Song Of Solomon 7:4

Thy neck [is] as a tower of ivory; thine eyes [like] the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose [is] as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.

Thy neck {H6677} is as a tower {H4026} of ivory {H8127}; thine eyes {H5869} like the fishpools {H1295} in Heshbon {H2809}, by the gate {H8179} of Bathrabbim {H1337}: thy nose {H639} is as the tower {H4026} of Lebanon {H3844} which looketh {H6822} toward {H6440} Damascus {H1834}.

Your neck is like a tower of ivory, your eyes like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bat-Rabbim, your nose like a tower in the L'vanon overlooking Dammesek.

Your neck is like a tower made of ivory; your eyes are like the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim; your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, facing toward Damascus.

Thy neck is like the tower of ivory; Thine eyes as the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon Which looketh toward Damascus.

Song of Solomon 7:4 continues the beloved's poetic praise of the Shulamite woman, employing rich and vivid imagery to describe her physical beauty. This verse focuses on three specific features: her neck, eyes, and nose, comparing them to impressive and beautiful structures and natural elements.

Context of Song of Solomon 7:4

This verse is part of a passionate and detailed description of the Shulamite's beauty by her beloved, King Solomon, as recorded in Song of Solomon chapter 7. The language is highly metaphorical, typical of ancient Near Eastern love poetry, where comparisons to natural wonders, architectural marvels, and precious materials were used to convey admiration and affection. The entire book is a celebration of romantic love and marital intimacy, often interpreted allegorically as Christ's love for His church.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Exquisite Beauty and Admiration: The primary theme is the profound admiration the beloved holds for the Shulamite's beauty. Each comparison elevates her features to something majestic and captivating.
  • Symbolism of Strength and Grace: The imagery of "towers" (ivory, Lebanon) suggests not only elegance but also strength, dignity, and a noble bearing. Her neck is graceful yet strong, her nose prominent and regal.
  • Captivating Gaze: Her eyes, likened to the "fishpools in Heshbon," evoke a sense of clarity, depth, and allure. These pools, likely clear and reflective, suggest eyes that are pure, deep, and inviting, perhaps reflecting the heavens or a tranquil scene.
  • Poetic Language of Love: The verse showcases the rich, evocative, and sometimes enigmatic language used to express deep affection and desire in ancient times. It highlights how love inspires elaborate and unique forms of praise.

Linguistic Insights and Imagery

  • "Thy neck is as a tower of ivory": Ivory was a highly prized and expensive material in the ancient world, symbolizing purity, smoothness, and preciousness. A "tower of ivory" suggests a long, graceful neck, perhaps smooth and radiant, conveying elegance and stature. This imagery is also used in Song of Solomon 4:4, where her neck is compared to the "tower of David."
  • "thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim": Heshbon was an ancient city in Moab (modern-day Jordan), known for its water sources and pools. "Bathrabbim" means "daughter of multitudes" or "house of many," possibly referring to a bustling gate or a well-known public area. The comparison suggests eyes that are clear, deep, tranquil, and perhaps reflective, holding a captivating depth. This mirrors other descriptions of her eyes in the Song, such as in Song of Solomon 1:15 and Song of Solomon 4:1.
  • "thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus": Lebanon was renowned for its majestic cedar trees and strong, prominent structures. A "tower of Lebanon" implies a noble, well-proportioned, and strong profile, perhaps surveying a wide vista. The reference to Damascus, a major city to the northeast, further emphasizes the grandeur and distinctiveness of her features, suggesting a commanding presence.

Practical Application and Reflection

Song of Solomon 7:4 offers insights for modern relationships and personal reflection:

  • Appreciating Unique Beauty: This verse encourages us to see and articulate the unique beauty in those we love, going beyond superficial observations to appreciate distinct features and qualities.
  • Expressing Affection Creatively: It models how expressive and imaginative language can enrich communication and deepen intimacy within a loving bond.
  • Celebrating God's Creation: Ultimately, the beauty described points to the Creator, who imbues His creation with such wonder and diversity. Recognizing beauty in others can be an act of worship, acknowledging the artistry of God. This theme of God's design in human relationships is a core aspect of biblical understanding of love and marriage, as seen in Genesis 2:24.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:4

    Thy neck [is] like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:8

    ¶ Come with me from Lebanon, [my] spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:9

    Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

  • Psalms 144:12

    That our sons [may be] as plants grown up in their youth; [that] our daughters [may be] as corner stones, polished [after] the similitude of a palace:

  • Song Of Solomon 4:1

    ¶ Behold, thou [art] fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair [is] as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.

  • 1 Kings 10:22

    For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

  • 2 Chronicles 8:6

    And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.
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