The bride as a ‘locked garden’: An eco-sustainability retrieval of nature metaphor in Song of Songs 4:12–15

Song 4:12–15 depicts the body of bride as a ‘locked garden’ filled with fruits, exotic and medicinal plants abundant freshwater. These luxuries are said to be plentiful appealing but carry them threat spoiling. In this way, garden is ready for enjoyment, forbidden (locked) at same time. The geo-metaphor fits perfectly ancient belief Mother Earth resists dominion drive Anthropocene. Dominance alien Canticles. Book pledges that we can rediscover lost paradise Genesis 2 through love partnership, not dominion. This article investigates which assumptions about nature reflected in author’s use metaphors describe sensual bride. It makes insights ecological sustainability, principle intrinsic worth from six eco-justice principles Bible Project elements historical-critical approaches retrieve significance 4:12–15. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: explores whether eco-sustainability fruitfully used wisdom metaphor 4 depicting locked garden. involves disciplines biblical exegesis, hermeneutics sustainability theories.