Song of Solomon 4
Song of Solomon 4 is a continuation of the groom's admiration and expression of love for his bride. The groom vividly describes the bride’s beauty, highlighting different aspects of her appearance in poetic language. He praises her purity, and the depth of his affection is evident throughout the chapter. The imagery of nature and gardens is prevalent as he compares his beloved to these, illustrating both her inner and outer beauty. The chapter culminates with an invitation from the bride to her beloved, inviting him to share in their love.
Song of Solomon 4:1 (NKJV)
1 Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats, going down from Mount Gilead.
The groom begins by expressing admiration for the bride's beauty. He repeats that she is fair, highlighting her loveliness. Her eyes are compared to doves, symbolizing gentleness and purity. The reference to her hair flowing like a flock of goats descending Mount Gilead evokes the graceful and natural movement of her locks. The comparisons to nature demonstrate the groom's deep appreciation for both her physical appearance and her character.
Song of Solomon 4:2 (NKJV)
2 Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep which have come up from the washing, every one of which bears twins, and none is barren among them.
The groom praises the bride's teeth, comparing them to a flock of clean, shorn sheep. The imagery suggests that her teeth are white, even, and complete, with none missing, reflecting her perfect beauty. This attention to detail shows the groom’s admiration for even the smallest aspects of her appearance.
Song of Solomon 4:3 (NKJV)
3 Your lips are like a strand of scarlet, and your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like a piece of pomegranate.
The groom describes the bride’s lips as being like scarlet, emphasizing their vibrant color and beauty. He also notes her mouth as lovely, and her temples are compared to the blushing hue of a pomegranate. These comparisons continue the theme of natural beauty, reflecting the bride’s allure and the groom’s fascination with her.
Song of Solomon 4:4 (NKJV)
4 Your neck is like the tower of David, built for an armory, on which hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.
The bride’s neck is compared to the tower of David, symbolizing strength and dignity. The reference to shields suggests a sense of nobility and defense, as if her presence commands respect and admiration. This highlights not only her beauty but also her graceful strength and character.
Song of Solomon 4:5 (NKJV)
5 Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle, which feed among the lilies.
The groom compares the bride’s breasts to twin fawns of a gazelle, which conveys a sense of tenderness and delicacy. The fawns feeding among the lilies evoke an image of innocence and purity, further demonstrating the groom’s affection for her and his admiration for her femininity.
Song of Solomon 4:6 (NKJV)
6 Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.
The groom expresses his intention to be with the bride throughout the night, symbolized by the mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense, which are often associated with love and intimacy. He speaks of his devotion and desire to remain close to her until morning, further emphasizing the depth of their connection.
Song of Solomon 4:7 (NKJV)
7 You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.
Here, the groom declares that his bride is completely beautiful, with no flaw in her. This statement is a powerful affirmation of her perfection in his eyes, both inside and out. It reflects the idealized love and admiration he has for her, seeing her as flawless.
Song of Solomon 4:8 (NKJV)
8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon. Look from the top of Amana, from the top of Senir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards.
The groom invites the bride to leave Lebanon and join him, urging her to come away from places associated with danger and wild animals, like the lions’ dens and the mountains of leopards. This could symbolize the groom's protective nature, wanting to keep her safe and close to him.
Song of Solomon 4:9 (NKJV)
9 You have ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; you have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes, with one link of your necklace.
The groom expresses how deeply the bride has captivated him, using the term "ravished" to describe how she has won his heart. Her gaze and even a simple adornment, like her necklace, are enough to completely enrapture him. This highlights the powerful connection and attraction between them.
Song of Solomon 4:10 (NKJV)
10 How fair is your love, my sister, my spouse! How much better than wine is your love, and the scent of your perfumes than all spices!
The groom praises the bride’s love, comparing it to something far better than wine. He also comments on the fragrance of her perfumes, which he finds more pleasing than all spices. This further enhances the sensual and affectionate nature of their relationship, where every aspect of the bride brings joy to the groom.
Song of Solomon 4:11 (NKJV)
11 Your lips, O my spouse, drip as the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue; and the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.
The groom compares the bride’s lips to a honeycomb, a symbol of sweetness and nourishment. Her words, likened to honey and milk, are seen as pure and delightful. Her garments carry the scent of Lebanon, evoking images of a rich, fragrant land, further emphasizing her allure and beauty.
Song of Solomon 4:12 (NKJV)
12 A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
The bride is likened to a garden that is enclosed, a spring shut up, and a fountain sealed, symbolizing her purity and exclusivity. The imagery reflects her modesty and the fact that she is reserved for her beloved alone. This suggests the deep bond and commitment they share.
Song of Solomon 4:13 (NKJV)
13 Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits, fragrant henna with spikenard,
The bride is compared to a fruitful orchard, filled with pomegranates and other pleasant fruits. The reference to fragrant plants like henna and spikenard enhances the picture of her being a source of abundance, beauty, and fragrance in the groom’s life, symbolizing her virtues and charms.
Song of Solomon 4:14 (NKJV)
14 Spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices—
The groom continues to describe the bride with imagery of luxurious and rare spices, enhancing the sense of her being precious and valuable. These spices were often used in worship and anointing, symbolizing the sacredness of their love and the bride’s worth.
Song of Solomon 4:15 (NKJV)
15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
The bride is likened to a fountain, well, and streams, suggesting that she is a source of life and refreshment to the groom. This emphasizes the life-giving and nurturing nature of their relationship, where love flows freely and abundantly between them.
Song of Solomon 4:16 (NKJV)
16 Awake, O north wind, and come, O south! Blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come to his garden and eat its pleasant fruits.
The bride invites the winds to blow upon her garden, symbolizing her desire to share her love with her beloved. She welcomes him to come and enjoy the fruits of their love, further cementing the mutual affection and intimacy between them. The garden metaphor continues, representing the beauty and sweetness of their relationship.