Song Of Solomon 6:7

KJV

As a piece of a pomegranate [are] thy temples within thy locks.

KJV (with Strong's)

As a piece {H6400} of a pomegranate {H7416} are thy temples {H7541} within {H1157} thy locks {H6777}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your cheeks are like a pomegranate split open behind your veil.

Berean Standard Bible

Your brow behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate.

American Standard Version

Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate Behind thy veil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The king's ardent praise for the Shulamite woman's beauty continues in Song of Solomon 6:7, where he likens her temples, partially veiled by her hair, to a piece of pomegranate. This vivid imagery speaks to a delicate, blushing beauty, an inner richness, and a captivating modesty that consistently enthralls him, echoing earlier declarations of his profound admiration and highlighting the enduring nature of their mutual affection and the multifaceted allure of the beloved.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 6:7 is situated within a passionate exchange between the king and the Shulamite, specifically following her re-engagement with him after a period of searching (Song of Solomon 5:2-6:3). The king, having found her among the gardens, launches into a renewed and even more fervent series of praises for her beauty, beginning in Song of Solomon 6:4. This particular verse echoes an almost identical description from [Song of Solomon 4:3](/song_of_solomon/4-3 "Song of Solomon 4:3 - The Shulamite's Beauty"), emphasizing the enduring and consistent nature of his admiration. It serves to reaffirm his devotion and delight in her, reinforcing the themes of unwavering love and mutual possession that permeate the book. The repetition underscores that her beauty, particularly these delicate features, continues to captivate him as profoundly as it did at the outset of their relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, beauty was often described using natural imagery, drawing from the flora and fauna of the land. The pomegranate (`rimmôwn`) was a highly esteemed fruit, valued not only for its sweet, juicy pulp and numerous seeds but also for its aesthetic appeal. It symbolized fertility, abundance, prosperity, and even modesty or purity due to its many seeds enclosed within a protective rind. Pomegranates were used in temple decorations ([1 Kings 7:18](/1_kings/7-18 "1 Kings 7:18 - Temple Decorations")) and priestly garments ([Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Priestly Garments")), signifying their sacred and precious nature. The "temples" (`raqqâh`), the delicate area on the side of the head, were considered a subtle point of beauty, often indicative of a healthy glow or a blush. The "locks" (`tsammâh`) refer to the hair, which women typically wore long and often styled to frame the face or provide a degree of veiling, contributing to a sense of modesty and allure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Song of Solomon. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **Profound Admiration and Beauty**, showcasing the king's meticulous attention to the Shulamite's physical attributes, even the most delicate ones. His praise is not superficial but deeply appreciative of her entire being. Secondly, the phrase "within thy locks" introduces the theme of **Modesty and Hidden Charm**, suggesting that her beauty is not overtly displayed but partially veiled, enhancing her mystique and inviting a deeper, more intimate gaze. This veiled beauty is often seen as more alluring than an unveiled display. Thirdly, the **Symbolism of the Pomegranate** reinforces themes of inner richness, vibrant life, and delicate, blushing beauty. The comparison implies a healthy, radiant complexion and a captivating inner vitality, mirroring the abundance and sweetness of the fruit itself. These themes collectively celebrate the multifaceted nature of love and attraction within the sacred bond of marriage, emphasizing both outward appeal and inner character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **piece (Hebrew, _pelach'_):** From a root meaning "to split" or "to cleave," this word refers to a slice or segment. In this context, it evokes the internal, segmented flesh of the pomegranate, suggesting a delicate, perhaps blushing, color and texture, rather than the hard outer rind. It implies an intimate glimpse into the fruit's inner beauty.
* **pomegranate (Hebrew, _rimmôwn'_):** This fruit, highly symbolic in ancient Near Eastern cultures, represents fertility, abundance, beauty, and even modesty or purity due to its many seeds enclosed within a protective rind. Its deep red or rosy hue is often associated with vitality and passion. The comparison to a "piece" of it specifically highlights the vibrant, juicy, and often blush-colored inner pulp.
* **temples (Hebrew, _raqqâh'_):** This term refers to the delicate, thin area on the side of the head, near the eyes and forehead. It is a sensitive and often expressive part of the face, capable of revealing a blush or a healthy glow. The choice of this specific feature for comparison underscores the subtlety and refinement of the Shulamite's beauty, drawing attention to a tender and often overlooked aspect.
* **locks (Hebrew, _tsammâh'_):** This word denotes a veil or, more commonly, the hair, specifically referring to tresses or locks of hair that might frame or partially cover the face. The phrase "within thy locks" suggests that the beauty of her temples is not overtly exposed but is seen through or beneath her hair, adding an element of modesty, privacy, and perhaps a hint of playful concealment that enhances her allure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As a piece of a pomegranate":** This opening simile establishes the primary comparison, likening a specific part of the Shulamite's face to the inner, segmented flesh of a pomegranate. This evokes imagery of a delicate, rosy hue, perhaps a blush, and a vibrant, healthy appearance, suggesting a beauty that is both tender and richly inviting. The "piece" emphasizes an intimate, perhaps partially revealed, aspect of this beauty.
* **"[are] thy temples":** The subject of the comparison is the Shulamite's temples, the delicate areas on the sides of her head. This choice highlights a subtle and refined aspect of her beauty, drawing attention to a feature that might not be immediately obvious but is deeply appreciated by the king. It speaks to an intimate gaze that notices intricate details.
* **"within thy locks":** This phrase specifies the context in which her temples are observed, indicating that they are partially veiled or framed by her hair. This adds a layer of modesty and allure, suggesting that her beauty is not overtly displayed but is seen through a soft, natural screen. It enhances her mystique and implies a private, cherished beauty, perhaps only fully appreciated by her beloved.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Simile**, directly comparing the Shulamite's temples to a "piece of a pomegranate" using the explicit "as." This comparison is not merely descriptive but deeply evocative, drawing upon the **Symbolism** of the pomegranate, which in ancient cultures represented fertility, abundance, and inner beauty. The fruit's rosy interior suggests a healthy, blushing complexion, while its many seeds hint at vitality and richness. The phrase "within thy locks" employs **Imagery** that creates a sense of veiled beauty, suggesting modesty and a private allure. This partial concealment, rather than diminishing, enhances her mystique and draws the observer's gaze inward, inviting a more intimate appreciation of her delicate features. The verse also demonstrates **Repetition**, as this exact description appears earlier in [Song of Solomon 4:3](/song_of_solomon/4-3 "Song of Solomon 4:3 - The Shulamite's Beauty"), serving as a **Refrain** that underscores the enduring nature of the king's affection and the consistent captivating power of the Shulamite's beauty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 6:7, while a celebration of human love and beauty, resonates with deeper theological truths about God's appreciation for His creation and His people. The meticulous praise for the Shulamite's subtle beauty, particularly her veiled temples, can be seen as an echo of God's own delight in the intricate details of His handiwork and His profound love for His chosen ones. Just as the king finds beauty in the intimate and partially hidden aspects of his beloved, so too does God cherish the inner qualities and modest devotion of His followers, often valuing what is unseen by the world. This verse, therefore, can inspire reflection on the nature of true beauty as something that extends beyond superficial appearance, encompassing inner character, purity, and a humble spirit. It speaks to a love that sees, appreciates, and cherishes every facet of the beloved, much like divine love.

* [Psalm 45:11](/psalms/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")
* [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This poetic expression of love offers profound insights for our own relationships and self-perception. In a world often obsessed with overt displays and superficial beauty, Song of Solomon 6:7 invites us to cultivate an appreciation for subtlety, modesty, and the deeper, often hidden, aspects of beauty in ourselves and others. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate and obvious, to truly see and cherish the delicate nuances that make each person unique and precious. For those in relationships, it encourages a gaze that is both intimate and affirming, celebrating the specific, often overlooked, features of a partner with genuine admiration. For individuals, it reminds us that true beauty is not solely external but emanates from within, a blend of inner character, purity, and a humble spirit that, like the veiled temples, possesses a captivating allure. It prompts us to consider what qualities we truly value and how we express appreciation for the intrinsic worth of those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge modern perceptions of beauty, which often prioritize overt display over subtle charm?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the "hidden" or less obvious qualities in our loved ones and ourselves?**
* **What does the king's consistent praise of the Shulamite's beauty (echoed from Song of Solomon 4:3) teach us about the enduring nature of love and affirmation in relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why is the pomegranate used as a comparison here and elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The pomegranate (`rimmôwn`) was a highly symbolic fruit in the ancient Near East, frequently appearing in biblical imagery due to its cultural significance and inherent characteristics. It was prized for its numerous seeds, juicy pulp, and often vibrant red or rosy hue. Symbolically, it represented fertility, abundance, and prosperity, as seen in its use in the decorations of Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 7:18](/1_kings/7-18 "1 Kings 7:18 - Temple Decorations")) and on the hem of the high priest's robe ([Exodus 28:33-34](/exodus/28-33 "Exodus 28:33-34 - Priestly Garments")). In the context of beauty, comparing a delicate feature like the temples to a "piece of a pomegranate" evokes a sense of blushing health, vibrant inner richness, and a delicate, inviting texture. The "piece" specifically refers to the internal segments, suggesting a beauty that is both tender and full of life, not just outwardly appealing.

**Does the repetition of this description from Song of Solomon 4:3 hold any special significance?**

Answer: Yes, the repetition of this exact description from [Song of Solomon 4:3](/song_of_solomon/4-3 "Song of Solomon 4:3 - The Shulamite's Beauty") is highly significant. In Hebrew poetry, repetition often serves to emphasize, affirm, and underscore a point. Here, it highlights the enduring and consistent nature of the king's admiration for the Shulamite's beauty. It shows that his affection is not fleeting but deeply rooted, and that these specific features continue to captivate him as profoundly as they did earlier in their relationship. This literary device reinforces the theme of unwavering love and devotion, suggesting that true love sees and cherishes the beloved's qualities consistently over time, finding renewed delight in familiar charms. It underscores the stability and depth of their bond, indicating that her beauty is not just passing but a constant source of delight for him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 6:7 is a celebration of human marital love, its rich imagery and themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the king meticulously praises the subtle, veiled beauty of the Shulamite, so too does Christ behold His Church with an intimate, appreciative gaze that transcends outward appearance. He sees beyond our imperfections and cherishes the inner beauty of His redeemed people—their faith, their purity of heart, and their humble devotion, often hidden from the world's view. The "piece of a pomegranate" imagery, suggestive of vibrant life and blushing health, can be seen to reflect the spiritual vitality and radiant purity that Christ bestows upon His Church through His atoning work. He has cleansed her to present her to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The "locks" that partially veil her temples speak to the Church's modesty and dependence on Christ's covering righteousness. Ultimately, this verse beautifully foreshadows Christ's profound and unwavering love for His Bride, a love that delights in her every facet, making her beautiful in His eyes through His grace, just as He declared in [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem, a Bride Adorned") that the New Jerusalem is "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." His admiration is not based on what we achieve, but on who we are in Him, a testament to His transformative and cherishing love that makes us truly beautiful.

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 4:3

Thy lips [are] like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech [is] comely: thy temples [are] like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.