King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 4:2 Mean?

Song of Solomon 4:2 in the King James Version says “Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, a...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Song of Solomon 4:2 · KJV

Context

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. that: or, that eat of, etc

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.

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.

4

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing—the Hebrew tsinayikh (צִנַּיִךְ, your teeth) are compared to qatsubot (קְצוּבוֹת, shorn/matched) sheep emerging clean from washing. This celebrates uniformity, cleanliness, and wholeness. The imagery suggests white, even teeth—a sign of health and beauty in the ancient world where dental hygiene was challenging.

Whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them (kullam mat'imot ve'shakulah eyn bahem, כֻּלָּם מַתְאִימוֹת וְשַׁכֻּלָה אֵין בָּהֶם) extends the sheep metaphor: each tooth has its match (bear twins—perfect pairs), with no gaps (none barren). The beloved celebrates completeness and perfection. This verse teaches that godly love notices and appreciates even small details of the beloved's person. Allegorically, the Church's "teeth" represent her ability to receive and process divine truth—healthy doctrine produces spiritual nourishment (Hebrews 5:12-14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sheep-washing was essential preparation for shearing—creating pristine white wool. The comparison to freshly washed sheep celebrated the bride's cleanliness and purity. In ancient culture where dental care was rudimentary, complete, even, white teeth were prized signs of health and beauty. The "bearing twins" metaphor emphasized perfect symmetry—upper and lower teeth matching perfectly. Early church interpretation saw the Church's "teeth" as her teaching function—sound doctrine that properly "chews" and distributes spiritual food to believers. Bernard of Clairvaux emphasized that Christ delights in every detail of His Church, even seemingly mundane aspects. The Puritans taught that marital love should involve comprehensive appreciation—noticing and celebrating the beloved's whole person, not just obvious attributes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge superficial attraction, calling you to notice and appreciate comprehensive, detailed beauty in your spouse or in Christ's Church?
  2. What "spiritual teeth"—capacity to receive and process truth—are you developing through studying Scripture and sound doctrine?
  3. In what ways does Christ's detailed knowledge and appreciation of His Church (even her "teeth") assure you of His intimate, comprehensive love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
שִׁנַּ֙יִךְ֙1 of 11

“Thy teeth”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

כְּעֵ֣דֶר2 of 11

“are like a flock”

H5739

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

הַקְּצוּב֔וֹת3 of 11

“of sheep that are even shorn”

H7094

to clip, or (generally) chop

שֶׁעָל֖וּ4 of 11

“which came up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִן5 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָרַחְצָ֑ה6 of 11

“from the washing”

H7367

a bathing place

שֶׁכֻּלָּם֙7 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַתְאִימ֔וֹת8 of 11

“whereof every one bear twins”

H8382

to be (causatively, make) twinned, i.e., (figuratively) duplicate or (architectural) jointed

וְשַׁכֻּלָ֖ה9 of 11

“and none is barren”

H7909

bereaved

אֵ֥ין10 of 11
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בָּהֶֽם׃11 of 11
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Song of Solomon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Song of Solomon 4:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Song of Solomon 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 6:62 Peter 1:5-8Deuteronomy 7:13-14Exodus 23:26Colossians 1:4-61 Thessalonians 2:13

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