Song Of Solomon 6:6

KJV

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 6:6 is a vibrant and intimate declaration of admiration from the king (often identified as Solomon) for the Shulamite woman, focusing on the exquisite beauty and perfection of her teeth. Through a vivid pastoral simile, her teeth are compared to a flock of sheep freshly washed, uniformly white, perfectly aligned, and remarkably complete, with no imperfections or deficiencies. This verse highlights a meticulous appreciation for physical beauty, symbolizing purity, order, and abundant vitality within the context of deep affection and marital delight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a passionate exchange in the Song of Solomon, specifically in a section (Song of Solomon 6:4-10) where the king reaffirms his profound love and admiration for the Shulamite woman after a period of separation and search (Song of Solomon 5:2-8). He compares her beauty to renowned cities like Tirzah and Jerusalem, declaring her supreme among all women, even 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 that underscore the depth of his infatuation and delight. This specific imagery echoes 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](/song_of_solomon/4-2 "Song of Solomon 4:2 - Another Description of Her Teeth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and particularly in Israel, physical beauty was often described using metaphors drawn from nature, agriculture, and animal husbandry, reflecting the agrarian society. Healthy, well-formed teeth were a significant marker of beauty, health, and vitality, especially in a time before modern dentistry. The imagery of "a flock of sheep which go up from the washing" would have been readily understood. Sheep were regularly washed, particularly before shearing or special occasions, resulting in a pristine, uniform, and dazzling white appearance. The idea of "every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them" speaks to an ideal state of fertility and abundance, which was highly valued. This metaphor implies not just whiteness but also perfect alignment, completeness, and robust health, suggesting a radiant smile that contributes significantly to the Shulamite's overall allure.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in the Song of Solomon. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Beauty and Admiration**, showcasing the king's deep and detailed 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 or imperfections. 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 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 (e.g., [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Be Fruitful and Multiply")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **teeth (Hebrew, _shên'_):** From 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, highlighting their defined and distinct appearance.
* **flock (Hebrew, _ʻêder'_):** From 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'_):** From 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.
* **barren (Hebrew, _shakkûwl'_):** From H7909, meaning "bereaved; barren, bereaved (robbed) of children (whelps)." In this context, it signifies the complete absence of any missing or defective teeth, emphasizing the absolute perfection and completeness of her dental arrangement.

#### 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.
* **"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 and health. 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 and symmetry.
* **"and [there is] not one barren among them":** This final clause strongly reinforces the theme of absolute completeness and flawlessness. "Barren" here means lacking or unproductive. In the metaphor, it signifies that every single sheep in the flock is fertile and productive. 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 or deficiency.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the Shulamite's teeth through the use 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 comparison is extended into a **Metaphor** as the qualities of the sheep (bearing twins, not barren) are attributed to the teeth, implying not only their 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 highlights the king's profound appreciation for every aspect of his beloved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 6:6, while a celebration of physical beauty, 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.

* [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")
* [Psalm 45:11](/psalm/45-11 "The King Desires Your Beauty")
* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Inner Beauty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This poetic verse invites us to consider beauty not merely as superficial appearance but as an embodiment of purity, order, and vitality. For believers, this can translate into a call to cultivate inner beauty—a heart made pure through repentance and faith, and a life lived in integrity and spiritual fruitfulness. 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 beauty in others, and to recognize the divine artistry in every detail. 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 and aligned with God's will.

#### 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 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?**

### 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. Firstly, it emphasizes **whiteness and cleanliness**, as sheep freshly washed would appear pristine and dazzling. 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. 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 and blessing. 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 imagery, also found in [Song of Solomon 4:2](/song_of_solomon/4-2 "Song of Solomon 4:2 - Another Description of Her Teeth"), underscores the king's profound admiration for his beloved's flawless beauty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 6:6 is a direct expression of human love and admiration, its themes of purity, perfection, and the beloved's unblemished beauty find profound 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 preparing His Church to be "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The "washing" of the sheep can be seen as a beautiful foreshadowing of 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](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-26 - Christ's Sacrifice for the Church")). 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. Through Him, believers are made whole, spiritually productive, and fully equipped for good works ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")). 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 ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")).

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 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.