Song Of Solomon 2:5

KJV

Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I [am] sick of love.

KJV (with Strong's)

Stay {H5564} me with flagons {H809}, comfort {H7502} me with apples {H8598}: for I am sick {H2470} of love {H160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sustain me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 2:5 encapsulates a moment of profound emotional and physical vulnerability experienced by the Shulamite woman, the beloved in this lyrical poem. Her urgent plea 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a passionate soliloquy by the Shulamite, immediately following her expressions of delight in her beloved's presence and her desire to remain close to him (Song of Solomon 2:3-4). Her declaration of being "sick of love" serves as a dramatic pivot, intensifying the emotional landscape and setting the stage for the beloved's subsequent invitation to "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away" (Song of Solomon 2:10). The verse acts as a bridge, conveying the depth of her yearning and preparing the reader for the unfolding narrative of their romantic pursuit and mutual admiration within the garden setting.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "flagons" (likely raisin cakes or cakes of pressed grapes) and "apples" (fragrant fruits such as quinces or apricots) were not merely common foods but were also esteemed for their restorative, invigorating, and comforting properties. Raisin cakes were often associated with feasts and celebrations, and their dense, sweet nature provided quick energy. Fragrant fruits like apples were valued for their scent and taste, offering sensory pleasure and refreshment. This cultural understanding underscores the Shulamite's plea not just for any food, but for specific items known to revive and soothe, indicating a genuine physical and emotional need arising from her intense state of "lovesickness."
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 2:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Overwhelming Power of Love**, portraying romantic affection as so potent that it can induce a state akin to physical weakness, demanding sustenance and support. This "sickness" is not negative but rather a testament to the depth of passion. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Vulnerability and Dependence in Love**, as the beloved openly expresses her need for comfort and external aid. This vulnerability is not a weakness but an authentic expression of deep attachment. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Yearning and Longing**, a pervasive motif throughout the Song, illustrating the intense desire for the beloved's presence and the physical and emotional effects of that yearning, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1-2 - The Soul's Thirst for God") where the psalmist longs for God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From H2470, this primitive root signifies being rubbed or worn, and figuratively, to be weak, afflicted, or to grieve. In the context of "sick of love," it conveys an overwhelming emotional state, a profound passion that renders one physically or emotionally weak, not necessarily ill in a negative sense, but consumed by the intensity of love and longing. It suggests a state of being profoundly affected or overcome.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼahăbâh'_):** From H160, this feminine noun denotes affection, encompassing both good and bad senses. Here, it refers to the deep, consuming romantic affection experienced by the beloved, which is the direct cause of her profound emotional and physical state. It is the powerful, all-encompassing nature of this love that leads to her "sickness."
* **Stay (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** From H5564, this root means to prop, to lean upon, or to sustain. The Shulamite's plea to "stay me" indicates a desperate need for physical and emotional support, to be upheld or sustained against the overwhelming force of her love. It implies a sense of faintness or instability that requires immediate intervention and comfort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Stay me with flagons":** This opening plea reveals the Shulamite's immediate need for physical support and refreshment. "Flagons" (H809, _ʼăshîyshâh_) refers to cakes of pressed grapes or raisins, known for their restorative and invigorating properties in ancient Israel. Her request signifies a desire for something substantial and fortifying to counter the physical weakness induced by her intense emotional state.
* **"comfort me with apples":** Complementing the request for flagons, the plea for "apples" (H8598, _tappûwach_) indicates a desire for soothing and fragrant refreshment. These were likely sweet, aromatic fruits like quinces or apricots, valued for their comforting scent and taste. This part of the plea emphasizes a need for sensory comfort and a gentle restoration from her lovesick state.
* **"for I am sick of love":** This concluding clause provides the profound reason for her urgent requests. The phrase "sick of love" (Hebrew: _châlâh ʼahăbâh_) is a powerful declaration of an overwhelming, consuming, and almost debilitating intensity of romantic affection. It is not a literal illness but a **Hyperbole** that vividly portrays a state where love is so profound it affects one's entire being, leaving them weak with desire and yearning for the beloved's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 2:5 is rich in literary devices that enhance its emotional impact. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the declaration "I am sick of love" exaggerates the emotional state to convey its overwhelming intensity; it is not a literal illness but a profound lovesickness. **Symbolism** is evident in "flagons" and "apples," which serve as symbols of sustenance, comfort, and perhaps even the invigorating presence of the beloved. The "apples," noted for their fragrance, might also symbolize the pleasant and restorative qualities associated with love. The entire verse functions as a **Metaphor** for the consuming power of romantic affection, likening its intensity to a physical ailment requiring specific remedies. Additionally, **Imagery** is employed through the sensory details of food and fragrance, allowing the reader to vividly imagine the beloved's state and her desperate need for comfort.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 2:5, while a celebration of human romantic love, also carries profound theological implications, particularly when understood allegorically as the love between Christ and His Church or God and Israel. The Shulamite's intense "lovesickness" reflects the soul's deep, consuming yearning for the divine presence, a spiritual longing that transcends mere intellectual assent and permeates one's entire being. This profound desire for the Beloved—whether human or divine—underscores the inherent human need for connection, intimacy, and ultimate fulfillment found only in relationship. The request for sustenance highlights that true love, whether romantic or spiritual, requires nourishment and support to thrive and endure, pointing to the spiritual sustenance found in God's Word and presence.

* [Song of Solomon 8:6](/song_of_solomon/8-6 "Song of Solomon 8:6 - Love as Strong as Death")
* [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1-2 - The Soul's Thirst for God")
* [Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "Revelation 22:17 - The Spirit and the Bride Say, 'Come!'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 2:5 offers a powerful 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 and support. For believers, this verse can serve as a profound metaphor for our spiritual journey. Do we experience a similar "lovesickness" for God? Does our longing for Christ's presence and His kingdom consume us to the point of seeking Him with desperate urgency, like the Shulamite sought comfort? This passage challenges us to examine the depth of our affection for God, prompting us to seek spiritual "flagons" and "apples"—the refreshing truths of His Word, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the nourishment of fellowship—to sustain us in our spiritual walk and our longing for His ultimate return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shulamite's "sickness of love" compare to your own experience of intense longing or passion, whether romantic or spiritual?**
* **What are the "flagons" and "apples" that you seek for comfort and sustenance when you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges or consumed by spiritual yearning?**
* **In what ways can a profound love for God lead to a sense of "lovesickness" that drives you to seek Him more deeply?**
* **How can this verse encourage us to express our vulnerability and need for support within healthy relationships, both human and divine?**

### 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 **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.

**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. They provided quick energy and sustenance. "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." They are not just any food, but specific remedies for her lovesick state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shulamite's "lovesickness" in [Song of Solomon 2:5](/song_of_solomon/2-5 "Song of Solomon 2:5 - Sick of Love") beautifully foreshadows the profound spiritual longing that characterizes the 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 return. This spiritual "sickness" is not a weakness but a passionate devotion, an unquenchable thirst for the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Living Water") and the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, 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](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace"). His love for the Church is equally intense and self-sacrificial, as He [gave Himself up for her](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church"), 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 and comfort in Him until the day of their [eternal union](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

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 5:8

I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I [am] sick of love.

Hosea 3:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of [her] friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.

2 Samuel 6:19

And he dealt among all the people, [even] among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece [of flesh], and a flagon [of wine]. So all the people departed every one to his house.

Song Of Solomon 7:8

I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;

Philippians 1:23

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Psalms 4:6

¶ [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Psalms 4:7

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time [that] their corn and their wine increased.