Translations
Modern
The mandrakes send forth a fragrance, and at our door is every delicacy, new as well as old, that I have treasured up for you, my beloved.
Traditional
The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.
Literal
The mandrakes give off a scent, and at our door is every delicacy, new and old, my beloved, which I have stored up for you.
Latin
Mandragoræ dederunt odorem in portis nostris omnia poma: nova et vetera, dilecte mi, servavi tibi.
Original
Hebrew
English
The mandrakes send forth a fragrance, and at our door is every delicacy, new as well as old, that I have treasured up for you, my beloved.
Notes
Mandrakes (Hebrew duda’im) were a Middle Eastern plant used as an aphrodisiac (see Genesis 30:14–16). The roots look like a human torso. The word is a play on "my lover" (Hebrew dodi).
at our door: All sexual pleasures are now available to them, and she will share the delights she has saved just for him.
new...old: She thinks about the sexual experiences they have already had and new ones they will try.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Topics
Fruits: Divided Into: New and Old Herbs: Mandrakes Mandrake: General Scriptures Concerning