Song of Solomon 4:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The beloved invites all elements to release her fragrance and welcomes her lover into intimate union.
The Context of Song of Solomon 4:16
The beloved responds by claiming the garden metaphor and inviting her lover into intimate union.
What Does Song of Solomon 4:16 Mean?
The beloved speaks for the first time in this sequence, and she takes ownership of the metaphor—"my garden." Inviting north and south winds to release the spices suggests she desires her qualities and gifts to be experienced and known. The invitation to the beloved to enter and enjoy reflects mutual desire and active participation in the relationship.
This final verse balances the lover's praise with the beloved's equal agency and invitation. Both speaker and beloved are active; both give and receive; both take pleasure in each other. The garden is no longer simply described but activated, opened, and enjoyed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Song of Solomon 4:16
What does Song of Solomon 4:16 mean?
The beloved invites all elements to release her fragrance and welcomes her lover into intimate union.
What is the context of Song of Solomon 4:16?
The beloved responds by claiming the garden metaphor and inviting her lover into intimate union.