King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 4:5 Mean?

Song of Solomon 4:5 in the King James Version says “Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Song of Solomon 4:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. break: Heb. breathe

7

Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

Read Song of Solomon 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies (shney shadayikh kishnsey apharim te'omey tseviyah haro'im bashoshipim, שְׁנֵי שָׁדַיִךְ כִּשְׁנֵי עֲפָרִים תְּאוֹמֵי צְבִיָּה הָרוֹעִים בַּשּׁוֹשַׁנִּים)—this comparison to twin fawns celebrates symmetry, grace, and natural beauty. Young roes (apharim, עֲפָרִים, young deer) are gentle, beautiful, innocent creatures. "Twins" emphasizes perfect matching, while "feed among the lilies" creates imagery of beauty feeding on beauty—purity sustained by purity.

This verse unashamedly celebrates physical intimacy and erotic beauty within covenant marriage. The modest metaphor (fawns rather than explicit description) maintains propriety while affirming sexuality as God's good gift. The lilies represent purity—even erotic love within marriage remains holy and pure (Hebrews 13:4). Church tradition saw the bride's breasts as the Old and New Testaments, or faith and love—spiritual nourishment the Church provides to believers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern love poetry frequently employed animal imagery from the natural world. Deer were prized for grace, beauty, and gentle innocence—making them appropriate metaphors for intimate beauty. The Song consistently celebrates physical attraction and sexual intimacy within marriage, countering both ascetic denial and pornographic exploitation of sexuality. Early church interpretation struggled with this verse's physicality, often allegorizing it. Origen saw the breasts as Old and New Testaments nourishing believers; Bernard saw them as Christ's compassion and love. The Reformers recovered appreciation for the literal celebration of marital intimacy—Luther argued the Song celebrates God's gift of sexuality. The Puritans taught that marital sexual pleasure is God's good gift, not merely for procreation but for mutual delight and covenant bonding.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Scripture's celebration of physical intimacy within marriage challenge both prudish embarrassment and cultural pornographic obsession?
  2. What "spiritual nourishment" does the Church provide to believers—and are you regularly feeding on sound doctrine and Christian fellowship?
  3. In marriage, how can you cultivate the beauty and purity the lilies represent—keeping intimacy both passionate and holy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּשְׁנֵ֥י1 of 8

“Thy two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שָׁדַ֛יִךְ2 of 8

“breasts”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

כִּשְׁנֵ֥י3 of 8

“Thy two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֳפָרִ֖ים4 of 8

“young”

H6082

a fawn (from the dusty color)

תְּאוֹמֵ֣י5 of 8

“that are twins”

H8380

a twin (in plural only), literally or figuratively

צְבִיָּ֑ה6 of 8

“roes”

H6646

a female gazelle

הָרוֹעִ֖ים7 of 8

“which feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

בַּשּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים׃8 of 8

“among the lilies”

H7799

a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape)

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 4:5 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 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 6:3Song of Solomon 2:16Song of Solomon 7:3Song of Solomon 8:101 Peter 2:2Proverbs 5:19

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

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