en_tn/sng/04/12.md

The lover continues to praise the woman.

## My sister, my bride ##

See how you translated this in [Song of Solomon 4:9](./09.md).

## is a garden locked up ##

"is a garden that is locked." The lover compares the woman with a locked garden because she belongs only to him and only he can enjoy her. He might also be saying that she is still a virgin whom he has not yet enjoyed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

## a spring that is sealed ##

The lover compares the woman with a sealed spring for the same reasons that he compared her with a locked garden. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

## Your branches...the finest spices ##

The lover describes how wonderful the woman is by describing her as a garden full of wonderful things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## a grove ##

a place where many trees grow together

## with choice fruit ##

"the the best kinds of fruits there"

## henna ##

See how you translated this in [Song of Solomon 1:12](../01/12.md).

## nard ##

See how you translated this in [Song of Solomon 1:12](../01/12.md).

## spikenard ##

See how you translated this in [Song of Solomon 4:12](./12.md)

## saffron ##

a spice that comes from the dried parts from the yellow thread in the center of a certain flower.

## calamus ##

This is a reed with a pleasant smell that people used to make anointing oil.

## cinnamon ##

a spice made from the bark of a tree that people used for cooking

## myrrh ##

See how you translated this in [Song of Solomon 1:12](../01/12.md).

## aloes ##

a type of large plant that had a very sweet smell

## all the finest spices ##

"all the best spices"