Song of Solomon 4:15
A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
In arid Palestine, water sources were precious—springs, wells, and streams sustained life. Lebanon's mountain streams were proverbial for purity and refreshment (Jeremiah 18:14). A bride compared to living water sources would be highest praise—she brings life, refreshment, sustenance. Ancient Near Eastern bridal poetry employed water imagery, but Israel's covenant theology gave it deeper meaning. Jesus identified Himself as source of living water, and invited the spiritually thirsty to come to Him (John 7:37-38). Early church fathers applied this to the Church: through Word and Spirit, she mediates Christ's living water to the world. The Reformers emphasized that believers are channels of grace, not its source—Christ is the fountain; we are conduits. Modern readers see both marital ideal (spouses should refresh each other) and spiritual reality (believers mediate Christ's life to others).
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways are you a 'fountain of living waters' for your spouse or community—bringing refreshment, life, and renewal?
- How does union with Christ, the true source of living water, enable you to overflow with His life to others?
Analysis & Commentary
The bridegroom describes his bride: 'A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.' The imagery progresses: 'fountain' (mayan, מַעְיָן) suggests fresh spring water; 'well of living waters' (be'er mayim chayim, בְּאֵר מַיִם חַיִּים) indicates continually flowing, life-giving water (not stagnant cistern); 'streams from Lebanon' references mountain streams fed by snow melt—cool, refreshing, pure. Together, these images celebrate the bride as source of life, refreshment, and vitality for her beloved. The emphasis on 'living waters' contrasts with stagnant pools—she brings ongoing vitality and renewal. Spiritually, this prefigures Christ's promise: 'whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst... a well of water springing up into everlasting life' (John 4:14). Believers, united with Christ, become sources of living water for others (John 7:38).