Song of Songs 2:16-17·~1 min

The Bride

The bride declares that the beloved is hers and she is his, grounding desire in mutual possession. She then asks him to turn and be like a gazelle or young stag until the day breaks and the shadows flee, ending the chapter with longing poised toward return.

M¹⁶y beloved is mine and I am his; ¹⁷Before the day breaks and shadows flee,

Verse 16The bride declares that the beloved is hers and she is his, while he pastures among the lilies.

This verse states the mutual belonging at the heart of the lovers' bond.

Verse 17She asks the beloved to turn and move like a gazelle or young stag until the day breaks and shadows flee.

This verse closes with longing for his continued return and nearness.

Passage shape

A quiet block diagram: each row is one authored paragraph movement, with verse numbers kept visible for scanning and deeper work.

vv. 16-17
The bride declares that the beloved is hers and she is his, grounding desire in mutual possession. She then asks him to turn and be like a gazelle or young stag until the day breaks and the shadows flee, ending the chapter with longing poised toward return.
This paragraph joins confident belonging to an open-ended expectation of the beloved's nearness.
16 17

Section summaryThe bride closes by affirming mutual belonging and describing the beloved's shepherd-like presence among lilies, then asking him to return swiftly before the day's shadows flee. The ending holds assurance and longing together, showing love as both possessed and awaited.

Role in the chapterThis section closes the chapter with covenantal belonging and renewed desire for the beloved's approach.