Song of Solomon 7:13
The mandrakes give forth fragrance, and beside our doors are all choice fruits, new as well as old, which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about sensual delights; notice the intentional pairing of "new as well as old" fruits. This suggests that true intimacy, celebrated here with such rich imagery, encompasses both fresh passions and the deep, seasoned joys of a long-shared love. It's about cherishing every stage of a relationship, from the exciting beginnings to the comfortable, enduring connections.
The lovers are deeply in love and enjoying each other's presence, likely in a rural setting. Following intimate expressions of desire and appreciation for each other's beauty, the bride here points to the abundance of nature and their shared home as symbols of their flourishing love and the fruits of their union, which she has prepared for him. This intimate scene continues their celebration of love, desire, and marital intimacy.
Imagine walking into a room filled with the most incredible scent. In Song of Solomon, fragrance isn't just pleasant – it's deeply symbolic of desire and intimacy. What does this powerful scent reveal about love?
A Scent of Intimacy and Desire
The mandrakes mentioned here were known in the ancient world not only for their supposed aphrodisiac qualities but also for their strong, sweet fragrance. This isn't just a perfume; it's a scent that signifies deep attraction and the blossoming of intimacy between the lovers.
This imagery points to how powerful and alluring true intimacy can be. It's a spiritual and emotional fragrance that draws people closer, creating an atmosphere of mutual desire and delight. It speaks to the richness and intoxicating nature of a love that is fully expressed.
The verse shifts from fragrance to fruit – a harvest laid up. What does this abundance, both new and old, tell us about the depth and endurance of this love?
Enduring and Abundant Love
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The mention of "all choice fruits, new as well as old" signifies a love that is bountiful and has a rich history. The "new" fruits represent the fresh joys and experiences of their ongoing relationship, while the "old" fruits speak to the treasured memories and established depth of their shared past.
This abundance signifies a love that provides and sustains. It's not fleeting but has layers of sweetness, offering nourishment and delight in all seasons. The beloved has intentionally 'laid up' these treasures, showing a deliberate and devoted act of preparing provisions for their beloved.
Understand the original words
dûdā' · Hebrew Noun
An aromatic plant traditionally associated with fertility and aphrodisiac qualities in the ancient Near East. It highlights the sensual, vibrant atmosphere of the couple's relationship.
rêaḥ · Hebrew,originalWord: Noun
Represents the sweetness and alluring quality of the couple's affection. In biblical literature, fragrance often symbolizes the acceptability or the pervasive influence of love and devotion.
perî · Hebrew Noun
Refers to produce or the results of cultivation. Metaphorically, it represents the various expressions of affection and the fruits of a committed, enduring relationship.
This passage is the first mention of mandrakes, linking them to fertility and potentially intimate desires, echoing the sensual and fruitful imagery in Song of Solomon 7:13.
John 15:16Jesus speaks about bearing fruit that will last, a concept that resonates with the 'choice fruits, new as well as old' stored up in Song of Solomon, suggesting abundance and lasting blessing.
Galatians 5:22-23The 'fragrance' and 'choice fruits' can be seen as a beautiful metaphor for the fruit of the Spirit, representing the delightful character and blessings that flow from a life connected to God, similar to the intimate delights described.
Proverbs 3:9-10This proverb speaks of honoring God with our wealth and receiving abundance and provision, paralleling the idea of laying up 'choice fruits' as a generous offering for the beloved.
This verse isn't just about sensual delights; notice the intentional pairing of "new as well as old" fruits. This suggests that true intimacy, celebrated here with such rich imagery, encompasses both fresh passions and the deep, seasoned joys of a long-shared love. It's about cherishing every stage of a relationship, from the exciting beginnings to the comfortable, enduring connections.
The lovers are deeply in love and enjoying each other's presence, likely in a rural setting. Following intimate expressions of desire and appreciation for each other's beauty, the bride here points to the abundance of nature and their shared home as symbols of their flourishing love and the fruits of their union, which she has prepared for him. This intimate scene continues their celebration of love, desire, and marital intimacy.
The lovers are deeply in love and enjoying each other's presence, likely in a rural setting. Following intimate expressions of desire and appreciation for each other's beauty, the bride here points to the abundance of nature and their shared home as symbols of their flourishing love and the fruits of their union, which she has prepared for him. This intimate scene continues their celebration of love, desire, and marital intimacy.
"The mandrakes give forth fragrance, and beside our doors are all choice fruits, new as well as old, which I have laid up for you, O my beloved." — This verse isn't just about sensual delights; notice the intentional pairing of "new as well as old" fruits. This suggests that true intimacy, celebrated here with such rich imagery, encompasses both…
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