What Do Peaches Symbolize In The Bible?

Peaches are harvested throughout the year. However, May through September are the months well known for garden-fresh harvests. Peaches are not only delicious but also attractive to look at. Think of the many times you’ve seen wall papers and stickers with photos of juicy peaches.

Apart from tantalizing our human appetites, peaches have spiritual significance. The bible makes mention of them in several passages of scripture.

However, it is important to note that the Bible groups apples, peaches, and apricots into one basket and depending on the version of the bible you read, you may find one or the other. With that behind us, let us now dig into what the bible actually says about peaches and what they symbolize.

A Symbol of Love

The bible is never silent on love. Whether it is the love of God for humans-agape, or the love of brethren – philia. In the book of Song of Songs 2:3, the bible talks of this kind of love and in there drops the “peach” word. Here is what it says,

“Like an apricot tree among the trees of the forest, so is my love among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.”

The bridegroom in this context is referred to as an apricot tree. A tree that is both ornamental and fruitful, making it stand out from the rest.

Even though other bible versions refer to the apricot tree as an apple tree, there is doubt as to whether Solomon had in mind the actual apple tree that we know today.

Reading from the beginning of the chapter, you can clearly see the language of love expressed between the wildflower (rose of Sharon or lily of the valley) and the apricot tree.

The vitality of the tree, the youthfulness and everything else it packs amazes the beholder. Such is the love between man and God. It is a complement of love.

The tree also gives the maiden a sense of security and peace. The apricot tree covers the beloved making her feel protected. It is a time of refreshment after hard work.

A Symbol of The Ordinances of The Gospel

God cherishes our nearness to him. When we draw closer to him, he will also draw closer to us. When Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha, the latter chose to sit at His feet. When Mary confronted Martha, Jesus defended her and said,

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In the Song of Songs 8: 5, the bible says,

“Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on the one she loves? Woman I awakened you under the apricot tree. There your mother conceived you; there she conceived and gave you birth.”

The apricot tree symbolizes the shade, presence of God, or the counsel of his word. Sitting under the ordinances of the gospel having no meaningful communion with Christ, the beloved was awakened.

This verse paints the picture that being under the cover of the word without Christ actually getting involved doesn’t complete us as Christians.

However, through prayers and entreaties, the beloved woke up. Jesus began interacting with the believer and making sense of every counsel in the word of God.  The beloved enjoyed much notice, familiarity, and attention.

Without Christ being alive in us, we can sit under the apricot tree for whatever length of time without results. However, when he awakens, he completes our joy and understanding.

A Symbol of Livelihood

Historically, Israel has been dependent on agriculture, both crop farming and animal keeping. When the Bible refers to animals or crops, it touches on the heart of Israel’s livelihood.

Whether you read from the book of Joel :10 that says,

“The field is wasted, The land mourns; For the grain is ruined, The new wine is dried up, The oil fails”

or from Joel 1:12 that says,

“The grapevines are dried up. The fig trees are withered. The pomegranate, palm, and apricot trees, as well as all the trees in the orchards, have died. Yes, the joy of these people has died too”,

…you get a sense of the importance of agriculture in ancient Israel.

The dying of the apricot or peach tree is symbolic of the suffering and the vanishing of the livelihoods of Israelites. The book of Joel has two sides – suffering and blessing. The suffering was brought about by disobedience while the blessing was brought about by repentance for the sins committed.

A Symbol of God’s Sustenance and Refreshment

God sustains us both physically and spiritually. For us to maintain the love of God or to have the strength of spiritual to relate with God, we need him to sustain us. In the book of Song of Solomon 2:5, the bible says,

“Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apricots, for I am lovesick.”

From ages past, it is God who has been sustaining man. Away from God, humans can wither and die both physically and spiritually. Solomon knew about the power of God very well and in this book, he brought it out so clearly through the story of love.

A Symbol of The Power of God’s Word

The word of God is beautiful, powerful, and effective. However, Solomon in proverbs 25:11, brings a dimension of the word that makes it truly powerful. He says,

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.”

When the word of God is spoken in the right manner and circumstances, it appeals to the audience, its life changing power comes out so powerfully.

Conclusion

Whether you call them peaches, apples or apricots, the symbolism of peaches is so powerful and strong in the bible. It can symbolize the love of God and man, the power of his word, sustenance, ordinances, or counsel of the gospel and so forth.

Therefore, when you see apricot or peaches, take time to study the context before assigning a meaning.

For more spiritual meanings of various fruits, check out this guide to cherries in the Bible.