Song Of Solomon 6:3

KJV

I [am] my beloved's, and my beloved [is] mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am my beloved's {H1730}, and my beloved {H1730} is mine: he feedeth {H7462} among the lilies {H7799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I belong to the man I love, and he belongs to me; he pastures his flock among the lilies.

Berean Standard Bible

I belong to my beloved and he belongs to me; he pastures his flock among the lilies.

American Standard Version

I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: He feedeth his flock among the lilies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 6:3 stands as a profound declaration of mutual belonging and unwavering devotion between the Shulamite woman and her beloved. It encapsulates the secure and reciprocal nature of their love, asserting her confident possession of him and his confident possession of her. The verse culminates with an idyllic image of the beloved tending his flock amidst the lilies, symbolizing his gentle care, provision, and the serene environment in which he operates, reinforcing the peace and assurance found within their bond.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is spoken by the Shulamite woman in response to the "daughters of Jerusalem" who had inquired about her beloved's whereabouts after a period of separation and longing described in [Song of Solomon 5:6](/song_of_solomon/5-6 "Song of Solomon 5:6 - The Shulamite's Search"). Her confident declaration, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine," echoes and strengthens an earlier, similar statement in [Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - Mutual Possession"). The repetition signifies a deepening of their relationship, moving from initial affection to a settled, confident, and public affirmation of their exclusive bond. The subsequent description of him "feeding among the lilies" provides a reassuring answer to the daughters' query, indicating his peaceful and purposeful activity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, marriage and family were central, often arranged, but the Song of Solomon highlights the importance of mutual affection and personal devotion within the marital covenant. The imagery of a shepherd tending his flock was deeply embedded in the agrarian culture, symbolizing care, provision, and leadership. Lilies (`shoshannim`) were common wildflowers in the region, often associated with beauty, purity, and pleasantness, as seen in [Song of Solomon 2:1](/song_of_solomon/2-1 "Song of Solomon 2:1 - The Rose of Sharon and Lily of the Valleys"). The act of "feeding among the lilies" would evoke a scene of tranquility, abundance, and the beloved's gentle engagement with nature, a stark contrast to any fears of danger or abandonment. This pastoral setting underscores the beloved's role as a provider and protector within a serene and beautiful environment.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates the theme of **mutual possession and belonging**, where both parties fully commit themselves to the other, establishing a secure and exclusive bond. This declaration signifies a profound **confidence and assurance** in the relationship, moving beyond initial infatuation to a settled trust. The Shulamite's certainty about her beloved's location and activity ("he feedeth among the lilies") underscores this theme. Furthermore, the **pastoral imagery and delight** associated with the lilies convey themes of beauty, purity, peace, and gentle care. This imagery often connects to the broader biblical theme of divine care and provision, reminiscent of the shepherd imagery found in [Psalm 23:1-2](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1-2 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). The verse, therefore, weaves together themes of exclusive love, unwavering trust, and the idyllic beauty of a relationship nurtured in peace and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** This term (H1730) derives from a root meaning "to boil," figuratively "to love." It signifies a deep, passionate affection, often translated as "lover" or "friend." In the context of Song of Solomon, it transcends a mere acquaintance, denoting an intimate, cherished partner. The repetition of "my beloved" emphasizes the personal and exclusive nature of this profound affection.
* **Feedeth (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From the primitive root (H7462) meaning "to tend a flock," "to pasture," or "to graze." This verb implies a gentle, nurturing, and providing activity. It suggests the beloved is not idle but actively engaged in caring for his flock, an image that conveys responsibility, provision, and a peaceful presence. It can also extend to "ruling" or "associating with as a friend," further enriching the idea of tender leadership and companionship.
* **Lilies (Hebrew, _shûwshan'_):** This word (H7799) refers to a lily, likely from its whiteness, symbolizing purity, beauty, and pleasantness. In the Song of Solomon, lilies often represent the beauty of the beloved and the delightful places where they meet. The beloved "feeding among the lilies" paints a picture of him being in a place of beauty, peace, and perhaps even tending to things of beauty, reinforcing his gentle and appealing character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I [am] my beloved's":** This opening clause is a powerful declaration of personal surrender and belonging. It signifies that the Shulamite woman has given herself fully and exclusively to her beloved, identifying herself entirely with him. It is a statement of ownership, not in a demeaning sense, but in the context of loving devotion and commitment.
* **"and my beloved [is] mine":** This second clause immediately establishes the reciprocal nature of their relationship. Just as she belongs to him, he belongs to her. This mutuality underscores the equality, balance, and shared possession that defines their bond. It speaks to a secure and confident relationship where both parties are fully invested in and committed to each other.
* **"he feedeth among the lilies":** This final clause provides a serene and reassuring image. It answers any unspoken questions about the beloved's whereabouts or activities, portraying him as engaged in a peaceful, productive, and beautiful environment. The act of "feeding" (tending his flock) signifies his role as a provider and caretaker, while "among the lilies" evokes a scene of purity, beauty, and tranquility, reinforcing the idyllic and secure nature of their shared world.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 6:3 is rich in literary artistry. The most prominent device is **Chiasmus**, evident in the structure "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" (A-B, B'-A'). This inverted parallelism powerfully emphasizes the reciprocal and balanced nature of their mutual possession, highlighting that their love is a two-way street of complete devotion. **Imagery** is also central, particularly in the phrase "he feedeth among the lilies." This pastoral image evokes a vivid scene of peace, beauty, and gentle care, appealing to the reader's visual and emotional senses. The lilies themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing purity, beauty, and delight, thus enhancing the positive and serene atmosphere of the beloved's presence and activities. The combination of these devices creates a verse that is not only declaration but also a poetic painting of profound affection and secure belonging.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 6:3, while rooted in human romantic love, offers profound theological insights, particularly when viewed through an allegorical lens, as has been common in Christian tradition. The declaration of mutual belonging ("I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine") beautifully prefigures the covenantal relationship between God and His people, and specifically between Christ and the Church. It speaks to the exclusive and devoted bond that God desires with humanity, a relationship characterized by His unwavering love and our complete surrender to Him. The assurance found in the Shulamite's words mirrors the confidence believers can have in their relationship with God, knowing that He is utterly committed to them and provides for them in peace and beauty. The image of the beloved "feeding among the lilies" can be seen as a metaphor for Christ's gentle shepherding of His flock, leading them to green pastures and still waters, ensuring their spiritual nourishment and security in His beautiful presence.

* [Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - Mutual Ownership")
* [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Own")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 6:3 provides a powerful blueprint for healthy, secure, and thriving relationships, whether marital, familial, or spiritual. For married couples, it serves as a reminder of the foundational importance of mutual, exclusive, and confident belonging. It calls us to actively declare and live out our commitment to our spouse, finding delight and peace in their presence and knowing that we are fully known and cherished. This verse encourages a secure attachment, free from doubt or insecurity, where both partners find their identity and joy intertwined. Spiritually, it invites believers into a deeper experience of their union with Christ. Just as the Shulamite confidently asserts her belonging, we are called to rest in the unwavering truth that we are Christ's, purchased by His blood, and He is ours, our loving Shepherd and ultimate satisfaction. This profound assurance liberates us to live in peace, trusting in His constant care and provision, knowing that He is always tending to His people in places of beauty and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" challenge or affirm your understanding of commitment in your most significant relationships?**
* **In what ways does the image of the beloved "feeding among the lilies" speak to your perception of God's character and His presence in your life?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of mutual belonging and confident assurance in your relationship with Christ, mirroring the devotion expressed in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of mutual, exclusive, and reciprocal love and possession. It signifies a complete giving of oneself to the other and a confident assurance of the other's dedication. It's a statement of secure belonging, where both parties are fully invested and find their identity intertwined with the other. This mutual ownership is foundational to the deep intimacy and trust depicted throughout the Song of Solomon, representing the pinnacle of romantic commitment. It is often paralleled with the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 30:22](/jeremiah/30-22 "Jeremiah 30:22 - You will be my people, and I will be your God").

**Why does the verse mention the beloved "feeding among the lilies"?**

Answer: The imagery of the beloved "feeding among the lilies" serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides a reassuring answer to the "daughters of Jerusalem" about the beloved's whereabouts, indicating he is engaged in a peaceful and productive activity, tending his flock. Secondly, "lilies" (H7799) symbolize beauty, purity, and delight, suggesting that the beloved is in a serene and pleasant environment. This pastoral scene reinforces his gentle, caring, and providing nature. It conveys a sense of tranquility and security, assuring the Shulamite (and the reader) that her beloved is not in danger but is actively engaged in a beautiful and purposeful endeavor, much like the Good Shepherd in [Psalm 23:2](/psalm/23-2 "He leads me beside still waters").

**Is Song of Solomon 6:3 only about human love, or does it have a spiritual meaning?**

Answer: While Song of Solomon 6:3 is primarily a celebration of human romantic love and marriage, it has been widely interpreted allegorically in both Jewish and Christian traditions to convey deeper spiritual truths. In Jewish tradition, it often symbolizes the relationship between God and Israel. In Christian tradition, it is frequently understood as an allegory for the profound, covenantal love between Christ and His Church, or between Christ and the individual believer. The mutual declaration of belonging ("I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine") beautifully illustrates the believer's union with Christ and Christ's unwavering commitment to His people, as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Christ's Love for the Church"). The "feeding among the lilies" can then represent Christ's gentle shepherding, provision, and the beauty of His presence in the lives of His followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 6:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The mutual declaration, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine," perfectly encapsulates the covenantal union between Christ and His Church. Just as the Shulamite confidently asserts her belonging to her beloved, so too does the believer declare, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but [Christ lives in me](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")." This is a profound spiritual reality where our identity is found in Him, and His righteousness becomes ours. Conversely, Christ's declaration that "all that is mine is yours, and all that is yours is mine" ([John 17:10](/john/17-10 "John 17:10 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples")) speaks to His complete ownership and care for His redeemed. He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them ([John 10:14-15](/john/10-14-15 "John 10:14-15 - The Good Shepherd")). The image of the beloved "feeding among the lilies" beautifully portrays Christ's gentle and constant shepherding of His flock, leading them to spiritual nourishment and rest. He is not distant or uncaring, but intimately present, tending to His people in places of beauty and peace, ensuring their provision and security until the glorious consummation of the "marriage of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, this verse points to the secure, intimate, and eternally satisfying relationship believers have with their Savior, Jesus Christ.

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 2:16

My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song Of Solomon 7:10

¶ I [am] my beloved's, and his desire [is] toward me.

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.