Song of Songs 6:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Just as someone who views a painting derived from an original asserts that both artifacts share the same image and beauty, so too does the one who declares, "I am to my brother, and my brother to me," express her conformity to Christ, recognizing the beauty inherent in herself—the original joy of our nature, adorned in the image and likeness of the ultimate beauty.

A parallel can be drawn with a well-crafted mirror that, when properly adjusted, accurately reflects the features of the face before it. Similarly, a soul that has prepared itself by eliminating all forms of material impurity is capable of mirroring a flawless image of divine beauty. Thus, from this divinely crafted and animated mirror, the following declaration arises: “Since I see the face of the Brother all around me, His image's beauty is fully reflected in me.” Paul echoes this sentiment, asserting that he lives for God, having died to worldly influences, and that Christ alone resides within him. He declares, “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21), exclaiming that none of the human and material passions dwell within him—no sweetness, glory, sorrow, exasperation, fear, timidity, confusion, boastfulness, insolence, vindictiveness, envy, or any other desires that might tarnish the soul. Instead, he possesses within him the One who is free of such imperfections. By shaking off all that reflects the outer world, he finds nothing in himself that is not found in Him. Thus, “for me to live is Christ,” or as the bride professes, “I am to my brother, and my brother to me.” He embodies sanctification, purity, incorruption, light, truth—qualities that nourish my soul, not in fields of grasses or underbrush, but amidst the luminance of the saints, as the brilliance of the crinums leads us to this realization.

Consequently, “He who feeds among the crinums” guides His flock to the lush meadows of the crinums, that "the light of the Lord our God may be upon us" (Psalms 89:17). There exists a connection between the nourishment provided and that which is consumed. For instance, consider a transparent glass vessel that reveals whatever is placed within it, whether dark or light. Therefore, He who invests the purity of the crinums in souls renders those souls themselves radiant, as what is contained is evident in its entirety. To clarify this concept further, let us posit that the soul derives its sustenance from virtues, which can be symbolically referred to as krines. The individual who adopts virtuous behavior and embodies these qualities manifests them in life, displaying an outward expression of each virtue. Let us highlight chastity, justice, courage, prudence, and all that align with the Apostle's words as being true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). All of these qualities residing within the soul reveal a pure life, embellishing both the one who possesses them and the ones who receive them.

He is both the Bridegroom and the Brother, the Friend, as well as the means of our inheritance (Psalm 15:5) and the cost of our salvation. He is God and our Lord. In Him, you find a cherished Bridegroom, who surpasses all earthly beings (Psalm 44:3). He is your true Brother; you are a child of God by adoption while He is the natural Son of God. He is the Friend in whom you can place your unwavering trust, for He affirms, The only one is she, my friend (cf. Song 6:9). You possess an inheritance in Him, as your portion is nothing less than He Himself. You hold in Him a price you shall know (cf. Matt. 27:6), for His blood is your redemption. Through Him, you encounter the God whose power you govern, the Lord you honor and revere.