Song of Solomon 2:16
What does Song of Solomon 2:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 2:16 means
The maiden affirms mutual possession: “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” This is covenant-like language of exclusive belonging. She pictures him “feeding his flock among the lilies,” a pastoral scene of peace and purity. Her security rests in both his commitment and his character—he is at home among what is beautiful and gentle. The order of her words begins with his presence to her, then her belonging to him, expressing rest in being loved and given. The verse captures settled confidence, not mere infatuation. Their love is not only felt; it is claimed and known, with tenderness embedded in daily life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My beloved is mine, and I am his: He feedeth his flock among the lilies.
KJV
King James Version · 1611My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My beloved is mine, and I am his: He feedeth his flock among the lilies.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My loved one is mine, and I am his: he takes his food among the flowers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My beloved <FI>is<Fi> mine, and I <FI>am<Fi> his, Who is delighting among the lilies,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My beloved to me, and I to him who feedeth among the lilies,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My beloved is mine, and I am his; He feedeth [his flock] among the lilies,
Context
After the caution about little foxes in verse 15, this declaration provides reassurance. The lovers’ relationship is not fragile panic but stable devotion. The pastoral note anticipates the closing verse, where time and distance still pose challenges. Verse 16 thus serves as a foundation for the plea of verse 17: because they belong to one another, she longs for his swift presence until the day cools and shadows vanish, sustaining hope amid temporary separation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 21:2
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
- Song of Solomon 1:7
Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock, Where thou makest it to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions?
- Song of Solomon 2:1
I am a rose of Sharon, A lily of the valleys.
- Song of Solomon 7:10
I am my beloved’s; And his desire is toward me.
- Psalms 63:1
O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, In a dry and weary land, where no water is.
- Song of Solomon 7:13
The mandrakes give forth fragrance; And at our doors are all manner of precious fruits, new and old, Which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.
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