Song Of Solomon 4:1

KJV

¶ Behold, thou [art] fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair [is] as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, thou art fair {H3303}, my love {H7474}; behold, thou art fair {H3303}; thou hast doves {H3123}' eyes {H5869} within {H1157} thy locks {H6777}: thy hair {H8181} is as a flock {H5739} of goats {H5795}, that appear {H1570} from mount {H2022} Gilead {H1568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[He] How beautiful you are, my love! How beautiful you are! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gil'ad.

Berean Standard Bible

How beautiful you are, my darling— how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gilead.

American Standard Version

Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; Thine eyes are as doves behind thy veil. Thy hair is as a flock of goats, That lie along the side of mount Gilead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 4:1 opens with the Beloved, traditionally identified as King Solomon, expressing profound admiration for the Shulamite woman. This verse initiates a detailed poetic description, known as a "wasf," where he meticulously praises her physical attributes, beginning with her captivating eyes and abundant hair. The repeated declaration of her "fairness" underscores the depth of his affection and the overwhelming impact of her beauty, setting a tone of passionate devotion and intimate appreciation within their loving relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the opening declaration of a significant "wasf," or descriptive poem, found in [Song of Solomon 4](/song_of_solomon/4 "Song of Solomon 4 - The Beloved's Praise of His Bride"). Following the Shulamite's expressions of longing and the couple's reunion in [Song of Solomon 3](/song_of_solomon/3 "Song of Solomon 3 - The Search and the Procession"), the Beloved now takes center stage, articulating his deep affection and admiration for his bride. The "wasf" is a common ancient Near Eastern poetic form, typically moving from head to toe, designed to extol the beauty of the beloved in vivid, often hyperbolic, imagery. Here, Solomon focuses initially on her eyes and hair, which are presented as exceptionally beautiful and pure, establishing the intimate and celebratory tone that pervades the chapter. This section serves to deepen the reader's understanding of the profound mutual attraction and respect between the lovers, which is a central theme of the entire book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, beauty was often associated with health, vitality, and purity. The repeated Hebrew word for "fair" (yâpheh) denotes not just physical attractiveness but also a sense of pleasantness and goodness. The imagery of "doves' eyes" held significant cultural weight; doves were common birds, often associated with gentleness, innocence, and purity, and their eyes were known for their soft, serene gaze. This comparison suggests an inner beauty and gentle spirit complementing her outward appearance. Furthermore, the description of her hair as "a flock of goats, that appear from [Mount Gilead](/genesis/31-21 "Genesis 31:21 - Jacob Flees to Gilead")" evokes a powerful visual. Goats, particularly the dark, long-haired varieties, were valuable livestock. Mount Gilead, a fertile region east of the Jordan River, was renowned for its rich pastures. A large flock of goats descending a mountainside would appear as a dark, flowing, undulating mass, suggesting hair that is thick, luxuriant, dark, and abundant—a highly prized attribute in that culture, signifying health and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 4:1 richly contributes to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully conveys **Affirmation and Admiration**, as the Beloved's repeated declaration of "fairness" highlights the vital role of verbal praise and appreciation in a loving relationship. This echoes the broader biblical call for positive and edifying speech, as seen in [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech"). Secondly, the imagery of "doves' eyes" speaks to **Innocence and Purity**, suggesting that the Shulamite's beauty is not merely superficial but reflects a beautiful inner character, a quality often valued above outward adornment in scripture ([1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Inner Beauty")). Thirdly, the comparisons to natural elements like "doves" and "flocks of goats from Mount Gilead" emphasize **Natural Beauty and Abundance**, celebrating the inherent loveliness of God's creation and the vibrant health of the beloved. Lastly, the verse illustrates **The Power of Love's Gaze**, demonstrating how genuine affection transforms perception, allowing the lover to see and cherish unique qualities with profound delight, much like how God delights in His people ([Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "Zephaniah 3:17 - God Rejoices Over You")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fair (Hebrew, _yâpheh'_):** From the root meaning "to be beautiful," this word (H3303) describes both physical attractiveness and a broader sense of pleasantness or goodness. Its repetition in the verse ("Behold, thou art fair... behold, thou art fair") serves to emphasize the overwhelming and captivating nature of the Shulamite's beauty in the eyes of her beloved. It signifies a profound appreciation that goes beyond mere observation to a deep emotional response.
* **doves' (Hebrew, _yôwnâh'_):** This word (H3123) refers to a dove or pigeon, a bird commonly found in ancient Israel. Doves were often associated with gentleness, purity, innocence, and faithfulness, particularly due to their soft cooing and monogamous mating habits. When applied to the eyes, it conveys a sense of serene beauty, a gentle gaze, and an unblemished character, suggesting a deep, clear, and guileless spirit.
* **locks (Hebrew, _tsammâh'_):** This term (H6777) refers to a veil or, as understood in this context, the specific part of the hair that falls down, perhaps around the temples or over the face, often associated with a woman's modesty or allure. The phrase "within thy locks" suggests that even partially veiled or framed, her eyes retain their captivating beauty, hinting at an intimate and unveiled view that only her beloved is privileged to see.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair;":** This opening phrase is a passionate and emphatic declaration. The repetition of "Behold" (an exclamation drawing attention) and "thou art fair" underscores the intensity and sincerity of the Beloved's admiration. The term "my love" (raʻyâh) signifies an intimate, cherished relationship, indicating that this beauty is perceived and appreciated within the context of deep affection and personal connection. The double affirmation leaves no doubt about the overwhelming impression her beauty makes on him.
* **"thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks:":** This clause introduces a specific and tender detail of her beauty. Her eyes are compared to those of doves, symbolizing purity, gentleness, innocence, and perhaps a captivating, serene gaze. The phrase "within thy locks" suggests that her eyes are framed or partially veiled by her hair, adding an element of mystery and allure while highlighting the clarity and beauty of her gaze even amidst her flowing hair.
* **"thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.":** This vivid simile describes the Shulamite's hair. It is compared to a large, dark, and abundant flock of goats (likely the black, long-haired variety common in the region) seen descending from [Mount Gilead](/song_of_solomon/4 "Song of Solomon 4 - The Beloved's Praise of His Bride"). This imagery conveys hair that is thick, luxuriant, dark, healthy, and flowing, cascading down like a rich, dark tapestry. Mount Gilead, known for its fertile pastures, adds to the sense of abundance and natural vitality.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 4:1 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the Beloved's admiration. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the phrase "Behold, thou art fair" appearing twice. This rhetorical device serves to emphasize the depth and sincerity of the speaker's praise, creating a sense of awe and wonder. **Simile** is central to the verse's imagery, particularly in the comparison of "thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead." This creates a vivid mental picture, associating her hair with abundance, richness, and a dark, flowing quality. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the "doves' eyes," where doves traditionally symbolize purity, gentleness, and innocence, imbuing her physical beauty with moral and spiritual qualities. The mention of "Mount Gilead" also carries symbolic weight, representing a place of fertility, abundance, and natural beauty, further enhancing the richness of the imagery associated with her hair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 4:1, with its lavish praise of the beloved's beauty, offers profound theological and thematic insights. It celebrates the goodness of physical beauty as a gift from God and affirms the sanctity and delight found within the marital covenant. The Beloved's unreserved admiration for his bride reflects a divine pattern of appreciation and delight in creation. Just as God declared His creation "good" ([Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God Sees All That He Has Made, and It Is Very Good")), so too does the lover behold the beauty of his beloved. This verse underscores the importance of affirming and cherishing one's spouse, recognizing their intrinsic worth and unique qualities as a reflection of God's artistry. It also subtly points to the idea that true beauty encompasses both outward appearance and inward character, as suggested by the "doves' eyes" imagery, which speaks to purity and gentleness of spirit. This human love, expressed with such passion and detail, serves as a powerful earthly illustration of the divine love that God has for His people.

* [Song of Solomon 1:15](/song_of_solomon/1-15 "Song of Solomon 1:15 - Beloved's Eyes") - "Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes." (Another instance of the Beloved's praise of her eyes).
* [Psalm 45:11](/psalms/45-11 "Psalm 45:11 - The King Desires Your Beauty") - "So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." (A royal declaration of beauty in a wedding psalm).
* [Proverbs 31:30](/proverbs/31-30 "Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is Deceitful, Beauty is Vain") - "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." (A complementary perspective on the fleeting nature of outward beauty versus lasting character).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 4:1 provides a timeless blueprint for cultivating healthy and vibrant relationships, particularly within marriage. It calls us to emulate the Beloved's intentional and articulate affirmation of his beloved. In a world often preoccupied with superficial standards and critical judgment, this verse reminds us of the profound power of genuine appreciation and spoken praise. It encourages us to look beyond fleeting external appearances and to truly see, value, and celebrate the unique, God-given beauty—both inner and outer—of those we love. This involves not just noticing, but vocalizing our admiration, fostering an atmosphere of security, joy, and mutual respect. Furthermore, the imagery of "doves' eyes" invites us to reflect on the importance of cultivating a pure heart and gentle spirit, recognizing that true beauty emanates from within. By cherishing our relationships with such intentionality, we can create spaces where love flourishes, mirroring the abundant and affirming love that God extends to each of us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's passionate affirmation challenge or inspire your own expressions of love and appreciation in your significant relationships?**
* **In what ways might the "doves' eyes" imagery encourage you to cultivate inner purity, gentleness, and a clear spiritual vision?**
* **How can we, like Solomon, learn to see and affirm the unique, God-given beauty in others, moving beyond superficial standards and celebrating their intrinsic worth?**

### FAQ
**What is a "wasf" and how does it relate to this verse?**

Answer: A "wasf" (Arabic for "description") is a poetic genre, common in ancient Near Eastern and Arabic literature, characterized by a detailed, often head-to-toe, description of a beloved's physical attributes. In the Song of Solomon, particularly in [Song of Solomon 4](/song_of_solomon/4 "Song of Solomon 4 - The Beloved's Praise of His Bride") and [Song of Solomon 7](/song_of_solomon/7 "Song of Solomon 7 - The Shulamite's Beauty"), the Beloved uses this form to express his profound admiration for the Shulamite. Song of Solomon 4:1 serves as the opening declaration of one such "wasf," setting the stage for a meticulous and passionate enumeration of her beauty, emphasizing her captivating eyes and hair as initial points of praise.

**Why are "doves' eyes" considered a compliment in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, doves were widely known for their gentle, serene, and pure gaze. They were also associated with innocence, fidelity, and peace. Therefore, comparing the beloved's eyes to those of doves (as also seen in [Song of Solomon 1:15](/song_of_solomon/1-15 "Song of Solomon 1:15 - Beloved's Eyes")) was a high compliment, suggesting not only physical beauty but also a beautiful inner character—a gentle spirit, purity of heart, and perhaps a clear, guileless gaze that reflects sincerity and devotion.

**What is the significance of "Mount Gilead" in the description of her hair?**

Answer: [Mount Gilead](/genesis/31-21 "Genesis 31:21 - Jacob Flees to Gilead") was a fertile, mountainous region located east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures and abundant livestock. The comparison of the Shulamite's hair to "a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead" evokes an image of a large, healthy, and prosperous flock. Specifically, it suggests hair that is thick, luxuriant, dark (referencing the common black, long-haired goats), and flowing, much like a dark, undulating mass seen from a distance on a mountainside. This metaphor conveys a sense of vibrant health, abundance, and natural beauty, highly prized attributes in that cultural context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 4:1, with its exquisite portrayal of the Beloved's admiration for his bride, serves as a beautiful earthly shadow of the ultimate divine romance between Christ and His Church. Just as Solomon delights in the Shulamite's "fairness" and purity, so too does Christ, the heavenly Bridegroom, behold His Church with profound love and delight. The Church, through His redemptive work, is made "fair" and righteous, clothed in His perfect righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The "doves' eyes" of the Shulamite can symbolize the Church's pure devotion, singular focus, and spiritual innocence as she looks to Christ alone, reflecting a heart made pure by faith ([Matthew 6:22](/matthew/6-22 "Matthew 6:22 - The Eye as a Lamp")). Her abundant hair, likened to a flourishing flock from Mount Gilead, can represent the Church's spiritual vitality, fruitfulness, and growth, nourished and sustained by Christ, who is the true vine ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")). Ultimately, this verse points to Christ's unwavering love and His ongoing work of sanctification, by which He is preparing His Bride to be presented to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")), a glorious testament to His transformative and cherishing love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Song Of Solomon 1:15

Behold, thou [art] fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves' eyes.

Song Of Solomon 6:5

Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair [is] as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.

Song Of Solomon 6:7

As a piece of a pomegranate [are] thy temples within thy locks.

Song Of Solomon 4:9

Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

Song Of Solomon 4:10

How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

Song Of Solomon 7:5

Thine head upon thee [is] like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king [is] held in the galleries.

Song Of Solomon 2:14

¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.