Song of Solomon 1:14

Modern

My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi.

Traditional

My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En–gedi.

Literal

A cluster of henna blossoms is my beloved to me in the vineyards of En-gedi.

Latin

Botrus cypri dilectus meus mihi in vineis Engaddi.

Hebrew

English

My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi.

The woman deeply desires her man's true love, just as a traveler craves water at En-gedi, an oasis near the Dead Sea.
Henna is a fragrant shrub from the En-gedi area; its blossoms were used to make red hair dye.

In the dramatic view, the woman is in the king's palace (Song of Solomon 1:4, 12), but her heart belongs to her shepherd lover (1:13–14).
In the anthology view, this is a short poem about intimate fragrances.

The song starts with the woman expressing her desire to be close to the man she loves. In the song, the woman often begins the relationship. The chorus, called the "Young Women of Jerusalem" in the New Living Translation, supports her choice of this man.
According to a three-character dramatic interpretation, the song begins by describing the woman's situation. The king is about to bring her into his palace, but she truly loves her shepherd. She hopes her lover will save her from the king (Song of Solomon 1:4).

Theme notes and profiles

1 Samuel 23:29–24:1
And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En-gedi.
Joshua 15:62
Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En-gedi—six cities, along with their villages.
Song of Solomon 1:13
My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.
Song of Solomon 2:3
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
Song of Solomon 4:13–14
Your branches are an orchard of pomegranates with the choicest of fruits, with henna and nard,

Engedi: Oasis in Judah; refuge for David; Chedorlaomer's victory