Song of Solomon 6:3
What does Song of Solomon 6:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 6:3 means
The bride declares the mutuality and exclusivity of their bond: “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine,” adding that he “feedeth his flock among the lilies.” This is the heart of covenant-like love—belonging to one another in devoted trust. The shepherding image portrays his care as gentle, attentive, and life-giving. The lilies suggest a context of purity and beauty, where love is nourished rather than exploited. Her statement does not claim possession as control but as cherished commitment. For Christians, this verse has often been read as anticipating the union between Christ and His people, where He lovingly shepherds and they confidently rest in His faithful ownership and theirs of Him by grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: He feedeth his flock among the lilies.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: He feedeth his flock among the lilies.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am for my loved one, and my loved one is for me; he takes food among the lilies.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I <FI>am<Fi> my beloved's, and my beloved <FI>is<Fi> mine, Who is delighting himself among the lilies.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou art beautiful, O my love, sweet and comely as Jerusalem terrible as an army set in array.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: He feedeth [his flock] among the lilies.
Context
This confession answers the community’s inquiry (verses 1–2) with the deepest truth about the relationship. It readies the scene for the beloved’s voice to respond with praise (verses 4–10). The flow matters: assurance of mutual belonging becomes the foundation for celebrating her beauty and character. As the narrative moves from garden to praise, the emphasis shifts from where he is to who she is to him, showing that location serves relationship, and relationship blossoms into adoration.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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 on their heart also will I write them: And I will be to them a God, And they shall be to me a people:
- 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 7:10
I am my beloved’s; And his desire is toward me.
- Song of Solomon 2:16
My beloved is mine, and I am his: He feedeth his flock among the lilies.
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