King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 6:4 Mean?

Song of Solomon 6:4 in the King James Version says “Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners. — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.

Song of Solomon 6:4 · KJV


Context

2

My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

3

I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

4

Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.

5

Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead. overcome: or, puffed me up

6

Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bridegroom declares: Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem. Tirzah (תִּרְצָה) was an early northern capital of Israel (1 Kings 14:17), whose name means 'delight' or 'pleasantness.' Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַםִ) was the royal city, the place of God's temple and presence. Comparing the bride to these two capital cities emphasizes both her beauty and her significance—she's not merely attractive but majestic, important, chosen. The parallelism elevates her to the status of cities representing God's covenant people.

Terrible as an army with banners (אֲיֻמָּה כַּנִּדְגָּלוֹת)—'terrible' here means 'awe-inspiring' or 'formidable.' The beloved isn't merely delicate but powerful. Church tradition saw the Church as beautiful to Christ yet formidable to evil—adorned with grace while advancing in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). This verse balances beauty and strength, gentleness and power—the bride is both lovely and victorious.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tirzah served as Israel's northern capital before Omri built Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24). Its beauty was proverbial, hence its name meaning 'delight.' Jerusalem was the eternal capital, site of Solomon's temple, representing God's chosen dwelling place. Ancient armies with banners were impressive, organized, and formidable sights—banners identified tribes and military divisions, creating visual splendor and military might. The imagery combines aesthetic beauty with martial strength. Early church interpretation saw the Church as both the bride adorned for her husband and the army conquering through Christ. The Puritans emphasized that believers should be both gentle and strong—displaying Christ's beauty while standing firm against evil.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ see His Church as both beautiful and formidable—and how should this shape your self-understanding as a believer?
  2. In what ways are you called to combine the gentleness of beauty with the strength of 'an army with banners'?
  3. What 'banners' of faith do you carry that make you formidable against spiritual opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יָפָ֨ה1 of 8

Thou art beautiful

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

אַ֤תְּ2 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

רַעְיָתִי֙3 of 8

O my love

H7474

a female associate

כְּתִרְצָ֔ה4 of 8

as Tirzah

H8656

tirtsah, a place in palestine; also an israelitess

נָאוָ֖ה5 of 8

comely

H5000

suitable, or beautiful

כִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם6 of 8

as Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֲיֻמָּ֖ה7 of 8

terrible

H366

frightful

כַּנִּדְגָּלֽוֹת׃8 of 8

as an army with banners

H1713

to flaunt, i.e., raise a flag; figuratively, to be conspicuous


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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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