Song Of Solomon 4:11

Thy lips, O [my] spouse, drop [as] the honeycomb: honey and milk [are] under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments [is] like the smell of Lebanon.

Thy lips {H8193}, O my spouse {H3618}, drop {H5197} as the honeycomb {H5317}: honey {H1706} and milk {H2461} are under thy tongue {H3956}; and the smell {H7381} of thy garments {H8008} is like the smell {H7381} of Lebanon {H3844}.

Your lips, my bride, drip honey; honey and milk are under your tongue; and the scent of your garments is like the scent of the L'vanon.

Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon.

Thy lips, O mybride, drop asthe honeycomb: Honey and milk are under thy tongue; And the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.

Commentary

Song of Solomon 4:11 KJV is a tender and intimate verse from the beloved's (traditionally King Solomon's) praise of his bride, the Shulamite. It uses rich, sensory imagery to describe the captivating beauty and allure of her words and presence.

Context

This verse is part of a longer passage (Song of Solomon 4:1-15) where the bridegroom expresses his deep admiration for his bride. Following detailed descriptions of her physical features, this verse shifts focus to the delightful nature of her speech and the overall pleasantness of her being. It highlights the profound emotional and sensory connection between the two lovers, painting a vivid picture of pure, unadulterated affection in the setting of ancient Israelite courtship.

Key Themes

  • Sweetness of Speech: The comparison of her lips to "honeycomb" and "honey and milk under thy tongue" emphasizes the unparalleled sweetness, purity, and delightfulness of her words. Her speech is not just pleasant but nourishing and deeply satisfying, much like the finest natural delicacies. This theme resonates with the wisdom found in Proverbs 16:24, which states, "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
  • Purity and Abundance: "Honey and milk" is a classic biblical metaphor for abundance, blessing, and purity, frequently used to describe a land of prosperity (e.g., Exodus 3:8). Here, it applies to the richness and wholesome nature of her communication.
  • Alluring Presence: The "smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon" speaks to her natural, pervasive fragrance and overall enchanting aura. Lebanon was known for its majestic cedar trees and fragrant spices, symbolizing grandeur, strength, and a delightful aroma. This imagery conveys that her very presence, not just her words, is captivating and refreshing.
  • Intimate Appreciation: The verse beautifully captures the depth of the beloved's adoration, focusing on qualities that bring profound joy and contentment within the intimate bond of marriage.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "honeycomb" (nลpheth) specifically refers to the purest, fresh honey dripping directly from the comb, signifying the highest quality and most delightful sweetness.
  • The phrase "honey and milk" (devash vโ€™แธฅalav) is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture as symbols of fertility, prosperity, and ideal conditions, often associated with the Promised Land.
  • "Lebanon" (L'vanon) is mentioned for its renowned cedar forests and aromatic plants, which were highly valued. The comparison suggests a majestic, natural, and highly pleasant scent that permeates her very being.

Practical Application

For a general audience, this verse offers timeless insights into the beauty of loving relationships:

  • Value Gracious Communication: It reminds us of the profound impact of kind, pure, and uplifting words in our relationships. Sweet and sincere communication can be deeply nourishing and build strong bonds.
  • Cultivate a Pleasant Presence: Beyond words, our overall demeanor, character, and "fragrance" (our influence and reputation) contribute significantly to how we are perceived and how we impact others.
  • Appreciate Natural Beauty: The verse celebrates natural, unadorned beauty and charm, both in appearance and character, encouraging appreciation for genuine qualities.
  • Symbolism for Christ and the Church: The Church is often depicted as the Bride of Christ. This verse can symbolically represent the sweetness of Christ's words to His Church and the refreshing influence of the Church's witness and fellowship when it reflects His purity and love. It also speaks to Christ's profound love for His bride, the Church.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Song Of Solomon 5:1

    ยถ I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:13

    His cheeks [are] as a bed of spices, [as] sweet flowers: his lips [like] lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

  • Hosea 14:6

    His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.

  • Hosea 14:7

    They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon.

  • Song Of Solomon 7:9

    And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth [down] sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.

  • Genesis 27:27

    And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son [is] as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:

  • Proverbs 24:13

    ยถ My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste:
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