Song of Solomon 7:2

Your navel is a rounded goblet; it never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by the lilies.

Study Bible

Your navel is a rounded goblet
The imagery of the "navel" as a "rounded goblet" is rich with symbolism. In Hebrew, the word for navel, "שֹׁרֵר" (shorer), can also imply a central point or source of life, much like the umbilical cord is a source of nourishment. The "rounded goblet" suggests fullness and abundance, a vessel that holds something precious. In ancient Near Eastern culture, goblets were often used in celebrations and rituals, symbolizing joy and festivity. This metaphor may imply that the beloved is a source of joy and life, central to the lover's existence.

it never lacks blended wine
The phrase "never lacks blended wine" speaks to abundance and richness. Wine in the Bible often symbolizes joy, celebration, and divine blessing. The Hebrew word for "blended" (מָסַךְ, masak) suggests a mixture, often of spices or other elements, enhancing the wine's flavor and aroma. This could imply that the beloved's presence is intoxicating and delightful, always providing a sense of joy and satisfaction. Historically, wine was a staple in ancient Israelite culture, used in both daily life and religious ceremonies, further emphasizing the beloved's integral role in the lover's life.

Your waist is a mound of wheat
The "waist" being likened to a "mound of wheat" is a vivid agricultural metaphor. Wheat was a staple crop in ancient Israel, essential for sustenance and survival. The Hebrew word for "waist" (בֶּטֶן, beten) can also mean belly or womb, suggesting fertility and life-giving potential. A "mound of wheat" implies abundance, prosperity, and nourishment. This imagery may reflect the beloved's nurturing nature and the life-giving relationship between the lovers. In a broader biblical context, wheat often symbolizes provision and blessing from God, reinforcing the idea of the beloved as a divine gift.

encircled by lilies
The phrase "encircled by lilies" adds a layer of beauty and purity to the imagery. Lilies in the Bible are often associated with beauty, purity, and renewal. The Hebrew word for lily (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה, shoshanah) is used in various biblical texts to denote something beautiful and fragrant. The encircling of lilies around the mound of wheat suggests a harmonious blend of beauty and sustenance, purity and abundance. This could symbolize the completeness and perfection of the beloved, whose presence is both life-sustaining and aesthetically pleasing. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this imagery celebrates the beauty and sanctity of marital love, reflecting God's design for human relationships.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse is the bridegroom, often interpreted as Solomon, who is expressing admiration for his bride. The beloved is a central figure in the Song of Solomon, representing beauty and love.

2. The Bride
The bride is the recipient of the bridegroom's admiration. She symbolizes purity, beauty, and the ideal of romantic love.

3. Imagery of Agriculture
The use of "wheat" and "lilies" reflects the agrarian culture of ancient Israel, where such imagery would resonate with the audience's daily life and environment.

Teaching Points

Celebration of Marital Love
The verse highlights the beauty and joy found in marital love, encouraging couples to appreciate and celebrate each other.

Symbolism and Imagery
The use of rich imagery invites believers to see the beauty in God's creation and in the relationships He has ordained.

Spiritual Reflection
While the text is a celebration of human love, it also invites reflection on the deeper spiritual love between Christ and the Church.

Cultural Context
Understanding the cultural and historical context of the imagery used can enrich our appreciation of the text and its meaning.

Holistic Appreciation
The verse encourages a holistic appreciation of one's spouse, valuing both physical beauty and the deeper, spiritual connection.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of "a rounded bowl" and "a mound of wheat" enhance our understanding of the bridegroom's admiration for the bride?

2. In what ways can the celebration of marital love in Song of Solomon inspire modern Christian marriages?

3. How can the agricultural imagery in this verse help us appreciate the cultural context of the Bible and its relevance today?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the love described in Song of Solomon and the love between Christ and the Church as described in Ephesians 5?

5. How can we apply the principles of admiration and appreciation found in this verse to our own relationships, both marital and otherwise?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 5:18-19
This passage also celebrates marital love and the joy found in the relationship between husband and wife, emphasizing the importance of delighting in one's spouse.

Ephesians 5:25-33
Paul speaks of the love between Christ and the Church, using the marriage relationship as a metaphor for this divine love, which can be seen as a deeper spiritual connection to the love expressed in Song of Solomon.

Genesis 2:24
The foundational concept of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, which is celebrated and poetically explored in Song of Solomon.