Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) Youth Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)

Quote #1

As an apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among young men. (NRSV 2:3)

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. (KJV 2:3)

The bride repeatedly calls her groom "young" and compares him to other guys his age. She's clearly digging the youthful vibe he gives off.

Quote #2

My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. (NRSV 2:10-13)

My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. (KJV 2:10-13)

Talk about the birds and the bees! This imagery applies to both the setting (it's springtime) and the bride and groom's ages. They're in the "spring" of their lives and their sexual desires are awakening like the flowers and the vines.

Quote #3

Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them is bereaved. (NRSV 4:2)

Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. (KJV 4:2)

Dental care in ancient Israel wasn't exactly top notch. No Novocain, no flavored polish, and your dentist probably didn't have his DDS. So if the bride has nice, white teeth, it indicates that she's still pretty young.