# General Information:

In the ancient Near East, it was common to describe a woman using words involving animals. In many cultures today, this can be considered offensive. The woman is described as the epitome of beauty in ancient Israel.

# I have come

It is clearly the woman's lover who is speaking.

# have come into my garden

The man is finally able to fully enjoy the woman as they make love.

# my sister

 "my dear" or "my darling". The woman described is not the sister of her husband. Instead, this is a reference to a woman who is a fellow Israelite. See how you translated this in Song of Songs 4:9. 

# my bride

This Hebrew word can refer to a woman who is married or to one whom a man has arranged to become his son's wife. 

# myrrh ... spice ... honeycomb ... honey ... wine ... milk

These are all words for the man enjoying the woman's body. See Song of Songs 1:13, 2:4, 4:11 and 4:14.

# spice

plants that have a strong smell or taste

# Eat ... drink ... be drunk with love

"Make love ... make love ... make love until you are fully satisfied". The friends say this to the man and woman.