Song of Solomon 4:13
Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Persian loan-word pardes (paradise/orchard) suggests enclosed, cultivated garden—not wild growth but intentionally developed beauty. Ancient Near Eastern kings prized elaborate gardens showcasing rare plants and spices. Solomon himself cultivated extensive gardens (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6). Pomegranates decorated the temple and high priest's robes, symbolizing beauty and fruitfulness. Camphire (henna) and spikenard were luxury items—spikenard so valuable that Mary's anointing of Jesus with it represented extravagant devotion (John 12:3). The beloved sees his bride as producing precious, valuable fruits—her life yields abundant blessing. Early church fathers saw the Church as Christ's garden, cultivated by the Spirit, producing diverse spiritual gifts and graces. The Reformers emphasized sanctification—believers progressively produce spiritual fruit through the Spirit's work. The Puritans taught that godly character is cultivated, not automatic—requiring discipline, growth, and the Spirit's transforming work.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual fruit is your life producing—and are you cultivating the disciplines (prayer, Scripture, fellowship) that promote growth?
- How does Christ see you as His "paradise garden"—a place of beauty, fruitfulness, and delight—rather than wasteland or wilderness?
- What "pleasant fruits" (Christlike virtues, kingdom works) is the Spirit cultivating in your life for Christ's delight and others' blessing?
Analysis & Commentary
Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits (shelachaykh pardes rimonim im peri megadim, שְׁלָחַיִךְ פַּרְדֵּס רִמּוֹנִים עִם פְּרִי מְגָדִים)—the term shelachaykh (שְׁלָחַיִךְ, your plants/shoots/channels) likely refers to the bride's body or her productive life. The metaphor of an orchard (pardes, פַּרְדֵּס—from which we get "paradise") celebrates abundance, cultivation, and fruitfulness. Pomegranates symbolized fertility and abundance throughout Scripture.
Camphire, with spikenard (keparim im neradin, כְּפָרִים עִם נְרָדִים)—camphire (henna) produced fragrant flowers used in perfumes; spikenard was expensive imported aromatic oil. This verse begins a catalog of spices (continuing through verse 14) celebrating the bride's comprehensive beauty and value. The beloved sees her as a cultivated paradise garden producing precious fruits and spices. The Church, indwelt by the Spirit, produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) that delights Christ.