Song of Solomon 6:2
What does Song of Solomon 6:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 6:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 6:2 means
The Shulammite answers with serene certainty: her beloved is where he belongs—“in his garden,” among “beds of spices,” feeding and gathering lilies. The “garden” image suggests a place of cultivated delight, order, and intimacy. Rather than frantic pursuit, she knows his patterns and trusts his character. He is not wayward or hiding; he is tending, enjoying, and gathering what is pleasant. The scene hints that their love is not a wild impulse but a carefully tended relationship. Spices and lilies evoke fragrance and purity, underscoring the wholesome beauty of their bond. Her assurance quiets the questioners: she knows where to meet him because she knows him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My beloved is gone down to his garden, To the beds of spices, To feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
KJV
King James Version · 1611My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My beloved is gone down to his garden, To the beds of spices, To feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My loved one is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to take food in the gardens, and to get lilies.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My beloved went down to his garden, To the beds of the spice, To delight himself in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I to my beloved, and my beloved to me, who feedeth among the lilies.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, To feed in the gardens and to gather lilies.
Context
In response to the chorus’s question (verse 1), this reply centers the action in a familiar place of communion—the garden. It prepares for the confession of mutual possession in verse 3, which seals her confidence. The garden theme also anticipates the beloved’s praise that soon follows (verses 4–10), linking the setting of cultivated beauty with the language of cultivated admiration. The movement is from question to calm direction: not a scattering search, but a going down to where love is known to grow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 34:23
And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
- Philippians 1:21
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
- Song of Solomon 5:13
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, Asbanks of sweet herbs: His lips are as lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.
- 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 4:12
A garden shut up is my sister, my bride; A spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
- Isaiah 40:11
He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.
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