King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 4:3 Mean?

Song of Solomon 4:3 in the King James Version says “Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within th...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Song of Solomon 4:3 · 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.

5

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

Read Song of Solomon 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet (kesiphteyka kechut hashani, כְּשִׂפְתֹתַיִךְ כְּחוּט הַשָּׁנִי)—the comparison to scarlet thread celebrates the lips' vibrant color and delicate beauty. Scarlet dye, derived from insects, was expensive and prized, symbolizing royalty and value. And thy speech is comely (umidbarekh naveh, וּמִדְבָּרֵיךְ נָאוֶה) affirms not just physical beauty but beautiful speech—eloquence, wisdom, gracious words. The beloved appreciates both appearance and character.

Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks (kefelach harimon rakateykh, כְּפֶלַח הָרִמּוֹן רַקָּתֵךְ)—the temples (or cheeks) show the blush of modesty or health, like the red interior of pomegranates. The phrase "within thy locks" again suggests modest beauty—partially veiled yet glimpsed. This verse celebrates comprehensive beauty: lips (physical), speech (character), and temples (modesty). Church fathers saw Christ valuing His Church's witness (lips), confession (speech), and humble devotion (veiled temples).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Scarlet thread appears throughout Scripture: in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1), marking Rahab's house (Joshua 2:18), and symbolizing sin's stain (Isaiah 1:18). Here it celebrates beauty rather than guilt—lips made beautiful, not stained. Pomegranates were symbols of fertility, abundance, and beauty in ancient Israel—decorating the temple (1 Kings 7:18) and the high priest's robe (Exodus 28:33-34). The comparison celebrates the bride's healthy, rosy complexion. Early church tradition saw the Church's "scarlet lips" as her confession of faith, particularly martyrs who confessed Christ unto blood. The pomegranate's many seeds symbolized the Church's fruitfulness in producing believers. The Puritans emphasized that godly speech beautifies a person beyond physical appearance—gracious words reflect inner holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your speech reflect beauty or ugliness—do your words build up or tear down, spread grace or gossip?
  2. What does it mean that Christ values your "comely speech"—your confession of faith and witness to His truth?
  3. How can you cultivate both the beauty of outward presentation and the greater beauty of gracious, wise speech?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כְּח֤וּט1 of 10

“are like a thread”

H2339

a string; by implication, a measuring tape

הַשָּׁנִי֙2 of 10

“of scarlet”

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

שִׂפְתוֹתַ֔יִךְ3 of 10

“Thy lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

וּמִדְבָּרֵ֖ךְ4 of 10

“and thy speech”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

נָאוֶ֑ה5 of 10

“is comely”

H5000

suitable, or beautiful

כְּפֶ֤לַח6 of 10

“are like a piece”

H6400

a slice

הָֽרִמּוֹן֙7 of 10

“of a pomegranate”

H7416

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

רַקָּתֵ֔ךְ8 of 10

“thy temples”

H7541

properly, thinness, i.e., the side of the head

מִבַּ֖עַד9 of 10

“within”

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

לְצַמָּתֵֽךְ׃10 of 10

“thy locks”

H6777

a veil

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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 6:7Joshua 2:18Song of Solomon 5:16Numbers 4:8Ezekiel 16:63Leviticus 14:49-52

Test Your Knowledge

Song of Solomon 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterSong of Solomon Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Song of Solomon 4 with CommentaryAll Song of Solomon ChaptersComplete Song of Solomon QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes