TRV
Translation
King James Version
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
His cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes. His lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.
Geneva Bible (1599)
His cheekes are as a bedde of spices, and as sweete flowres, and his lippes like lilies dropping downe pure myrrhe.
Young's Literal Translation
His cheeks as a bed of the spice, towers of perfumes, His lips are lilies, dropping flowing myrrh,
See also
In the KJVVerse 17,612 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
His cheeks are like beds of spices, etc. Just as the words on the lips of the Lord expressed what He spoke, so in His cheeks the modest piety and sternness of His countenance are simultaneously expressed. For if it could rightly be said of a mere man, the wisdom of a man shines in his face, how much more in the face of that man who is the power of God and the wisdom of God, would the highest virtue and wisdom shine forth to those who consider well? His cheeks, he said, are like beds of spices planted by perfumers. For as beds of spices decently and orderly arranged grant great pleasure both to those who see and smell them, so He, appearing in man the mediator of God and men, by the sweetness of either His virtues or His doctrine enlightened those present and attracted those who were absent by His fame. By perfumers, by whom these beds are planted, understand the prophets and apostles, who in complete harmony inserted not only His words but also His manners into the sacred pages; these foretold the future mysteries of His incarnation, those narrated the deeds done. I think it is to the appearance of His cheeks that it is to be referred, that He exulted in the spirit, rejoicing in the faith of the little ones, that He grieved over the hardness of the hearts of the unbelievers, that He rejoiced for the disciples when He was about to raise Lazarus so that they might believe, that He looked upon the weeping sisters or friends of Lazarus and wept and troubled Himself, that at the approach of His passion He began to be sorrowful and mournful, that He did not give any time to laughter or vain words, that He did not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor did He rebuke by the hearing of His ears, that like a lamb He was led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth (Isa. LIII, 7). But His lips, lilies distilling pure myrrh: lilies, because they promise the brightness of the heavenly kingdom; distilling pure myrrh, because they preach that this is to be reached by the contempt of present pleasures. From thence, He said, Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt. IV). Again, His lips are like lilies, because He commands us to shine with the brightness of sanctity; distilling pure myrrh, because He commands us to endure bravely whatever adversity may occur for the preservation of this. He prefigured lilies in His lips when He taught His audience to be poor in spirit, meek, mourning, hungry and thirsty for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. He promised to each of these the reward of eternal happiness; He added myrrh to the lilies when He immediately added: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. V). Again, His lips shone like lilies when in one and the same person He taught that He was truly God and truly man. For indeed, the golden color which was within was fittingly adapted to the truth of the divinity that was in Christ, especially because it is threefold, as if to represent the one undivided glory of the same holy Trinity. The outer whiteness properly designates the purity and sanctity of the assumed humanity. But the same lips distilled pure myrrh when in His divinity always impassible, He predicted that in the man whom He had assumed, He would suffer bonds, scourging, spitting, reproaches, and death. Therefore, His lips both imitate the appearance and scent of lilies, when He says: The Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works (Rom. II, 6; Matt. XVI, 27; Rev. XXII, 12). They distill pure myrrh when He says: But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation (Luke XVII, 25).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 5:13 presents a breathtaking and sensuous description of the beloved's physical attractiveness, focusing intently on his cheeks and lips. Through a tapestry of rich, natural imagery drawn from the ancient Near Eastern world, the Shulamite woman meticulously portrays her beloved's features, likening them to lush, cultivated beds of aromatic spices and fragrant, pure lilies, from which the precious essence of sweet-smelling myrrh perpetually distills. This verse is a profound testament to the depth of her admiration, the overwhelming appeal of his presence, and the intoxicating delight he brings, painting a picture of unparalleled beauty and captivating aroma.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral part of the Shulamite's fervent and detailed praise of her beloved, delivered to the "daughters of Jerusalem" (or "friends") who had challenged her to describe him in Song of Solomon 5:9. Following her declaration of his preeminence in Song of Solomon 5:10, she embarks on an elaborate, head-to-toe portrait of his physical perfections, a detailed encomium spanning Song of Solomon 5:10-16. Each subsequent verse meticulously focuses on a specific part of his body, employing lavish similes and metaphors drawn from the most valued elements of nature, precious materials, and meticulously cultivated gardens. Verse 13 specifically hones in on his cheeks and lips, continuing the overarching theme of his profound desirability and the intoxicating effect he has upon her, building on the sensory richness established in the preceding descriptions.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, fragrant spices, aromatic oils, and beautiful flowers were not merely aesthetic elements but highly prized commodities, valued for their beauty, medicinal properties, ceremonial uses, and as symbols of wealth and status. Myrrh, in particular, was an exceptionally costly aromatic resin, derived from the sap of certain trees, and was widely used for perfumes, anointing oils, incense, and embalming. Its presence signified luxury, purity, and often, sacredness, as it was used in temple rituals and for royal anointing. Gardens, especially those cultivated for exotic spices and rare flowers—often referred to as "paradise gardens"—were exclusive enclaves of delight, abundance, and opulence, typically belonging to kings or the very wealthy. The imagery of "beds of spices" and "lilies" would immediately evoke a profound sense of opulence, natural beauty, and a carefully nurtured environment. The detailed physical descriptions, while perhaps appearing overtly explicit to modern Western sensibilities, were a common and celebrated literary device in ancient love poetry, serving to express profound admiration, desirability, and the deep emotional and physical connection between lovers, reflecting a cultural appreciation for physical perfection and the rich sensory experience of life.
Key Themes: This verse, and indeed the entire Song of Solomon, is a profound celebration of human love, beauty, and desire within the sacred covenant of a committed relationship. Verse 13 significantly contributes to the theme of Physical Beauty and Admiration, showcasing the Shulamite's deep and articulate appreciation for her beloved's appearance, portraying him as a paragon of masculine beauty. It also powerfully reinforces the theme of Sensory Richness and Delight, as the descriptions appeal intensely to the senses of sight (vibrant flowers, pure lilies) and, preeminently, smell (aromatic spices, sweet-smelling myrrh), creating an immersive and intoxicating experience of attraction. Furthermore, the deliberate use of precious and cultivated imagery underscores the theme of Value and Exclusivity, implying that her beloved is not merely beautiful, but uniquely precious, rare, and supremely desirable, akin to the most prized and exquisite elements of creation. This intimate and detailed portrayal serves to reinforce the profound personal connection, mutual adoration, and exclusive devotion that are core messages woven throughout the Song.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse is exceptionally rich in Simile, directly comparing the beloved's features to elements of nature using explicit comparative words like "as" and "like" ("cheeks as a bed of spices," "lips like lilies"). This creates vivid and immediate 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 subjective experience of her beloved's overwhelming attractiveness. Symbolism is also deeply embedded, where "lilies" symbolize purity, beauty, and perhaps even innocence, and "myrrh" symbolizes preciousness, luxury, and anointing, hinting at a sacred or highly valued quality. The overall effect is one of Hyperbole, as the description elevates the beloved's beauty to an almost idealized, superlative state, reflecting the intense, all-encompassing, and almost overwhelming nature of the Shulamite's love and admiration.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 5:13, while a profound celebration of human love and beauty, resonates with broader biblical themes concerning the inherent beauty of creation, the preciousness of God's design, and the delight found in intimate, covenantal relationships. 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 manifest in creation itself, where beauty, order, and sensory delight continually testify to the wisdom and goodness of the Creator. The emphasis on the beloved's lips and their "dropping sweet smelling myrrh" also subtly connects to the profound value of words and speech in the biblical tradition, hinting at the pleasantness and life-giving nature of righteous and gracious communication, much like "pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24). 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, whom He has adorned with beauty and purpose.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse invites us to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and unique qualities of those we love, particularly within the context of committed relationships. 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 move beyond superficial admiration to a profound appreciation that notices, cherishes, and celebrates the intricate details that make a person uniquely wonderful. It challenges us to be intentional in articulating our admiration and affection, recognizing the power of affirming words and gestures. Furthermore, the emphasis on "sweet smelling myrrh" dropping from his lips prompts us to reflect on the nature of our own communication. Do our words, like the beloved's lips, exude a "sweet smell"—are they gracious, life-giving, encouraging, pure, and uplifting? Or do they carry a bitter or harsh scent? This verse serves as a beautiful reminder that genuine love perceives, cherishes, and seeks to emulate the most delightful and virtuous aspects of its object, encouraging us to be sources of beauty, fragrance, and blessing in our relationships, our homes, and the wider world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "myrrh" in this verse?
Answer: Myrrh (Hebrew: môr, H4753) was a highly valued aromatic resin in the ancient world, known for its bitter taste but sweet, warm, and lingering fragrance. It was extensively used for perfumes, incense, medicinal purposes, and anointing oils, often associated with luxury, purification, and sacred rituals. In Song of Solomon 5:13, its use signifies exceptional preciousness, exquisite fragrance, and an intoxicating allure. When described as "dropping" (Hebrew: nâṭaph, H5197) from the beloved's lips, it suggests a continuous and abundant emanation of this precious aroma, indicating that his very essence, his words, or his presence are profoundly desirable, pure, and delightful. It elevates his attractiveness to an almost divine or royal level, as myrrh was often associated with kingship and sacred anointing.
Does this verse have a literal or allegorical meaning?
Answer: The Song of Solomon is primarily understood as a celebration of human love and marital intimacy, and Song of Solomon 5:13 should first be interpreted literally as the Shulamite woman's passionate and detailed description of her beloved's physical beauty. This literal interpretation highlights the purity, intensity, and goodness of physical attraction within a committed, exclusive relationship, affirming God's design for human sexuality. However, throughout history, both Jewish and Christian traditions have also interpreted the Song allegorically. For Jewish scholars, it often represents God's covenantal love for Israel; for Christian theologians, it frequently symbolizes Christ's profound 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, nourishing to the soul, and full of grace. Both interpretations can offer valuable spiritual insights, with the literal understanding providing a foundational affirmation of human love and the allegorical extending its spiritual resonance.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 5:13 directly describes the physical beauty of the Shulamite's beloved, its rich imagery of purity, captivating fragrance, and preciousness finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the true and supreme Beloved. He is the one whose beauty surpasses all earthly comparisons, whose very being radiates divine glory and grace. His "cheeks as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers" can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's perfect humanity, a life lived in complete obedience and holiness, radiating the fragrance of divine grace and righteousness. His entire life was a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2), a spiritual aroma that perfectly pleased 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), always full of grace (Luke 4:22), and indeed "sweeter than honey and the honeycomb" (Psalm 19:10). The myrrh, often associated with suffering and burial in the New Testament (as seen when Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial in John 19:39), paradoxically points to the "sweet smelling" sacrifice of Christ on the cross. From His lips came not only 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 and eternally beautiful to all who truly know Him.