King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 7:4 Mean?

Song of Solomon 7:4 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Song of Solomon 7:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!

Read Song of Solomon 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy neck is as a tower of ivory (צַוָּארֵךְ כְּמִגְדַּל הַשֵּׁן)—the comparison emphasizes strength, elegance, and preciousness. Ivory was rare and valuable, imported from distant lands. A tower suggests dignity, uprightness, and steadfastness. The neck connects head to body, symbolizing the connection between thought and action, governance and execution. Thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim (עֵינַיִךְ בְּרֵכוֹת בְּחֶשְׁבּוֹן עַל־שַׁעַר בַּת־רַבִּים)—Heshbon was an ancient Moabite city with famous pools. The imagery suggests depth, clarity, and refreshing beauty. Eyes like pools are deep, reflective, life-giving.

Thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus (אַפֵּךְ כְּמִגְדַּל הַלְּבָנוֹן צוֹפֶה פְּנֵי דַמָּשֶׂק)—Lebanon's mountains were famous for height and majesty. A tower 'looking toward Damascus' suggests watchfulness and dignified prominence. Together, these images celebrate the bride's noble bearing, clarity of vision, and majestic dignity. Church fathers saw the neck as the Church's unity, the eyes as spiritual perception, the nose as discernment of truth from error.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Heshbon was conquered by Israel from the Amorites (Numbers 21:25-26) and allotted to Reuben and Gad. Its pools were famous landmarks. Bath-rabbim means 'daughter of multitudes,' possibly a gate name. Lebanon's cedar-covered mountains formed Israel's northern border, representing strength and beauty. Damascus was a major Syrian city northeast of Israel. The tower 'looking toward Damascus' may reference a literal watchtower or metaphorically celebrate the bride's dignified bearing. Ivory was imported from Africa and India, used for luxury items in Solomon's palace (1 Kings 10:18). Church tradition saw the 'tower of ivory' as Mary's purity (in Catholic tradition) or the Church's strength through persecution. The 'fishpools' represent the refreshment believers find in God's word and Spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of strength (towers) and beauty (ivory, pools) combined teach about Christian character?
  2. What does it mean to have 'eyes like fishpools'—deep, clear, reflective spiritual vision?
  3. In what ways should believers be 'watchtowers'—alert, vigilant, and discerning regarding spiritual threats?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
צַוָּארֵ֖ךְ1 of 16

“Thy neck”

H6677

the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)

כְּמִגְדַּ֣ל2 of 16

“is as a tower”

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

הַשֵּׁ֑ן3 of 16

“of ivory”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

עֵינַ֜יִךְ4 of 16

“thine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

בְּרֵכ֣וֹת5 of 16

“like the fishpools”

H1295

a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)

בְּחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן6 of 16

“in Heshbon”

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

עַל7 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שַׁ֙עַר֙8 of 16

“by the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

בַּת9 of 16
H0
רַבִּ֔ים10 of 16

“of Bathrabbim”

H1337

the daughter (i.e., city) of rabbah

אַפֵּךְ֙11 of 16

“thy nose”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

כְּמִגְדַּ֣ל12 of 16

“is as a tower”

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

הַלְּבָנ֔וֹן13 of 16

“of Lebanon”

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

צוֹפֶ֖ה14 of 16

“which looketh”

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

פְּנֵ֥י15 of 16

“toward”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

דַמָּֽשֶׂק׃16 of 16

“Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

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 7:4 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 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 4:4Song of Solomon 4:8-9Psalms 144:121 Kings 10:22Ephesians 1:17-181 Kings 22:39

Places in This Verse

Bath-rabbimGate · Modern: Tell Hesban · 31.80°N, 35.81°E1 verse across 1 book
DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
HeshbonSettlement · Modern: Tell Hesban · 31.80°N, 35.81°E37 verses across 9 books
LebanonRegion · Modern: Jezzine · 33.54°N, 35.58°E57 verses across 16 books
View all places in Song of Solomon 7 →

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