Song Of Solomon 4:2

KJV

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 4:2 presents a vivid and intimate simile from the lover, King Solomon, as he praises the radiant beauty of his beloved, the Shulamite woman. Within a broader passage of effusive commendation, this verse focuses specifically on her teeth, likening them to a perfectly shorn, freshly washed flock of sheep, each bearing twins and none barren. This imagery conveys a profound sense of uniformity, purity, completeness, and health, underscoring the speaker's deep admiration for even the most specific details of her physical appearance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger encomium (Song of Solomon 4:1-7), where the male lover, traditionally identified as King Solomon, expresses his profound admiration for the Shulamite woman's beauty. Following the initial praise of her eyes, hair, and lips in [Song of Solomon 4:1](/song_of_solomon/4-1 "Song of Solomon 4:1 - Initial Praise"), this verse continues the detailed physical description, moving to her teeth. The entire passage is characterized by rich, natural imagery, drawing heavily from the pastoral and agricultural life of ancient Israel, which would have been familiar and evocative to its original audience. The progression of praise builds a comprehensive picture of her allure, culminating in the declaration of her complete fairness in [Song of Solomon 4:7](/song_of_solomon/4-7 "Song of Solomon 4:7 - Thou Art All Fair").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical beauty was often described using metaphors drawn from nature, and specific features like teeth were highly valued as 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. The imagery of "sheep that are even shorn" and "came up from the washing" reflects common pastoral practices. Sheep shearing was a significant annual event, and a well-shorn flock represented order and uniformity. Washing sheep would have been done to clean their wool, resulting in a dazzling white appearance. The "barren" imagery also connects to the value placed on fertility and productivity in agrarian societies, subtly extending the metaphor beyond mere appearance to a sense of wholesome vitality.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme conveyed in this verse is the **perfection and completeness of beauty**. The detailed simile for the Shulamite's teeth emphasizes an ideal of flawless uniformity, dazzling purity, and robust health, contributing to the overarching theme of her unparalleled attractiveness. This specific praise also highlights the theme of **intimate appreciation and affirmation** within the loving relationship, as the speaker notices and cherishes even 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 vibrant, much like the imagery of a well-tended garden seen elsewhere in the book, such as in [Song of Solomon 4:12-15](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12-15 - A Garden Locked Up").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Teeth (Hebrew, _shên'_):** From 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 and value.
* **Flock (Hebrew, _ʻêder'_):** From 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.
* **Barren (Hebrew, _shakkûwl'_):** From H7909, meaning "bereaved; barren, bereaved (robbed) of children (whelps)." In this simile, "barren" signifies the absence of any missing or unproductive teeth. It implies a complete, full set, with no gaps or deficiencies, reinforcing the idea of perfection and vitality.

#### 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 an 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.
* **"which came up from the washing;"**: This phrase adds another 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 and health.
* **"whereof every one bear twins, and none [is] barren among them."**: This is the most evocative and unique part of the simile. "Every one bear twins" suggests that each tooth is perfectly formed, robust, and perhaps symmetrical, or that they are perfectly paired within her mouth. 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, and perfectly aligned set of teeth, symbolizing vitality, completeness, and an abundance of beauty.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 4:2 is rich with **Simile**, the primary literary device, directly comparing the beloved's teeth to a flock of shorn, washed sheep. This comparison is extended through **Metaphorical Language**, where the characteristics of the sheep (uniformity, cleanliness, fertility) are applied to the teeth, creating a vivid 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. This exaggeration serves to magnify the speaker's admiration and the exceptional nature of her beauty. The entire verse is an example of **Imagery**, appealing strongly to visual senses (white, uniform flock) and conveying a sense of order, purity, and abundance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 4:2, while focused on physical beauty, subtly points to deeper theological truths about creation, order, and the value of human relationships. The detailed appreciation of the beloved's features reflects a divine delight in creation's intricate design and beauty, echoing God's pronouncements of "good" over His handiwork in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). The emphasis on completeness and lack of barrenness can be seen as a reflection of God's desire for wholeness and fruitfulness in all aspects of life, not just physical. The Song of Solomon, in its entirety, serves as a divine affirmation of the goodness of marital love and intimacy, showcasing how love expresses itself through genuine admiration and affirming words, mirroring the profound love God has for His people.

* [Psalm 45:13](/psalm/45-13 "Psalm 45:13 - The King's Daughter's Beauty") - Describes the beauty of the king's daughter, using rich imagery to convey splendor and glory.
* [Proverbs 31:10](/proverbs/31-10 "Proverbs 31:10 - The Virtuous Woman") - Praises the virtuous woman whose worth is "far above rubies," emphasizing inner character but not excluding outward grace.
* [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church") - Christ's love for the church, making her "holy and without blemish," reflecting a pursuit of perfection and purity in relationships.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed and specific praise of the Shulamite's teeth in Song of Solomon 4:2 offers a profound 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 and character of our loved ones. Love, as depicted here, is not superficial but attentive, noticing and cherishing even the seemingly minor aspects. This verse challenges us to move beyond generic compliments to articulate genuine, specific affirmations that build up and honor those we care for. Furthermore, the imagery of purity, completeness, and health can serve as a metaphor for the inner qualities we should cultivate: a pure heart, a complete character, and spiritual vitality that radiates outward. Just as the beloved's physical beauty is praised, so too should we strive for a spiritual beauty that is "without spot or blemish," reflecting the transformative work of God's grace in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of what constitutes "beauty" in a relationship?**
* **In what specific ways can I offer more detailed and affirming praise to those I love?**
* **What "barren" or "imperfect" areas in my character or spiritual life might God be calling me to allow Him to make "complete" or "fruitful"?**

### 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 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 and evenly spaced, like a well-managed 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. Together, these images paint a picture of pristine, orderly, and beautiful teeth.

**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. "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. "None is barren among them" means there are no missing teeth, no gaps, and no imperfections. It conveys a sense of a full, healthy, and abundant set of teeth, indicating vitality and flawlessness in her smile. This imagery reinforces the idea of completeness and fruitfulness, drawing from the value placed on fertility in ancient agrarian societies.

### 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 work of Jesus Christ and His relationship with the Church. Christ, the perfect Bridegroom, sees His Church not in her fallen state, but as she is being made radiant and without blemish through His redemptive 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](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). The idea that "none is barren among them" speaks to the spiritual fruitfulness and completeness that Christ bestows upon His people, ensuring that every member is vital and contributing to the body, as described in [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")). Christ's love for His Church is so profound that He presents her to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - A Radiant Church")), reflecting a divine admiration that transcends mere physical appearance, focusing on the spiritual perfection 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 ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem, a Bride Adorned")).

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 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.