TRV
Translation
Berean Standard Bible
Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.
American Standard Version
Stay ye me with raisins, refresh me with apples; For I am sick from love.
World English Bible Messianic
Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples; For I am faint with love.
Young's Literal Translation
Sustain me with grape-cakes, Support me with citrons, for I am sick with love.
See also
In the KJVVerse 17,560 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Basil of CaesareaAD 379
THE LONG RULES 2
What reflection is sweeter than the thought of the magnificence of God? What desire of the soul is so poignant and so intolerably keen as that desire implanted by God in a soul purified from all vice and affirming with sincerity, “I languish with love.” Totally ineffable and indescribable are the lightning flashes of divine Beauty.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Concerning Virginity 14:91
The Word of God inflicts a wound, but it does not produce a sore. There is a wound of righteous love, there are wounds of charity, as she has said, “I am wounded with love.” The one who is perfect is wounded with love. Therefore the wounds of the Word are good, and good are the wounds of the lover.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
SERMON 298:2
The wound of love is health-giving. The bride of Christ sings in the Song of Songs, “I am wounded with charity.” When is this wound healed? When our desire is sated with good things. It’s called a wound as long as we desire and don’t yet have. Love, you see, in that case, is the same as if it were a pain. When we get there, when we have what we desire, the pain disappears, the love doesn’t cease.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
EXPLANATIONS OF THE PSALMS 45:14
In the Song of Songs it is said, “I am wounded with love”; that is, of being in love, of being inflamed with passion, of sighing for the bridegroom, from whom she received the arrow of the Word.
AponiusAD 500
EXPOSITION OF SONG OF SONGS 3:44
The love of eternal life sprouts from the love of knowledge, as does the ability to endure persecution from the love of eternal life, and the virtue of fortitude from persecution, and the perfected glory of martyrdom from fortitude.
CassiodorusAD 585
EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS 119:120
The church proclaims in the Song of Songs, “I am wounded by love.” So the holy people pray to be pierced by the fear of the Lord, so that by dying they may live, whereas earlier by living they were dying.
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
MORALS ON THE BOOK OF JOB 34:21
What do we understand by “arrows” but the words of preachers? For when they are drawn forth by the voice of those leading holy lives, they transfix the hearts of the hearers. With these arrows holy church had been struck, saying “I am wounded with love.”
Gregory the DialogistAD 604
Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 25
Hence again the Church says in the Song of Songs: "I am wounded with love." For it is just that she should reach health from the sight of the physician, who bears the wound of love in her breast through the heat of her desire for him.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
"Sustain me with flowers, surround me with apples," etc. For the soul languishes with love when it truly tastes the ordered love of its Creator in itself, because when it is kindled to seek the light of eternity, it tires from the love of temporality, so that it cools in its zeal for the passing world as much as it rises more ardent to contemplate the joys of the eternal kingdom. But let us see, soul, who burns with such love, what place it seeks to lie down in, where it may rest when weary. "Sustain me," it says, "with flowers, surround me with apples." In the flowers are still tender beginnings of virtues, in the apples perfection is signified. Therefore, the soul languishing with love beseeches the daughters of Jerusalem, that is, those souls who preceded it in heavenly desire, to help its own beginnings with good examples, and to recall to its memory more frequently by what start, by what course, by what end they completed the way of virtues, so that through the sight of these, as if by a most pleasing scent of flowers and apples, it may lie down more softly and sweetly in the love of its Creator. This can equally be understood both from the deeds of the saints which we have before our eyes and from those which we gather from the fields and groves of the Scriptures, as well from the deeds or sayings of the preceding fathers.
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 2:5 presents a poignant expression of profound emotional and physical vulnerability from the Shulamite woman, the beloved in this lyrical poem. Her urgent entreaty for restorative sustenance and comfort, specifically "flagons" and "apples," vividly portrays the overwhelming and almost debilitating intensity of her love, a consuming affection that leaves her feeling "sick of love" and in desperate need of support and revitalization.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within a passionate soliloquy by the Shulamite, immediately following her effusive declarations of delight in her beloved's presence and her deep desire for intimacy with him, as seen in Song of Solomon 2:3-4. Her declaration of being "sick of love" serves as a dramatic and emotionally charged pivot, intensifying the emotional landscape of the narrative. This profound statement of vulnerability sets the stage for the beloved's subsequent invitation to "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away" in Song of Solomon 2:10. Functioning as a crucial bridge, the verse not only conveys the depth of her yearning but also prepares the reader for the unfolding narrative of their romantic pursuit and mutual admiration within the idyllic garden setting, highlighting the consuming nature of their bond.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the items requested by the Shulamite—"flagons" and "apples"—were not merely common foodstuffs but held significant cultural value for their restorative, invigorating, and comforting properties. "Flagons" (Hebrew: ʼăshîyshâh) likely referred to cakes of pressed grapes or raisins, which were dense, sweet, and provided quick energy, often associated with feasts and celebrations. "Apples" (Hebrew: tappûwach) were fragrant fruits, possibly quinces or apricots, highly esteemed for their pleasant scent and taste, offering both sensory pleasure and refreshment. This cultural understanding is vital, as it underscores the Shulamite's plea not for generic sustenance, but for specific, culturally recognized remedies known to revive and soothe. Her request thus indicates a genuine, intense physical and emotional need arising from her state of "lovesickness," a condition understood to require tangible comfort and support.
Key Themes: Song of Solomon 2:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the Overwhelming Power of Love, portraying romantic affection as so potent that it can induce a state akin to physical weakness, demanding immediate sustenance and support. This "sickness" is not depicted negatively but rather as a testament to the profound depth and consuming nature of passion. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Vulnerability and Dependence in Love, as the beloved openly expresses her desperate need for comfort and external aid. This vulnerability is presented not as a flaw but as an authentic and beautiful expression of deep attachment and trust within the relationship. Finally, it reinforces the pervasive theme of Yearning and Longing, a central motif throughout the Song. The verse powerfully articulates the intense desire for the beloved's presence and the physical and emotional effects of that yearning, echoing the soul's profound thirst for connection, much like the psalmist's longing for God in Psalm 42:1-2.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 2:5 is richly adorned with literary devices that amplify its emotional resonance and vivid imagery. The most prominent device is Hyperbole, evident in the declaration "for I am sick of love." This exaggerated statement powerfully conveys the overwhelming intensity of the Shulamite's emotional state, indicating a profound lovesickness rather than a literal physical ailment. Symbolism is deeply embedded in the "flagons" and "apples," which transcend mere sustenance to symbolize comfort, restoration, and the invigorating presence of the beloved. The "apples," specifically noted for their fragrance, further symbolize the pleasant and restorative qualities associated with love's embrace. The entire verse functions as a compelling Metaphor for the consuming power of romantic affection, likening its intensity to a physical ailment that demands specific remedies. Additionally, Imagery is skillfully employed through the sensory details of food and fragrance, allowing the reader to viscerally experience the beloved's state and her desperate need for comfort and revitalization.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 2:5, while a sublime celebration of human romantic love, also carries profound theological implications, particularly when understood allegorically as the deep, intimate relationship between Christ and His Church, or God and Israel. The Shulamite's intense "lovesickness" beautifully reflects the soul's profound, consuming yearning for the divine presence—a spiritual longing that transcends mere intellectual assent and permeates one's entire being. This deep desire for the Beloved, whether human or divine, underscores the inherent human need for connection, intimacy, and ultimate fulfillment found only in relationship. The urgent request for sustenance highlights that true love, whether romantic or spiritual, requires constant nourishment and support to thrive and endure, pointing to the essential spiritual sustenance found in God's Word, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the life-giving presence of the Almighty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 2:5 offers a powerful and intimate glimpse into the depth and intensity of human romantic love, affirming its God-given nature and beauty within the covenant of marriage. It reminds us that such love can be an all-consuming, deeply moving force that impacts us physically and emotionally, calling for mutual care, understanding, and support. For believers, this verse serves as a profound metaphor for our spiritual journey and the nature of our relationship with God. Do we experience a similar "lovesickness" for God? Does our longing for Christ's presence and the establishment of His kingdom consume us to the point of seeking Him with desperate urgency, much like the Shulamite sought comfort and sustenance? This passage challenges us to examine the depth of our affection and devotion to God, prompting us to actively seek spiritual "flagons" and "apples"—the refreshing truths of His Word, the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, and the nourishing fellowship of the Church—to sustain us in our spiritual walk and our longing for His ultimate return and eternal presence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "sick of love" truly mean in this context?
Answer: In Song of Solomon 2:5, the phrase "sick of love" (Hebrew: châlâh ʼahăbâh) does not denote a negative or unhealthy illness. Rather, it is a powerful Hyperbole expressing an overwhelming, consuming, and almost debilitating intensity of romantic affection. The beloved is so deeply enamored and longing for her beloved that it causes a profound physical and emotional weakness, necessitating immediate comfort and sustenance, as described in the preceding clauses. It signifies a love so powerful it affects one's entire being, leaving them weak with desire and yearning for the beloved's presence, much like an intense hunger or thirst that demands immediate satisfaction.
What are "flagons" and "apples" in this verse, and why are they requested?
Answer: "Flagons" (Hebrew: ʼăshîyshâh, H809) most accurately refer to cakes of pressed grapes or raisins, which were known for their restorative and invigorating properties in ancient Israel due to their dense, sweet, and energy-rich nature. "Apples" (Hebrew: tappûwach, H8598) likely refer to sweet, fragrant fruits such as quinces or apricots, valued for their comforting scent and taste. The beloved requests these specific items because of their known ability to revive, refresh, and soothe. Her plea highlights a desperate need for physical and sensory comfort to alleviate the overwhelming physical and emotional effects of her intense "lovesickness," underscoring that these are not just any foods, but specific, culturally recognized remedies for her lovesick state.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shulamite's profound "lovesickness" in Song of Solomon 2:5 beautifully foreshadows the deep spiritual longing that characterizes the intimate relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the beloved yearns for her bridegroom, the Church, as the Bride of Christ, experiences a deep, consuming desire for her Savior's presence and glorious return. This spiritual "sickness" is not a weakness but a passionate devotion, an unquenchable thirst for the living water and the bread of life that Christ alone provides. The comfort and sustenance sought by the Shulamite find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our true sustenance and peace. His boundless love for the Church is equally intense and self-sacrificial, as He gave Himself up for her, preparing her to be a glorious bride without blemish. Thus, this ancient love poem echoes the divine romance, inviting believers to embrace a similar, all-consuming "lovesickness" for their Lord, finding their ultimate satisfaction, comfort, and eternal joy in Him until the day of their eternal union.