Song Of Solomon 5:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

His cheeks {H3895} are as a bed {H6170} of spices {H1314}, as sweet {H4840} flowers {H4026}: his lips {H8193} like lilies {H7799}, dropping {H5197} sweet smelling {H5674} myrrh {H4753}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His cheeks are like beds of spices, like banks of fragrant herbs. His lips are like lilies dripping with sweet myrrh.

Berean Standard Bible

His cheeks are like beds of spice, towers of perfume. His lips are like lilies, dripping with flowing myrrh.

American Standard Version

His cheeks are as a bed of spices, Asbanks of sweet herbs: His lips are as lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:13 offers a vivid and sensuous portrait of the beloved's physical beauty, specifically focusing on his cheeks and lips. Through rich, natural imagery drawn from the ancient Near Eastern world, the Shulamite woman describes her beloved's features with exquisite detail, comparing them to cultivated spice beds and fragrant lilies, whose very essence exudes precious, sweet-smelling myrrh. This verse serves as a testament to the depth of her admiration and the overwhelming appeal of her beloved, painting a picture of unparalleled attractiveness and delightful aroma.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of the Shulamite's passionate description of her beloved to the "daughters of Jerusalem" (or "friends" as some translations render it). Following their challenge in [Song of Solomon 5:9](/song_of_solomon/5-9 "Song of Solomon 5:9 - The Daughters' Challenge") to describe her beloved, the Shulamite launches into an elaborate, head-to-toe portrait of his physical perfections, beginning in [Song of Solomon 5:10](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10 - The Beloved's Beauty"). Each verse in this section ([Song of Solomon 5:10-16](/song_of_solomon/5-10 "Song of Solomon 5:10-16 - Description of the Beloved")) focuses on a specific part of his body, employing lavish similes and metaphors drawn from nature, precious materials, and cultivated gardens. Verse 13 specifically hones in on his cheeks and lips, continuing the theme of his overall desirability and the intoxicating effect he has on her.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, fragrant spices, oils, and flowers were highly valued for their beauty, medicinal properties, and ceremonial uses. Myrrh, in particular, was a costly aromatic resin used for perfumes, anointing oils, and embalming, signifying luxury, purity, and often, sacredness. Gardens, especially those cultivated for spices and flowers, were seen as places of delight, abundance, and exclusivity. The imagery of "beds of spices" and "lilies" would evoke a sense of opulence and natural beauty. The detailed physical descriptions, while perhaps seeming overly explicit to modern Western readers, were a common literary device in ancient love poetry to express profound admiration and desirability, reflecting the cultural appreciation for physical perfection and the sensory richness of life.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of this passage, and indeed the entire [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon - A Song of Love"), is the celebration of human love, beauty, and desire within the bounds of a committed relationship. This verse contributes to the theme of **Physical Beauty and Admiration**, showcasing the Shulamite's deep appreciation for her beloved's appearance. It also highlights the theme of **Sensory Richness and Delight**, as the descriptions appeal to sight (lilies, flowers) and especially smell (spices, myrrh), creating an immersive experience of attraction. Furthermore, the use of precious and cultivated imagery underscores the theme of **Value and Exclusivity**, implying that her beloved is not just beautiful, but uniquely precious and desirable, akin to the most prized elements of creation. This intimate and detailed portrayal reinforces the profound personal connection and mutual adoration between the lovers, a core message found throughout [the Song](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon - A Song of Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cheeks (Hebrew, _lᵉchîy'_):** This word, derived from an unused root meaning "to be soft," refers to the fleshy part of the face, often associated with beauty and tenderness. In this context, comparing them to "beds of spices" emphasizes their pleasant appearance and delightful fragrance, suggesting a softness and allure that is both visual and aromatic.
* **Spices (Hebrew, _besem'_):** From a root indicating fragrance, this term denotes aromatic substances, often used in perfumes, incense, or for medicinal purposes. Its use here, in conjunction with "beds" (`ʻărûwgâh`, cultivated garden beds), conveys an image of abundant, cultivated fragrance, implying that the beloved's cheeks are not merely pleasant but exude a rich, deliberate, and highly valued aroma.
* **Dropping (Hebrew, _nâṭaph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to ooze" or "distil gradually," implying a continuous, gentle flow of liquid in drops. Applied to lips "dropping sweet smelling myrrh," it suggests a fresh, active emanation of precious fragrance, as if his very words or presence exude a rich, intoxicating perfume. This verb choice emphasizes the active and abundant nature of the scent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His cheeks [are] as a bed of spices, [as] sweet flowers":** This clause begins the detailed description of the beloved's face. The comparison of his cheeks to "a bed of spices" (Hebrew: `ʻărûwgâh bosem`) suggests a cultivated garden plot rich with aromatic plants. The addition of "as sweet flowers" (Hebrew: `migdâl merqâch`) further enhances this imagery, evoking not only a delightful fragrance but also a beautiful, perhaps even towering or prominent, display of floral beauty. This paints a picture of his cheeks as vibrant, full, and exuding an intoxicating, natural perfume.
* **"his lips [like] lilies":** This simile shifts the focus to his lips, comparing them to lilies (Hebrew: `shûwshan`). Lilies were renowned in the ancient world for their striking beauty, purity, and often, their delicate fragrance. This comparison suggests that his lips are pure, beautiful, perhaps soft, and visually appealing, embodying a pristine and captivating elegance.
* **"dropping sweet smelling myrrh":** This final phrase extends the imagery of his lips beyond mere visual beauty to an active emanation of precious fragrance. "Dropping" (Hebrew: `nâṭaph`) implies a continuous, gentle distillation, as if his lips are perpetually moist with or exuding the essence of "sweet smelling myrrh" (Hebrew: `môr ʻâbar`). Myrrh was a highly prized and expensive aromatic resin, often associated with luxury and sacred anointing. This intensifies the sense of his lips being exceptionally desirable, pure, and a source of rich, intoxicating aroma, perhaps even hinting at the pleasantness and value of his words.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Simile**, directly comparing the beloved's features to elements of nature using "as" and "like" ("cheeks as a bed of spices," "lips like lilies"). This creates vivid mental pictures for the reader. **Sensory Imagery** is profoundly employed, appealing strongly to the sense of smell ("spices," "sweet flowers," "sweet smelling myrrh") and sight ("bed of spices," "lilies"). This multi-sensory description immerses the audience in the Shulamite's experience of her beloved's attractiveness. **Symbolism** is also present, where "lilies" symbolize purity and beauty, and "myrrh" symbolizes preciousness, luxury, and perhaps even a hint of sacredness or anointing. The overall effect is one of **Hyperbole**, as the description elevates the beloved's beauty to an almost superhuman, idealized state, reflecting the intense and all-encompassing nature of the Shulamite's love and admiration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 5:13, while a celebration of human love and beauty, resonates with broader biblical themes of creation's beauty, the preciousness of God's design, and the delight found in intimate relationship. The lavish descriptions of the beloved's physical attributes, particularly his fragrant and pure qualities, can be seen as an echo of the divine artistry in creation itself, where beauty and order testify to the Creator. The emphasis on the beloved's lips and their "dropping sweet smelling myrrh" can also subtly connect to the value of words and speech, hinting at the pleasantness and life-giving nature of righteous communication, much like the "words of the wise are like goads" that are "given by one Shepherd" ([Ecclesiastes 12:11](/ecclesiastes/12-11 "Ecclesiastes 12:11 - The Words of the Wise")). Ultimately, the verse underscores that true love finds profound delight in every aspect of the beloved, recognizing and celebrating their inherent worth and beauty, a principle that mirrors God's own delight in His creation and His people.

* [Psalm 45:8](/psalms/45-8 "Psalm 45:8 - The King's Garments and Fragrance") - "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad." (Connects royalty and precious fragrance).
* [Proverbs 16:24](/proverbs/16-24 "Proverbs 16:24 - Pleasant Words") - "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." (Connects pleasantness of speech to sweetness).
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering") - "But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." (Connects pleasantness to an acceptable offering, hinting at Christ's sacrifice).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse invites us to consider the depth and detail with which we appreciate those we love. Just as the Shulamite finds specific, delightful attributes in her beloved's cheeks and lips, using the most precious and fragrant imagery available, so too can we cultivate an appreciative eye for the unique beauty and qualities of others, especially those closest to us. It challenges us to move beyond superficial admiration to a profound appreciation that notices and celebrates the intricate details that make a person uniquely wonderful. Furthermore, the emphasis on "sweet smelling myrrh" dropping from his lips can prompt us to reflect on the nature of our own words. Do our words, like the beloved's lips, exude a "sweet smell"—are they gracious, life-giving, encouraging, and pure? Or do they carry a bitter scent? This verse serves as a beautiful reminder that love sees, cherishes, and seeks to emulate the most delightful aspects of its object, encouraging us to be sources of beauty and fragrance in our relationships and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shulamite's detailed description of her beloved challenge or inspire your own expression of love and admiration for others?**
* **What specific "fragrant" qualities or actions do you appreciate in the people closest to you, and how often do you articulate that appreciation?**
* **In what ways can your own words and presence be like "sweet smelling myrrh" to those around you, bringing refreshment and delight?**
* **How might cultivating a deeper appreciation for the beauty of creation enhance your understanding of God's artistry and love?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "myrrh" in this verse?**

Answer: Myrrh (Hebrew: `môr`) was a highly valued aromatic resin in the ancient world, known for its bitter taste but sweet, warm fragrance. It was used extensively for perfumes, incense, medicinal purposes, and anointing oils. In [Song of Solomon 5:13](/song_of_solomon/5-13 "Song of Solomon 5:13 - The Beloved's Beauty"), its use signifies luxury, preciousness, and an exquisite, intoxicating aroma. When described as "dropping" from the beloved's lips, it suggests a continuous emanation of this precious fragrance, indicating that his very essence or words are profoundly desirable, pure, and delightful. It elevates his attractiveness to an almost divine or royal level, as myrrh was often associated with kings and sacred rituals.

**Does this verse have a literal or allegorical meaning?**

Answer: The Song of Solomon is primarily a celebration of human love and marital intimacy, and [Song of Solomon 5:13](/song_of_solomon/5-13 "Song of Solomon 5:13 - The Beloved's Beauty") should first be understood literally as the Shulamite woman's passionate and detailed description of her beloved's physical beauty. This literal interpretation highlights the purity and intensity of human love, affirming the goodness of physical attraction within a committed relationship. However, throughout history, many Jewish and Christian traditions have also interpreted the Song allegorically. For Jews, it represents God's love for Israel; for Christians, it often symbolizes Christ's love for His Church or the individual believer. In an allegorical sense, the "sweet smelling myrrh" from the beloved's lips could represent the precious, life-giving, and pure words of God or Christ, which are eternally fragrant and nourishing to the soul. Both interpretations can offer valuable insights, with the literal understanding providing a foundation for the spiritual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 5:13 directly describes the physical beauty of the Shulamite's beloved, its rich imagery of purity, fragrance, and preciousness finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the true Beloved, whose beauty surpasses all earthly comparisons. His "cheeks as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers" can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's perfect humanity, radiating the fragrance of holiness and divine grace. His life was a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")), a spiritual aroma that pleases the Father. Moreover, His "lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh" powerfully symbolize the purity, truth, and life-giving power of His words. Unlike any human, Christ's words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")), always gracious ([Luke 4:22](/luke/4-22 "Luke 4:22 - Gracious Words")), and sweeter than honey ([Psalm 19:10](/psalms/19-10 "Psalm 19:10 - The Sweetness of God's Word")). The myrrh, often associated with suffering and burial in the New Testament (as seen in [John 19:39](/john/19-39 "John 19:39 - Nicodemus and Myrrh at Burial")), paradoxically points to the "sweet smelling" sacrifice of Christ on the cross. From His lips, not only came words of eternal life, but also the ultimate expression of love that led to His atoning death, a sacrifice whose fragrance of redemption forever permeates the universe, making Him supremely desirable to all who truly know Him.

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 1:10

Thy cheeks are comely with rows [of jewels], thy neck with chains [of gold].

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 2:1

¶ I [am] the rose of Sharon, [and] the lily of the valleys.

Song Of Solomon 5:5

I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped [with] myrrh, and my fingers [with] sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.

Song Of Solomon 3:6

¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

Psalms 89:15

¶ Blessed [is] the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

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.