Song Of Solomon 2:16

KJV

My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.

KJV (with Strong's)

My beloved {H1730} is mine, and I am his: he feedeth {H7462} among the lilies {H7799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My darling is mine, and I am his, as he pastures his flock among the lilies.

Berean Standard Bible

My beloved is mine and I am his; he pastures his flock among the lilies.

American Standard Version

My beloved is mine, and I am his: He feedeth his flock among the lilies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 2:16 encapsulates a profound declaration of mutual love, secure belonging, and intimate reciprocity between the Shulamite woman and her beloved. This verse vividly portrays the joy and confidence found in a relationship where both parties fully possess and are possessed by the other, culminating in an idyllic image of the beloved's gentle presence and devoted care within a serene, beautiful setting.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 2:16 stands as a pivotal declaration within the Shulamite's soliloquy, following her passionate expressions of longing and delight in her beloved's presence (Song of Solomon 2:8-15). Having just described his captivating voice and their shared experience in the "garden of nuts" (Song of Solomon 6:11), this verse marks a high point of secure, reciprocal love. It is a confident assertion of their established bond, moving beyond initial pursuit to settled intimacy. This declaration of mutual possession sets the stage for the subsequent verses that continue to explore their deep affection and the challenges they face, such as the "little foxes" (Song of Solomon 2:15) that threaten their vineyard of love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon reflects ancient Near Eastern courtship and marriage customs, often set against a backdrop of pastoral life. The imagery of "feeding among the lilies" evokes the common practice of shepherding, a vital occupation in ancient Israel, where shepherds led their flocks to lush pastures. Lilies were abundant in the region, symbolizing beauty and purity. The concept of mutual possession, "My beloved is mine, and I am his," would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood covenantal relationships, whether familial or marital, as involving a profound sense of belonging and commitment between parties. This declaration, while intensely personal, also reflects the societal value placed on exclusive fidelity within a committed relationship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is a powerful articulation of **mutual possession and belonging**, a central theme throughout the Song of Solomon that underscores the exclusive and reciprocal nature of true love. It highlights the **security and intimacy** that flourish when both partners are fully committed to one another, fostering an environment of trust and unwavering loyalty. Furthermore, the imagery of the beloved "feeding among the lilies" introduces the theme of **pastoral care and provision**, portraying the beloved not just as a lover but as a tender protector and sustainer. This echoes broader biblical themes of divine care, as seen in the imagery of God as a shepherd leading His people to [green pastures and still waters](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **beauty and delight**, as the lilies represent a serene and pleasant environment where love flourishes, inviting the beloved to "come away" to places of [beauty and rest](/song_of_solomon/2-10 "Song of Solomon 2:10 - The Beloved's Invitation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root meaning "to boil," figuratively "to love." This term signifies not just a friend or a relative (like an uncle) but specifically a deeply cherished, intimate "lover" or "well-beloved." In this context, it conveys intense affection and endearment, highlighting the passionate nature of the relationship.
* **feedeth (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to tend a flock," "to pasture," or "to graze." Beyond simply eating, it implies active shepherding, guiding, providing for, and protecting. This word encompasses the full scope of a shepherd's care, suggesting the beloved's active role in nurturing and sustaining the relationship, leading to places of flourishing.
* **lilies (Hebrew, _shûwshan'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be white" or "bright." Lilies are consistently used in the Song of Solomon to symbolize beauty, purity, and delight. They represent a serene, flourishing environment, often associated with gardens or places of natural beauty. Here, they suggest a peaceful and pleasant place where the beloved finds refreshment and where the relationship can thrive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My beloved is mine,"**: This opening clause is a bold and possessive declaration by the Shulamite, asserting her exclusive claim and deep affection for her beloved. It speaks to a profound sense of ownership rooted in love, not control, signifying that her heart and devotion are fully given to him. It establishes the secure foundation of their bond.
* **"and I am his:"**: This reciprocal clause completes the declaration of mutual belonging. It is an equally powerful statement of her surrender and commitment to him, indicating that the possession is not one-sided but fully shared. This mutuality underscores the intimacy, trust, and covenantal nature of their relationship, where both parties are fully invested in and devoted to each other.
* **"he feedeth among the lilies."**: This final clause shifts to describe the beloved's activity and location. The imagery of "feeding" (shepherding) among "lilies" paints a picture of peaceful provision and delightful presence. It suggests that the beloved is actively engaged in a gentle, nurturing role, finding his delight and sustenance in a beautiful, pure, and flourishing environment. This implies his care, his serene disposition, and the pleasantness of the places he inhabits or tends.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 2:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of love and belonging. The most prominent is **Chiasm** (or chiastic structure) in the opening declaration: "My beloved is mine, and I am his." This "ABBA" pattern ("My beloved [A] is mine [B], and I [B'] am his [A']") emphasizes the perfect reciprocity and mutual indwelling of the lovers, creating a sense of balance and completeness. **Pastoral Imagery** is central to the latter half of the verse, with the beloved "feeding among the lilies." This evokes a tranquil, idyllic scene, drawing on the familiar biblical motif of a shepherd tending his flock. The act of "feeding" carries connotations of care, provision, and gentle guidance. Finally, **Symbolism** is evident in the "lilies," which throughout the Song of Solomon represent beauty, purity, and delight, often associated with the beloved himself or the flourishing state of the lovers' relationship. Together, these devices create a rich tapestry of meaning, highlighting the secure, reciprocal, and tender nature of their bond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 2:16, while a celebration of human love, resonates with profound theological truths about the relationship between God and His people. The declaration of mutual possession—"My beloved is mine, and I am his"—mirrors the covenantal bond between God and Israel, and ultimately, between Christ and the Church. It speaks to the exclusive, intimate, and secure relationship where God claims His people as His own, and they, in turn, fully belong to Him. The imagery of the beloved "feeding among the lilies" beautifully portrays God's active, gentle, and nurturing care for His flock, leading them to places of beauty, purity, and provision. This verse thus becomes a powerful metaphor for the secure, loving, and reciprocal union believers share with their divine Shepherd, who delights in their flourishing and continually provides for their needs.

* [Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - Everlasting Love")
* [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Own")
* [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 2:16 offers a powerful template for understanding and cultivating secure, loving relationships, both human and divine. For human relationships, it underscores the vital importance of mutual commitment and expressed belonging. When partners can confidently declare "You are mine, and I am yours," it fosters a deep sense of security, trust, and intimacy, creating a safe space for vulnerability and shared delight. It encourages us to actively "feed among the lilies"—to seek out and cultivate environments of beauty, peace, and purity where our relationships can flourish, and to tenderly care for one another. Spiritually, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance. It reminds believers of their secure identity in Christ: we are His, bought with a price, and He is ours, dwelling within us. Our Good Shepherd is not distant but actively "feedeth among the lilies" of our lives, providing for our needs, guiding us to spiritual refreshment, and delighting in our growth and purity. This truth should inspire unwavering confidence, deep peace, and joyful surrender to His loving care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "My beloved is mine, and I am his" resonate with your understanding of your relationship with God?**
* **In what ways do you experience Christ "feeding among the lilies" in your own life—providing care, guidance, and delight?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of mutual belonging and secure intimacy in your significant relationships?**
* **How does the imagery of the lilies inspire you to seek out or create environments of beauty and purity in your life?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "My beloved is mine, and I am his"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of mutual possession and exclusive belonging, forming the core of the verse. It signifies a reciprocal, covenantal relationship where both parties are fully committed to and invested in each other. It speaks to deep intimacy, security, and unwavering loyalty, highlighting that the love is not one-sided but shared completely. The Shulamite's confident assertion reflects the secure and joyful nature of her bond with her beloved, a bond that mirrors the ultimate relationship between Christ and His Church, where believers are [in Him and He in them](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ").

**What does "he feedeth among the lilies" mean?**

Answer: This phrase paints a pastoral and idyllic scene. The word "feedeth" (Hebrew: _râʻâh_) implies shepherding, tending, and providing care, not just grazing. Lilies (Hebrew: _shûwshan_) symbolize beauty, purity, and delight. Therefore, the phrase suggests that the beloved is actively engaged in a gentle, nurturing role, finding his delight and sustenance in a beautiful, pure, and serene environment. It portrays him as a tender provider and protector, leading his beloved (or his flock) to places of flourishing and refreshment. This imagery is often connected to the biblical portrayal of God as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") who leads His people to [green pastures](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - The Lord is My Shepherd").

**Is Song of Solomon 2:16 primarily about human love or a metaphor for divine love?**

Answer: Song of Solomon 2:16, like the entire book, can be understood on both levels. Primarily, it is a celebration of the beauty, passion, and security of human marital love between a man and a woman. However, allegorically and typologically, it has been widely interpreted throughout Christian tradition as a profound metaphor for the spiritual union between Christ and His Church, or between Christ and the individual believer. The themes of mutual possession, intimate belonging, and tender care resonate deeply with the New Testament's portrayal of Christ as the [Bridegroom](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - The Friend of the Bridegroom") and the Church as His [Bride](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - Christ and the Church"). Both interpretations offer rich insights into the nature of love, commitment, and security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 2:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Shulamite's confident declaration, "My beloved is mine, and I am his," beautifully prefigures the new covenant reality of the believer's secure and intimate union with Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ purchased a people for Himself, making us His own, and by faith, we fully surrender to Him, declaring, "I am His." This mutual possession is the essence of our salvation, where we are [in Christ](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") and He dwells [in us](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me"). Furthermore, the imagery of the beloved "feeding among the lilies" finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"). He actively cares for His flock, leading them to [living waters](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"), providing spiritual nourishment, and delighting in the purity and beauty of His redeemed people, whom He is sanctifying to present to Himself as a [radiant Church](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church"). Thus, Song of Solomon 2:16 is not merely a poetic expression of human love but a divinely inspired foreshadowing of the unbreakable, tender, and life-giving bond between Christ and His beloved Church.

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 6:3

I [am] my beloved's, and my beloved [is] mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song Of Solomon 7:10

¶ I [am] my beloved's, and his desire [is] toward me.

Psalms 63:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Psalms 48:14

For this God [is] our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide [even] unto death.

Song Of Solomon 7:13

The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates [are] all manner of pleasant [fruits], new and old, [which] I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Song Of Solomon 1:7

¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?