New International VersionYou are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon.
New Living TranslationYou are a garden fountain, a well of fresh water streaming down from Lebanon’s mountains. Young Woman
English Standard Versiona garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.
Berean Standard BibleYou are a garden spring, a well of fresh water flowing down from Lebanon.
King James BibleA fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
New King James VersionA fountain of gardens, A well of living waters, And streams from Lebanon.
New American Standard Bible“ You are a garden spring, A well of fresh water, And flowing streams from Lebanon.”
NASB 1995“You are a garden spring, A well of fresh water, And streams flowing from Lebanon.”
NASB 1977“ You are a garden spring, A well of fresh water, And streams flowing from Lebanon.”
Legacy Standard BibleYou are a garden spring, A well of fresh water, And streams flowing from Lebanon.”
Amplified Bible“ You are a fountain in a garden, A well of fresh and living water, And streams flowing from Lebanon.”
Christian Standard BibleYou are a garden spring, a well of flowing water streaming from Lebanon. Woman
Holman Christian Standard BibleYou are a garden spring, a well of flowing water streaming from Lebanon. W
American Standard VersionThou art a fountain of gardens, A well of living waters, And flowing streams from Lebanon.
Contemporary English VersionYou are a spring in the garden, a fountain of pure water, and a refreshing stream from Mount Lebanon.
English Revised VersionThou art a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and flowing streams from Lebanon.
GOD'S WORD® Translation[You are] a spring for gardens, a well of living water flowing from Lebanon.
Good News TranslationFountains water the garden, streams of flowing water, brooks gushing down from the Lebanon Mountains.
International Standard VersionYou are a garden spring, a well of fresh water, streams flowing from Lebanon.
NET BibleYou are a garden spring, a well of fresh water flowing down from Lebanon.
New Heart English Biblea fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, flowing streams from Lebanon.
Webster's Bible TranslationA fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou are a garden spring, a well of fresh water flowing down from Lebanon.
World English Biblea fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, flowing streams from Lebanon. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA fount of gardens, a well of living waters, "" And flowings from Lebanon!
Young's Literal Translation A fount of gardens, a well of living waters, And flowings from Lebanon!
Smith's Literal TranslationA fountain of gardens, a well of living waters and flowings from Lebanon. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe fountain of gardens: the well of living waters, which run with a strong stream from Libanus.
Catholic Public Domain Version
New American BibleA garden fountain, a well of living water, streams flowing from Lebanon.
New Revised Standard Versiona garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey are a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, flowing from Lebanon.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedA spring garden, a well of living waters that flows from Lebanon OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thou art a fountain of gardens, A well of living waters, And flowing streams from Lebanon.
Brenton Septuagint Translationa fountain of a garden, and a well of water springing and gurgling from Libanus.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Solomon Admires His Bride… 14with nard and saffron, with calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of frankincense tree, with myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices. 15You are a gardenspring,a wellof freshwaterflowing downfromLebanon.16Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind. Breathe on my garden and spread the fragrance of its spices. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choicest fruits.…
Cross References John 4:14But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”
Revelation 22:1Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
Isaiah 12:3With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,
Jeremiah 2:13“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
John 7:38Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”
Psalm 36:9For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.
Isaiah 58:11The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Ezekiel 47:1-12Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. / Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. / As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. ...
Proverbs 18:4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Zechariah 14:8And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike.
Revelation 7:17For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
Psalm 46:4There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
Jeremiah 17:13O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You will be put to shame. All who turn away will be written in the dust, for they have abandoned the LORD, the fountain of living water.
Joel 3:18And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of the LORD to water the Valley of Acacias.
John 19:34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
Treasury of Scripture A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. fountain Song of Solomon 4:12 A garden inclosedis my sister,my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Ecclesiastes 2:6 I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: a well Psalm 36:8,9 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures… Psalm 46:4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holyplace of the tabernacles of the most High. Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters,and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. streams Jeremiah 18:13,14 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing… Jump to Previous BelovedFlowingFlowingsFountainFreshGardenGardensLebanonSpringStreamStreamingStreamsWaterWatersJump to Next BelovedFlowingFlowingsFountainFreshGardenGardensLebanonSpringStreamStreamingStreamsWaterWatersSong of Solomon 4 1.Christ sets forth the graces of the church8.He shows forth his love to her16.The church prays to be made fit for his presenceYou are a garden springIn ancient Near Eastern culture, gardens were often seen as places of beauty, fertility, and life. The imagery of a "garden spring" suggests a source of life and refreshment, symbolizing purity and abundance. This metaphor can be connected to the idea of the beloved being a source of joy and vitality. In biblical symbolism, gardens often represent paradise or a place of intimate communion with God, as seen in the Garden of Eden ( Genesis 2:8-10). The spring within the garden implies a continuous and self-sustaining source of life, much like the living water Jesus offers in John 4:14. a well of fresh water
Wells were crucial in the arid climate of the ancient Near East, providing essential water for survival. A "well of fresh water" indicates not only purity but also a reliable and life-giving resource. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and sustenance. InProverbs 18:4, wisdom is likened to deep waters, suggesting that the beloved possesses profound wisdom and insight. The imagery of water is also used in the New Testament to describe the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39), indicating a deeper spiritual significance. flowing down from Lebanon
Lebanon was known for its majestic mountains and abundant cedar trees, often symbolizing strength and beauty in the Bible (Psalm 92:12). The reference to Lebanon here may suggest the origin of the water, emphasizing its purity and freshness. Lebanon's geographical location, with its high elevation and snow-capped peaks, would naturally provide a source of cool, refreshing water. This imagery can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as the source of living water, bringing spiritual refreshment and life to believers (Revelation 22:1). The flow from Lebanon also suggests a continuous and generous outpouring, reflecting the boundless grace and love of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The BelovedThe speaker in this verse is Solomon, addressing his bride, often referred to as the Shulammite. The beloved is depicted as a source of life and refreshment. 2. LebanonA region known for its majestic mountains and cedar trees, symbolizing strength and beauty. It is often associated with purity and abundance in biblical poetry. 3. Garden SpringRepresents a source of life, fertility, and sustenance. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it symbolizes the beloved's purity and the life-giving nature of love. 4. Well of Flowing WaterSymbolizes refreshment, vitality, and the continuous flow of love and grace. It suggests an inexhaustible source of spiritual and emotional nourishment. 5. Streaming DownImplies movement and abundance, indicating that the love and grace from the beloved are not stagnant but actively enriching and sustaining. Teaching Points The Beauty of Marital LoveThe imagery of a garden spring and flowing water highlights the beauty and purity of marital love. It is a reminder of the sanctity and joy found in a God-ordained marriage. Spiritual RefreshmentJust as a well provides physical refreshment, our relationship with God should be a source of spiritual renewal. Believers are encouraged to seek God as their ultimate source of life and vitality. Abundance in ChristThe flowing water symbolizes the abundant life that Christ offers. Believers are called to live in the fullness of His grace, allowing His love to flow through them to others. Purity and HolinessThe reference to Lebanon and the garden spring underscores the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in our relationships, reflecting God's character in our lives. Active LoveLove is not static; it should be active and life-giving, much like the streaming water. Believers are encouraged to let their love for others be dynamic and transformative. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 4:15?
2.How does Song of Solomon 4:15 symbolize purity and refreshment in relationships?
3.What spiritual significance does "a well of fresh water" hold for believers today?
4.How can Song of Solomon 4:15 inspire us to cultivate spiritual vitality?
5.Connect Song of Solomon 4:15 with John 4:14 about living water's significance.
6.How can we apply the imagery of "streams flowing" to our daily lives?
7.What does "a well of living water" symbolize in Song of Solomon 4:15?
8.How does Song of Solomon 4:15 reflect God's relationship with His people?
9.What historical context influences the imagery in Song of Solomon 4:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 4?
11.How can the description of the bride's flawless perfection in Song of Solomon 4:7 align with human reality, given our understanding of human imperfection?
12.If historically attributed to King Solomon, how does Song of Solomon 4 mesh with the accounts of his many wives and concubines in other biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 11:3)?
13.How do we reconcile the poetic exaggerations in Song of Solomon 4:1-3 with any literal or historical interpretations of the text?
14.In Song of Solomon 2:15, is there any documented threat from 'little foxes' spoiling vineyards in that region, or is it purely metaphorical?What Does Song of Solomon 4:15 Mean You are a garden spring• The groom celebrates his bride as a cultivated, enclosed “garden” that brings life. Earlier he called her “a garden locked” (Songs 4:12), highlighting purity and exclusivity; here he adds “spring,” stressing that she is not only protected but also life-giving. • Gardens in Scripture evoke Eden, where rivers watered the ground (Genesis 2:10). Solomon pictures his bride as a new Eden—fruitful, refreshing, and under God’s blessing. • Practically, the verse affirms the God-given delight of marital intimacy (Proverbs 5:15-18). Spiritually, the church is likewise a garden cultivated by Christ, expected to bear fragrant fruit (John 15:1-5).
A well of fresh water• A well speaks of depth and constancy. Fresh, or “living,” water is ready to rise on its own, never stagnant. Jeremiah contrasts cisterns that leak with “the fountain of living water” God provides (Jeremiah 2:13). • The bride’s love is reliable, renewing, and pure. In marriage, husband and wife become each other’s God-given well—daily sources of strength and joy (Ecclesiastes 9:9). • Ultimately, Jesus promises “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). As a redeemed people, believers are meant to refresh others with that same living water (Isaiah 58:11).
Flowing down from Lebanon• Lebanon’s snow-capped heights fed cool streams that ran south into Israel. By likening her impact to waters “flowing down from Lebanon,” Solomon stresses: – Purity: mountain runoff is clear and unpolluted (Jeremiah 18:14). – Abundance: the flow is continuous, not a trickle. – Reach: what begins in the heights descends to irrigate the plains—love that blesses more than its immediate circle (Psalm 133:3). • In typology, Christ pours grace from heaven’s heights into His church, and the church spills that grace into the world (Ephesians 5:25-27;Revelation 22:1).
summarySong 4:15 paints a three-fold portrait of the bride—protected like a garden, constant like a well, and overflowing like mountain streams. Literally, it honors the purity and life-giving power of covenant love in marriage. Spiritually, it points to the believer and the church, cultivated by the Lord and filled with living water to refresh a thirsty world. Verse 15. - Thou art a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and flowing streams from Lebanon. Referring, of course, to the clear, cool streams coming down from the snowy heights. The sweet freshness of the country maiden suggested this. May we not see a symbol of the spiritual life in such language (cf. John 7:38)? Ethically, at least, the blending of the freshness of a mountain stream with the luxuriance and fragrance of a cultivated garden is very suggestive. To an Eastern monarch, such purity and modesty as Solomon found in his bride must have been a rare excellence which might well be made typical.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew You are a gardenגַּנִּ֔ים(gan·nîm)Noun - common plural
Strong's 1588:An enclosure, gardenspring,מַעְיַ֣ן(ma‘·yan)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4599:A fountain, a sourcea wellבְּאֵ֖ר(bə·’êr)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 875:A pit, a wellof flowingחַיִּ֑ים(ḥay·yîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifewaterמַ֣יִם(ma·yim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semenstreaming downוְנֹזְלִ֖ים(wə·nō·zə·lîm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5140:To flow, trickle, drop, distillfromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofLebanon.לְבָנֽוֹן׃(lə·ḇā·nō·wn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3844:Lebanon -- a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel
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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 4:15 A fountain of gardens a well (Song Songs SS So Can) |
