6:5 6:5

Song Of Solomon 6:6

6:7 6:7

Bible Versions

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.
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.
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.
Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing; each has its twin, and not one of them is lost.
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.

Song of Solomon 6:6 is a vivid and poetic verse from the beloved biblical love poem, the Song of Solomon. It forms part of the king's effusive praise for the beauty of the Shulamite woman, focusing specifically on her teeth using an agricultural metaphor that speaks to perfection, purity, and abundance.

Context

This verse is found within a section (Song of Solomon 6:4-10) where the king, often identified as Solomon, reaffirms his profound admiration and love for the Shulamite, comparing her beauty to renowned cities and declaring her supreme among all women. The descriptions of her physical attributes are highly symbolic and often draw from the natural world or common pastoral scenes of ancient Israel. This particular compliment about her teeth immediately follows praise for her eyes and hair, emphasizing a comprehensive appreciation of her appearance.

Key Themes

  • Beauty and Admiration: The primary theme is the king's deep appreciation for the Shulamite's radiant beauty. This specific image highlights a particular aspect of her charm.
  • Perfection and Completeness: The metaphor of sheep bearing twins and none being barren speaks to an ideal state – perfect alignment, no missing teeth, and a full, healthy appearance.
  • Purity and Cleanliness: "Go up from the washing" implies a pristine, white, and unblemished quality, suggesting not just physical cleanliness but also a purity of character.
  • Abundance and Vitality: The imagery of "bearing twins" signifies fruitfulness, vitality, and a robust, healthy presentation, reinforcing the idea of completeness and strength.

Linguistic Insights & Imagery

The strength of this verse lies in its rich and evocative imagery:

  • "Thy teeth [are] as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing": This simile conjures an image of a flock of sheep that have just been cleaned, appearing uniformly white, bright, and orderly. It suggests teeth that are perfectly aligned, clean, and gleaming white.
  • "whereof every one beareth twins": This phrase extends the metaphor, implying that each tooth is perfectly formed, perhaps suggesting a double row or the complete, full appearance of healthy teeth. It conveys a sense of fullness and symmetry, where no tooth is out of place or missing.
  • "and [there is] not one barren among them": Reinforcing the idea of perfection and completeness, this ensures that every single tooth is accounted for, healthy, and contributing to the overall beauty, with no gaps or imperfections. This imagery echoes a similar description found earlier in the book, highlighting the consistent nature of the king's admiration for his beloved's radiant features, as seen in Song of Solomon 4:2.

Practical Application

While a poetic description of physical beauty, Song of Solomon 6:6 offers broader spiritual insights:

  • Appreciating Beauty in All Forms: The verse reminds us to appreciate the intricate details of creation and the beauty found in others, whether physical or spiritual. It encourages an observant and appreciative eye.
  • The Beauty of Purity and Wholeness: Just as the Shulamite's teeth are described as clean and complete, believers are called to strive for spiritual purity and integrity. A life lived in alignment with God's word, free from blemish, is beautiful in His sight.
  • God's Admiration for His People: From an allegorical perspective, this book is often seen as a picture of Christ's love for His Church. Just as the king admires the Shulamite, Christ delights in His Church, seeing her as pure, beloved, and complete. Paul speaks of Christ presenting the Church as His Bride "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
  • Attention to Detail: The detailed praise for something as specific as teeth highlights that true love and admiration notice and appreciate the small, often overlooked, aspects of a person.

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.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:2

    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.

  • Matthew 25:30

    And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

  • Matthew 21:19

    And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
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