¶ As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit [was] sweet to my taste.
As the apple tree {H8598} among the trees {H6086} of the wood {H3293}, so is my beloved {H1730} among the sons {H1121}. I sat {H3427} down under his shadow {H6738} with great delight {H2530}, and his fruit {H6529} was sweet {H4966} to my taste {H2441}.
[She] Like an apple tree among the other trees in the forest is my darling among the other men. I love to sit in his shadow; his fruit is sweet to my taste.
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
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Song Of Solomon 8:5
¶ Who [is] this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth [that] bare thee. -
Isaiah 25:4
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall. -
Isaiah 32:2
And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. -
Hebrews 1:1
¶ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, -
Hebrews 1:6
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. -
John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. -
John 1:18
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].
Song of Solomon 2:3 is a vivid expression of the Shulamite woman's deep affection and admiration for her beloved. It paints a picture of profound satisfaction and delight found uniquely in him.
Context
This verse is spoken by the Shulamite woman, describing her beloved in glowing terms. It follows her initial longing and seeking, and precedes their further expressions of mutual love. The entire Song of Solomon chapter 2 is rich with natural imagery, comparing the lovers to various aspects of nature, emphasizing beauty, growth, and intimacy. Here, the beloved is elevated above all others, much like a prized fruit tree in a forest.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "apple tree" (תַּפּוּחַ - tappuach) in ancient Israel likely referred to a fragrant and shade-providing fruit tree, possibly an apricot or quince, known for its sweet scent and delicious fruit, rather than strictly the modern apple. This choice of tree emphasizes not just visual beauty but also delightful fragrance and taste. The "shadow" (צֵל - tsel) signifies a place of refuge and comfort, while "fruit" (פְּרִי - peri) denotes the produce or benefit, here symbolizing the sweet and satisfying aspects of the beloved's character and affection. The word "delight" (חֶמְדָּה - chemdah) implies something highly desired, precious, and pleasant.
Practical Application and Reflection
This verse beautifully illustrates the depth of devoted love in human relationships, where one finds supreme satisfaction and uniqueness in their chosen partner. For believers, this passage often serves as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and His Church, or the individual soul. Just as the Shulamite finds unparalleled delight and sustenance in her beloved, so too do Christians find ultimate rest, protection, and spiritual nourishment in Jesus Christ. He is truly "the chiefest among ten thousand" (Song of Solomon 5:10), offering a shade of comfort and a fruit of spiritual life that is uniquely sweet and satisfying. This verse encourages us to find our greatest joy and contentment in Him, much like finding refuge under the shadow of the Almighty.