of ripening or setting fruit. In this context, it specifically refers to the fig tree developing its early fruit. It implies a natural, organic progression from blossom to early fruit, highlighting the nascent stage of the figs and the unfolding of the season's promise. It's not just "producing" but "ripening" or "setting" its fruit, indicating a specific, delicate stage of growth that promises future abundance.
Translated "Arise" (H6965), this is a primitive root meaning "to rise" in various applications, including literal standing up, establishing, confirming, or stirring up. Here, it is an imperative, a direct command to action. It conveys urgency and a call to leave one's current state or location to embark on a new experience. It's an active, decisive call, reflecting the Beloved's desire for immediate companionship and shared movement.
This adjective (H3303), translated "fair one," means "beautiful" in both literal and figurative senses. It underscores the Beloved's deep admiration and affection for the Shulamite, highlighting her physical attractiveness and perhaps her inner qualities as well. It is a term of profound endearment that reinforces the mutual appreciation foundational to their loving relationship, affirming her worth and loveliness.
Verse Breakdown
"The fig tree putteth forth her green figs"
This clause introduces the first tangible sign of spring's advanced state. The "green figs" (Hebrew: pag, H6291) are the early, unripe figs, indicating that the season has progressed beyond mere blossoms to the initial stages of fruit-bearing. This imagery evokes a sense of promise and anticipation, as these early figs precede the main harvest, signaling future abundance and the maturation of the season.
"and the vines [with] the tender grape give a [good] smell"
This phrase adds another rich sensory detail, focusing on the delightful fragrance of the vine blossoms or very young grapes (Hebrew: çᵉmâdar, H5563). The "good smell" (Hebrew: rêyach, H7381) is a pleasing aroma, further emphasizing the pleasantness, vitality, and fertility of the season. It suggests a vibrant, living environment, ripe with the potential for sweet fruit, mirroring the blossoming and deepening of their love.
"Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."
This is the Beloved's direct, passionate, and urgent invitation. "Arise" (Hebrew: qûwm, H6965) is a call to action, while "come away" (Hebrew: yâlak, H3212, often used emphatically in Hebrew, lakh lakh) conveys a tender insistence for shared movement and departure from their current state. The terms "my love" (Hebrew: raʻyâh, H7474) and "my fair one" (Hebrew: yâpheh, H3303) are terms of deep endearment, highlighting the affection, admiration, and profound connection that underpin this urgent call to intimacy and shared experience.
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 2:13 is exceptionally rich in Imagery, painting a vivid sensory picture of spring's awakening. The "green figs" and "tender grape" appeal to sight and touch, while the "good smell" of the vines engages the sense of smell, creating an immersive and delightful atmosphere that draws the reader into the scene. This natural imagery serves as a powerful Symbolism for the flourishing and ripening of love between the Beloved and the Shulamite. The progression from early figs and tender grapes to a full harvest can be seen as a Metaphor for the growth and maturation of their relationship, moving from initial attraction to deeper intimacy and fulfillment. The Beloved's repeated, insistent call to "Arise... and come away" employs Repetition (or emphatic phrasing in the Hebrew, lakh lakh) to convey urgency and deep longing, underscoring the opportune nature of the moment and his passionate desire for his beloved's immediate presence and shared experience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse, situated within the Song of Solomon, beautifully illustrates the divine design for love, intimacy, and partnership, reflecting profound aspects of God's relationship with humanity. The imagery of nature's awakening and the Beloved's urgent call to "come away" can be seen as an echo of God's constant invitation to His people to enter into deeper fellowship and experience the richness of His presence. Just as the Beloved calls his Shulamite to enjoy the beauty and fruitfulness of the season, God calls believers to partake in the new life and spiritual abundance He offers, especially during seasons of spiritual renewal and growth. It speaks to the active pursuit of relationship, the delight found in communion, and the importance of responding to divine invitations with eagerness and joy.
Reflection and Application
Song of Solomon 2:13 offers profound insights for both human relationships and our spiritual walk. In our personal relationships, it reminds us to cherish and seize the opportune moments for connection, joy, and shared experience. Just as the Beloved eagerly calls his Shulamite to "come away" and enjoy the beauty of the season, we are encouraged to be intentional in pursuing and responding to invitations for intimacy and companionship with those we love. It highlights the beauty of mutual appreciation and the importance of actively cultivating a relationship, recognizing and celebrating the "spring seasons" of growth and renewal. Spiritually, this verse serves as a tender invitation from God to His children. It calls us to "arise" from spiritual complacency or the burdens of life, and "come away" into deeper fellowship with Him, especially in times of spiritual renewal and fresh revelation. It encourages us to be attuned to the "smell" of His presence and the "green figs" of His new mercies, responding with eagerness and delight to His gracious call for communion and transformation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the natural imagery (fig tree, vines) in this verse?
The natural imagery of the fig tree putting forth green figs and the vines giving a good smell with tender grapes is highly significant. In ancient Israel, figs and grapes were vital agricultural products, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and blessing. The appearance of "green figs" and "tender grape" signifies the very beginning of the fruit-bearing season, a time of promise and delightful anticipation before the full harvest. This imagery reflects the nascent but flourishing state of the love between the Beloved and the Shulamite, suggesting that their relationship is entering a ripe, fertile period. It connects their love story to the rhythms of creation, implying that their bond is natural, vibrant, and full of potential for future sweetness, much like the "land flowing with milk and honey" described in Exodus 3:8, which often included these very fruits as signs of abundance, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:8.
How does this verse relate to the broader allegorical interpretation of Song of Solomon?
While primarily a celebration of human love, many theological traditions interpret the Song of Solomon allegorically as a depiction of the love between Christ and His Church, or between God and Israel. In this allegorical sense, Song of Solomon 2:13 becomes a tender invitation from Christ, the divine Bridegroom, to His Church or to the individual believer. The "spring" represents a season of spiritual renewal, the dawning of the New Covenant, or a personal awakening to God's grace. The "green figs" and "tender grape" symbolize the early fruits of the Spirit, the promises of God, or the nascent signs of spiritual growth in a believer's life. Christ's call to "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away" is an invitation to deeper fellowship, to leave behind the "winter" of sin or spiritual stagnation, and to embrace the vibrant, fruitful life found in communion with Him. This echoes Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," highlighting a divine call to intimacy and rest in His presence.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Song of Solomon 2:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Bridegroom pursuing His Bride, the Church. The Beloved's urgent and affectionate call to "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away" beautifully prefigures Christ's ongoing invitation to humanity. Just as the natural world awakens in spring, signaling a time of new life and fruitfulness, so too did Christ's coming usher in a new spiritual season, a new covenant where the "winter" of sin and death has passed away, and the "flowers appear on the earth" through His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Song of Solomon 2:11-12). The "green figs" and "tender grape" symbolize the early fruits of the Kingdom of God, the initial signs of spiritual life, and the promise of abundant harvest that Christ makes possible through His redemptive work. His invitation is not merely to a physical place but to a transformed state of being, a life of intimate fellowship with Him. He calls us to "come away" from the burdens of the world, the weight of sin, and the distractions of earthly pursuits, into His rest and abundant life, as He promised in Matthew 11:28-30). In Christ, we are truly His "fair one," made beautiful by His righteousness, and His "love," cherished as His beloved Bride, for whom He gave His life (Ephesians 5:25-27). His call is eternal, beckoning us to a perpetual spring of grace and communion, where we, like the branches connected to the true vine, bear much fruit for His glory (John 15:5).