King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 7:3 Mean?

Song of Solomon 7:3 in the King James Version says “Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.”

Song of Solomon 7:3 · KJV

Context

1

How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.

2

Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies. liquor: Heb. mixture

3

Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.

4

Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.

5

Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. Carmel: or, crimson held: Heb. bound

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins (שְׁנֵי שָׁדַיִךְ כִּשְׁנֵי עֳפָרִים תָּאֳמֵי צְבִיָּה)—this exact phrase repeats from 4:5, demonstrating how covenant love returns again and again to celebrate the beloved's beauty without growing tired or bored. The Hebrew opharim (עֳפָרִים, young roes/fawns) and to'omey tseviyah (תָּאֳמֵי צְבִיָּה, twins of a gazelle) emphasize gracefulness, symmetry, and natural beauty. Gazelles were celebrated for elegance and gentleness.

The repetition of this imagery from earlier in the Song teaches an important principle: covenant love doesn't need constant novelty to maintain passion. Rather, it finds fresh delight in contemplating the beloved's unchanging beauty. The bridegroom's continued celebration of what he's praised before models the biblical pattern of renewed appreciation. This counters the cultural lie that familiarity breeds contempt or boredom. In Christ's relationship with His Church, He continually delights in what He's created and redeemed (Zephaniah 3:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gazelles (Hebrew tsevi) were native to Israel and symbolized grace, beauty, and swiftness. They appear frequently in Scripture as emblems of loveliness (2 Samuel 1:19; Proverbs 5:19). The Song's repeated use of this imagery (4:5; 7:3) demonstrates that ancient love poetry valued familiar themes and recurring praise. Unlike modern culture's obsession with novelty, ancient literature often found beauty in repetition and variation on established themes. The emphasis on 'twins' highlights perfect symmetry and paired beauty. Church interpretation saw the two breasts as Old and New Testaments (both nourishing), or as love for God and neighbor (the two great commandments), or as contemplation and action in Christian life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you cultivate the kind of love that finds fresh delight in familiar beauty rather than constantly craving novelty?
  2. What does Christ's repeated celebration of His Church's beauty teach about His unchanging, faithful love?
  3. In what ways does biblical repetition of praise (like this verse) model healthy patterns for affirming your spouse or fellow believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כִּשְׁנֵ֥י1 of 6

“Thy two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שָׁדַ֛יִךְ2 of 6

“breasts”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

כִּשְׁנֵ֥י3 of 6

“Thy two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֳפָרִ֖ים4 of 6

“young”

H6082

a fawn (from the dusty color)

תָּאֳמֵ֥י5 of 6

“that are twins”

H8380

a twin (in plural only), literally or figuratively

צְבִיָּֽה׃6 of 6

“roes”

H6646

a female gazelle

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 7:3 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 7:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 4:5Song of Solomon 6:6

Test Your Knowledge

Song of Solomon 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterSong of Solomon Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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