King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 6:7 Mean?

Song of Solomon 6:7 in the King James Version says “As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.”

Song of Solomon 6:7 · KJV

Context

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.

7

As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.

8

There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

9

My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

Read Song of Solomon 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks (כְּפֶלַח הָרִמּוֹן רַקָּתֵךְ)—this exact phrase repeats from 4:3, demonstrating love's delight in recurring contemplation of the beloved's beauty. The pomegranate (רִמּוֹן, rimmon) was highly valued in Israel for beauty, flavor, and symbolic significance. Its deep red color represented vitality and life. The 'temples' (raqqah, רַקָּה) likely refers to the cheeks or the side of the face—the part that blushes, revealing inner emotion and modesty.

Pomegranates appeared on the high priest's robe (Exodus 28:33-34) and decorated Solomon's temple (1 Kings 7:18), connecting to worship and God's presence. The imagery celebrates both outward beauty (color, form) and inner character (the blush of modesty). Church interpretation saw the pomegranate's many seeds representing the Church's unity in diversity—many believers forming one body. The repetition teaches that genuine love never tires of contemplating the beloved's beauty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pomegranates grew abundantly in ancient Israel and symbolized fertility, abundance, and blessing. Their crown-like calyx made them royal imagery. The fruit's hundreds of seeds symbolized fruitfulness and prosperity. Pomegranates featured prominently in temple decoration and priestly garments, connecting beauty with holiness. In ancient Near Eastern love poetry, pomegranates represented sensuality and delight. The bride's temples (cheeks) are compared to a pomegranate's deep red interior—suggesting both physical beauty and the inner glow of virtue. Church fathers saw the pomegranate as Christ's righteousness covering believers, or as the many graces within the soul. Medieval interpretation connected the pomegranate's crown to the crown of life promised to faithful believers (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Christ finds delight in contemplating your beauty—the righteousness He's given you—again and again?
  2. How does the imagery of the pomegranate (beautiful outside, abundant within) apply to your spiritual life?
  3. Why is modesty (the 'blush' suggested by the temple/cheeks) an attractive quality in biblical perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
כְּפֶ֤לַח1 of 5

“As a piece”

H6400

a slice

הָרִמּוֹן֙2 of 5

“of a pomegranate”

H7416

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

רַקָּתֵ֔ךְ3 of 5

“are thy temples”

H7541

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

מִבַּ֖עַד4 of 5

“within”

H1157

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

לְצַמָּתֵֽךְ׃5 of 5

“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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 4:3

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