1. Song of Solomon 7:8–9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why is the woman's breath like apples and her mouth like wine?

Song of Solomon 7:8–9 (ESV)

8 I say I will climb the palm tree and lay hold of its fruit. Oh may your breasts be like clusters of the vine, and the scent of your breath like apples,

He looks forward to tasting the apples which are to be found still higher up this amazing, multifaceted tree at the site of his beloved’s mouth and nose. The man eagerly anticipates drinking the wine that flows there.1

In saying her mouth is like wine, he means to kiss her (Song of Solomon 1:2).2 Her breath smells like pleasant and refreshing apples. Elsewhere in the Song, the apple tree is used to speak of intimacy between the lovers (Song of Solomon 2:3, Song of Solomon 2:5; Song of Solomon 8:5). Her kisses taste like wine. His intimate union with her excites all his senses .3