Song Of Solomon 7:3

KJV

Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes [that are] twins.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy two {H8147} breasts {H7699} are like two {H8147} young {H6082} roes {H6646} that are twins {H8380}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle.

Berean Standard Bible

Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle.

American Standard Version

Thy two breasts are like two fawns That are twins of a roe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 7:3 is a tender and intimate expression of admiration from the Beloved (King Solomon) for his Shulamite bride's physical beauty, specifically her breasts. Using vivid natural imagery, the verse compares them to "two young roes that are twins," conveying a sense of delicate grace, youthful vitality, perfect symmetry, and delightful harmony. It stands as a poetic celebration of physical attraction and affection within the sacred covenant of marriage, highlighting the profound delight a husband finds in his wife.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a passionate encomium (a formal expression of praise) by the Beloved for his Shulamite bride, spanning [Song of Solomon 7:1-9](/song_of_solomon/7 "Song of Solomon 7 - The Beloved's Praise of the Shulamite"). The passage meticulously describes her beauty, moving from her graceful feet and dancing steps (v. 1) up to her head. Verse 3, therefore, is an integral part of this detailed and adoring survey of her physical form, following descriptions of her regal stature and flowing hair. It builds upon the earlier, similar imagery found in [Song of Solomon 4:5](/song_of_solomon/4-5 "Song of Solomon 4:5 - Similar Imagery of Breasts"), indicating a consistent theme of physical appreciation and delight throughout the book. The immediate verses preceding and following continue this intimate exploration of her allure, setting the stage for the Beloved's overwhelming desire and invitation in [Song of Solomon 7:10-13](/song_of_solomon/7-10 "Song of Solomon 7:10-13 - The Shulamite's Response and Invitation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon reflects ancient Near Eastern love poetry traditions, which often employed rich natural imagery and pastoral metaphors to describe human beauty and affection. Roes, or gazelles, were highly valued animals in the ancient world, renowned for their elegance, swiftness, and delicate beauty, making them fitting symbols for the grace and vitality the Beloved perceives in his bride. The cultural context emphasizes the sanctity and celebration of marital intimacy, a stark contrast to many modern perspectives that either trivialize or distort sexual expression. Within ancient Israelite society, marriage was a foundational institution, and the Song of Solomon provides a unique biblical window into the passionate and exclusive love shared between a husband and wife, affirming physical attraction as a God-given and beautiful aspect of their union.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 7:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores the **celebration of marital beauty and intimacy**, affirming that physical attraction and desire are not only permissible but a beautiful and God-ordained component of the marriage covenant. This verse, like others in the Song, normalizes and sanctifies sexual love within its proper boundaries. Secondly, the use of the simile "like two young roes that are twins" exemplifies the book's pervasive use of **poetic imagery and symbolism**. This imagery conveys concepts of symmetry, grace, youthful vitality, and delicate beauty, enriching the description beyond mere physical observation. Finally, the intimate language reflects profound **affection and mutual delight** between the spouses. It is a testament to the deep emotional and physical bond that characterizes their relationship, echoing the sentiment of mutual belonging found in [Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - Mutual Possession and Love"), where the Shulamite declares, "My beloved is mine, and I am his."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **breasts (Hebrew, _shad'_):** H7699, or שֹׁד. This term refers to the breast of a woman or animal, specifically highlighting its "bulging" or rounded form. In the context of Song of Solomon 7:3, it denotes the physical attribute being admired, emphasizing its fullness and softness, which are associated with beauty and nurturing.
* **young (Hebrew, _ʻôpher'_):** H6082, from עָפַר. This word describes a fawn, specifically a young roe or hart. The root suggests a "dusty color," which might allude to the light brown coat of a fawn. Its inclusion here emphasizes youthfulness, delicacy, and a certain innocent grace, aligning with the imagery of a nimble, gentle creature.
* **roes (Hebrew, _tsᵉbîyâh'_):** H6646, feminine of צְבִי. This term specifically denotes a female gazelle or roe. Gazelles were highly esteemed in ancient Israel for their beauty, swiftness, and graceful movements. By comparing her breasts to "young roes," the Beloved evokes an image of exquisite elegance, lively vitality, and natural beauty.
* **twins (Hebrew, _tâʼôwm'_):** H8380, or תָּאֹם. Derived from תָּאַם, meaning "to be double" or "to be paired," this word signifies a twin. In the plural, as used here, it emphasizes perfect symmetry, balance, and harmonious pairing. The "twins" imagery reinforces the idea of two identical, perfectly matched forms, enhancing the aesthetic pleasure and delight expressed by the Beloved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy two breasts":** This phrase directly identifies the specific object of the Beloved's admiration. The use of "Thy" (referring to the Shulamite) emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the observation, highlighting the husband's focus on his wife's unique physical form.
* **"[are] like two young roes":** This is the core of the simile, drawing a comparison between the Shulamite's breasts and the delicate, graceful, and lively nature of young roes or gazelles. The imagery evokes a sense of natural beauty, vitality, and perhaps a gentle, captivating movement, much like the playful bounding of fawns.
* **"[that are] twins":** This final clause refines the simile, emphasizing the perfect symmetry and harmonious pairing of the two breasts. The "twins" aspect suggests an ideal balance, a delightful uniformity that adds to their aesthetic appeal and the Beloved's profound appreciation. It speaks to a sense of completeness and perfection in their form.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 7:3 is rich in **Simile**, directly comparing "Thy two breasts" to "two young roes that are twins" using the explicit connector "like." This simile creates vivid **Imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the breasts as delicate, graceful, and perfectly symmetrical, evoking the natural beauty and vitality of fawns. The choice of "young roes" (gazelles) is a form of **Symbolism**, where these animals represent elegance, agility, and a certain captivating innocence, transferring these qualities to the beloved's form. There is also a subtle use of **Repetition** in the word "two" and the concept of "twins," which serves to emphasize the perfect pairing and balance, reinforcing the aesthetic delight. The overall tone is one of profound **Admiration** and **Affection**, communicated through the tender and appreciative language.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Song of Solomon 7:3, like the entire book, offers a profound theological statement on the sanctity and beauty of marital intimacy. It affirms that physical attraction and desire are not inherently sinful but are God-given aspects of the marriage covenant, intended for mutual delight and pleasure within its sacred boundaries. This verse normalizes and celebrates the physical dimension of love between a husband and wife, reflecting a holistic view of human relationships where body, soul, and spirit are intertwined. It counters any ascetic or Gnostic tendencies that might devalue the physical, instead presenting a biblical vision where the human body, created by God, is a source of beauty and joy within the covenant of marriage. The allegorical interpretations of the Song, seeing it as a picture of God's love for Israel or Christ's love for the Church, often draw parallels between the Beloved's delight in his bride and divine delight in His people, suggesting a profound intimacy and beauty in the spiritual union as well.

* [Song of Solomon 4:5](/song_of_solomon/4-5 "Song of Solomon 4:5 - Parallel Imagery of Breasts")
* [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - The Honor of Marriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often saturated with distorted or exploitative portrayals of physical intimacy, Song of Solomon 7:3 stands as a refreshing and counter-cultural affirmation of its beauty and sanctity within the marriage covenant. This verse encourages spouses to cultivate a deep appreciation for one another, not only for their inner qualities but also for their physical form, as a gift from God. It calls husbands and wives to express admiration, delight, and affection for their spouse's unique beauty, fostering a vibrant and healthy marital bond. This kind of mutual affirmation builds intimacy, trust, and security, creating a safe space for vulnerability and profound connection. It reminds us that God designed marriage to be a place of holistic enjoyment, where physical attraction is a natural and celebrated component of a loving, committed relationship. For those in marriage, it serves as an invitation to intentionally cherish and express delight in their spouse; for those not yet married, it offers a high and holy vision for the intimacy reserved for that sacred union.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of physical intimacy within marriage?**
* **In what ways can spouses intentionally express admiration and delight in each other's unique beauty, beyond the physical?**
* **How does the Song of Solomon's portrayal of marital love provide a healthy counter-narrative to modern cultural messages about sexuality?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster deeper appreciation and intimacy in your own relationships, whether marital or otherwise?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Song of Solomon 7:3?**

Answer: The primary message of Song of Solomon 7:3 is the celebration of physical beauty and intimacy within the exclusive bond of marriage. It portrays the Beloved's profound admiration and delight in his Shulamite bride's physical form, using poetic imagery to express the grace, vitality, and perfect symmetry he perceives. It underscores that physical attraction is a beautiful and God-ordained aspect of marital love.

**How does this verse relate to the broader themes of the Song of Solomon?**

Answer: Song of Solomon 7:3 is deeply integrated into the broader themes of the Song of Solomon, which include the celebration of exclusive marital love, mutual delight, and the sanctity of physical intimacy. It is part of a larger encomium where the Beloved praises his bride's beauty, echoing similar sentiments found throughout the book, such as in [Song of Solomon 4:5](/song_of_solomon/4-5 "Song of Solomon 4:5 - Parallel Imagery"). The verse contributes to the book's overall message that true love encompasses both emotional and physical dimensions, all within the secure and joyful covenant of marriage.

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

Answer: While Song of Solomon 7:3 explicitly describes physical beauty, it is not *only* about physical beauty. The physical description serves as a conduit for expressing deeper affection, desire, and delight that characterize the entire relationship between the Beloved and the Shulamite. In the context of the Song of Solomon, physical intimacy is an expression of profound emotional and spiritual connection. The admiration for her physical form is intertwined with the deep love and commitment shared between them, reflecting a holistic appreciation for the beloved as a whole person, as seen in passages like [Song of Solomon 6:3](/song_of_solomon/6-3 "Song of Solomon 6:3 - Mutual Belonging").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Song of Solomon 7:3 directly celebrates the beauty and intimacy within human marriage, its profound imagery of love, delight, and union finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. The Beloved's intense admiration for his bride's beauty, her perfection and symmetry, serves as a powerful type of Christ's perfect love for His spiritual bride. Just as the Beloved delights in every aspect of the Shulamite, so Christ cherishes and delights in His Church, seeing her as "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The mutual affection and exclusive bond depicted in the Song foreshadow the unbreakable covenant between Christ and believers, where He is the Bridegroom and the Church is His beloved bride ([John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - Jesus as the Bridegroom")). The ultimate consummation of this divine romance is anticipated in the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where the Church, adorned in righteousness, will be eternally united with her King, experiencing a spiritual intimacy and delight far surpassing any earthly parallel. Thus, Song of Solomon 7:3, through its celebration of human love, points us to the infinitely greater and more perfect love of Christ for His redeemed people.

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 4:5

Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

Song Of Solomon 6:6

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.