Song of Songs 7:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Douay-RheimsHebrew (Masoretic text)

Thy throat like the best wine, worthy for my beloved to drink, and for his lips and his teeth to ruminate.
Douay-Rheims

אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙ אֶעֱלֶ֣ה בְתָמָ֔ר אֹֽחֲזָ֖ה בְּסַנְסִנָּ֑יו וְיִֽהְיוּ־נָ֤א שָׁדַ֙יִךְ֙ כְּאֶשְׁכְּל֣וֹת הַגֶּ֔פֶן וְרֵ֥יחַ אַפֵּ֖ךְ כַּתַּפּוּחִֽים׃
Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

4 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 6 commentaries

Cyrill of Alexandria
Ambrose of Milan
Theodoret of Cyrus
Ireneus (Orda)

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

The divine Psalmist speaks of every holy person, affirming that "The righteous shall flourish like a fig tree" (Psalm 91:13). Do not be astonished by this, for even Christ is referred to by this title in the inspired Word. In one instance, the beloved Church refers to the Bridegroom coming down from the heavens, which signifies Christ, stating: "I will climb up the fig tree, I will hold its height." This tree is perpetually in bloom, possesses a delightful flavor, is rooted deeply, and has a light-colored core. Such is Christ, through whom, and with whom, all glory is given to God the Father alongside the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Upon my repentance, He shall come back to me. This might also signify: at the moment of the second advent, or during the transformation of the Jewish nation.

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

In those who have been baptized, the church radiates beauty. Thus, God proclaims to her, "All you are beautiful, my beloved, and there is no stain on you. With me from Lebanon, O bride, come with me from Lebanon!" (Song of Songs 4:8). By proclaiming the Gospel to the world, she will navigate through this era to meet Christ. Once more, God declares to her, "How beautiful you are, how attractive, beloved, by your loveliness! This stance of yours is like a palm tree, and your bosom like a vine" (Song of Songs 7:8).

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The laurel and palm tree symbolize triumph: laurel crowns the heads of victors, while the palm graces the hand of the conqueror. Hence, the Church asserts, "I said: ‘I will go up to the fig tree, I will take hold of the top of it’" (Song of Songs 7:8; LXX). Recognizing the height of the Word and believing in the possibility of reaching His elevation and the peak of wisdom, she proclaims: I will ascend the fig tree. Let one abandon all lower pursuits and strive for the exalted, embracing the victorious rewards of Christ, where one can harvest and savor His delightful fruits, for the fruit of righteousness is indeed sweet.

Therefore, imitate her, O man, so that it may be declared unto you, "Your stance is like a palm tree" (Song of Songs 7:8). Maintain the vibrancy of your youth and the inherent purity bestowed upon you from the beginning, so that, rooted by the waters, you may in due season find your fruit ripe and your leaves ever flourishing. Thus, be planted in the house of the Lord, that you may thrive in His temple like a palm tree, allowing the grace of the Church to fill you, that your nostrils may perceive a fragrance akin to apples (Song of Songs 7:9), and your throat may savor the finest wine, becoming intoxicated with Christ.

God the Word addresses the Church, asking her, "Why have you grown so beautiful and delightful, my love, amid your pleasures? Your posture resembles a palm tree, and your bosom is like clusters of grapes."

Thus, Christ rides forth on His horses, and the Word of God ascends upon the souls filled with godliness. From this, we understand that He also ascended upon her, guiding her to the place of the palm tree, as He inquires of the soul, "Why, O beloved, have you become beautiful and lovely in your comforts? Your stance is like that of a palm tree." The soul responds, "I will climb the palm tree." Love itself is a palm tree as it embodies the essence of victory, fulfilling the law of love. Therefore, let us strive to obtain the reward and triumph.

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The one who prevails ascends the palm tree to receive its bounty. Once one has overcome, they cease to run and rest, for it is written, "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." Philosophers have depicted these struggles of souls in their writings, yet they could not ascend to the palm tree, for their souls failed to grasp the profundity of the Word.

In those who are baptized, the Church is resplendent. Therefore, God proclaims, "All of you are beautiful, my beloved, and there is no blemish in you! Come with me from Lebanon, O bride!" As she shares the Gospel with the world, she will traverse this age and come unto Christ. Again God proclaims to her, "How beautiful you are, how captivating, my beloved! Your stature is like a palm tree, and your bosom like a vine."

The laurel and the palm tree symbolize victory: laurel crowns the heads of victors, while the palm tree decorates their hands. Thus, the Church declares, "I said, 'I will ascend to the fig tree, and reach for its top.'" By recognizing the elevation of the Word and with the faith that ascent to His heights and the culmination of knowledge is attainable, she declares her intent to climb the fig tree. Abandon the lower pursuits and aim for higher aspirations for the victorious reward in Christ, that one might harvest and savor His sweet fruits, for the yield of virtue is delightful.

So, let us emulate her, dear friend, that it may be said of you, "Your stature is like a palm tree." Preserve the vibrancy of your youth and the inherent purity bestowed upon you from the beginning, that, by being planted by the streams of water, you might find your fruit ready in due time, and your leaves unwithering. Therefore, be rooted in the house of the Lord, so you may thrive in His palace like a palm tree, allowing the grace of the Church to permeate you, that your senses may be refreshed with fragrances like apples, and your palate savor the finest wine, becoming intoxicated with Christ.

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

Here we can observe how the Bride expresses her love for the Bridegroom. Alongside the Blessed Apostle Paul, she considers herself still on a journey, yet she does not dwell on the past; instead, she reaches forward. Therefore, it is said, “I will ascend the fig tree, I will hold the height thereof.” She seeks not to be satisfied with her current state but desires to be perfected in the knowledge and love of the Bridegroom. “Thy breasts shall be like clusters of the vine.” For you are indeed this vine (Jn. 15:5), from which the life-giving wine flows, filling the cup that brings me joy (Ps. 22:5).

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

In the distance, Sulamita appears in a remarkably beautiful form, unaware of her friends nearby. She expresses that she has come to the vineyard. Her companions invite her to speak to them, but the bridegroom, who suddenly emerges, diverts their curiosity and resumes his song of adoration for his beloved. He concludes with a longing to partake in the delightful fruits of the date and vine, drawing a parallel to his bride.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.