Song Of Solomon 2:2

KJV

As the lily among thorns, so [is] my love among the daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

As the lily {H7799} among thorns {H2336}, so is my love {H7474} among the daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[He] Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the other women.

Berean Standard Bible

Like a lily among the thorns is my darling among the maidens.

American Standard Version

As a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 2:2 is a tender declaration from the beloved man to the Shulamite woman, expressing his profound admiration and the unparalleled value he places upon her. Through a vivid natural metaphor, he asserts her unique beauty and distinctiveness, portraying her as standing out exquisitely from all other women, much like a radiant lily shines amidst common, less appealing thorns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the lyrical dialogue of the Song of Solomon, immediately following the Shulamite woman's humble self-description in [Song of Solomon 2:1](/song_of_solomon/2-1 "Song of Solomon 2:1 - The Shulamite's Self-Description") as a "rose of Sharon" and a "lily of the valleys." The man's response in verse 2 serves as a powerful affirmation and elevation of her perceived beauty. He takes her modest self-assessment and transforms it into a profound compliment, emphasizing her distinctiveness and peerless charm. This exchange sets a foundational tone for the mutual admiration and effusive praise that characterizes much of the book, particularly the descriptive poems where the lovers extol each other's virtues. It builds upon the initial expressions of longing and delight found in [Song of Solomon 1](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon 1 - Mutual Affection") and prepares the reader for further intimate descriptions and invitations within their blossoming relationship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Song of Solomon is ancient Israel, a society deeply connected to its agricultural landscape and natural environment. The imagery employed throughout the book, including that of lilies and thorns, is drawn directly from the common flora and fauna of the region. Lilies, likely referring to various types of beautiful wildflowers (such as the Madonna lily or other white/brightly colored species), were admired for their striking beauty and often pleasant fragrance. They were known to grow in diverse environments, sometimes even among less desirable or prickly vegetation. Thorns, in contrast, represent common, unappealing, or even hazardous plants like brambles or thistles. The "daughters" refer broadly to other women, perhaps those in the royal court, or simply the general female population of the time. The use of such natural metaphors was a prevalent poetic device in the ancient Near East, effectively conveying human beauty, character, and emotional states through relatable comparisons to the natural world.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent in the Song of Solomon. Foremost is the theme of **exclusive love and admiration**, highlighting the singular devotion between the two lovers. The beloved's declaration underscores that his partner is uniquely special and incomparable, setting her apart from all others. This leads to the theme of **beauty and distinctiveness**, where the Shulamite's exceptional beauty—not merely physical, but encompassing her entire person—is celebrated as truly outstanding. The man's words embody the theme of **elevation and affirmation**, demonstrating how genuine love perceives, magnifies, and articulates the beloved's virtues, making them feel cherished and seen. Finally, the contrast between the lily and thorns subtly introduces the theme of **purity amidst commonness**, suggesting the beloved's inherent grace or moral distinctiveness in a world that might otherwise be seen as less refined or even harsh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lily (Hebrew, _shûwshan'_):** H7799. This term refers to a lily, derived from its characteristic whiteness, symbolizing purity, elegance, and striking beauty. It is also noted as a flower used in architectural ornament, indicating its high aesthetic value and esteemed status. In this context, it represents the beloved's exquisite and unblemished beauty.
* **Thorns (Hebrew, _chôwach'_):** H2336. From an unused root suggesting "to pierce," this word denotes a thorn, bramble, or thistle. It signifies plants that are common, prickly, and generally undesirable or lacking in beauty. Here, "thorns" symbolize the ordinary, less attractive, or even potentially harsh aspects of the surrounding environment or other people.
* **Love (Hebrew, _raʻyâh'_):** H7474. This is the feminine form of _rēaʻ_, meaning "female associate" or "companion." In the context of the Song, it specifically refers to the beloved woman, emphasizing her role as a cherished partner, intimate companion, and the object of deep affection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As the lily among thorns":** This opening clause establishes a vivid simile, drawing a direct comparison between the delicate, beautiful lily and the common, often prickly, thorns. This juxtaposition immediately creates a powerful visual contrast, setting the stage for the beloved's declaration. It highlights the idea of something exceptionally beautiful existing within a less appealing or even challenging environment.
* **"so [is] my love among the daughters":** This clause completes the simile, applying the natural imagery to the human relationship. The "lily" represents the speaker's "love" (his beloved woman), while the "thorns" represent "the daughters" (other women). The declaration asserts that his beloved stands out in her beauty, grace, and unique value from all other women, just as a radiant lily commands attention and admiration in a field of ordinary or undesirable plants. It is a statement of exclusive devotion and profound appreciation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **literary devices**, primarily employing a powerful **simile** to convey the speaker's deep admiration. The explicit use of "As... so..." directly compares the beloved to a "lily" and other women to "thorns," making the intended meaning immediately clear and impactful. This comparison is further amplified by **juxtaposition**, which places the delicate, beautiful lily in stark contrast with the harsh, common thorns. This sharp visual and conceptual opposition serves to magnify the perceived beauty and uniqueness of the lily, and by extension, the beloved woman. Moreover, both the **lily** and **thorns** function as potent **symbols**. The lily symbolizes purity, exceptional beauty, grace, and distinction, while the thorns symbolize commonness, lack of appeal, or even potential adversity. The "daughters" similarly symbolize the general populace of women, against whom the beloved is measured and found to be supremely superior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While rooted in human romance, Song of Solomon 2:2 resonates with profound theological themes of divine election and unique favor. Just as the beloved sees his partner as uniquely beautiful and set apart from all others, so too does God often choose and distinguish His people. This mirrors the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's chosen nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan peoples, as articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People - A Chosen People"). In the New Testament, this distinctiveness is extended to the Church, which is called to be "a holy nation, God’s special possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")). The Church, though existing within a fallen and often hostile world ("thorns"), is called to reflect the beauty, purity, and holiness of Christ. This verse also speaks to God's individual valuation of each person, seeing them as uniquely crafted and precious, not merely one among many in a vast humanity.

* [Psalm 45:9](/psalms/45-9 "Psalm 45:9 - The King's Bride")
* [Isaiah 35:1](/isaiah/35-1 "Isaiah 35:1 - The Desert Blooms")
* [Matthew 6:28-29](/matthew/6-28 "Matthew 6:28-29 - Lilies of the Field")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 2:2 offers a beautiful paradigm for how we ought to perceive and cherish those we love. It challenges us to cultivate a love that genuinely sees beyond the superficial, recognizing and celebrating the unique, "lily-like" qualities of our beloved. In a world that often promotes comparison, competition, and a focus on flaws, this verse calls us to an exclusive and deeply appreciative affection that elevates and affirms. For individuals, it fosters a sense of self-worth, reminding us that in the eyes of genuine love, and supremely in the eyes of Christ, we are seen as distinct, precious, and beautiful, not ordinary. For all relationships, whether marital, familial, or platonic, it serves as a powerful model for how we should speak to and about one another—building up, celebrating, and valuing unique virtues amidst the "thorns" of everyday challenges or societal pressures. It reminds us that true love isn't just about finding someone good, but about seeing someone as uniquely good for *us*, and expressing that conviction with heartfelt praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge your perception of beauty and value in your most significant relationships?**
* **In what practical ways can you affirm and elevate the unique qualities of those you love, making them feel like a "lily among thorns"?**
* **Considering the allegorical interpretations, how does Christ's love make you feel like a "lily" amidst the "thorns" of the world's brokenness?**

### FAQ
**Who is speaking in Song of Solomon 2:2?**

Answer: The beloved man is speaking in Song of Solomon 2:2. This verse is his direct response to the Shulamite woman's humble self-description in [Song of Solomon 2:1](/song_of_solomon/2-1 "Song of Solomon 2:1 - The Shulamite's Self-Description"), where she refers to herself as a "rose of Sharon" and a "lily of the valleys." His words serve to affirm and elevate her, expressing his deep admiration for her unique beauty.

**What is the significance of the "lily among thorns" metaphor?**

Answer: The "lily among thorns" metaphor is a powerful simile that highlights the exceptional beauty, purity, and distinctiveness of the beloved woman. Just as a beautiful, delicate lily stands out strikingly and beautifully against common, prickly thorns, so too does the man's "love" (the Shulamite woman) stand out as uniquely precious and beautiful among all other women ("the daughters"). It emphasizes her unparalleled value and charm in his eyes, suggesting she possesses a rare and captivating quality that sets her apart from everyone else.

**Can this verse be interpreted allegorically?**

Answer: Yes, traditionally, both Jewish and Christian interpretations have seen allegorical meanings within this verse. In Jewish tradition, the lily often represents Israel, chosen and set apart by God from the nations, enduring amidst adversity. In Christian theology, the lily frequently symbolizes the Church or the individual believer, whom Christ sees as pure, beautiful, and distinct, despite existing in a fallen world (the "thorns"). This allegorical reading underscores God's unique love and election for His people, emphasizing their special status and beauty in His sight, as reflected in New Testament passages like [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 2:2 profoundly celebrates human romantic love, its imagery beautifully foreshadows the unique and incomparable love of Christ for His Church. Just as the beloved sees his Shulamite as a "lily among thorns," so Christ views His bride, the Church. He sees us not in our inherent sinfulness or the world's brokenness, but in the radiant beauty of His redemption, purified and set apart by His sacrificial love. The world, with its sin, suffering, and commonness, represents the "thorns," but the Church, though imperfect, is being made holy and blameless by Him, as powerfully described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"), where Christ loves the Church and gave Himself up for her, "that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and blameless." He chose us out of the world, making us His own special possession, a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")), just as the lily is chosen and distinct from the common bramble. This verse, therefore, paints a glorious picture of Christ's discerning and elevating love, which sees past our imperfections to the glorious potential He is cultivating within us, making us truly beautiful in His sight, a reflection of His own purity and glory, fulfilling His desire that we might be with Him and behold His glory, as He prayed in [John 17:24](/john/17-24 "John 17:24 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples").

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

1 Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Isaiah 55:13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.

Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Philippians 2:16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Matthew 6:28

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Matthew 6:29

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.