Song of Solomon 4:11

Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon.

Study Bible

Your lips, my bride, drip honey
The imagery of lips dripping honey evokes a sense of sweetness and abundance. In the Hebrew context, honey is often associated with prosperity and delight, as seen in the Promised Land described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). The bride's lips symbolize not only physical beauty but also the sweetness of her words and the richness of her character. The term "bride" signifies a covenant relationship, reflecting the deep, committed love between the bride and groom, analogous to the covenantal love between God and His people.

honey and milk are under your tongue
This phrase continues the theme of abundance and delight. Milk, like honey, is a symbol of nourishment and purity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, milk was a staple of the diet, representing sustenance and life. The combination of honey and milk under the tongue suggests that the bride's words and presence are both sweet and nourishing. This can be seen as a metaphor for the wisdom and kindness that flow from her, reminiscent of Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon
Lebanon was renowned for its majestic cedars and aromatic plants, often symbolizing strength, beauty, and majesty. The fragrance of the bride's garments being likened to Lebanon suggests an aura of dignity and allure. In biblical times, garments were not only functional but also indicative of one's status and identity. The mention of fragrance implies a pleasing and pervasive presence, much like the influence of a godly character. This imagery can be seen as a reflection of the believer's life, which should exude the fragrance of Christ, as noted in 2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Bride
The bride in Song of Solomon is often interpreted as a representation of the church or the individual believer in a spiritual sense, and as a literal bride in the context of the poem.

2. The Bridegroom
The bridegroom is traditionally seen as a representation of Christ or God, expressing love and admiration for His people.

3. Lebanon
A region known for its majestic cedar trees and aromatic plants, symbolizing beauty and richness.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
The imagery of honey dripping from the lips highlights the importance of speaking words that are sweet, encouraging, and life-giving. As believers, we are called to use our words to build up others and reflect the love of Christ.

Spiritual Nourishment
Just as milk is nourishing, the words and teachings of Christ provide spiritual nourishment. We should seek to fill our hearts and minds with His truth, allowing it to dwell richly within us.

Fragrance of Holiness
The fragrance of the bride's garments symbolizes the aroma of a life lived in holiness and devotion to God. Our lives should emit the fragrance of Christ, drawing others to Him through our actions and character.

Intimacy with Christ
The intimate language used in this verse reflects the deep, personal relationship that Christ desires with His church. We are invited to cultivate a close and loving relationship with Him, marked by mutual love and devotion.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that our words are like honey, bringing sweetness and encouragement to those around us?

2. In what ways can we seek spiritual nourishment from God's word, and how can this be reflected in our daily lives?

3. What does it mean for our lives to have the "fragrance of Lebanon," and how can we cultivate a life that reflects the holiness of Christ?

4. How does the imagery of intimacy in Song of Solomon 4:11 challenge us to deepen our relationship with Christ?

5. Can you identify other scriptures that use similar imagery of honey, milk, or fragrance, and how do they enhance your understanding of this verse?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 16:24
This verse speaks of pleasant words being like honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones, which parallels the imagery of honey in Song of Solomon 4:11.

Psalm 19:10
The psalmist describes the decrees of the Lord as sweeter than honey, connecting the sweetness of God's word to the sweetness of the bride's lips.

1 Peter 2:2-3
This passage encourages believers to crave pure spiritual milk, which aligns with the imagery of milk under the tongue in Song of Solomon 4:11.