Song Of Solomon 4:2

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Song of Solomon 4:2 features a vivid and delightful simile from the lover (King Solomon) as he praises the beauty of his beloved, the Shulamite woman. This verse is part of a longer passage (Song of Solomon 4:1-7) where Solomon describes various aspects of her physical appearance with poetic and often agricultural or pastoral imagery.

Context

This verse is situated within a passionate description of the beloved's beauty, following the opening lines of praise in Song of Solomon 4:1. The setting is one of idyllic natural beauty, where the king expresses his deep admiration and affection. The language is rich with metaphors drawn from the pastoral life familiar to ancient Israel, highlighting a pure and natural aesthetic. This particular simile for teeth points to an ideal of dental health and appearance in a time without modern dentistry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Beauty and Perfection: The primary theme is the beloved's exquisite beauty, specifically the perfection and uniformity of her teeth. The imagery conveys a sense of flawlessness and completeness.
  • Purity and Cleanliness: The phrase "came up from the washing" emphasizes the dazzling whiteness and cleanliness, suggesting a radiant and pure appearance.
  • Completeness and Health: "Whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them" is a unique and somewhat enigmatic expression. It likely signifies a full, complete set of teeth, perfectly matched and healthy, with no gaps or imperfections. The "twins" imagery might suggest perfect pairs or the robust, complete appearance of each tooth.
  • Admiration and Affection: Beyond the physical description, the verse underscores the deep love and admiration the speaker holds for his beloved, finding beauty even in such specific details.

Linguistic Insights and Imagery

The core of this verse lies in its striking simile: "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."

  • "Flock of sheep that are even shorn": This evokes an image of uniformity and alignment. Just as a well-sheared flock would appear neat and orderly, her teeth are seen as perfectly arrayed and uniform in length.
  • "Came up from the washing": This speaks to their cleanliness and brilliant whiteness, like sheep freshly bathed, their wool gleaming. This implies a radiant, sparkling quality.
  • "Whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them": This is the most debated part. It doesn't mean her teeth literally reproduce. Instead, it’s a hyperbole emphasizing:
    • Completeness: No missing teeth ("none is barren").
    • Uniformity/Pairedness: Each tooth is perfectly formed, perhaps suggesting symmetry or the idea of a full, robust set where each tooth has its perfect counterpart or appearance ("bear twins"). It paints a picture of a full, healthy, and perfectly aligned smile.

Practical Application

While the verse uses ancient imagery to describe physical beauty, its underlying principles resonate today:

  1. Appreciating Detail in Relationships: This verse reminds us to appreciate the specific, often small, details about our loved ones that contribute to their overall beauty and charm. True affection notices and cherishes these unique qualities.
  2. Inner and Outer Radiance: The emphasis on cleanliness and perfection can be seen as a metaphor for inner purity and integrity that shines through. Just as her teeth are beautiful and clean, so too can our character and spirit reflect purity and health. The overall beauty described in the Song of Solomon often points to the inner attractiveness and virtue of the beloved, as seen in Song of Solomon 4:7, "Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee."
  3. The Language of Love: The Song of Solomon provides a divine example of how love expresses itself through rich, affirming language and appreciation. It encourages partners to vocalize their admiration and build each other up with words of praise.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Song Of Solomon 6:6

    Thy teeth [are] as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and [there is] not one barren among them.

  • Colossians 1:4

    Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints,

  • Colossians 1:6

    Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

  • John 15:7

    If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    ¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

  • Exodus 23:26

    There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

  • Deuteronomy 7:13

    And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
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