Song Of Solomon 5:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am come {H935} into my garden {H1588}, my sister {H269}, my spouse {H3618}: I have gathered {H717} my myrrh {H4753} with my spice {H1313}; I have eaten {H398} my honeycomb {H3293} with my honey {H1706}; I have drunk {H8354} my wine {H3196} with my milk {H2461}: eat {H398}, O friends {H7453}; drink {H8354}, yea, drink abundantly {H7937}, O beloved {H1730}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[He] My sister, my bride, I have entered my garden; I am gathering my myrrh and my spices; I am eating my honeycomb along with my honey; I am drinking my wine as well as my milk. [Chorus] Eat, friends, and drink, until you are drunk with love!

Berean Standard Bible

I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; 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, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.

American Standard Version

I am come into my garden, my sister, my bride: 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:1 climactically portrays the Beloved's joyful entry into his bride's "garden," signifying the consummation of their love and the profound intimacy of their marital union. Through rich sensory imagery of gathered myrrh and spices, eaten honeycomb and honey, and drunk wine and milk, the verse depicts his complete and delightful partaking of all that his bride offers. This private satisfaction then overflows into a generous invitation for friends and beloved ones to share in the abundant joy, celebrating the deep fulfillment and communal affirmation found in their committed relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant culmination of a significant poetic exchange (Song of Solomon 4:1-5:1) where the Beloved lavishes praise upon the Shulamite's beauty and purity. He meticulously describes her as an "enclosed garden, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed" in [Song of Solomon 4:12](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12 - The Enclosed Garden"), highlighting her exclusivity and untouched essence. In response to his ardent admiration, the Shulamite extends a tender invitation in [Song of Solomon 4:16](/song_of_solomon/4-16 "Song of Solomon 4:16 - The Bride's Invitation"), urging her Beloved to "come into his garden and eat its choicest fruits." Song of Solomon 5:1 is the Beloved's immediate, eager, and affirming reply to this invitation, confirming his presence and profound delight in her. It marks the pivotal transition from the anticipation and poetic praise of their love to its physical consummation and shared celebration, thereby setting the stage for the Shulamite's subsequent dream and search for her Beloved in [Song of Solomon 5:2-8](/song_of_solomon/5-2 "Song of Solomon 5:2-8 - The Shulamite's Dream and Search").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a garden was a highly symbolic and often private space, frequently representing beauty, fertility, and exclusivity. For a woman, particularly, the imagery of an "enclosed garden" was a potent metaphor for her virginity and her innermost being, reserved solely for her husband. The specific items mentioned—myrrh, spices, honey, wine, and milk—were not merely foodstuffs but luxury goods and staples that symbolized prosperity, blessing, and sensory delight in ancient Israel. Myrrh and spices were used for perfumes, anointing, and incense, signifying preciousness and fragrance. Honey was a symbol of sweetness and abundance, while wine and milk represented joy, sustenance, and the richness of the land. The subsequent communal invitation to "eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved" strongly evokes the customs of ancient Near Eastern wedding feasts, where the joy of the newly united couple was shared with their community, affirming the social, familial, and often spiritual significance of marriage. The use of "sister" alongside "spouse" was a common poetic and affectionate term in the region, signifying a deep bond of trust, equality, and profound intimacy within the marital relationship, elevating it beyond mere physical union.

* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 5:1 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Consummation and Intimacy**, depicting the physical and emotional union of the lovers as the pinnacle of their relationship, a source of immense satisfaction and mutual delight. The "garden" metaphor, previously established as the bride herself, becomes the sacred and exclusive space where this intimacy is fully realized. Secondly, the verse highlights **Abundance and Delight**, with the detailed enumeration of luxurious provisions (myrrh, spices, honeycomb, honey, wine, milk) symbolizing the richness, sweetness, and intoxicating joy found in a loving and committed relationship. This imagery speaks to the full sensory and emotional experience of their union, portraying love as a lavish feast. Thirdly, the overflowing invitation to "friends" and "beloved" emphasizes **Shared Joy and Celebration**, transforming a deeply private moment of intimacy into a communal affirmation of their bond. This suggests that true, overflowing joy naturally seeks expression and inclusion, mirroring the celebratory atmosphere of a wedding feast and affirming the social dimension of marriage. Finally, for many theological interpreters, this verse also contributes to the **Allegorical Representation of Christ and His Church**, where the Beloved's delight in his bride foreshadows Christ's profound love for and union with His people, the Church, inviting them to partake in the spiritual abundance of His grace and presence, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **garden (Hebrew, _gan'_):** From an unused root meaning "to fence," this word refers to an enclosed plot of ground, a garden. In the context of Song of Solomon, particularly following [Song of Solomon 4:12](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12 - The Enclosed Garden"), "my garden" is a profound metaphor for the Shulamite herself—her inner being, her beauty, and her virginity, reserved exclusively for her Beloved. It signifies a private, cherished, and fertile space of intimacy and delight.
* **spouse (Hebrew, _kallâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be complete" or "perfect," this term specifically denotes a bride or daughter-in-law. Its usage here, alongside "sister," emphasizes the Shulamite's status as the Beloved's exclusive, chosen partner in a fully committed marital union. It highlights the completeness and perfection of the marital bond, signifying a covenantal relationship.
* **beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root meaning "to boil" (figuratively, to love), this term signifies a love-token, a lover, or a friend. It is the primary epithet for the male protagonist throughout the Song of Solomon. Here, it is used by the Beloved to address those he invites to share in the feast, indicating a close, affectionate relationship with his guests, extending the warmth and joy of his union to his intimate circle of companions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse:"** This declaration is the Beloved's affirmative and eager response to the Shulamite's invitation in [Song of Solomon 4:16](/song_of_solomon/4-16 "Song of Solomon 4:16 - The Bride's Invitation"). His "coming into" her "garden" symbolizes the joyful consummation of their love and the complete intimacy of their marital union. The dual address, "my sister, my spouse," underscores the multifaceted nature of their relationship—a bond of deep friendship, purity, and familial trust ("sister"), combined with the exclusive, covenantal commitment of marriage ("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:"** These parallel clauses vividly describe the Beloved's complete and joyful partaking of all the delights his "garden" offers. "Myrrh" and "spice" represent the fragrant, precious essence of the bride and the delightful fruits of their intimacy. "Honeycomb with my honey" signifies the pure, unadulterated sweetness and richness of their love. "Wine with my milk" denotes the intoxicating joy and nourishing satisfaction found in their union, combining the exhilaration of wine with the comforting sustenance of milk. Each phrase emphasizes the abundance, variety, and deep satisfaction derived from their intimate communion.
* **"eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved."** Having fully enjoyed the fruits of his union, the Beloved's joy overflows into an invitation for others to partake. "Friends" and "beloved" (the same Hebrew word, _dôwd_, indicating close companions) are called to join in the celebration. The repetition and intensification ("drink, yea, drink abundantly") emphasize the boundless nature of the joy and the generous spirit of the Beloved. This communal invitation suggests a wedding feast, where the happiness of the couple is shared and affirmed by their community, transforming private delight into public celebration and demonstrating the social dimension of their union.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 5:1 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The central **metaphor** is the "garden," which symbolizes the bride herself, her inner being, and her physical beauty, particularly in the context of intimacy and fertility. The "myrrh," "spice," "honeycomb," "honey," "wine," and "milk" are potent **symbols** of the sensory delights, abundance, and profound satisfaction found in the consummation of love. The Beloved's actions of gathering, eating, and drinking are symbolic of his full and joyful embrace of his bride. The phrase "my sister, my spouse" employs **Juxtaposition** to highlight the dual nature of their relationship—both pure, familial affection and exclusive marital commitment. The series of parallel clauses describing the Beloved's partaking ("I have gathered... I have eaten... I have drunk...") utilizes **Parallelism** and **Anaphora** (repetition of "I have") to emphasize the completeness and comprehensive nature of his experience, building a sense of luxuriant abundance. The final invitation uses **Exhortation** and **Repetition** ("drink, yea, drink abundantly") to convey the overflowing joy that seeks to be shared with others.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 5:1, in its celebration of marital intimacy and shared joy, reflects profound theological truths about creation, covenant, and divine delight. It portrays marriage as a sacred institution designed by God, where deep, exclusive intimacy is not only permitted but celebrated as a source of profound satisfaction and abundance. The Beloved's delight in his bride mirrors, in a human way, God's delight in His creation and His covenant people, Israel, and ultimately His Church. The overflowing joy that compels the Beloved to invite others to partake points to the communal nature of God's blessings and the inherent desire for joy to be shared, whether in the context of a wedding feast or the fellowship of believers. The sanctity and beauty of this human union also serve as a powerful earthly illustration of the spiritual union between Christ and His Church, a theme often explored in theological interpretations of the Song, highlighting the covenantal faithfulness and mutual delight central to God's relationship with His people.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union")
* [Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Ephesians 5:31-32 - Marriage as a Mystery of Christ and the Church")
* [Psalm 45:10-11](/psalms/45-10-11 "Psalm 45:10-11 - The King's Desire for His Bride")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 5:1 offers rich insights for both marital relationships and the spiritual life of believers. For married couples, this verse is a beautiful affirmation of the sacredness and joy of marital intimacy. It encourages spouses to cultivate their "garden"—their shared life, their emotional connection, and their physical intimacy—as a private, cherished space where mutual delight and satisfaction can flourish. It reminds us to savor the "myrrh, spice, honeycomb, honey, wine, and milk" of our relationships, appreciating the unique qualities and abundant blessings our partners bring. Furthermore, the invitation to "friends" encourages couples to share the joy of their union with their community, allowing their love to be a testimony and a source of celebration for others, demonstrating the beauty of a God-ordained bond. Spiritually, this verse invites believers to reflect on Christ's profound love and delight in His Church, His beloved bride. Just as the Beloved fully partakes of his garden, Christ fully embraces and delights in His people, inviting us to partake in the abundant spiritual nourishment and joy found in His presence and fellowship. It calls us to respond to His loving invitation, allowing Him to enter every "garden" of our lives—our hearts, our gifts, our worship—and find delight, trusting that He will satisfy us abundantly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "garden" and its abundant provisions challenge or affirm your understanding of intimacy within marriage?**
* **In what ways can married couples intentionally "gather myrrh with my spice" and "eat honeycomb with honey" in their relationship, cultivating deeper delight and satisfaction?**
* **How does the Beloved's invitation to "friends" and "beloved" encourage you to share the joy and blessings of your relationships with others?**
* **Considering the allegorical interpretation, how does Christ's "coming into His garden" (the Church) deepen your appreciation for His love and presence in your life, and how might you respond to His invitation to partake?**

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

Answer: The "garden" metaphor in Song of Solomon 5:1 is profoundly significant. It represents the Shulamite herself—her inner being, her beauty, her purity, and her physical person. As an "enclosed garden" ([Song of Solomon 4:12](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12 - The Enclosed Garden")), it symbolizes her exclusivity and virginity, reserved solely for her Beloved. In this verse, the Beloved's entry into "my garden" signifies the consummation of their love and the complete, joyful intimacy of their marital union. It is a private, fertile, and delightful space where the Beloved finds immense satisfaction and abundance, emphasizing the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital bond.

**Why does the Beloved invite "friends" to eat and drink?**

Answer: The Beloved's invitation to "eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved" signifies the overflowing nature of his joy and the communal celebration of his union with the Shulamite. This act is reminiscent of ancient Near Eastern wedding feasts, where the joy and abundance of the newly married couple were shared with their closest companions and community. It transforms a private moment of intimacy into a public affirmation, suggesting that true happiness in love is so profound that it naturally seeks expression and inclusion, inviting others to partake in the delight and abundance of their bond. This communal aspect underscores the social and celebratory dimension of marriage.

**How can this verse be applied spiritually by Christians?**

Answer: Spiritually, Song of Solomon 5:1 is often interpreted as an allegory for the profound love and intimacy between Christ and His Church. In this view, Christ, the Beloved, enters His "garden," the Church, finding delight and satisfaction in His people. His partaking of the "myrrh, spice, honeycomb, honey, wine, and milk" symbolizes His full embrace and enjoyment of the spiritual fruits, virtues, and worship of His bride. The subsequent invitation to "eat, O friends; drink abundantly, O beloved" represents Christ's call to believers to partake in the abundant spiritual blessings, grace, and joy found in His presence and fellowship, foreshadowing the eternal feast and union with Him, as described in passages like [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). It encourages believers to fully receive and delight in the spiritual provisions Christ offers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 5:1, with its vivid portrayal of the Beloved's joyful entry into his bride's garden and his partaking of its rich delights, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Beloved's "coming into my garden" foreshadows Christ's incarnation, where the Son of God "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), entering humanity to unite with His people. Just as the Beloved finds delight in his bride, Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, delights in His Church, whom He has purchased with His own blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - The Church Purchased by Blood")) and continually sanctifies ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The "myrrh and spice" gathered by the Beloved can symbolize the fragrant offering of Christ's perfect life and sacrificial death, a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")), through which He gains His bride. The "honeycomb with honey" and "wine with milk" represent the abundant spiritual nourishment, sweetness, and intoxicating joy that Christ provides for His people through His Word, His Spirit, and His very presence, far surpassing any earthly delight ([Psalm 19:10](/psalms/19-10 "Psalm 19:10 - God's Word Sweeter Than Honey"); [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Invitation to Spiritual Refreshment")). Finally, the Beloved's overflowing invitation to "eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's gracious invitation to the Lord's Supper, where believers partake of the emblems of His body and blood, signifying their union with Him and anticipating the great marriage supper of the Lamb ([Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26-28 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"); [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). In Christ, we are invited not just to taste, but to "drink abundantly" of the inexhaustible joys and blessings of His eternal fellowship and the new covenant He established.

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 6:2

My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

Song Of Solomon 4:16

Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, [that] the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

Song Of Solomon 4:9

Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

Song Of Solomon 4:14

Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

Proverbs 9:5

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mingled.

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:2

Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.