Song of Solomon 4:2

Translation
King James Version
Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Thy teeth H8127 are like a flock H5739 of sheep that are even shorn H7094, which came up H5927 from the washing H7367; whereof every one bear twins H8382, and none is barren H7909 among them.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep that have just come up from being washed; each of them is matched, and none of them is missing.
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Berean Standard Bible
Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep coming up from the washing; each has its twin, and not one of them is lost.
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American Standard Version
Thy teeth are like a flockof ewesthat arenewlyshorn, Which are come up from the washing, Whereof every one hath twins, And none is bereaved among them.
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World English Bible Messianic
Your teeth are like a newly shorn flock, which have come up from the washing, where every one of them has twins. None is bereaved among them.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Thy teeth are like a flocke of sheepe in good order, which go vp from the washing: which euery one bring out twinnes, and none is barren among them.
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Young's Literal Translation
Thy teeth as a row of the shorn ones That have come up from the washing, For all of them are forming twins, And a bereaved one is not among them.
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See also
Song of Solomon 6:6Colossians 1:4Colossians 1:6John 15:71 Thessalonians 2:13Exodus 23:26Deuteronomy 7:13
In the KJVVerse 17,585 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Song of Solomon 4:2 is a tender and intimate expression of admiration from the lover, King Solomon, to his beloved, the Shulamite woman. Within a broader poetic encomium praising her radiant beauty, this verse specifically focuses on her teeth, likening them to a perfectly shorn, freshly washed flock of sheep, each bearing twins and none barren. This vivid and detailed imagery conveys a profound sense of uniformity, dazzling purity, robust completeness, and vibrant health, underscoring the speaker's deep admiration for even the most specific and intricate details of her physical appearance, celebrating her natural and wholesome allure.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is an integral component of a lyrical encomium (Song of Solomon 4:1-7), where the male lover, traditionally identified as King Solomon, articulates his profound and detailed admiration for the Shulamite woman's beauty. Following the initial praise of her eyes, hair, and lips in Song of Solomon 4:1, this verse meticulously continues the physical description, shifting focus to her teeth. The entire passage is characterized by its rich, evocative natural imagery, drawing heavily from the pastoral and agricultural life of ancient Israel, which would have resonated deeply and been readily understood by its original audience. The progression of praise builds a comprehensive and idealized picture of her allure, culminating in the emphatic declaration of her complete fairness and flawlessness in Song of Solomon 4:7.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical beauty was frequently described using metaphors drawn from the natural world, and specific features like teeth were highly valued as significant indicators of health, vitality, and overall attractiveness. A full, white, and even set of teeth was particularly prized, especially in an era without modern dental care, where tooth loss and decay were common and often debilitating. The imagery of "sheep that are even shorn" and "came up from the washing" reflects familiar pastoral practices. Sheep shearing was a crucial annual event, and a uniformly shorn flock represented order, prosperity, and careful husbandry. Washing sheep would have been performed to clean their wool, resulting in a dazzlingly white and pure appearance. The "barren" imagery also connects to the high cultural value placed on fertility, productivity, and abundance in agrarian societies, subtly extending the metaphor beyond mere physical appearance to a sense of wholesome vitality and completeness.
  • Key Themes: The primary theme powerfully conveyed in this verse is the perfection and completeness of beauty. The elaborate and detailed simile for the Shulamite's teeth emphasizes an ideal of flawless uniformity, dazzling purity, and robust health, contributing significantly to the overarching theme of her unparalleled attractiveness. This specific and intimate praise also highlights the theme of intimate appreciation and profound affirmation within the loving relationship, as the speaker notices, cherishes, and articulates admiration for even the most minute details of his beloved's appearance. Furthermore, the pastoral imagery subtly reinforces the theme of natural and wholesome beauty, contrasting with artificial adornments and emphasizing a radiant, God-given allure that is both pure and vibrantly alive, much like the imagery of a well-tended, enclosed garden seen elsewhere in the book, such as in Song of Solomon 4:12-15.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Teeth (Hebrew, shên', H8127): Meaning "a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff." In this context, "teeth" refers to the physical structures in the mouth, praised for their sharpness, strength, and appearance. The comparison to ivory further enhances the sense of whiteness, smoothness, and intrinsic value, suggesting a precious and beautiful quality.
  • Flock (Hebrew, ʻêder', H5739): Meaning "an arrangement, i.e. muster (of animals); drove, flock, herd." This word emphasizes the collective, orderly nature of a group of animals. Here, it is used to describe the teeth as a unified, well-arranged set, not disparate or scattered, highlighting their perfect alignment and harmonious presentation.
  • Barren (Hebrew, shakkûwl', H7909): Meaning "bereaved; barren, bereaved (robbed) of children (whelps)." In this simile, "barren" signifies the absence of any missing, unproductive, or deficient teeth. It implies a complete, full set, with no gaps or imperfections, reinforcing the idea of perfection, vitality, and an abundant, healthy smile.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Thy teeth [are] like a flock [of sheep that are even] shorn,": This clause establishes the primary simile, comparing the beloved's teeth to a flock of sheep that have been uniformly sheared. This evokes a powerful image of perfect alignment, regularity, and evenness, suggesting that her teeth are straight, well-ordered, and of consistent length, presenting a visually appealing and harmonious appearance, much like a perfectly managed flock.
  • "which came up from the washing;": This phrase adds another crucial layer to the simile, emphasizing the dazzling cleanliness and brilliant whiteness of her teeth. Just as sheep freshly washed would have their wool gleaming and pure, so too are her teeth described as sparkling, pristine, and free from blemish, radiating a sense of purity, health, and an almost luminous quality.
  • "whereof every one bear twins, and none [is] barren among them.": This is the most evocative and unique part of the simile, conveying a profound sense of completeness and vitality. "Every one bear twins" suggests that each tooth is perfectly formed, robust, and perhaps symmetrical, or that they are perfectly paired within her mouth, contributing to a full and harmonious smile. The phrase "none is barren among them" directly indicates that there are no missing teeth, no gaps, and no imperfections in her smile. Together, these expressions convey a complete, healthy, perfectly aligned, and abundantly vital set of teeth, symbolizing not only physical perfection but also a deeper sense of fruitfulness and wholeness.

Literary Devices

Song of Solomon 4:2 is exceptionally rich with Simile, which is the predominant literary device, directly comparing the beloved's teeth to a flock of shorn, washed sheep. This comparison is extended through sophisticated Metaphorical Language, where the highly desirable characteristics of the sheep—their uniformity, dazzling cleanliness, and prolific fertility—are applied to the teeth, creating a vivid and multi-layered mental image. The phrase "every one bear twins, and none is barren among them" employs Hyperbole to emphasize the absolute perfection and completeness of her teeth, as teeth do not literally reproduce or bear offspring. This deliberate exaggeration serves to magnify the speaker's profound admiration and highlight the exceptional, almost idealized, nature of her beauty. The entire verse is a masterful example of Imagery, appealing powerfully to visual senses (a white, uniform flock) and conveying a profound sense of order, purity, abundance, and robust health.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Song of Solomon 4:2, while focused on the celebration of physical beauty within human love, subtly points to deeper theological truths about creation, divine order, and the inherent value of human relationships. The detailed and specific appreciation of the beloved's features reflects a divine delight in creation's intricate design and inherent beauty, echoing God's repeated pronouncements of "good" over His handiwork in Genesis 1. The emphasis on completeness, fruitfulness ("bear twins"), and the lack of barrenness can be seen as a reflection of God's desire for wholeness, abundance, and productivity in all aspects of life, extending beyond the physical to spiritual and relational spheres. The Song of Solomon, in its entirety, serves as a divine affirmation of the goodness of marital love and intimacy, showcasing how genuine love expresses itself through profound admiration, specific affirmation, and a cherishing of the beloved, mirroring the profound and covenantal love God has for His people.

  • Psalm 45:13 - Describes the radiant beauty of the king's daughter, using rich imagery to convey splendor and glory, akin to the detailed praise in Song of Solomon.
  • Proverbs 31:10 - Praises the virtuous woman whose worth is "far above rubies," emphasizing inner character but not precluding the appreciation of outward grace and diligence.
  • Ephesians 5:25-27 - Illustrates Christ's sacrificial love for the church, making her "holy and without blemish," reflecting a divine pursuit of perfection and purity in relationships, both human and divine.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The detailed and specific praise of the Shulamite's teeth in Song of Solomon 4:2 offers a profound and counter-cultural lesson on the nature of true affection and appreciation within relationships. It encourages us to cultivate an eye for the specific, often overlooked, details that contribute to the unique beauty, character, and essence of our loved ones. Love, as depicted here, is not superficial or generic but deeply attentive, noticing and cherishing even the seemingly minor or common aspects. This verse challenges us to move beyond generic compliments to articulate genuine, specific affirmations that build up, honor, and truly see those we care for. Furthermore, the imagery of purity, completeness, and robust health can serve as a powerful metaphor for the inner qualities we should cultivate in our own lives: a pure heart, a complete and integrated character, and spiritual vitality that radiates outward. Just as the beloved's physical beauty is praised for its flawlessness and abundance, so too should we strive for a spiritual beauty that is "without spot or blemish," reflecting the transformative and sanctifying work of God's grace in our lives, making us fruitful and complete in Him.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does this verse challenge my understanding of what truly constitutes "beauty" and "affirmation" in a loving relationship?
  • In what specific, detailed ways can I offer more genuine and affirming praise to those I love, noticing aspects I might typically overlook?
  • What "barren" or "imperfect" areas in my character or spiritual life might God be calling me to allow Him to make "complete," "fruitful," and "radiant" through His grace?

FAQ

Why does the verse compare teeth to "a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing"?

Answer: This elaborate simile is used to convey multiple, highly desirable aspects of the beloved's teeth. "A flock of sheep that are even shorn" suggests perfect uniformity, alignment, and regularity, meaning her teeth are straight, evenly spaced, and of consistent length, like a well-managed, orderly flock. "Which came up from the washing" emphasizes their dazzling whiteness and cleanliness, implying a radiant, sparkling appearance, much like sheep whose wool has been freshly cleaned and gleams in the sun. Together, these images paint a picture of pristine, orderly, and exceptionally beautiful teeth, highlighting both their aesthetic appeal and their healthy condition.

What is the meaning of "whereof every one bear twins, and none [is] barren among them"?

Answer: This phrase is a hyperbole used to emphasize the absolute perfection and completeness of her teeth, drawing from an agrarian society's value of fertility and abundance. "Every one bear twins" likely signifies that each tooth is perfectly formed, robust, and perhaps symmetrical, or that they are perfectly paired within her mouth, contributing to a full and harmonious smile. It speaks to a sense of double perfection or abundant vitality for each tooth. "None is barren among them" means there are no missing teeth, no gaps, and no imperfections or deficiencies in her dental array. It conveys a sense of a full, healthy, and abundant set of teeth, indicating vitality, fruitfulness, and flawlessness in her smile. This imagery reinforces the idea of completeness and overflowing health, which were highly prized attributes in ancient times.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Song of Solomon 4:2 directly praises the physical beauty of the Shulamite, its profound imagery of perfection, purity, and completeness finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and His glorious relationship with the Church, His beloved Bride. Christ, the perfect Bridegroom, sees His Church not in her fallen, imperfect state, but as she is being made radiant and without blemish through His ongoing sanctifying work. Just as the Shulamite's teeth are described as "even shorn" and "from the washing," so too is the Church being purified and made holy by the "washing of water with the word" (Ephesians 5:26), continually cleansed and conformed to His image. The idea that "none is barren among them" speaks powerfully to the spiritual fruitfulness and completeness that Christ bestows upon His people, ensuring that every member is vital, contributing to the body, and bearing spiritual fruit, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:27 and John 15:5. Christ's love for His Church is so profound that He ultimately presents her to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:27), reflecting a divine admiration that transcends mere physical appearance, focusing on the spiritual perfection and glorious beauty achieved through His sacrifice and ongoing sanctification. He is the one who makes all things new and complete, ensuring His bride is truly beautiful in every respect, reflecting His own glory and bearing His likeness (Revelation 21:2).

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Cyril of JerusalemAD 386
Catechetical Lecture 3:16
“Your teeth are like a flock of ewes to be shorn.” A sincere confession is a spiritual shearing! And further: “all of them big with twins,” signifying the twofold grace, either that perfected by water and the Spirit, or that announced in the Old and in the New Testament.
Gregory of NyssaAD 395
HOMILIES ON THE SONG OF SONGS 7
Now is the time to examine the beauty attributed to the teeth of shorn sheep.… If we look at the literal meaning of this verse, I do not see how teeth can be compared with prolific sheep.… What then can we gather from these words? Persons reducing the divine mysteries into small fragments for a clearer interpretation of the text make spiritual food more easily acceptable for the body of the church. They perform the function of teeth by receiving the thick, dense bread of the text into their mouths. By a more subtle contemplation, they make the food delectable.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On the Mysteries 7:38
[There is a] pleasing comparison to those that are shorn; for we know that goats both feed in high places without risk and securely find their food in rugged places, and then when shorn are freed from what is superfluous. The church is likened to a flock of these, having in itself the many virtues of those souls which through the laver lay aside the superfluity of sins and offer to Christ the mystic faith and the grace of good living, which speak of the cross of the Lord Jesus.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
SERMON 313B.3
“Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes.” What do shorn ewes mean? Those who lay aside secular burdens. What does shorn mean? Those who lay aside their fleeces, like the load of secular burdens. Those persons were your teeth, about whom it is written in the Acts of the Apostles that “they sold all their possessions and laid the proceeds at the feet of the apostles, so that distribution might be made to each, as there was need.” You have received the fleeces of your shorn ewes. That flock has come up from the washing of holy baptism. All have given birth, because they have fulfilled the two commandments.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
LETTER 149
He says to the church, his spouse, “Your teeth are like a flock of sheep that are shorn, which come up from the washing, all with twins, and there is none barren among them.” By this twin offspring the twofold object of love is meant, namely, God and the neighbor: “On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
EXPLANATIONS OF THE PSALMS 95:9
The teeth of the church are those through whom she speaks. Of what sort are your teeth? “Like a flock of sheep that are shorn.” Why “that are shorn”? Because they have laid aside the burdens of the world. Were not those sheep, of which I was a little before speaking, shorn, whom the bidding of God had shorn when he said, “Go and sell what you have, and give to the poor; and you shall find treasure in heaven: and come and follow me”? They performed this bidding: shorn they came. And because those who believe in Christ are baptized, what is there said “which come up from the washing” means they have come up from cleansing. “Whereof every one bears twins.” What twins? Those two commandments, whereupon hang all the law and the prophets.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
All bear twin offspring, etc. The sheep of Christ bear twin offspring, because all whom the holy teachers bring to God through preaching, they instruct in the twin love of the same God and neighbor. They bear twins, because they imbue the disciples whom they instruct with the knowledge of faith and good works. And there is none barren among them: there is no sheep of the supreme shepherd which does not produce offspring of good work; among whom there are many who rejoice in the offspring of both work and doctrine. But neither will those be counted among the barren who, washed by the fountain of salvation, are immediately taken from this life. For they have had the offspring of faith, which either they professed for themselves, or others professed for them; they have had the desire for good works, which they would have exercised among the sheep of Christ, if they had been granted more time. Concerning such it is written: "Being made perfect in a short time, he fulfilled long times" (Wis. 4:13). For his soul was pleasing to God; therefore He hastened to take him away from iniquity (Ibid.).
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep, etc. Just as in the hair of the Church, the people who are still dedicated to more fragile deeds are designated, in the teeth, the more perfect ones and those suited for governing the Church are denoted, because the former excel in number, the latter in firmness; the former inwardly refresh with the word, the latter, even if they grasp less of the internal mysteries, adorn the Church externally with good works. Is not he rightly called the shepherd of the Church, of whom it was said: "Rise, Peter, kill and eat" (Acts 10)? Kill, by teaching to anathematize what they worshipped in their evil ways, and graft them, having returned to the profession of true faith, into the unity of your body, which is the Church of Christ? Indeed, above, these same teachers were designated under the name of eyes; but they are eyes, because they sharply perceive the secrets of spiritual mysteries; they are teeth, because they rebuke the wicked with the word of truth and transfer those rebuked and purified into the holy members of the Church. They are the teeth of the Church, because they prepare the bread of the word of God for its little ones, to whom they themselves are not sufficient to be eaten. Pious nurses are accustomed to chew pieces of bread with their teeth and insert the small morsels into the mouths of infants while nursing, until they gradually lead them away from milk to the use of bread; thus the holy mother Church has teachers who, like breasts, minister the milk of milder doctrine to beginners; these same teachers also provide the bread of stronger word to those who are well progressing. But in order to rightly advance, it is necessary for them to gradually and by parts provoke to learn higher things, and first entrust more open things concerning spiritual secrets to them, and these discussed with careful and diligent exposition, as if already chewed beforehand by teeth, so that by doing this repeatedly, they gradually render them capable of the more interior secrets. These teeth are rightly compared to a flock of shorn sheep that have come up from the washing, because they are cleansed by the font of baptism and stripped of their possessions. And indeed, it is for all to be purified by the washing of Christ's life, because unless one is born of water and the Spirit, and the rest (John 3), it is for the perfect, and especially those to whom the care of feeding his sheep is entrusted, to renounce all that they possess. Which, both those first and foremost teeth of the Church, that is, the apostles, and a great crowd of the primitive Church, are recorded to have done.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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