King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 7:4 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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

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.

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

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Fishpools in Heshbon.**—Literally, *pools. *The Authorised Version follows the Vulg. *piscinœ, *for which there is no authority. For *Heshbon, *see Note on Numbers 21:26. The ruins still remain, with the same name *Hesban, *in the Wady of that name (*Robinson, *p. 278). “There are many cisterns among the ruins; and towards the south, a few yards from the base of the hill, is a large ancient reservoir, which calls to mind the passage in Song of Solomon 7:4” (Smith’s *Bib. Dict.*)*. *Captain Warren took a photograph of “the spring-head of the waters of Hesban,” published by the Palestine Exploration Fund. In regard to the image, comp.— “Adspicies oculos tremulo fulgore micantes Ut sol a liquida sœpe refulget aqua.” *Ovid. Art. Am., *ii. 722. Comp. also Keats:— “Those eyes, those passions, those supreme pearl springs. **The gate of Bath-rabbim.**—Doubtless the name of an actual gate, so called from the crowds of people streaming through it: *daughter of multitudes.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.