TRV
Translation
King James Version
Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.
Complete Jewish Bible
Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like a pomegranate split open behind your veil.
Berean Standard Bible
Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon, and your mouth is lovely. Your brow behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate.
American Standard Version
Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, And thy mouth is comely. Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate Behind thy veil.
World English Bible Messianic
Your lips are like scarlet thread. Your mouth is lovely. Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind your veil.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thy lippes are like a threede of scarlet, and thy talke is comely: thy temples are within thy lockes as a piece of a pomegranate.
Young's Literal Translation
As a thread of scarlet are thy lips, And thy speech is comely, As the work of the pomegranate is thy temple behind thy veil,
See also
In the KJVVerse 17,586 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
Like a fragment of a pomegranate, etc. We have also previously taught that shame is designated by the cheeks, because surely a sudden blush usually spreads over these when we are embarrassed. However, the pomegranate, because it is of a rosy color, quite fittingly hints at the mystery of the Lord's Passion, just as does the scarlet. For it was fitting that the manner of our redemption is indicated frequently in sacred song by the repetition of figures, as also intimated in other prophetic Scriptures. Therefore, because the holy Church is not ashamed of the cross of Christ, but even rejoices in the reproaches and sufferings for Christ, and usually carries the banner of his cross on her face, it is fittingly remembered that her cheeks are like a pomegranate fragment. Nor is it inconsequential that they are compared not to an entire pomegranate but to a fragment; for in a broken pomegranate, both the part of the redness that was exposed is seen, and the part that lay hidden inside, whiteness, is revealed. Thus, the bride has the redness of a pomegranate on her cheeks when the Church confesses the sacrament of the Lord's cross in words. She also shows the whiteness of the broken pomegranate when she proves the chastity of a pure heart through being struck by pressures and deeds, just as the cross itself of her Redeemer reveals what it holds within of saving grace. Again, she shows the red color on her cheeks when the foremost and most eminent of her members, that is, the holy martyrs, shed their blood for Christ. She also adds the white when these same martyrs, during their suffering or after completing their passion, shine forth even with miracles. Nor should we overlook that the pomegranate encloses a great abundance of seeds within one outer peel, whence it is also called the apple of seeds, which indeed cannot be seen when the pomegranate is whole, but become clear how numerous they are when it is broken. So indeed the holy Church, the more she is broken by adversities, the more clearly she reveals how many grains of virtues she embraces under the covering of one faith. And rightly it is added: Besides that which lies hidden within, because indeed the confession of the life-giving cross in the Church can be heard by all, the pressures on the Church can be seen by all; also the brilliance of charisms, which heals the sick, raises the dead, cleanses lepers, drives out demons, and other such things can be viewed by both infidels and the faithful, they can also be marveled at. But she alone knows with what love of invisible life she is held, with what flame she burns in the vision of her Creator, with what love she ignites in the progress of her members.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
Like a scarlet ribbon, your lips, etc. The lips of the bride are compared to scarlet because the Church ceaselessly proclaims the price of the Lord's blood by which it was redeemed; but it continually sings: But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians XIV). And it should be noted that her lips are compared not simply to scarlet, but to a scarlet ribbon: for a ribbon is typically used to bind the hair. If by the hair of the bride the faithful people are understood, the ribbon that binds them and fits them more properly to the head, what else is it understood to be but the doctrine of truth? With which it is necessary to confirm the immature minds of believers and diligently apply them to the love and worship of their Creator, lest the wicked roam freely through idle acts and flee from the embrace or adornment of the true head, lest they impede even the eyes, that is, those who ought to show them the light of justice, by undue relaxation. Just as the good deeds of disciples sometimes become an example of virtue for teachers, so more often their neglect causes harm to the teachers' good actions. Therefore, he says, like a scarlet ribbon, your lips, and your speech is sweet, because the Church customarily fortifies and as it were dyes its doctrine, which restrains the minds of the weak from licentiousness, with the memory of the Lord's passion. For nothing more effectively restrains the voluptuous from carnal desires than when they hear or recall that the Lord of glory was pleased to be incarnate and suffer for them. Hence rightly the Lord considers such speech sweet because he very gladly accepts it when he sees us recount and meditate on this to one another, for the sake of which he himself came down to us from heaven. If we say that thoughts are represented by hair and spiritual senses of the faithful by eyes, the end of the exposition is the same: because we restrain the unrestrained wandering of superfluous thoughts by no other order more easily than by the memory and frequent recollection of the Lord’s blood. But also, often when we entertain harmful thoughts with an incautious mind, and are suddenly checked by God, we imprint the sign of the holy cross on our breast and discard what we were contemplating wickedly, as if binding our hair with a scarlet ribbon, because we suppress the loose thoughts with the trophy of sacred blood. If this salutary binding is lacking, they sully the whole beauty of the head by drifting, because they disturb the tranquillity of the mind and cover the sharpness of the eyes, because they obscure the grace of spiritual senses with the improper meditation of carnal things.
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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SUMMARY
The bridegroom's passionate adoration for his beloved, the Shulamite, continues in Song of Solomon 4:3, where he meticulously praises her captivating beauty through rich natural and precious imagery. He extols her lips, comparing their vibrant allure to a "thread of scarlet," and celebrates the inherent grace and pleasantness of her "comely speech." Furthermore, he describes her temples, glimpsed subtly "within her locks," as resembling a delicate "piece of a pomegranate," painting a vivid picture of exquisite, partially veiled beauty that encompasses both her physical charm and the captivating essence of her words.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Song of Solomon 4:3 is an integral part of a detailed poetic description, often referred to as a "wasf," spanning Song of Solomon 4:1-7. In this section, the male beloved meticulously enumerates and praises various physical attributes of the female beloved, from her eyes and hair to her teeth, lips, temples, neck, and breasts. This particular verse focuses on her facial features and speech, building upon the previous verses' compliments and leading into further adoration. The "wasf" serves as a powerful expression of admiration, desire, and delight within the context of an intimate, celebratory relationship, affirming the bride's beauty in the eyes of her lover.
Historical & Cultural Context: The imagery employed in Song of Solomon 4:3 is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern cultural landscape. "Scarlet" (H8144, shânîy) was a highly prized and expensive dye, often associated with royalty, luxury, and distinction, signifying richness and vibrancy. Pomegranates (H7416, rimmôwn) were ubiquitous symbols of fertility, abundance, and beauty throughout the region, frequently depicted in art and architecture (e.g., on the pillars of Solomon's Temple in 1 Kings 7:20). The detailed, almost itemized, praise of a beloved's features was a common poetic convention in ancient love poetry, designed to heighten the sense of admiration and attraction. The setting is likely pastoral, reflecting the agricultural and natural environment that provided much of the imagery for the Song.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Song of Solomon. Foremost is the theme of Physical Beauty and Attraction, celebrating the aesthetic appeal of the human form as a gift from God. The specific details, like "lips like a thread of scarlet" and "temples like a piece of a pomegranate," emphasize the captivating and vibrant nature of the beloved's appearance. Another crucial theme is the Charm and Power of Speech. By noting "thy speech is comely," the verse moves beyond mere physical attributes to highlight the attractiveness of her words, suggesting grace, wisdom, and pleasantness in her communication. This underscores that true beauty encompasses both external form and internal character, as expressed through one's words, a concept echoed in wisdom literature like Proverbs 16:24. Finally, the verse exemplifies Profound Admiration and Affirmation within a loving relationship. The meticulous and lavish praise demonstrates the depth of the lover's affection and his desire to affirm the beloved's worth and desirability, fostering a secure and cherished bond.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 4:3 is rich in Simile, the primary literary device, using "like a thread of scarlet" and "like a piece of a pomegranate" to create vivid comparisons that enhance the description of the beloved's beauty. The use of Imagery is central, appealing directly to the visual sense with colors (scarlet, the blush of pomegranate) and textures (thread, locks of hair), allowing the reader to visualize the bride's features. Symbolism is also present, as scarlet often symbolizes passion, luxury, and vitality, while the pomegranate traditionally symbolizes fertility, abundance, and beauty in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The meticulous enumeration of features, characteristic of a "wasf," employs a form of Cataloguing or Detailed Description, which serves to heighten the sense of admiration and the lover's deep appreciation for every aspect of his beloved. This careful selection of natural and precious elements elevates the bride's beauty to an almost idealized level.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 4:3, in its celebration of the beloved's beauty, speaks to the biblical affirmation of physical attractiveness and the profound joy found in human love and intimacy, which are gifts from God. It highlights that true beauty is holistic, encompassing both outward appearance and the inner grace expressed through one's words and character. The "comely speech" emphasizes the value of edifying and pleasant communication within relationships, reflecting a character that is pleasing not only to a human lover but also in the sight of God. This verse, therefore, implicitly underscores the sanctity and richness of marital love as a reflection of divine design, where both physical and spiritual aspects of a person are cherished and affirmed.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 4:3 offers profound insights for contemporary relationships and personal growth. It encourages us to appreciate beauty in its comprehensive form, recognizing that while physical attractiveness is celebrated, the grace and wisdom of one's words ("comely speech") are equally, if not more, captivating and foundational for lasting connection. This verse challenges us to cultivate not only external appeal but also an inner character that produces words that are pleasing, edifying, and kind. Furthermore, the lover's meticulous and effusive praise serves as a powerful model for affirmation within relationships. It reminds us of the importance of verbally expressing our admiration and appreciation for our loved ones, articulating specific qualities we cherish. Such intentional affirmation strengthens bonds, builds confidence, and fosters a deeper sense of being seen, valued, and loved.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "thread of scarlet" imagery for lips?
Answer: The "thread of scarlet" imagery (H8144, shânîy) signifies a vibrant, rich, and luxurious red color. In ancient times, scarlet dye was highly prized and often associated with wealth, royalty, and distinction. Applied to lips, it suggests a striking, alluring, and vital beauty, indicating healthy, full, and captivating lips that draw the eye and perhaps hint at passion and vitality. It's a powerful visual metaphor for intense beauty.
Why is "comely speech" highlighted alongside physical features?
Answer: The inclusion of "comely speech" (H5000, nâʼveh) is significant because it elevates the praise beyond mere physical appearance, emphasizing that true beauty encompasses both outward form and inner character. It suggests that the beloved's words are not only pleasant to hear but also graceful, appropriate, and delightful, reflecting wisdom, kindness, and charm. This highlights the crucial role of communication and character in fostering deep, lasting affection and admiration, a theme echoed in Proverbs 15:23.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 4:3 directly celebrates human love and beauty, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment when viewed allegorically as Christ's love for His Church, His bride. Just as the bridegroom praises the Shulamite's captivating beauty and "comely speech," so too does Christ behold His Church, not primarily for her outward perfection, but for the spiritual beauty He has bestowed upon her through His redemptive work. The "lips like a thread of scarlet" can foreshadow the blood of Christ, which cleanses and beautifies His people, making them radiant in His sight, as seen in Revelation 1:5. More significantly, the "comely speech" of the bride finds its ultimate expression in the Church's proclamation of the Gospel. The Church's words, when speaking truth in love, are "comely" and beautiful to Christ, as she declares His excellencies and spreads His good news, reflecting the sentiment of Romans 10:15. Her temples, like a "piece of a pomegranate within thy locks," can symbolize the Church's delicate, veiled beauty, partially hidden from the world but fully known and cherished by Christ, whose love transforms and perfects her into a glorious bride without spot or wrinkle, as promised in Ephesians 5:27. Thus, this verse speaks to the intimate, affirming, and transformative love of Christ for His redeemed people, whose beauty and voice are made perfect in Him.