Sustain me with raisins
The word "sustain" in Hebrew is "סַמְכוּנִי" (samchuni), which implies support or uphold. Raisins, or "אֲשִׁישׁוֹת" (ashishot), were considered a delicacy in ancient Israel, often associated with nourishment and strength. In the context of the Song of Solomon, raisins symbolize the sustaining power of love, providing the necessary support to the beloved who is overwhelmed by emotion. Historically, raisins were a staple in the diet of the Israelites, often used in offerings and celebrations, indicating their significance in both daily life and spiritual practices.

refresh me with apples
The Hebrew word for "refresh" is "רַפְּדוּנִי" (rappduni), which conveys the idea of reviving or invigorating. Apples, or "תַּפּוּחִים" (tappuchim), were considered exotic and luxurious fruits in the ancient Near East. They symbolize beauty, desire, and the rejuvenating power of love. In the biblical context, apples are often associated with the Garden of Eden, representing both temptation and delight. The request for apples suggests a longing for the revitalizing and pleasurable aspects of love, which can restore and energize the soul.

for I am faint with love
The phrase "faint with love" in Hebrew is "כִּי חוֹלַת אַהֲבָה אָנִי" (ki cholat ahavah ani), where "חוֹלַת" (cholat) means sick or weak. This expression captures the overwhelming and consuming nature of love, which can leave one feeling both vulnerable and exhilarated. In the context of the Song of Solomon, this faintness is not a negative condition but rather a testament to the depth and intensity of the beloved's passion. It reflects the transformative power of love, which can lead to a profound sense of longing and fulfillment. Historically, love sickness was a common theme in ancient literature, often depicted as a powerful force that could transcend physical and emotional boundaries.

(5) Flagons.--Heb., ashishoth, apparently a dried cake, but of what substance is uncertain. From the margin of Hosea 3:1, possibly "grape cakes." In 2Samuel 6:19 it occurs as one of the gifts distributed by David at the removal of the ark, and is rendered by the LXX., a cake from the frying-pan. Here the LXX. have sweet unguents, and the Vulg. flowers. The Authorised Version, flagons, follows a Rabbinical interpretation.

Comfort.--The margin, straw me with apples, follows the LXX.; the Hebrew word occurs in Job 17:3; Authorised Version, "make my bed"--Job 41:30 (Heb. 22). Authorised Version, "spreadeth." Hence some translate here, "make me a bed of apple-leaves;" but the parallelism is against this, and the root idea in both the words translated "comfort" and "stay" is putting a prop or support under. Metaphorically = refresh or sustain.

Verse 5. - Stay me with raisins, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love. Again the intensive form of the verb is chosen. She is almost sinking; she cries out for comfort. The food for which she longs is the grape cakes - the grapes sufficiently dried to be pressed together as cakes, which is very refreshing and reviving; not raisins as we know them, but with more of the juice of the grape in them. So date cakes are now offered to travellers in the East. "Refresh me; for I am in a state of deep agitation because of the intensity of my love." Ginsburg thinks the cakes are baked by the fire, the word being derived from a root "to burn." The translation, "flagons of wine," in the Authorized Version, follows the rabbinical exposition, but it is quite unsupported by the critics. Love sickness is common in Eastern countries, more so than with us in the colder hemisphere. Perhaps the appeal of the bride is meant to be general, not immediately directed to the king, as if a kind of exclamation, and it may be connected with the previous idea of the banner. The country maiden is dazzled with the splendour and majesty of the king. She gives up, as it were, in willing resignation of herself, the rivalry with one so great and glorious in the expression of love and praise; she sinks back with delight and ecstasy, calling upon any around to support her, and Solomon himself answers the appeal, and puts his loving arm around her and holds up her head, and gives her the sweetest and tenderest embraces, which renew her strength. We know that in the spiritual life there are such experiences. The intensity of religious feeling is closely connected with physical exhaustion, and when the soul cries for help and longs for comfort, the presence of the Saviour is revealed; the weakness is changed into strength. The apostolic seer in the Apocalypse describes himself as overcome with the glory of the Saviour's appearance, and being brought back to himself by his voice (Revelation 1:17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Sustain me
סַמְּכ֙וּנִי֙ (sam·mə·ḵū·nî)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5564: To prop, to lean upon, take hold of

with raisins;
בָּֽאֲשִׁישׁ֔וֹת (bā·’ă·šî·šō·wṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 809: Something closely pressed together, a cake of raisins, other comfits

refresh me
רַפְּד֖וּנִי (rap·pə·ḏū·nî)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 7502: To spread, to refresh

with apples,
בַּתַּפּוּחִ֑ים (bat·tap·pū·ḥîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8598: An apple, the fruit, the tree

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I
אָֽנִי׃ (’ā·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am faint
חוֹלַ֥ת (ḥō·w·laṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick

with love.
אַהֲבָ֖ה (’a·hă·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 160: Love (noun)


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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 2:5 Strengthen me with raisins refresh me (Song Songs SS So Can)