Song Of Solomon 4:5

KJV

Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy two {H8147} breasts {H7699} are like two {H8147} young {H6082} roes {H6646} that are twins {H8380}, which feed {H7462} among the lilies {H7799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle grazing among lilies.

Berean Standard Bible

Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle grazing among the lilies.

American Standard Version

Thy two breasts are like two fawns That are twins of a roe, Which feed among the lilies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 4:5 presents a vivid and intimate description of the beloved's physical beauty, specifically her breasts, likened to "two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies." This verse is part of a larger praise poem spoken by the lover, celebrating the grace, purity, and natural allure of his beloved, underscoring the deep affection and admiration that characterizes their romantic and marital bond within the idyllic setting of the Song of Songs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 4:5 is embedded within a passionate and detailed praise poem (Song of Solomon 4:1-7) delivered by the male lover, traditionally identified as King Solomon, to his beloved, the Shulamite woman. This particular verse follows descriptions of her eyes, hair, teeth, lips, and temples, indicating a progression of admiration that culminates in this intimate portrayal. The entire passage is a testament to the lover's profound delight in his beloved's physical attractiveness, using rich and evocative natural imagery to express his deep affection and desire. It functions as a key moment in the unfolding narrative of their mutual love and admiration, building anticipation for their union.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon reflects ancient Near Eastern traditions of love poetry, where elaborate descriptions of a beloved's physical attributes were common. In this cultural setting, beauty was often associated with health, vitality, and fertility, all highly valued traits. The imagery of "young roes" (gazelles) and "lilies" draws from the pastoral landscape of ancient Israel, where such animals were known for their grace and agility, and lilies for their beauty and fragrance. These natural elements would have been immediately recognizable and evocative to the original audience, conveying a sense of unspoiled, natural charm and an idyllic setting for their love. The book, while often interpreted allegorically in later traditions, primarily functions as a celebration of human love and sexuality within the covenant of marriage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Song of Solomon. Foremost is the **celebration of beauty and admiration**, as the lover meticulously details and extols the physical attractiveness of his beloved, highlighting the depth of his affection. It also underscores the theme of **intimacy and affection** within a committed relationship, portraying a love that is both passionate and tender. The pervasive use of **natural imagery** (roes, lilies) connects the beloved's beauty to the purity, grace, and flourishing life of creation, suggesting a natural and unblemished allure. Ultimately, the Song of Solomon, including this verse, affirms the **sanctity and goodness of marital love and physical intimacy** as a divine gift, a theme echoed in other biblical texts like [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18-19 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in Your Wife") and [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - The Honor of Marriage"). The detailed praise here is not merely physical but speaks to the holistic appreciation of one's beloved.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Breasts (Hebrew, _shad'_):** From H7699, this term refers to the female breast, often implying a sense of fullness or prominence. In the context of the Song of Solomon, it carries connotations of mature beauty, fertility, and intimacy, being a source of comfort and allure within the marital relationship. The lover's focus on this part of the beloved's body is a direct expression of physical attraction and desire.
* **Young roes (Hebrew, _ʻôpher_ H6082, _tsᵉbîyâh_ H6646):** The combination describes fawns or female gazelles, creatures renowned for their delicate beauty, swiftness, and graceful movements. The imagery evokes a sense of youthful vibrancy, natural elegance, and perhaps a playful or elusive charm. The comparison suggests symmetry, vitality, and a captivating allure that is both innocent and alluring.
* **Lilies (Hebrew, _shûwshan_ H7799):** Lilies are frequently used in biblical poetry to symbolize purity, beauty, fragrance, and thriving life. The image of graceful gazelles feeding among lilies evokes a peaceful, idyllic, and enchanting scene. It suggests a natural, untainted beauty and perhaps a delightful, refreshing presence, much like the pleasantness of a garden where lilies grow. This idyllic setting further enhances the lover's perception of his beloved's allure, similar to how he describes her [as belonging to a garden of spices and lilies](/song_of_solomon/6-3 "Song of Solomon 6:3 - The Beloved in the Garden") in other passages.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes that are twins":** This clause initiates a powerful **simile**, comparing the beloved's breasts to two young, identical gazelles. The number "two" emphasizes symmetry and balance, while "young roes" (fawns) highlights their youthful vitality, grace, and delicate beauty. The addition of "twins" further underscores their perfect symmetry and harmonious form, suggesting a delightful and captivating appearance that is both natural and alluring. This comparison speaks to the lover's perception of their exquisite form and movement.
* **"which feed among the lilies":** This phrase extends the imagery, placing the "young roes" in an idyllic, serene setting. "Lilies" symbolize purity, beauty, and fragrance, often associated with gardens and flourishing life. The act of "feeding" suggests a peaceful, natural, and uninhibited presence. This paints a picture of tranquil beauty and natural allure, implying that the beloved's intimate beauty is not only perfect in form but also pure, refreshing, and delightful, like a serene garden. It creates a sense of peaceful abundance and natural charm around her.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 4:5 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid mental picture of the beloved's beauty. The primary device employed is **Simile**, directly comparing the beloved's breasts to "two young roes that are twins." This comparison is not arbitrary; it draws upon the cultural understanding of gazelles as symbols of grace, agility, and delicate beauty, thereby elevating the beloved's physical attributes. The phrase "which feed among the lilies" adds further **Symbolism**, as lilies represent purity, beauty, and flourishing life. This creates an idyllic, pastoral setting that underscores the natural, untainted, and refreshing allure of the beloved. The combined effect of these devices is to convey a sense of profound admiration, tenderness, and aesthetic delight, transforming a physical description into a poetic celebration of beauty and intimacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 4:5, with its intimate and appreciative portrayal of the beloved's physical beauty, contributes significantly to the biblical theology of marriage and human sexuality. It affirms that physical attraction and the delight in one's spouse's form are not only permissible but are good and God-ordained within the covenant of marriage. This verse, like the entire Song, celebrates the holistic nature of love, where physical intimacy is a beautiful expression of deep affection, admiration, and commitment. It reminds us that God, as the Creator, designed human beings with the capacity for profound physical and emotional connection, and that such intimacy, when honored within the sanctity of marriage, is a source of joy, pleasure, and blessing, reflecting the very goodness of creation.

* [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18-19 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in Your Wife")
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 4:5 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the beauty and sacredness of marital love and intimacy. In a world that often distorts or devalues physical attraction, this verse, and the entire Song of Solomon, provides a biblical framework for appreciating and celebrating the physical beauty of one's spouse within the secure and devoted context of marriage. It encourages spouses to express their admiration and delight in each other, not just emotionally or spiritually, but also physically, fostering a deeper sense of intimacy, affirmation, and connection. This kind of open, appreciative communication builds trust and strengthens the marital bond, reflecting God's good design for human relationships. It challenges us to cultivate a vision of love that is both passionate and pure, honoring the beloved as a unique and precious gift from God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "young roes" and "lilies" shape your understanding of beauty and purity within a relationship?**
* **In what ways can spouses actively affirm and celebrate each other's unique qualities, both inner and outer, within their marriage?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of intimacy and delight in God's design for marriage?**
* **How can we cultivate a perspective that sees physical attraction within marriage as a good and blessed aspect of God's creation, rather than something to be hidden or ashamed of?**

### FAQ
**Is Song of Solomon 4:5 too explicit for the Bible?**

Answer: While the language of Song of Solomon 4:5, like much of the book, is undeniably intimate and physically descriptive, it is not considered "explicit" in a vulgar sense. Instead, it uses poetic and symbolic language to celebrate the physical beauty of the beloved within the context of committed, marital love. The Bible, as God's inspired Word, includes the full spectrum of human experience, and this book affirms that physical attraction and sexual intimacy within marriage are good, pure, and blessed by God. It presents a healthy, unashamed view of marital love, contrasting sharply with illicit or exploitative portrayals.

**What is the spiritual meaning of "young roes" and "lilies" in this verse?**

Answer: While the primary meaning of Song of Solomon is a literal celebration of human love, the imagery often lends itself to spiritual reflection. "Young roes" symbolize grace, agility, and youthful vitality, suggesting a vibrant and captivating beauty. "Lilies" symbolize purity, beauty, and flourishing life, often associated with gardens and paradisiacal settings. Spiritually, these images can evoke the purity and beauty of the Church, the Bride of Christ, or the grace and vitality of a soul in communion with God. The "feeding among the lilies" can symbolize finding sustenance and delight in places of purity and beauty, perhaps in God's presence or in His Word, as seen in [Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - My Beloved is Mine").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 4:5 literally celebrates the beauty of the Shulamite woman, its profound themes of love, desire, and the beloved's captivating beauty find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Christ and His Church. Just as the lover delights in every aspect of his beloved, Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, cherishes and adores His Church, His Bride. The purity symbolized by the "lilies" and the grace of the "young roes" can be seen as foreshadowing the spiritual beauty and purity that Christ bestows upon His Church, having "cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:26-27](/ephesians/5-26-27 "Ephesians 5:26-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The profound intimacy and unreserved admiration expressed in this verse reflect the depth of Christ's unconditional love for His people, a love that led Him to give Himself up for her ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loves the Church")). The Song's celebration of earthly marital love thus serves as a beautiful, albeit imperfect, picture of the divine, eternal union between Christ and His redeemed, a union marked by perfect love, unwavering devotion, and ultimate fulfillment, culminating in the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - 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 7:3

Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes [that are] twins.

Song Of Solomon 2:16

My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song Of Solomon 6:3

I [am] my beloved's, and my beloved [is] mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song Of Solomon 8:10

I [am] a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.

Proverbs 5:19

[Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Song Of Solomon 8:1

¶ O that thou [wert] as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! [when] I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.