TRV
Song Of Solomon 4:1
Bible Versions
¶ 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.
[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.
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.
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.
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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.
Song of Solomon 4:1 opens with King Solomon’s passionate declaration of his beloved Shulamite’s beauty, marking a significant moment in their courtship or early marriage. This verse is part of a larger poem of praise, often called a "wasf," where the lover describes the physical attributes of the beloved in vivid, poetic detail. The repetition of "Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair" underscores the depth and sincerity of his admiration, emphasizing her captivating beauty.
Context
This verse is found within the fourth chapter of the Song of Solomon, a book of poetic dialogue celebrating romantic and marital love. Chapter 4 specifically features the Beloved (King Solomon) extolling the beauty of the Shulamite woman, describing her from head to toe. This particular verse focuses on her eyes and hair. The setting evokes the natural beauty of ancient Israel, weaving in imagery from its flora and fauna to paint a picture of exquisite loveliness. It's a testament to the purity and intensity of their affection, often interpreted also as an allegory for Christ's love for His church or God's love for Israel.
Key Themes
Linguistic and Cultural Insights
The Hebrew word for "fair" is yapha (יָפָה), meaning beautiful, lovely, or handsome. Its repetition emphasizes the profound impression the Shulamite's beauty makes on Solomon. The phrase "doves' eyes" (עֵינַיִךְ יוֹנִים - ‘eynayikh yonim) is particularly poignant. Doves were common in ancient Israel and were known for their gentle, serene gaze, often associated with purity and innocence. This imagery is repeated in Song of Solomon 1:15, reinforcing its significance.
The comparison of hair to "a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead" might seem unusual to modern readers but held deep cultural significance. Goats, particularly the black, long-haired variety, were valuable livestock. When viewed from a distance on the slopes of Mount Gilead – a fertile region east of the Jordan known for its rich pastures – a large flock would appear as a dark, flowing mass. This metaphor suggests hair that is thick, dark, abundant, and luxurious, flowing down like a cascade, healthy and vibrant from a prosperous land.
Practical Application
Song of Solomon 4:1 offers timeless lessons for relationships. It highlights the importance of verbal affirmation and expressing genuine admiration for one's beloved. In a world often focused on fleeting external standards, this verse reminds us to appreciate intrinsic beauty and character. It encourages partners to see and celebrate the unique qualities of each other, fostering a deeper connection and mutual respect. Just as Solomon cherishes his bride, we are called to value and affirm those we love, reflecting the unconditional love God has for us, as seen in passages like Ephesians 5:25, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church.