Song of Solomon 4:14

Translations

Modern

…with nard and saffron, with calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of frankincense tree, with myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices.

Traditional

Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

Literal

…nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices,

Latin

Nardus et crocus, fistula et cinnamomum, cum universis lignis Libani; myrrha et aloë, cum omnibus primis unguentis.

Original

Hebrew

English

…with nard and saffron, with calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of frankincense tree, with myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices.

Notes

Song of Solomon 4:13–14

The man now describes the most beautiful and pleasurable place between his lover's thighs.

Song of Solomon 4:1–5:1

The marriage is now complete.
This poem is the first "descriptive poem" in the book (see also Song of Solomon 5:10–16; 6:4–6; 7:2–8). Scholars often call these poems by the Arabic term wasf (meaning "description"). These poems are similar to songs sung at modern Arabic weddings. They are preludes to sexual intimacy. In describing physical beauty, they often start at the head and move downward.

Theme notes and profiles

Beauty in Nature Human Sexuality

Related verses

Exodus 30:23
“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane,
Song of Solomon 4:6
Before the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will make my way to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.
Song of Solomon 3:6
Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from all the spices of the merchant?
Song of Solomon 6:2
My beloved has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to pasture his flock in the gardens and to gather lilies.
Song of Solomon 1:12
While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.
Proverbs 7:17
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.
Ezekiel 27:19
…and casks of wine from Izal for your wares. Wrought iron, cassia, and sweet cane were exchanged for your merchandise.
Revelation 18:13
…of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves.
2 Chronicles 9:9
Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
1 Kings 10:10
Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again were spices in such abundance brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
Song of Solomon 5:1
I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.
Mark 16:1
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus.

Glossary

Aloe Aromatic Cane Beauty Calamus Cinnamon Incense Nard, Spikenard Perfume Saffron Song of Solomon

Topics

Aloes used As Perfume Bridegroom: Song of Calamus: A Sweet Cane of Palestine Cinnamon: A Spice Herbs: Aloe Herbs: Calamus Herbs: Myrrh Herbs: Saffron Herbs: Spikenard Incense: Called Frankincense Myrrh: A Product of the Land of Canaan Spikenard: An Aromatic Plant

Song of Solomon 4:14

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?