Song Of Solomon 4:9

KJV

Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast ravished my heart {H3823}, my sister {H269}, my spouse {H3618}; thou hast ravished my heart {H3823} with one {H259} of thine eyes {H5869}, with one {H259} chain {H6060} of thy neck {H6677}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My sister, my bride, you have carried my heart away! With just one glance, with one bead of your necklace you have carried my heart away.

Berean Standard Bible

You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your neck.

American Standard Version

Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, mybride; Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, With one chain of thy neck.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 4:9 is a passionate declaration from the beloved man to his bride, the Shulamite, expressing his profound and overwhelming captivation by her. He states that she has "ravished" or "taken his heart" not just by her overall beauty, but even by a single glance from her eyes and the simple elegance of a chain on her neck. This verse highlights the deep, exclusive, and intense admiration within their marital bond, emphasizing how even seemingly small details of the beloved can have an immense impact on the heart of the lover.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section (Song of Solomon 4:1-16) where the beloved man, often identified as King Solomon, offers an elaborate and effusive praise of his bride's beauty. Preceding this verse, he has meticulously described her physical features, from her eyes and hair to her teeth, lips, temples, and neck (Song of Solomon 4:1-7). Verse 8 serves as an invitation for her to come away with him, and then verse 9 marks a pivotal moment where the beloved articulates the *effect* of her beauty on him – a profound, heart-capturing impact. The following verses (Song of Solomon 4:10-11) continue this declaration of love, focusing on the sweetness of her love and kisses, leading into the metaphor of the sealed garden in Song of Solomon 4:12-15, which speaks to her purity and exclusivity. Thus, Song of Solomon 4:9 serves as the emotional climax of his initial praise, revealing the depth of his adoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon reflects ancient Near Eastern (ANE) cultural norms regarding love, marriage, and poetic expression. Adornment, such as necklaces and jewelry, was common and often signified beauty, status, and desirability, as seen in various biblical texts (e.g., [Genesis 24:22](/genesis/24-22 "Genesis 24:22 - Rebekah's Jewelry")). The use of hyperbole and vivid imagery was characteristic of ANE love poetry, designed to express intense emotion and admiration. The address "my sister, my spouse" is particularly significant; "sister" (Hebrew: `ʼâchôwth`) could denote a deep familial affection, purity, and close companionship, while "spouse" (Hebrew: `kallâh`) clearly indicates the marital bond. This dual address emphasizes the multifaceted nature of their relationship, combining profound friendship and purity with the intimacy and commitment of marriage, a common motif in ancient love literature that sought to elevate the beloved beyond mere physical attraction.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 4:9 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores **the captivating power of love and attraction**, demonstrating how deeply one person can be enthralled by another, to the point of having their heart "ravished" by seemingly small details. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **exclusive and devoted admiration**, where the beloved's focus is entirely on his bride, finding unparalleled beauty and significance in her unique qualities. This exclusivity is foundational to the marital covenant described throughout the Song and elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth")). Thirdly, the address "my sister, my spouse" emphasizes the **multifaceted nature of the marital relationship**, portraying it as a bond that encompasses deep friendship, purity, and shared life ("sister") alongside the intimacy, commitment, and procreative potential of marriage ("spouse"). This combination elevates conjugal love to a holistic, divinely sanctioned union, reflecting the ideal of two becoming one flesh as seen in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ravished (Hebrew, _lâbab'_):** From the root H3823, this verb literally means "to unheart" or "to take one's heart." It conveys a powerful sense of being utterly captivated, enchanted, or having one's heart stolen or won over completely. It implies an overwhelming emotional impact that transports the lover with intense affection, indicating that the beloved has completely captured the man's deepest affections and devotion.
* **sister (Hebrew, _ʼâchôwth'_):** H269, the irregular feminine form of "brother," this term is used very widely, both literally and figuratively. In the context of Song of Solomon, when used alongside "spouse," it signifies a profound bond of kinship, purity, and deep affection that transcends mere romantic interest. It speaks to a relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared life, and perhaps even a sense of shared origin or destiny, elevating the marital relationship to one of deep friendship and familial intimacy.
* **spouse (Hebrew, _kallâh'_):** H3618, from a root meaning "perfect," this word refers to a bride or a son's wife. It specifically denotes the woman in her role as a wife, emphasizing the marital covenant and the unique, exclusive intimacy that comes with it. When paired with "sister," it underscores the comprehensive nature of the beloved's relationship – she is both his pure, cherished companion and his covenanted wife.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the profound emotional impact the beloved has on the man. The repetition of "ravished my heart" (which is implied in the Hebrew verb _libabtini_) emphasizes the intensity of his feeling. The dual address, "my sister, my spouse," is significant. "Sister" (Hebrew: `ʼâchôwth`) implies a deep, pure, and familial affection, suggesting a bond of friendship and shared life, while "spouse" (Hebrew: `kallâh`) clearly denotes the marital relationship and its exclusive intimacy. Together, these titles convey a holistic relationship encompassing both profound friendship and covenantal union, elevating their love beyond mere physical attraction to a spiritual and relational depth.
* **"thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes,":** Here, the beloved specifies *how* she has captivated him. The power of "one of thine eyes" suggests that even a single glance, a fleeting look, or the mere presence of her eyes is enough to utterly enthrall him. This highlights the profound impact of her beauty and presence, indicating that her allure is not just in her overall appearance but in the specific, captivating details of her person. It speaks to the intensity of visual attraction and the deep emotional response it can evoke.
* **"with one chain of thy neck.":** This final phrase further illustrates the beloved's captivation by focusing on another specific detail. The "chain of thy neck" refers to an adornment, a necklace, or perhaps the graceful curve of her neck itself. The emphasis on "one chain" suggests that even a single, seemingly small piece of her adornment, or the simple elegance of her adorned neck, is sufficient to "ravish" his heart. This demonstrates that his admiration is not superficial but finds beauty and significance even in the subtle elements of her presentation and person, underscoring the depth and totality of his affection.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 4:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the intensity of the beloved's passion. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the declaration that his heart is "ravished" by "one of thine eyes" or "one chain of thy neck" is an exaggeration used to emphasize the overwhelming power of her beauty and charm. It's not literally that only one eye or one chain is responsible, but that even these small details are sufficient to captivate him entirely. **Repetition** of the phrase "thou hast ravished my heart" (implied in the Hebrew structure) serves to underscore and intensify the central theme of his utter captivation. **Synecdoche** and **Metonymy** are also at play: "one of thine eyes" uses a part (eye) to represent the whole person's captivating gaze or beauty, and "one chain of thy neck" uses an adornment (chain) to represent the elegance and allure of her neck and, by extension, her entire being. These devices work together to paint a vivid picture of profound, all-encompassing love and admiration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 4:9, with its passionate declaration of captivation and its unique address "my sister, my spouse," offers profound theological and thematic insights into the nature of love, marriage, and human relationships as ordained by God. It presents an ideal of marital love that is not merely physical but deeply emotional, intellectual, and relational, encompassing both profound friendship and exclusive intimacy. This verse underscores the divine design for marriage as a union where partners find deep delight and admiration in one another, celebrating the unique beauty and character of the beloved. The "ravishing" of the heart speaks to the powerful, God-given capacity for human love to be all-consuming and deeply satisfying within the covenant of marriage, reflecting the joy and delight God intends for such unions.

* [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18 "Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth")
* [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Husbands, Love Your Wives")
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "One Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 4:9 serves as a beautiful and challenging mirror for our own relationships, particularly within marriage. It calls us to consider the depth of our admiration and appreciation for our beloved. The beloved man is not merely attracted to the Shulamite's overall appearance but is captivated by specific, even seemingly small, details – a glance, an adornment. This encourages us to cultivate an attentive and appreciative eye for our partners, recognizing and vocalizing the unique qualities and even subtle charms that make them special to us. It reminds us that genuine affection goes beyond superficiality, finding profound beauty and significance in the person themselves, leading to a heart that is truly "ravished" or won over. This verse challenges us to actively express our profound appreciation and acknowledge the powerful, even overwhelming, effect our beloved has on us, fostering a culture of deep devotion, honor, and delight within our relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively express admiration and appreciation for my spouse or close loved ones, focusing on specific qualities or details?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of being "ravished" or captivated by my spouse, moving beyond routine to rediscover their unique beauty and charm?**
* **What does the dual address "my sister, my spouse" teach me about the ideal balance of friendship, purity, and intimacy in a marital relationship?**
* **How does this verse challenge me to see and celebrate the beauty and worth of my beloved, not just superficially, but in a way that truly impacts my heart?**

### FAQ

**What does "Thou hast ravished my heart" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "ravished" (from _lâbab_) literally means "to take one's heart" or "to unheart." It conveys a sense of being utterly captivated, enchanted, or having one's heart completely won over. It's a powerful expression of being overwhelmed with love and affection, indicating that the beloved has profoundly impacted the speaker's innermost being, stealing his heart completely. It signifies an intense, almost irresistible, emotional attraction and devotion.

**Why does the beloved call his bride "my sister, my spouse"?**

Answer: This dual address is rich with meaning. "Spouse" (Hebrew: _kallâh_) clearly denotes the marital relationship and its exclusive intimacy, highlighting her role as his covenanted wife. "Sister" (Hebrew: _ʼâchôwth_) signifies a deep familial affection, purity, and close companionship. In ancient Near Eastern love poetry, calling one's beloved "sister" was a term of endearment that elevated the relationship, suggesting a bond of deep friendship, shared life, and perhaps even a sense of shared purity and respect that goes beyond mere physical desire. Together, "my sister, my spouse" portrays a comprehensive and holistic marital relationship, one that encompasses profound friendship and spiritual kinship alongside the physical and covenantal intimacy of marriage. It speaks to a bond that is both pure and passionate, intimate and enduring, reflecting the ideal of two becoming one in every sense, as described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh").

**Is this verse only about physical beauty?**

Answer: While the verse certainly acknowledges physical attractiveness ("one of thine eyes," "one chain of thy neck"), it transcends mere superficial beauty. The "ravishing" of the heart suggests a deeper, holistic captivation. The beloved is not just looking at her, but his heart is deeply impacted. The mention of "eyes" can imply not just their physical appearance but the gaze, the expression, or even the soul reflected within them. The "chain of thy neck" could refer to her elegance, grace, or even her adornment as an extension of her person. Furthermore, the address "my sister, my spouse" indicates a relationship built on far more than just physical attraction, encompassing friendship, purity, and covenantal commitment. The verse, therefore, speaks to a profound admiration that finds beauty in the whole person – their character, their presence, and the way they carry themselves – not just their outward form. This aligns with a biblical understanding of beauty as something that reflects inner character and wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 31:30](/proverbs/31-30 "Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is Deceitful, Beauty is Vain")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 4:9, with its depiction of a beloved utterly captivated by his bride, serves as a beautiful earthly shadow of Christ's profound and unwavering love for His Church. Just as the Shulamite "ravished" the heart of her beloved, so too does the Church, the bride of Christ, captivate the heart of her divine Bridegroom. Christ's love for His Church is not based on her inherent perfection, but on His gracious choice and transformative work, making her spotless and pure (Ephesians 5:25-27). He delights in her, seeing her not as she is in her fallen state, but as she is becoming through His grace – adorned with righteousness and holiness. The "one of thine eyes" and "one chain of thy neck" can symbolize the Church's singular devotion and faithful obedience, which, though imperfect, are infinitely precious in His sight. Just as the beloved finds every detail of his bride captivating, so Christ cherishes every believer, every act of faith, every expression of love from His people. This verse foreshadows the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9), where the Church, made ready, will be eternally united with her Bridegroom, who has always been "ravished" by her, having given Himself for her (2 Corinthians 11:2). His love is the ultimate "ravishing" love, a self-sacrificial, covenantal, and eternally devoted affection that makes His bride beautiful and worthy in His eyes.

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 5:1

¶ I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

Song Of Solomon 5:2

¶ I sleep, but my heart waketh: [it is] the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, [and] my locks with the drops of the night.

Song Of Solomon 4:12

A garden inclosed [is] my sister, [my] spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

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.

Proverbs 5:20

And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

Song Of Solomon 7:5

Thine head upon thee [is] like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king [is] held in the galleries.

Song Of Solomon 7:6

How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!