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Song of Solomon 5:13

His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

Song of Solomon 5:13 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse is a beautiful description of the physical appearance of a beloved person. Symbolically, the mention of "cheeks as a bed of spices" and "lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh" suggests that the person being described is not only physically attractive but also exudes a sweet fragrance and aura of warmth and comfort. The imagery used in this verse is rich and evocative, painting a picture of someone who is not only pleasing to the eye but also appealing to the senses. The use of fragrant spices and flowers as comparisons for the cheeks and lips of the beloved convey a sense of beauty, delicacy, and sensuality. Overall, this verse speaks to the idea of love and admiration for someone who is not only outwardly beautiful but also carries with them a sense of grace and charm that captivates those around them.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh," we can see several layers of symbolism used to describe the beauty and fragrant nature of the beloved. In this verse from the Song of Solomon, the speaker uses imagery from the natural world to convey the attractive qualities of the beloved. The mention of spices, flowers, lilies, and myrrh all evoke a sense of luxury, sweetness, and sensuality, highlighting the physical allure of the beloved. The comparison of the beloved's cheeks to a bed of spices and lips to lilies dripping myrrh suggests not only physical beauty but also a sense of intoxicating fragrance and allure. The use of such vivid and poetic language serves to paint a picture of a beloved who is not only visually appealing but also deeply captivating on a sensory level. Overall, this verse underscores the theme of love and desire found throughout the Song of Solomon, using rich imagery to convey the depth of passion between the lovers.

Song of Solomon 5:13 in other translations

American Standard Version

His cheeks are as a bed of spices, [As] banks of sweet herbs: His lips are [as] lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.

World English Bible

His cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes. His lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.

Douay-Rheims

His cheeks are as beds of aromatical spices set by the perfumers. His lips are as lilies dropping choice myrrh.

Geneva Bible (1599)

His cheekes are as a bedde of spices, and as sweete flowres, and his lippes like lilies dropping downe pure myrrhe.