TRV
“A Summation of Her Desirability”· Song of Solomon 7:6–9
Translation
King James Version
This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.
Complete Jewish Bible
Your appearance is stately as a palm tree, with its fruit clusters your breasts.
American Standard Version
This thy stature is like to a palm-tree, And thy breasts to its clusters.
World English Bible Messianic
This, your stature, is like a palm tree, your breasts like its fruit.
Young's Literal Translation
This thy stature hath been like to a palm, And thy breasts to clusters.
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In the KJVVerse 17,635 of 31,102 · 56.7%
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Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Post-NiceneEarly Medieval
400500600700
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The laurel and the palm are the symbols of victory. The heads of the victors are crowned with laurel, and the hand of the conqueror is adorned with a palm. Hence the Church says: "I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of its branches." Seeing the excellence of the Word and hoping that she can ascend to His height and the summit of knowledge, she says: "I will go up to the palm tree," so that she may leave behind all lower things and strive for higher things, for the reward of Christ, so that she may enjoy and taste the sweet fruits of His love. For the fruit of virtue is sweet.
The church is beautiful in [those recently baptized]. So that God the Word says to her: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no blemish in you,” for guilt has been washed away. “Come here from Lebanon, my spouse, come here from Lebanon, from the beginning of faith you will pass through and pass on,” because, renouncing the world, she passed through things temporal and passed on to Christ. And again, God the Word says to her, “How beautiful and sweet are you made, O love, in your delights! Your stature is become like that of a palm tree, and your breasts like bunches of grapes.”
Therefore, imitate her, o man, so that it may be said of you as well: "Your stature has become like a palm tree." Preserve the greenness of your childhood and that natural innocence which you received from the beginning, so that, being planted beside the flowing waters, you may have your fruit prepared in your time, and your leaf may not wither. ... Therefore, remain planted in the house of the Lord, so that in His courts you may flourish like a palm, and let the grace of the Church ascend in you, and let the fragrance of your nostrils be like apples, and your mouth like the best wine, so that you may be intoxicated in Christ.
Your stature is compared to a palm tree, etc. For the stature of the Church is indeed the uprightness of its good work, because, despising to bend down to earthly desires, it raises itself entirely to attain heavenly rewards. The Apostle admonishes concerning this, saying, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave" (1 Cor. 16). And the Lord Himself, "I am the Lord, who brought you out of servitude, by which the Egyptians oppressed you, so that you would walk upright" (1 Kings 10). The palm tree, moreover, is adorned with the hand of the victor. And also among the ancients, whoever had won in a contest was crowned with a palm. Therefore, the stature of the bride is compared to a palm, when the entire intention of the faithful, upright in love for heavenly things, meditating meanwhile while standing in the battle line, reflects on that prize, which is to be given as a reward when the contest is over. Likewise, because the palm tree appears rough in its lower parts but shows beauty and the sweetness of its fruit at the top, it is fittingly compared to the stature of the Church, or of any faithful soul, which bears rough labors on earth for the Lord, but hopes to receive a most pleasant reward from the Lord in heaven. The palm is rough near the ground, because the elect suffer persecution for righteousness. It is beautiful and sweet at the top, because they rejoice in tribulations and exult, knowing that their reward is abundant in heaven. Similarly, just as the palm is covered with enduring leaves and preserves its foliage without replacement, who does not see that it holds the symbol of the stature of faith, which, while the state of the passing world changes, retains the same words of true confession, like leaves that neve fall and are kept, and maintains the same perfection of works that began from the outset, as if the beauty of the palms is held inviolate in His chosen ones until the end of the world? And he says, "Your breasts are like clusters." The breasts, as often said, are the teachers of the Church when they minister the milk of initial instruction to the little ones of Christ. But these same breasts are likened to clusters when those teachers, to whom the initial sacraments of His incarnation were entrusted, also reveal the secrets of the divinity, by which He is equal to the Father; and those who previously said, "We resolve to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2), afterwards say to those capable of receiving more profound teachings, "Whose are the fathers, and from whom according to the flesh, is Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever" (Romans 9). The breasts of the Church are also likened to clusters when the masters of truth at the same time, reveal to mature listeners the great mysteries or teachings of the Scriptures, and offer to those weak in understanding the sustenance of life that they can grasp. To these they say, "If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments; you shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness. Honor your father and your mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself"; but to those they say, "If you wish to be perfect, go and sell all that you have and give to the poor" (Matt. 19), and the like. But these breasts are also likened to clusters, because the Apostle says, "For whether we are beside ourselves, it is for God; whether we be sober, it is for you" (2 Cor. 5). For they fulfill the function of breasts when they temper their words according to what the weak can hear; they are compared to clusters when, being elevated in mind, they are inebriated by the abundance of the house of God and of that house of God which is not made by hands but is eternal in the heavens. But since all the saints, whatever good they possess, have received it by the liberality of divine grace, it is rightly added:
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Song of Solomon 7:7 is a vibrant and intimate expression of the Beloved's profound admiration for the Shulamite, celebrating her physical beauty and graceful presence within the context of their exclusive marital relationship. The verse employs rich natural imagery, comparing her elegant stature to a stately palm tree and her breasts to luscious clusters of grapes, thereby conveying a sense of dignified beauty, abundant ripeness, and delightful appeal. It stands as a powerful testament to the goodness and joy of physical intimacy, mutual appreciation, and unashamed delight within the covenant of marriage, reflecting God's original design for human love and companionship.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within a passionate and detailed soliloquy (Song of Solomon 7:1-9) where the Beloved, likely the King or Shepherd, expresses his profound and escalating admiration for the Shulamite woman. The preceding verses (Song of Solomon 7:1-6) meticulously describe her beauty from her feet upwards, detailing her graceful movements, her navel, her waist, and her neck, building a crescendo of appreciation. Verse 7:7 then focuses on her overall majestic stature and specific intimate details, culminating the description of her physical form with imagery that speaks to both dignity and delightful abundance. This section is part of a larger literary unit (Song of Solomon 6:13-8:4) that vividly portrays the consummation of their love and the deepening of their marital bond, emphasizing mutual delight, desire, and belonging. The Song of Solomon itself is a masterfully crafted poetic dialogue, celebrating the multifaceted dimensions of romantic and physical love between a man and a woman within the sanctity of marriage.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel and the broader Near East held specific ideals of beauty, often drawing comparisons to natural elements that symbolized strength, fruitfulness, and grace. Palm trees (tâmâr) were highly valued for their uprightness, impressive height, and the sweet, nourishing dates they produced, making them a fitting metaphor for dignified beauty, prosperity, and even victory. Grapes ('eshkôl) were a staple crop, deeply intertwined with celebrations, joy, abundance, and fertility. The imagery of "clusters" would have immediately evoked a sense of lusciousness, ripeness, and delightful abundance, signifying a rich harvest. The cultural setting allowed for open, though not explicit, expressions of physical admiration within the bounds of marriage, viewing such intimacy and the physical body as a divine blessing and a source of joy. The Song reflects a pastoral and agricultural society where these natural comparisons would have resonated deeply with the audience's daily experience and understanding of beauty, provision, and the blessings of creation.
Key Themes
Song of Solomon 7:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book, enriching its theological depth. Primarily, it powerfully underscores the Celebration of Marital Love and Intimacy, portraying a healthy, unashamed, and God-honoring appreciation for a spouse's physical attributes. This verse highlights the theme of Beauty and Admiration, emphasizing that physical beauty is a gift to be cherished and admired within the secure and exclusive bounds of marriage, as seen in the Beloved's effusive praise for the Shulamite. The vivid imagery of the "palm tree" and "clusters of grapes" also introduces profound themes of Grace, Dignity, and Fruitfulness, suggesting not only physical attractiveness but also an inherent elegance, uprightness, and the potential for abundance and delight, echoing the divine blessing of a fruitful union established in Genesis 1:28. Furthermore, the intimate nature of the description reinforces the theme of Mutual Desire and Belonging, which is central to the entire Song of Solomon, where both partners express their longing, satisfaction, and complete delight in each other, affirming the holistic union of marriage.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to rise" or "to stand erect," this noun refers to height or erectness. In this context, it emphasizes the Shulamite's graceful, tall, and upright bearing, likening her to the majestic and dignified appearance of a palm tree. It speaks to her overall physical presence, elegant form, and noble bearing.
A primitive root verb meaning "to compare" or "to resemble." This word explicitly establishes the simile, drawing a direct comparison between the Shulamite's physical attributes and the natural imagery of the palm tree and grape clusters. It highlights the perceived similarities in beauty, grace, and abundance, making the abstract concept of her beauty concrete and vivid.
From an unused root meaning "to be erect," this noun refers specifically to the date palm. Palm trees were renowned for their straight, tall trunks, their evergreen fronds, and their sweet, nourishing fruit. Symbolically, they represented elegance, uprightness, victory, and prosperity, conveying a sense of noble, striking, and enduring beauty.
This noun, likely from a root meaning "to bulge," refers to the breast of a woman or animal. In this context, it specifically denotes the Shulamite's breasts, describing them as full and prominent. The subsequent comparison to "clusters" further enhances this imagery, implying a delightful and inviting fullness.
This term, probably prolonged from a root meaning "a bunch," denotes a bunch of grapes or other fruit. Here, it specifically refers to the full, ripe clusters of grapes. The imagery evokes a powerful sense of abundance, lusciousness, and delightful ripeness, suggesting a rich, inviting, and satisfying fullness that is both aesthetically pleasing and indicative of fruitfulness.
Verse Breakdown
"This thy stature is like to a palm tree"
The Beloved begins his admiration by focusing on the Shulamite's overall physical presence and height. The comparison to a "palm tree" is highly significant, emphasizing her elegant, upright, and stately bearing. Palm trees are tall, slender, and graceful, often associated with dignity, nobility, and majestic beauty in ancient Near Eastern culture. This simile conveys a sense of her commanding yet graceful presence, suggesting a woman of striking and dignified appearance. It speaks to her poise and the overall impression she makes.
"and thy breasts to clusters [of grapes]"
Following the general admiration of her stature, the Beloved shifts his focus to a more intimate and specific detail: her breasts. The comparison to "clusters of grapes" is profoundly evocative, suggesting ripeness, abundance, fullness, and lusciousness. Grapes were a potent symbol of joy, fertility, and the bounty of the land, and their clusters imply a rich, inviting, and delightful form. This imagery conveys both aesthetic pleasure and the natural beauty associated with fruitfulness, life, and the promise of delight, emphasizing their inviting and abundant character.
Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 7:7 is exceptionally rich in Simile, which is the primary literary device employed. The verse directly compares the Shulamite's "stature" to a "palm tree" and her "breasts" to "clusters of grapes" using the explicit connector "like." This vivid imagery allows the reader to visualize her beauty through familiar, positive, and culturally resonant natural elements, making her physical attributes tangible and appealing. The use of Symbolism is also profound and multi-layered: the palm tree symbolizes grace, dignity, uprightness, elegance, and even flourishing or victory (as seen in Psalm 92:12), while clusters of grapes symbolize abundance, fertility, joy, lusciousness, and inviting ripeness. Together, these symbols create a powerful and comprehensive portrait of a woman who is not only physically attractive but also embodies qualities of noble elegance, rich abundance, and life-giving potential. Furthermore, the verse employs potent Sensory Language, appealing primarily to sight (the tall, straight palm tree; the full, round clusters of grapes) and implicitly to touch and taste (the ripeness, sweetness, and inviting nature associated with grapes), drawing the reader intimately into the Beloved's appreciative and desirous experience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Song of Solomon 7:7, through its unashamed and vibrant celebration of physical beauty and intimacy, profoundly affirms God's good design for human sexuality within the covenant of marriage. It underscores that physical attraction, desire, and the enjoyment of one another's bodies are not inherently sinful but are beautiful, sacred gifts from God, intended to be enjoyed and expressed within the secure, exclusive, and committed bounds of a husband-wife relationship. The detailed and effusive praise of the Shulamite's body reflects a biblical worldview where the physical self is not denigrated or viewed as inherently corrupt, but rather celebrated as an integral part of God's good creation. This verse, therefore, contributes to a holistic understanding of marriage as a divinely instituted union of spirit, soul, and body, designed for mutual delight, companionship, and fruitfulness, fostering deep intimacy and affirming the goodness of creation.
Reflection and Application
Song of Solomon 7:7 offers profound and timely insights for contemporary relationships, particularly within the sacred context of marriage. It serves as a powerful reminder that genuine, biblical love encompasses a holistic appreciation for the whole person, including their physical form, within a safe, committed, and exclusive relationship. In a world often plagued by unrealistic beauty standards, body shaming, and the rampant commodification of sexuality, this verse calls us back to a pure and unadulterated biblical perspective where physical intimacy is a sacred, beautiful, and joyful expression of love, designed by God for mutual delight and affirmation between spouses. It challenges husbands and wives to cultivate an atmosphere of open admiration and appreciation for one another, actively speaking words of affirmation, cherishing the unique beauty of their partner, and celebrating the physical dimension of their union as a gift. Such intentional expressions of love foster deeper intimacy, strengthen marital bonds, and reflect God's original, benevolent design for joyful companionship and flourishing within marriage.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the Song of Solomon only about physical love, or does it have deeper meaning?
While Song of Solomon 7:7, and indeed much of the book, vividly celebrates physical love and attraction within marriage, its meaning extends far beyond the purely physical. The book is an inspired testament to the beauty, purity, and passion of exclusive love between a husband and wife, reflecting God's design for human relationships. Theologically, it has long been interpreted allegorically by both Jewish and Christian traditions as a profound representation of the covenantal love between God and Israel, or between Christ and His Church. Thus, the physical intimacy described serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual intimacy, devotion, and delight that characterize these divine relationships. It teaches us about commitment, desire, mutual respect, and the profound joy found in complete belonging, whether in human marriage or in our relationship with God, the ultimate Bridegroom. The physical reflects and points to the spiritual.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Song of Solomon 7:7 directly celebrates the physical beauty of the Shulamite within her marital relationship, its underlying themes find a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the glorious relationship between Christ and His Church. The Church, consistently described in Scripture as the Bride of Christ, is presented as beautiful and deeply beloved by her Groom. Just as the Beloved admires the Shulamite's "stature" and "clusters," Christ cherishes His Church, not for her inherent perfection, but for the beauty He imparts to her through His redemptive, sanctifying work. Her "stature" can be seen in the spiritual maturity and uprightness she attains through union with Him, as she grows in grace and knowledge of God (Ephesians 4:13, where believers are called to attain the "stature of the fullness of Christ"). The "clusters" imagery, symbolizing fruitfulness and abundance, points powerfully to the spiritual fruit that the Church bears through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, a fruit that brings immense joy and glory to Christ (John 15:5, where Jesus says, "He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit"). Ultimately, this verse foreshadows the glorious reality of the Church, presented to Christ as a radiant bride, "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:27). The intense, cherishing love expressed in Song of Solomon 7:7 is but a shadow, a human reflection, of the perfect, self-sacrificial, and eternally devoted love that Christ has for His redeemed people, a love that makes His bride beautiful in His eyes and brings her to full spiritual maturity and fruitfulness.