Old Testament
Song of Solomon 1:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse from the Song of Solomon, the speaker expresses admiration for their beloved, emphasizing their beauty and charm.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 960 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and love song
- Original Audience
- Lovers and the community of Israel
How handsome you are, my beloved — how wonderful! The green grass is our bed.
Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse from the Song of Solomon, the speaker expresses admiration for their beloved, emphasizing their beauty and charm. The phrase 'how handsome you are' highlights the deep affection and attraction felt. The mention of 'green grass' as their bed symbolizes a natural, serene, and intimate setting, suggesting a connection to nature and the simplicity of love. This imagery evokes feelings of freshness and vitality, indicating that their love is alive and flourishing. The use of 'green' also implies growth and renewal, reinforcing the idea that their relationship is vibrant and full of life. Overall, this verse captures the essence of romantic love, celebrating both physical beauty and the joy of shared moments in a peaceful environment. Explore related intimacy.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Song of Solomon 1:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to appreciate the beauty in our loved ones and to cherish the moments we share together. It reminds us to create intimate spaces in our relationships, whether through simple acts of love or by enjoying nature together, fostering deeper connections.
Curated for this public verse page. Song of Solomon Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Song of Solomon 1:16 mean?
Song of Solomon 1:16 expresses deep admiration and affection for a beloved partner, highlighting their beauty and charm. The mention of 'green grass' as their bed symbolizes a natural and intimate setting, suggesting a connection to nature and the simplicity of love.
What is the significance of 'green grass' in Song of Solomon 1:16?
In Song of Solomon 1:16, 'green grass' symbolizes freshness, vitality, and a serene environment for love. It reflects the idea of growth and renewal in the relationship, indicating that their love is alive and flourishing.
How does Song of Solomon 1:16 relate to love and intimacy?
Song of Solomon 1:16 relates to love and intimacy by highlighting the beauty of the beloved and the serene setting they share. It encourages appreciation for each other and the creation of intimate spaces in relationships.
What themes are present in Song of Solomon 1:16?
The themes present in Song of Solomon 1:16 include beauty, love, intimacy, nature, admiration, and romance. These themes illustrate the deep emotional connection and appreciation between lovers.

The Book of Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon 1: Longing for the Beloved
The woman speaks first. She longs for the kisses of the man she loves and says his love is better than wine. She speaks of his name as fragrant perfume and says the virgins love him. She asks him to draw her away so they may run together. She says the king brings her into his chambers, and the daughters of Jerusalem speak of rejoicing and remembering his love more than wine. The woman says she is dark but beautiful, like the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon. She asks the daughters of Jerusalem not to stare at her because the sun has darkened her. She explains that her brothers were angry with her and made her keep the vineyards, but she has not kept her own vineyard.
Unlock the full Song of Solomon summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Song of Solomon — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 8 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Song of Solomon summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.