Song of Solomon 7:8

I said, "I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit." May your breasts be like clusters of the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples,

Study Bible

I said, “I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.”
This phrase reflects the speaker's desire and admiration, using the imagery of a palm tree, which is often associated with beauty, fertility, and uprightness in biblical literature. The palm tree is a symbol of victory and prosperity, as seen in Psalm 92:12, where the righteous are compared to a flourishing palm. The act of climbing and taking hold of the fruit suggests an intimate pursuit and appreciation of the beloved's qualities. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, palm trees were common and valued for their fruit, the date, which was a staple in the diet and economy. This imagery can also be seen as a metaphor for the pursuit of spiritual fruitfulness and the blessings that come from a relationship with God.

May your breasts be like clusters of the vine,
The comparison of the beloved's breasts to clusters of the vine emphasizes abundance, nourishment, and delight. In the ancient Near East, vineyards were a sign of wealth and blessing, and wine was a symbol of joy and celebration. This imagery suggests the beloved's ability to provide satisfaction and joy, much like the vine provides sustenance and pleasure. The vine is also a significant biblical symbol, representing Israel (Isaiah 5:1-7) and later, Jesus Christ, who declares Himself the true vine in John 15:1. This connection highlights the idea of being spiritually nourished and connected to the source of life.

the fragrance of your breath like apples,
Apples in the biblical context are often associated with sweetness and refreshment. The mention of fragrance suggests an appealing and invigorating presence, much like the aroma of apples would be in an arid climate. In Song of Solomon 2:3, the beloved is compared to an apple tree among the trees of the forest, indicating uniqueness and desirability. The apple's fragrance here can symbolize the life-giving and refreshing nature of the beloved's presence, paralleling the spiritual refreshment found in communion with God. This imagery also evokes the idea of the Garden of Eden, where the senses were fully engaged in the beauty and bounty of God's creation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lover
The speaker in this verse, often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of the bridegroom, expressing desire and admiration for his beloved.

2. The Beloved
The recipient of the lover's admiration, often seen as the Shulammite woman, representing beauty and desirability.

3. The Palm Tree
Symbolizes stature, beauty, and fruitfulness, often used metaphorically in biblical poetry.

4. The Vine and Clusters
Represents abundance and blessing, frequently used in Scripture to symbolize prosperity and joy.

5. Apples
Symbolic of sweetness and pleasantness, often associated with love and desire in biblical literature.

Teaching Points

The Beauty of Marital Love
This verse celebrates the physical and emotional intimacy between husband and wife, affirming the goodness of marital love as designed by God.

Symbolism of Fruitfulness
The imagery of the palm tree and vine highlights the blessings of fruitfulness and abundance in a godly marriage.

Desire and Delight
The expression of desire in this verse encourages spouses to delight in one another, fostering a loving and joyful relationship.

Spiritual Parallels
While the immediate context is marital love, the deeper spiritual parallel can be drawn to the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing love, commitment, and unity.

Cultivating a Fragrant Life
Just as the fragrance of the beloved is likened to apples, believers are encouraged to cultivate a life that is pleasing and fragrant to God and others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the palm tree and vine in Song of Solomon 7:8 enhance our understanding of marital love?

2. In what ways can the expression of desire and admiration in this verse be applied to strengthen a Christian marriage today?

3. How do the symbols of fruitfulness and fragrance in this verse relate to the spiritual fruitfulness described in John 15:5?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the love depicted in Song of Solomon and the love between Christ and the Church as described in Ephesians 5:25-33?

5. How can we cultivate a "fragrant" life that is pleasing to God and others, as suggested by the imagery in this verse?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 5:18-19
This passage also speaks of delighting in the love of one's spouse, emphasizing the joy and satisfaction found in marital love.

Psalm 128:3
Describes a fruitful wife as a vine, connecting the imagery of fruitfulness and blessing within the family context.

Genesis 2:24
The union of husband and wife as one flesh, highlighting the intimacy and closeness celebrated in Song of Solomon.

Ephesians 5:25-33
Discusses the love between Christ and the Church, often paralleled with the love depicted in Song of Solomon.

John 15:5
Jesus as the vine, illustrating the importance of abiding in Him for spiritual fruitfulness, paralleling the imagery of vines and fruit.