How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

SONG OF SOLOMON 4:10KJV
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Song of Solomon 4:10 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 4:10 mean?

Song of Solomon 4:10 describes the bridegroom admiring his bride, calling her love beautiful and more delightful than wine, and saying the fragrance of her perfumes surpasses all spices. The verse uses poetic language to express deep affection and the special value he places on her love and presence.

In this verse, the man (the bridegroom) is speaking to the woman (the bride), using terms of endearment like "my sister, my spouse" to show closeness and respect. The setting is a romantic exchange, where he praises not just her physical beauty but also the sweetness of her love and the pleasing scent of her oils, comparing them to the finest things known in their culture.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 4:10

  • "Fair" (יָפָה, yafah) means beautiful or lovely. The bridegroom is emphasizing the attractiveness and desirability of the bride's love, not just her appearance.
  • "Love" (דּוֹד, dod) here refers to affectionate, romantic love, highlighting the emotional and relational bond rather than just physical attraction.
  • "Sister" (אֲחוֹת, achot) and "spouse" (כַּלָּה, kallah) together show both intimacy and the formal bond of marriage, a way of expressing both friendship and covenant.
  • "Better" (טוֹב, tov) means good or better, stressing that her love is more pleasing than even the best wine, which was a symbol of joy and celebration.
  • "Ointments" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) and "spices" (בֶּשֶׂם, besem) refer to costly perfumes, showing that her presence and affection are more precious than luxury items.

Why Song of Solomon 4:10 matters

  • This verse shows that the value placed on love and relationship goes beyond material pleasures or outward beauty, highlighting the inner qualities of the beloved.
  • The use of both "sister" and "spouse" helps clarify the deep, multi-layered relationship between the couple, which is both affectionate and committed.
  • The poetic comparisons to wine and spices connect the verse to the wider theme of celebration and delight that runs through the Song of Solomon, emphasizing joy in love and marriage.