Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.

SONG OF SOLOMON 4:1KJV
Know the Bible

Song of Solomon 4:1 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 4:1 mean?

Song of Solomon 4:1 is a poetic description where the man admires the beauty of his beloved, comparing her eyes to doves and her hair to a flock of goats seen from Mount Gilead. The verse uses vivid, nature-based imagery to express affection and wonder at her appearance.

In this verse, the speaker is the man (often called the bridegroom or lover), addressing the woman he loves. He repeats that she is "fair" (beautiful), emphasizing his genuine admiration. The comparisons—doves' eyes and hair like goats—draw on familiar scenes from ancient Israel, highlighting both gentleness and striking beauty.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 4:1

  • "Fair" (יָפָה, yafah) is used twice, stressing the woman's beauty in the eyes of the speaker. The repetition shows deep admiration and delight.
  • "Love" (רַעְיָה, ra‘yah) is a tender term for a beloved or companion, not just a generic word for love. This signals a close, affectionate relationship.
  • "Doves'" (יוֹנָה, yonah) and "eyes" (עַיִן, ‘ayin) together suggest a gentle, pure, and peaceful look, as doves were symbols of innocence and beauty.
  • "Hair" (שַּׂעָר, sa‘ar) and "flock" (עֵדֶר, ‘eder) of "goats" (עֵז, ‘ez) evoke the image of dark, flowing hair cascading down, much like a herd of goats moving down the slopes of Mount Gilead.

Why Song of Solomon 4:1 matters

  • The verse clears up that the comparisons, though unusual to modern ears, were high compliments in the ancient setting, using familiar and beautiful scenes from daily life.
  • The repeated use of "fair" and the specific word for "love" show the depth of affection and admiration, not just physical attraction but also emotional closeness.
  • This verse sets the tone for the following verses, where the man continues to celebrate the woman's unique beauty in a series of poetic images, helping readers understand the style and intent of the Song of Solomon.

Where else these words appear

“appear” Hebrew H1570 · used in 2 verses

  • Song of Solomon 6:5 Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.

“locks” Hebrew H6777 · used in 4 verses

  • Song of Solomon 4:3 Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.
  • Song of Solomon 6:7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.
  • Isaiah 47:2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

“love” Hebrew H7474 · used in 10 verses

  • Judges 11:37 And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.
  • Song of Solomon 2:2 As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
  • Song of Solomon 4:7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

“within” Hebrew H1157 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • Judges 3:22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
  • Psalms 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.