Song of Songs 1:14-16
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 My lover is to me a cluster of henna[a]
from the vineyards of En-gedi.
15 M(A) How beautiful you are, my friend,
how beautiful! your eyes are doves![b]
16 W How beautiful you are, my lover—
handsome indeed!
Verdant indeed is our couch;[c]
Footnotes
- 1:14 Henna: a plant which bears white scented flowers, used in cosmetics and medicines. En-gedi: a Judean desert oasis overlooking the Dead Sea.
- 1:15 Doves: doves are pictured in the ancient world as messengers of love.
- 1:16–17 Continuing the royal metaphor, the meeting place of the lovers, a shepherd’s hut of green branches, becomes a palace with beams of cedar and rafters of cypress when adorned with their love.
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