Song of Solomon 6:6

Translation
King James Version
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Thy teeth H8127 are as a flock H5739 of sheep H7353 which go up H5927 from the washing H7367, whereof every one beareth twins H8382, and there is not one barren H7909 among them.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Your teeth are like a flock of sheep that have just come up from being washed; each of them is matched, and none of them is missing.
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Berean Standard Bible
Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing; each has its twin, and not one of them is lost.
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American Standard Version
Thy teeth are like a flock of ewes, Which are come up from the washing; Whereof every one hath twins, And none is bereaved among them.
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World English Bible Messianic
Your teeth are like a flock of ewes, which have come up from the washing; of which every one has twins; no one is bereaved among them.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Thy temples are within thy lockes as a piece of a pomegranate.
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Young's Literal Translation
Thy teeth as a row of the lambs, That have come up from the washing, Because all of them are forming twins, And a bereaved one is not among them.
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See also
Song of Solomon 4:2Matthew 25:30Matthew 21:19
In the KJVVerse 17,621 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Song of Solomon 6:6 presents a vivid and intimate declaration of the king's profound admiration for the Shulamite woman, specifically extolling the exquisite beauty and perfection of her teeth. Through a rich pastoral simile, her teeth are compared to a flock of freshly washed sheep, uniformly white, perfectly aligned, and remarkably complete, embodying a state of abundant vitality and flawlessness. This verse meticulously highlights a deep appreciation for physical beauty, symbolizing purity, order, and robust health within the context of passionate affection and marital delight.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within a tender and passionate dialogue in the Song of Solomon, specifically within a section (Song of Solomon 6:4-10) where the king, often identified as Solomon, reaffirms his unwavering love and profound admiration for the Shulamite woman. This reaffirmation follows a period of perceived separation and an anxious search by the beloved Song of Solomon 5:2-8. The king declares her beauty to be supreme, surpassing even the renowned cities of Tirzah and Jerusalem, and elevates her above queens and concubines. The description of her teeth in Song of Solomon 6:6 immediately follows praise for her eyes and hair Song of Solomon 6:5, forming part of a comprehensive and detailed catalog of her physical perfections. This meticulous praise underscores the depth of his infatuation and delight, echoing a similar compliment found earlier in the book, emphasizing the consistent nature of the king's admiration for his beloved's radiant features, as seen in Song of Solomon 4:2.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, particularly in agrarian Israel, descriptions of physical beauty frequently drew upon metaphors from nature, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Healthy, well-formed teeth were a significant marker of beauty, vitality, and overall health, especially in an era predating modern dentistry. The imagery of "a flock of sheep which go up from the washing" would have been readily understood by the original audience. Sheep were regularly washed, often before shearing or special occasions, resulting in a pristine, uniform, and dazzling white appearance. The subsequent phrase, "whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them," speaks to an ideal state of fertility, abundance, and robust health, qualities highly valued in a society dependent on agricultural and pastoral productivity. This multi-layered metaphor implies not only dazzling whiteness but also perfect alignment, completeness, and vigorous health, suggesting a radiant smile that significantly contributes to the Shulamite's overall allure.
  • Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Song of Solomon. Primarily, it underscores the theme of Beauty and Admiration, showcasing the king's deep, detailed, and unwavering appreciation for his beloved's physical attributes, which he finds utterly captivating. It also highlights Perfection and Completeness, as the imagery of twin-bearing, non-barren sheep conveys an ideal state of flawless form and function, with no gaps, imperfections, or deficiencies. This speaks to a holistic beauty that is both pristine and robust. Furthermore, the "washing" implies Purity and Cleanliness, suggesting not only physical cleanliness but also a spiritual or moral unblemished quality, aligning with the broader theme of the beloved's unblemished character and moral integrity found throughout the Song. Finally, the imagery of "bearing twins" signifies Abundance and Vitality, reinforcing the idea of a thriving, fruitful, and healthy presence, a characteristic often associated with blessings and divine favor in biblical literature, as seen in the creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" in Genesis 1:28.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • teeth (Hebrew, shên', H8127): Meaning "a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff." In this context, it refers to the physical teeth of the Shulamite woman. The root suggests sharpness and distinctness, highlighting their defined and prominent appearance.
  • flock (Hebrew, ʻêder', H5739): Meaning "an arrangement, i.e. muster (of animals); drove, flock, herd." This term emphasizes the organized, uniform, and collective nature of the sheep, directly paralleling the desired orderly and consistent appearance of the Shulamite's teeth.
  • washing (Hebrew, rachtsâh', H7367): Meaning "a bathing place; washing." This word denotes the act or place of cleansing, implying a state of pristine purity and dazzling whiteness achieved through thorough washing. It evokes an image of fresh, clean, and bright teeth.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Thy teeth [are] as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing": This opening clause establishes a vivid simile, comparing the Shulamite's teeth to a group of sheep that have just undergone a cleansing process. The image evoked is one of uniform whiteness, cleanliness, and orderly arrangement. Just as a freshly washed flock would appear bright, pristine, and well-organized as they ascend from the bathing place, so too are her teeth perceived as gleaming white, perfectly aligned, and immaculately clean. This sets the stage for the subsequent amplification of their perfection.
  • "whereof every one beareth twins": This phrase extends the pastoral metaphor, suggesting an extraordinary level of perfection and abundance. In the context of sheep, bearing twins is a sign of exceptional fertility, robust health, and productivity. Applied to teeth, it implies that each tooth is perfectly formed, robust, and perhaps even suggests a fullness or completeness in their appearance, as if each tooth is doubly strong or perfectly matched. It conveys a sense of ideal development, symmetry, and an almost miraculous abundance in their formation.
  • "and [there is] not one barren among them": This final clause strongly reinforces the theme of absolute completeness and flawlessness. "Barren" here means lacking, unproductive, or deficient. In the metaphor, it signifies that every single sheep in the flock is fertile and productive, without exception. Applied to her teeth, it means there are no missing teeth, no gaps, no imperfections, and every tooth is healthy, vibrant, and contributes to the overall perfect display. This emphasizes a state of total dental perfection, free from any blemish, deficiency, or absence.

Literary Devices

The verse is exceptionally rich in Imagery, painting a vibrant picture of the Shulamite's teeth through the detailed evocation of a pastoral scene. The primary device employed is a Simile, directly comparing her teeth ("Thy teeth [are] as") to "a flock of sheep which go up from the washing." This initial comparison is then extended into a sustained Metaphor as the ideal qualities of the sheep (bearing twins, not barren) are attributed to the teeth, implying not only their dazzling whiteness and cleanliness but also their perfect formation, alignment, and completeness. The description borders on Hyperbole, as the ideal state of "every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren" suggests a level of perfection that transcends ordinary human beauty, emphasizing the king's intense admiration and the Shulamite's extraordinary allure. The meticulous detail in this description highlights the king's profound appreciation for every aspect of his beloved, showcasing the depth of his affection.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Song of Solomon 6:6, while a celebration of physical beauty within human love, can be understood allegorically to speak to the spiritual beauty and perfection that God desires and sees in His people, the Church. Just as the Shulamite's teeth are described as pristine, complete, and perfectly aligned, so too does God desire His people to be pure, whole, and in spiritual order. The "washing" can symbolize purification and sanctification, while the "bearing twins" and "not one barren" can represent spiritual fruitfulness and the completeness of believers in Christ. This verse reminds us that God delights in the beauty of holiness and the integrity of His covenant people, yearning for their spiritual perfection and fruitfulness.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This poetic verse invites us to consider beauty not merely as a superficial appearance but as an embodiment of purity, order, and vibrant vitality. For believers, this can translate into a profound call to cultivate inner beauty—a heart made pure through repentance and faith, and a life lived in integrity, spiritual fruitfulness, and wholeness. Just as the king meticulously observes and praises the Shulamite's perfect teeth, God, our divine Bridegroom, sees us with an all-encompassing love that delights in our every detail, especially when we strive for holiness and wholeness in Him. It encourages us to appreciate the beauty of creation, the inherent beauty in others, and to recognize the divine artistry in every detail of life. Furthermore, it reminds us that true spiritual health is marked by completeness, where no part is "barren" or missing, but every aspect of our lives is productive, aligned with God's will, and contributing to His kingdom.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the imagery of "a flock of sheep which go up from the washing" speak to your understanding of spiritual purity and renewal in your own life?
  • In what ways can you cultivate a "not one barren" attitude in your spiritual life, ensuring every aspect is fruitful and complete in Christ?
  • How does recognizing God's meticulous appreciation for beauty, as seen in this verse, deepen your sense of His love and care for you personally?

FAQ

What is the significance of comparing teeth to sheep in this verse?

Answer: The comparison of teeth to a "flock of sheep which go up from the washing" is a rich simile that conveys multiple layers of meaning, all contributing to an image of ideal beauty and perfection. Firstly, it emphasizes whiteness and cleanliness, as sheep freshly washed would appear pristine and dazzling white. Secondly, it highlights uniformity and order, suggesting that the Shulamite's teeth are perfectly aligned, evenly spaced, and consistent in appearance, much like a well-ordered flock ascending together. Thirdly, the phrase "whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them" speaks to perfection, completeness, and vitality. In ancient Israel, bearing twins was a sign of exceptional fertility, health, and blessing, indicating a thriving and productive flock. Applied to teeth, this implies that every tooth is present, healthy, robust, and perfectly formed, with no gaps, decay, or imperfections. It's a hyperbole of perfect dental health and beauty, a highly valued trait in a time without modern dental care. This vivid and detailed imagery, also found in Song of Solomon 4:2, powerfully underscores the king's profound admiration for his beloved's flawless and radiant beauty.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Song of Solomon 6:6 is a direct expression of human love and admiration, its profound themes of purity, perfection, and the beloved's unblemished beauty find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the Shulamite's teeth are described as spotless and complete, Christ is actively preparing His Church to be "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" Ephesians 5:27. The "washing" of the sheep beautifully foreshadows the spiritual cleansing and sanctification that believers receive through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who "loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word" Ephesians 5:25-26. The imagery of "every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren" points to the spiritual fruitfulness and completeness that is found in Christ alone. Through Him, believers are made whole, spiritually productive, and fully equipped for every good work, as all Scripture is given to make us "complete, equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, delights in His Church, seeing her through the lens of His perfect sacrifice, making her beautiful and complete in His sight, for "in him you have been made complete" Colossians 2:10.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
EXPLANATIONS OF THE PSALMS 3:7
Separated from the world, to which they were once conformed, they pass over into the members of the church. And rightly therefore are they, through whom such things are done, called teeth like to shorn sheep; for they have laid aside the burdens of earthly cares, and coming up from the bath, from the washing away of the filth of the world by the sacrament of baptism, every one bears twins. For they fulfill the two commandments, of which it is said, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”: 16 loving God with all their heart, and with all their soul and with all their mind, and their neighbor as themselves.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
EXPLANATIONS OF THE PSALMS 95:9
He praises these sheep also in the Song of Solomon, speaking of some perfect ones as the teeth of his spouse the holy church.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Song of Songs
All lambs of twin births, etc. For all the sheep with which the bride’s teeth are arranged are multiplied by twin births, because every speech of the elect is fruitful with the twin love, that is, the love by which God and neighbor are loved; every speech talks about the perpetual health of mind and body; every speech is accustomed to fortify its listeners through the arms of justice which must be held both on the right and the left; every speech desires to deal with the promise of life, which is both present and future; nor does anything proceed from the mouth of the righteous that is not advantageous to the fruit of eternal salvation. And fittingly, indeed, the sheep, by which the bride’s teeth are bestowed, are said to bear twin offspring, because without doubt through the things we say, we are able to benefit our neighbors and to instruct them in the way of virtue; through those things which we healthily think, we benefit ourselves. We ourselves make a living sacrifice to the internal judge on the altar of the heart, but to our neighbors, for edification, we disclose what we carry within ourselves only through words. Whence someone, pleasing the Creator with such a sacrifice, said, “In me are, God, God, your vows, which I will render in praises to you” (Psalm 53). But if in teeth, as previously mentioned, we understand preachers to be designated, and in hair, listeners, which most aptly corresponds, not only because the former minister speech and nourishment to the body, and the latter provide gentle adornments to the head, as beneficial instruments, but also because the former are placed first in the forefront, like predecessors, and the latter, like successors, cover the back part of the head, it is evident that it is fitting for those who are still unskilled and weaker to listen to and obey the teachings of the elders. But those very teachers, it is fitting not only to fulfill the divine commands but also to increase the flock of the supreme shepherd by preaching.
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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