Song Of Solomon 4:13

KJV

Thy plants [are] an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy plants {H7973} are an orchard {H6508} of pomegranates {H7416}, with pleasant {H4022} fruits {H6529}; camphire {H3724}, with spikenard {H5373},

Complete Jewish Bible

You are an orchard that puts forth pomegranates and other precious fruits, henna and nard

Berean Standard Bible

Your branches are an orchard of pomegranates with the choicest of fruits, with henna and nard,

American Standard Version

Thy shoots are an orchard of pomegranates, with precious fruits; Henna with spikenard plants,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 4:13 continues the lover's effusive praise of his beloved, portraying her as an exclusive, flourishing garden teeming with exquisite and valuable elements. This verse specifically highlights her as an "orchard of pomegranates" and mentions precious aromatic plants like "camphire" (henna) and "spikenard," all symbolizing her beauty, purity, fruitfulness, and the delightful fragrance of her presence. It underscores the theme of her unique and captivating nature, a private sanctuary of delight reserved for her beloved.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the lover's extended praise of his beloved, often referred to as the "Wassif" (Song of Solomon 4:1-7). Following immediately after the evocative imagery of a "garden locked up, a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain" in [Song of Solomon 4:12](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12 - A Locked Garden"), verse 13 elaborates on the rich and exclusive contents of this private, cherished garden. The narrative progression moves from a detailed description of her physical features (eyes, hair, teeth, lips, temples in [Song of Solomon 4:1-5](/song_of_solomon/4-1-5 "Song of Solomon 4:1-5 - Her Beauty Described")) to her inner essence and the delightful aura she exudes, using rich botanical metaphors. This section of the book, particularly [Song of Solomon 4](/song_of_solomon/4 "Song of Solomon 4 - The Lover's Praise"), is dedicated to the detailed and passionate description of the beloved's beauty and virtue, culminating in an invitation to intimacy and shared delight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon is an ancient Hebrew love poem, deeply embedded in the agricultural and pastoral context of the ancient Near East. Gardens were not merely functional spaces but often served as potent symbols of paradise, fertility, wealth, and pleasure, particularly for royalty or the affluent. Pomegranates were highly esteemed for their beauty, numerous seeds (symbolizing fertility and abundance), and sweet taste, frequently appearing in ancient art and religious symbolism (e.g., adorning the hem of the high priest's robe in [Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33-34 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Priestly Garments")). Camphire (henna) and spikenard were highly valued aromatic plants and perfumes, used for cosmetic purposes, anointing, and in religious rituals, signifying luxury, purity, and a captivating presence. The imagery thus draws from a shared cultural understanding of beauty, value, and delight, resonating deeply with the audience of that time.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [Song of Solomon 4](/song_of_solomon/4 "Song of Solomon 4 - The Lover's Praise") is the unparalleled beauty and desirability of the beloved. Verse 13 specifically contributes to themes of **exclusivity and privacy**, building on the "locked garden" imagery of [Song of Solomon 4:12](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12 - A Locked Garden"), suggesting her virtues and delights are reserved solely for her beloved. It emphasizes **fruitfulness and abundance**, with the "orchard of pomegranates" pointing to a rich, productive character and a life that yields delightful outcomes. Furthermore, the mention of fragrant spices like camphire and spikenard highlights **purity, preciousness, and a captivating allure**, symbolizing the delightful and attractive qualities that emanate from her very being. These themes collectively paint a picture of a beloved who is not only outwardly beautiful but also inwardly rich, virtuous, and uniquely delightful in every aspect.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **orchard (Hebrew, _pardêç'_):** From a foreign origin (H6508), this word denotes a "park" or "forest," but specifically an "orchard." It is the root of our English word "paradise." In this context, it signifies a cultivated, enclosed, and highly valued garden, implying exclusivity, beauty, and careful tending. It suggests a place of delight, abundance, and seclusion, often linked to the concept of an Edenic paradise.
* **camphire (Hebrew, _kôpher'_):** Derived from the root כָּפַר (H3724), meaning "to cover," this word refers to the henna plant (as used for dyeing). Henna was widely used in the ancient world for its sweet scent and as a cosmetic dye. Its inclusion here points to the beloved's captivating fragrance and beauty, often associated with purity and adornment, highlighting her alluring and precious presence.
* **spikenard (Hebrew, _nêrd'_):** Of foreign origin (H5373), "nard" or "spikenard" was a highly prized and expensive aromatic oil derived from a plant found in the Himalayas. Its presence here emphasizes the beloved's extreme value, rarity, and the exquisite, pervasive fragrance she possesses. It signifies a luxurious, exclusive, and deeply precious quality, indicating her unique and highly desirable essence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy plants [are] an orchard of pomegranates,"**: This clause immediately establishes the beloved as a cultivated, fruitful, and exclusive garden. The "plants" (H7973, _shelach_, meaning a shoot or branch) refer to her very essence or qualities, the inner being that produces outward beauty. Comparing her to an "orchard" (H6508, _pardêç_) filled with "pomegranates" (H7416, _rimmôwn_) suggests not only visual beauty but also abundance, fertility, and a rich inner life, as pomegranates are known for their numerous seeds and luscious fruit.
* **"with pleasant fruits;"**: This phrase further elaborates on the quality and desirability of the "orchard." The "pleasant fruits" (H4022, _meged_, meaning a distinguished or valuable thing; H6529, _pᵉrîy_, meaning fruit) emphasize the delightful, valuable, and desirable nature of what she produces or embodies. It speaks to the richness, sweetness, and inherent goodness of her character and presence, indicating that her virtues are not merely present but are delightful and worthy of admiration.
* **"camphire, with spikenard,"**: This final clause introduces specific aromatic plants, "camphire" (H3724, _kôpher_, henna) and "spikenard" (H5373, _nêrd_, nard). These highly valued fragrances underscore her captivating allure, purity, and preciousness. They suggest that her presence is not only visually appealing and fruitful but also carries a delightful and pervasive aroma, signifying her unique and desirable essence that pervades the atmosphere around her.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 4:13 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The beloved is not literally an orchard, but her qualities are compared to one, creating a vivid mental image of beauty, abundance, and exclusivity. The "orchard of pomegranates" serves as a **Symbol** of fruitfulness, fertility, and the richness of her inner and outer being. The "pleasant fruits" further symbolize desirable virtues and delightful outcomes, representing the tangible expressions of her character. **Imagery** is powerfully employed through the sensory details of sight (pomegranates, lush garden) and smell (camphire, spikenard), drawing the reader into the lover's experience of his beloved and emphasizing her multi-sensory appeal. The specific choice of camphire and spikenard, both highly prized and fragrant, uses **Synecdoche** to represent the beloved's overall preciousness and captivating aroma. The entire verse functions as an **Extended Metaphor** of the beloved as a private, cultivated garden, a theme that runs through this section of the Song, culminating in the lover's desire to enter and partake of its delights.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While primarily a celebration of human love, Song of Solomon 4:13 offers profound theological insights when interpreted allegorically, representing Christ's love for His Church or an individual believer. The imagery of a fruitful, fragrant, and exclusive garden speaks to the divine cultivation of believers, where the Holy Spirit produces "pleasant fruits" of righteousness and virtue within them. This "garden" is set apart, pure, and dedicated, reflecting the Church's unique relationship with Christ, a people sanctified and made holy for Him. The precious fragrances symbolize the sweet aroma of Christ that believers are called to embody, a testimony to His presence and transforming power in their lives, making them delightful in His sight and a fragrant offering to God.

* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "The Aroma of Christ")
* [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 4:13 invites us to consider the qualities that make a person truly beautiful and desirable, not just outwardly, but inwardly. For the believer, this verse can be a call to cultivate a life that yields "pleasant fruits" of the Spirit, embodying virtues that are both pleasing to God and attractive to others. Just as the beloved's garden was exclusive and well-tended, our spiritual lives should be a private sanctuary where God's Spirit is given free reign to prune, nourish, and bring forth abundance. The "fragrance" of camphire and spikenard reminds us that our lives, when lived in devotion to Christ, can emit a "sweet aroma" that testifies to His presence and character, drawing others to Him. This encourages us to pursue purity, holiness, and a fruitful walk, recognizing that our true beauty lies in being a cultivated garden for the Lord, yielding precious and delightful things that honor Him and bless those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can my life be described as a "garden" yielding "pleasant fruits" for God?**
* **What "fragrances" (virtues, character traits) do I want to cultivate in my life that would be pleasing to God and others?**
* **How does the concept of being an "exclusive" or "locked garden" (from the preceding verse) apply to my personal walk with God and my commitment to Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "pomegranates" in this verse?**

Answer: Pomegranates in ancient cultures, and throughout the Bible, are rich in symbolism. In Song of Solomon 4:13, their mention signifies abundance, fruitfulness, and beauty. With their many seeds, they often represent fertility and the potential for a rich, productive life. Their inclusion here emphasizes the beloved's inherent richness of character and the delightful abundance she embodies, contributing to the overall imagery of a flourishing and fruitful garden. They were also considered a luxurious and desirable fruit, adding to the sense of preciousness and indicating the beloved's exceptional value.

**Why are "camphire" and "spikenard" specifically mentioned?**

Answer: "Camphire" (henna) and "spikenard" were highly valued aromatic plants and perfumes in the ancient world, chosen for their distinctive and precious qualities. Their specific mention in Song of Solomon 4:13 highlights the beloved's captivating fragrance, purity, and preciousness. Henna was used for its sweet scent and as a dye, symbolizing beauty and adornment. Spikenard was an extremely expensive and rare aromatic oil, famously used for anointing, as seen when [Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly spikenard in John 12:3](/john/12-3 "John 12:3 - Mary Anoints Jesus"). Together, these fragrances signify a luxurious, exclusive, and deeply alluring presence, emphasizing that the beloved's essence is not just beautiful to behold but also wonderfully fragrant and of immense value, pervading her entire being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 4:13, with its vibrant imagery of a fruitful and fragrant garden, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His relationship with the Church. The Church, as the Bride of Christ, is depicted as this "orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits," cultivated by the divine Gardener Himself. Through His redemptive work, Christ has cleansed and sanctified His people, making them pure and delightful in His sight, just as [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church") describes Him presenting the Church to Himself "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." The "pleasant fruits" are the spiritual virtues and good works produced in believers by the Holy Spirit, the "fruit of the Spirit" mentioned in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit"), which are a testament to God's transforming power. Furthermore, the "camphire" and "spikenard" symbolize the sweet aroma of Christ that emanates from His redeemed people. As [2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "The Aroma of Christ") states, "we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved." Thus, this verse beautifully foreshadows the Church's transformed nature, made fruitful and fragrant through union with Christ, reflecting His beauty and glory to the world, and becoming a source of delight to her heavenly Bridegroom.

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 1:14

My beloved [is] unto me [as] a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.

Song Of Solomon 6:11

¶ I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, [and] to see whether the vine flourished, [and] the pomegranates budded.

Ecclesiastes 2:5

I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all [kind of] fruits:

Song Of Solomon 1:12

¶ While the king [sitteth] at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

John 15:1

¶ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

John 15:3

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Song Of Solomon 8:2

I would lead thee, [and] bring thee into my mother's house, [who] would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.