Song Of Solomon 4:10

KJV

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!

KJV (with Strong's)

How fair {H3302} is thy love {H1730}, my sister {H269}, my spouse {H3618}! how much better {H2895} is thy love {H1730} than wine {H3196}! and the smell {H7381} of thine ointments {H8081} than all spices {H1314}!

Complete Jewish Bible

My sister, my bride, how sweet is your love! How much better your love than wine, more fragrant your perfumes than any spice!

Berean Standard Bible

How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all spices.

American Standard Version

How fair is thy love, my sister, my bride! How much better is thy love than wine! And the fragrance of thine oils than all manner of spices!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 4:10 captures the bridegroom's effusive praise for his beloved, the Shulamite, highlighting the unparalleled excellence of her love and presence. Through a series of vivid comparisons, he declares her affection to be superior to the finest wine and the fragrance of her being more delightful than the most exquisite spices. This verse serves as a climactic expression of adoration, celebrating not merely physical beauty, but the profound, intoxicating essence of her character, devotion, and intimate companionship within their blossoming marital bond.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly poetic and intimate section of Song of Solomon, specifically following the bridegroom's second "wasf" or descriptive poem (Song 4:1-7), where he meticulously praises his bride's physical beauty from head to toe. After inviting her to come away with him from the mountains of danger (Song 4:8), he then shifts his focus in Song 4:9-11 from her outward appearance to the captivating power of her inner qualities and the profound impact of her love. Verse 10, therefore, marks a transition from physical admiration to a deeper appreciation of her character, affection, and the delightful essence of her presence, culminating in the declaration that her love is more intoxicating than wine and her fragrance more pleasing than any spice. This emphasis on the internal over the external underscores the holistic nature of their affection, setting the stage for further expressions of mutual desire and commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, wine was a staple beverage and a potent symbol of joy, celebration, and prosperity, often associated with feasts and merriment, as seen in passages like [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine That Makes the Heart Glad"). Similarly, ointments, perfumes, and spices were highly prized commodities, signifying luxury, wealth, hospitality, and special occasions. They were used for anointing, personal adornment, and as offerings, being far more valuable than common goods. The trade routes brought exotic spices from distant lands, making them rare and expensive. By comparing his beloved's love and presence to these highly valued and intoxicating elements, the bridegroom elevates her qualities above the most cherished earthly delights, demonstrating the supreme value he places on her. The use of such imagery would have immediately conveyed the immense pleasure and profound satisfaction her love brought him within their cultural framework.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 4:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Primarily, it underscores the **superiority of genuine love and intimacy** over all other earthly pleasures. The comparison of love to wine and ointments elevates the relational bond to the highest possible human experience, suggesting that true affection provides a deeper, more lasting satisfaction than any material or sensory indulgence. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **mutual delight and admiration** within marriage, as the bridegroom articulates his profound appreciation for his beloved's essence. This reciprocal affirmation is crucial for a thriving relationship, echoing the sentiment found in [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth"). Finally, the affectionate address "my sister, my spouse" introduces the theme of **covenantal intimacy and friendship** within the marital union. "Sister" implies purity, equality, and a deep, familial bond of friendship, while "spouse" signifies the exclusive, committed, and sacred nature of their marital covenant. This dual address beautifully portrays marriage as a relationship built on both passionate romance and profound, respectful companionship, a unity that reflects the divine design for human partnership, as seen in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Institution of Marriage").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Love (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From an unused root meaning properly, to boil, i.e.; (figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle; (well-) beloved, father's brother, love, uncle. In this context, `dôwd` refers to the expressions and delights of love, often implying caresses or endearments. It emphasizes the experiential and tangible aspects of their affection, making the comparison to wine and spices particularly apt as it speaks to delightful sensations.
* **Spouse (Hebrew, _kallâh'_):** From `kālal`, meaning to be complete or perfect; a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife; bride, daughter-in-law, spouse. This term unequivocally identifies the beloved as the bride, emphasizing her status as one entering into a covenantal marriage. The implication of "perfection" or "completeness" in the root word suggests the bridegroom views her as the ideal partner, fulfilling his desires and completing his life.
* **Ointments (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** From `shāman`, meaning to be fat; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness; anointing, fat (things), fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, pine. This refers to precious, often perfumed oils used for anointing, cosmetic purposes, or as a sign of honor and luxury. The "smell of thine ointments" thus speaks to her delightful and precious presence, her very essence, which is more fragrant and captivating than any manufactured perfume.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How fair is thy love, my sister, [my] spouse!":** The bridegroom begins with an exclamation of profound admiration, using the superlative "How fair!" to describe her love. The dual address "my sister, my spouse" is deeply significant. "Sister" (Hebrew: `ʼâchôwth`) denotes a relationship of purity, equality, and deep friendship—a bond of kinship that undergirds their romantic love. "Spouse" (Hebrew: `kallâh`) explicitly declares her status as his wife, emphasizing the covenantal, exclusive, and intimate nature of their marital union. This phrase beautifully captures the multifaceted ideal of marriage: a relationship of passionate romance intertwined with profound friendship and covenant commitment.
* **"how much better is thy love than wine!":** This clause introduces a powerful comparison, declaring the superiority of her love. Wine, a symbol of joy, celebration, and earthly pleasure, is here surpassed. The bridegroom asserts that the experiential delight and intoxicating effect of his beloved's `dôwd` (expressions of love, endearments) far exceed the fleeting pleasures derived from wine. Her love provides a deeper, more satisfying, and more profound joy.
* **"and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!":** This second comparison reinforces the first, shifting to the sense of smell. Ointments and spices were highly prized for their fragrance, often associated with luxury, honor, and pleasantness. The bridegroom proclaims that the very "smell" (Hebrew: `rêyach`) of her presence, her essence, her character, or perhaps the delightful aura she carries, is more captivating and exquisite than the combined aroma of all the most precious spices. This speaks to the delightful and pervasive influence of her presence, filling his world with unparalleled satisfaction and delight.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 4:10 is rich with **Hyperbole**, as the bridegroom declares his beloved's love and fragrance to be "much better" than *all* wine and *all* spices, emphasizing an immeasurable superiority. This exaggeration underscores the depth of his adoration. The verse also employs striking **Simile** and **Metaphor**, comparing her "love" to "wine" and the "smell of thine ointments" to "all spices." These comparisons are not merely decorative but convey the intoxicating, delightful, and deeply satisfying nature of her presence and affection through sensory imagery. The use of **Terms of Endearment** like "my sister, my spouse" is a powerful form of **Affectionate Address**, revealing the intimate, multifaceted nature of their relationship, encompassing both purity and covenantal commitment. The verse’s appeal to the senses of taste (wine) and smell (ointments, spices) creates vivid **Sensory Imagery**, drawing the reader into the profound experience of the bridegroom's delight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully articulates the profound value of covenantal love and intimacy, elevating the marital bond above all earthly pleasures. The bridegroom's ecstatic praise highlights that true satisfaction is found not in material possessions or fleeting sensory experiences, but in the deep, reciprocal affection shared within a committed relationship. The dual address "my sister, my spouse" is particularly significant, underscoring the ideal of marriage as a union built upon both passionate love and a foundational friendship rooted in purity and mutual respect. The "love" described here, `dôwd`, speaks to the expressions and delights of intimacy, suggesting that the tangible manifestations of affection are more intoxicating and satisfying than any external stimulant. This passage serves as a theological affirmation of marriage as a divine gift, designed to bring unparalleled joy and fulfillment, reflecting a harmonious and delightful union.

* [Proverbs 27:9](/proverbs/27-9 "Proverbs 27:9 - The Sweetness of a Friend's Counsel")
* [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - The Enduring Qualities of Faith, Hope, and Love")
* [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 4:10 offers profound insights for cultivating deep, satisfying relationships in our own lives. It challenges us to look beyond superficial attractions and fleeting pleasures, encouraging us to prioritize the profound, enduring joy found in genuine intimacy and committed love. The bridegroom's lavish praise models the importance of verbal affirmation and appreciation within relationships; expressing how deeply we value our loved ones' character and presence can significantly strengthen bonds and foster a thriving environment of mutual admiration. Furthermore, the "sister, spouse" imagery reminds us that the most robust romantic relationships are often those built upon a foundation of deep friendship, mutual respect, and covenant loyalty. This verse calls us to cultivate relationships where love is not merely a feeling, but a powerful, intoxicating force that enriches life more profoundly than any worldly indulgence, encouraging us to invest in the spiritual and emotional richness of our connections.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I prioritize the depth of relational intimacy over other pursuits in my life?**
* **How can I more intentionally express profound admiration and appreciation for those I love, particularly my spouse or closest companions?**
* **What does the "sister, spouse" imagery teach me about the ideal balance of friendship and romantic love within a committed relationship?**

### FAQ
**Why does the bridegroom call his beloved "my sister, my spouse"?**

Answer: The dual address "my sister, my spouse" is a beautiful and significant term of endearment in Song of Solomon. "My spouse" (Hebrew: `kallâh`) clearly indicates her status as his bride, emphasizing the covenantal, exclusive, and intimate nature of their marital union. "My sister" (Hebrew: `ʼâchôwth`) adds a layer of deep friendship, purity, and equality to the relationship. It suggests a bond of kinship and companionship that undergirds their romantic love, highlighting that their marriage is built not only on passion but also on profound respect, trust, and shared life, much like the intimacy described in [Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother"). This unique combination underscores the multifaceted ideal of marriage as a relationship that encompasses both passionate romance and profound, respectful friendship.

**What is the significance of comparing her love to wine and her ointments to spices?**

Answer: In ancient cultures, wine was a symbol of joy, celebration, and earthly pleasure, often associated with feasting and merriment, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 9:7](/ecclesiastes/9-7 "Ecclesiastes 9:7 - Eat Your Food with Gladness"). Ointments and spices were highly valued commodities, signifying luxury, honor, and delightful fragrance. By comparing his beloved's love to wine and her essence (the smell of her ointments) to spices, the bridegroom uses hyperbole to declare that her love and presence are infinitely more intoxicating, delightful, and satisfying than the most cherished earthly pleasures. Her love brings a deeper, more profound, and lasting joy that surpasses any material or sensory indulgence, much like the "pleasant words" that are "sweet to the soul" in [Proverbs 16:24](/proverbs/16-24 "Proverbs 16:24 - Pleasant Words Are a Honeycomb").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 4:10 primarily celebrates the beauty of human marital love, Christian theology often interprets this book as an allegory for the profound relationship between Christ and His Church. In this light, the bridegroom's ecstatic praise for his beloved foreshadows Christ's immeasurable love and adoration for His redeemed people. Just as the Shulamite's love is declared "better than wine" and her presence more delightful "than all spices," so too is the Church, as the Bride of Christ, cherished and esteemed above all earthly treasures by her divine Bridegroom. Jesus' love for the Church is the ultimate expression of `dôwd`, a self-sacrificial and covenantal affection that surpasses all human understanding and earthly delights, as perfectly exemplified in His giving Himself up for her ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Sacrificial Love for the Church")). The "smell of thine ointments" can be seen as the pleasing aroma of the Church's devotion and obedience, made fragrant by Christ's own righteousness, a sacrifice of a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). This verse, therefore, points to the glorious reality of Christ's unyielding affection for His pure and beloved Bride, the Church, eagerly awaiting the consummation of their union at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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 1:2

¶ Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love [is] better than wine.

Song Of Solomon 1:4

Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

Song Of Solomon 7:6

How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Song Of Solomon 5:5

I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped [with] myrrh, and my fingers [with] sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.

Song Of Solomon 3:6

¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.