Song of Solomon 6:3
I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The shift from 2:16 ('My beloved is mine, and I am his') to 6:3 ('I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine') may reflect the song's narrative progression—the relationship deepening and maturing through trials (chapters 3 and 5 describe separation and seeking). Mature covenant love increasingly emphasizes self-giving and belonging to the other rather than merely possessing. Ancient Near Eastern marriage involved reciprocal obligations and mutual belonging, but biblical covenant theology uniquely emphasized that God's people belong first to Him ('ye are not your own,' 1 Corinthians 6:19), then receive Him as their covenant God. The pastoral imagery of feeding among lilies continues the shepherd motif—the beloved as shepherd finding satisfaction and delight among beautiful pasture (his bride). Early church fathers saw progression in the believer's relationship with Christ: initial emphasis on what Christ gives ('he is mine') matures into sacrificial devotion ('I am his'). The Reformers emphasized that believers belong to Christ through His redemption, and He condescends to belong to them through covenant grace. Modern application affirms both marital maturity (from 'what can I get?' to 'how can I give?') and spiritual growth in Christ-centeredness.
Questions for Reflection
- Has your love for Christ matured from primarily 'he is mine' (what you receive) to 'I am his' (giving yourself completely to Him in glad surrender)?
- How does emphasizing 'I am my beloved's' before 'my beloved is mine' transform your approach to marriage or spiritual devotion—prioritizing self-giving over receiving?
Analysis & Commentary
The bride affirms with confidence: 'I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.' This verse echoes 2:16 but reverses the order—there, 'My beloved is mine, and I am his'; here, 'I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine.' The subtle shift prioritizes belonging to the beloved before claiming him as one's own. This may reflect maturing love—earlier emphasis on possession ('mine') now gives way to self-giving ('I am his'). The reciprocal possessive pronouns maintain mutual covenant commitment—both belong fully to each other. The phrase 'he feedeth among the lilies' repeats the image from 2:16, suggesting the beloved delights in the bride's beauty and presence (lilies representing the bride or beautiful pasture). This verse teaches that covenant love involves both giving oneself ('I am his') and receiving the other ('he is mine'), and that mature love increasingly emphasizes self-giving over possessing. Theologically, it reflects the believer's relationship with Christ: we belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 14:8), and He graciously belongs to us through covenant union (John 17:9-10).