My beloved is mine and I am his;
This phrase reflects the mutual possession and deep intimacy between the lovers, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the context of marriage, it emphasizes the exclusivity and commitment inherent in the marital bond. This mirrors the covenantal language found in other parts of Scripture, such as Hosea 2:19-20, where God speaks of betrothing His people to Himself in faithfulness. Theologically, this can also be seen as a type of Christ and the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:25-32, where the relationship between husband and wife is likened to that of Christ and His bride, the Church. The mutual belonging signifies a profound unity and love that is both personal and communal.

he pastures his flock among the lilies.
This imagery draws from the pastoral and agrarian context of ancient Israel, where shepherding was a common occupation. The mention of "lilies" suggests a setting of beauty and tranquility, indicating a place of provision and care. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for Christ as the Good Shepherd, who tends to His flock with love and gentleness, as seen in John 10:11-15. The lilies may also symbolize purity and renewal, reflecting the sanctifying work of Christ in the lives of believers. Additionally, the pastoral imagery connects to Psalm 23, where the Lord is depicted as a shepherd who leads His people to green pastures and still waters, providing for their needs and ensuring their well-being.

1. The Beloved
In the context of the Song of Solomon, the beloved is often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of a lover. In a broader spiritual sense, it can symbolize Christ as the bridegroom of the Church.

2. The Shulammite
The speaker in this verse, traditionally understood to be the Shulammite woman, who represents the bride or the Church in allegorical interpretations.

3. Lilies
A symbol of beauty and purity, often used in biblical poetry to describe the beloved's environment or the nature of their love.

4. The Vineyard
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the vineyard is a recurring motif in the Song of Solomon, symbolizing a place of love and intimacy.

5. The Shepherd
The imagery of grazing suggests pastoral scenes, which can symbolize care, provision, and guidance, often associated with Christ as the Good Shepherd.Mutual Belonging in Relationships
The verse highlights the importance of mutual love and commitment in relationships, reflecting the ideal of selfless love in marriage.

Christ and the Church
This verse can be seen as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and the Church, emphasizing the deep, personal connection believers have with Christ.

Purity and Beauty in Love
The imagery of lilies suggests that love should be pure and beautiful, encouraging believers to cultivate such qualities in their relationships.

Security in Christ
Just as the beloved finds security in mutual belonging, believers can find assurance in their relationship with Christ, knowing they are His and He is theirs.(16) He feedeth.--Heb., he that is feeding his flock--the pastor.

Verse 16. - My beloved is mine, and I am his; he feedeth (his flock) among the lilies. These are the words of the bride. The latter clause is repeated in Song of Solomon 6:2, with the addition, "in the gardens," and it is evident that Solomon is lovingly regarded as a shepherd, because Shulamith delights to think of him as fully sympathizing with her simple country life. She idealizes. The words may be taken as either the response given at the time by the maiden to the invitation of her lover to come forth into the vineyards, or as the breathing of love as she lies in the arms of Solomon. Lilies are the emblem of purity, lofty elevation above that which is common. Moreover, the lily stalk is the symbol of the life of regeneration among the mystical mediaevalists. Mary the Virgin, the Rosa mystica, in ancient paintings is represented with a lily in her hand at the Annunciation. The people of God were called by the Jewish priests "a people of lilies." So Mary was the lily of lilies in the lily community; the sanctissima in the communio sanctorum. There may be an allusion to the lily forms around Solomon in his palace - the daughters of Jerusalem; in that ease the words must be taken as spoken, not in remembrance of the first love, but in present joy in Solomon's embrace. Some would render the words as simply praise of Solomon himself, "who, wherever he abides, spreads radiancy and loveliness about him," or "in whose footsteps roses and lilies ever bloom." At least, they are expressive of entire self-surrender and delight. She herself is a lily, and the beloved one feeds upon her beauty, purity, and perfection.

Parallel Commentaries ...


My beloved
דּוֹדִ֥י (dō·w·ḏî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1730: To love, a love-token, lover, friend, an uncle

is mine
לִי֙ (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

and I am his;
וַאֲנִ֣י (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

he pastures [his flock]
הָרֹעֶ֖ה (hā·rō·‘eh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

among the lilies.
בַּשּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים׃ (baš·šō·wō·šan·nîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common plural
Strong's 7799: A lily, as a, flower of architectural ornament, a, trumpet


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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 2:16 My beloved is mine and (Song Songs SS So Can)