Is the Song of Solomon talking about oral sex in verses 4:16 - 5:1?
Song of Solomon 4:16 - 5:1
ESV - 16 Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow. Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits. 1 I came to my garden, my sister, my bride, I gathered my myrrh with my spice, I ate my honeycomb with my honey, I drank my wine with my milk. Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked November 10 2025
•
KEITH L BOYKIN SR
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Mehboob Ellahi
Supporter
Understanding Song of Solomon 4:16–5:1: A Celebration of God’s Design for Marital Love The Song of Solomon is a beautiful, poetic book in the Bible that celebrates the love shared between a husband and wife. The vivid imagery—like “garden,” “spices,” “honeycomb,” and “wine”—used in these verses is symbolic of the joy and intimacy God intends for marriage. When it speaks of the beloved coming to his “garden” and enjoying its “choicest fruits,” it tells us about the sacred pleasure and deep connection husband and wife share. This passage highlights the fullness of marital love, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual unity. Biblical Context on Sexual Intimacy: • Hebrews 13:4 reminds us that “Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.” This shows God’s call for intimacy to be experienced within the sacred boundaries of marriage. • 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 speaks about the mutual respect and care spouses should have for each other’s bodies, encouraging a loving, consensual relationship. • Proverbs 5:18-19 uses the metaphor of delighting in the spouse all one’s life, showing that God desires joyful and exclusive marital love. It is important to understand that while the Song of Solomon poetically celebrates marital understanding, it does not obviously endorse any specific sexual practices such as oral sex. Interpretations that claim this passage promotes oral sex are outside the biblical intent and can lead to confusion and false teaching. A Word of Caution: False teachings can misrepresent God’s beautiful design for sexual intimacy, which is meant to be a loving, respectful, and sacred expression between married partners. It’s important to seek wisdom from the whole counsel of Scripture and not to elevate isolated verses or personal preferences above biblical principles. Always approach the Bible with reverence, guided by the Holy Spirit, and prioritize teachings that honour God's holiness and the dignity of marriage. This message affirms the holiness of marital intimacy, provides key scriptural support, and gently warns against misinterpretation leading to false teachings. It promotes a healthy, biblical perspective for all ages. God Bless all. Pastor Mehboob Ellahi
Shirley H
Supporter
No! Song of Solomon is about God's love for Israel and the church. Chapter 5 of Song describes the beauty of the church. It is about the purity, symbolized by white, and the love expressed for God. About the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to those who truly believe. God receives pleasure by the devotion of His servants. Believers purpose to please Him because they love Him. The faith in the heart of a lover of Jesus is rewarded with a peaceful (calamus) heart and an inward strength to live a more righteous life. These are the "spices" referred to (cinnamon spikenard, a perfume). See Mark 14:3. The pomegranates were worn on the hem of the priests' garments. (Exodus 28:34) In Joel 1:10-12 we also see the pomegranates. But notice, they are withered! One needs to wonder why? Is the church about her work? What could be more important than God? In verse 4:16, we see the north wind. This is God's direction. See Psalm 75:6, 7. All need to open their hearts to Jesus and receive life everlasting. Psalm 60:3. Song of Solomon 5:1 is an invitation. Compare to Revelation 1:17,18 and John 4:14. This is serious! "When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He said to me, 'I am the first and the last, behold I am alive! I offer living water'" Song of Solomon 5:2: Is the bride sleeping on the job? Now what? I stand at the door and knock...
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible