Song of Solomon 4:3 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 4:3 mean?

Song of Solomon 4:3 is a poetic description of a woman's beauty, comparing her lips to a thread of scarlet, her speech as lovely, and her temples behind her veil to a slice of pomegranate. The verse uses vivid, colorful imagery to express admiration and affection from the speaker to the beloved.

In this verse, the man is speaking to the woman, praising her physical features in a way that highlights both her attractiveness and the delicacy of her appearance. The comparisons to scarlet thread and pomegranate emphasize vibrant color and freshness, while the mention of her speech being "comely" points to the pleasing nature of her words and presence.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 4:3

• "lips" (שָׂפָה, safah): This word refers to the physical lips, which are described as delicate and colorful, emphasizing beauty and sensuality.
• "thread" (חוּט, chut): The comparison to a "thread" suggests something fine and slender, highlighting the daintiness and elegance of the woman's lips.
• "scarlet" (שָׁנִי, shani): This is a bright red color, often associated with richness and vibrancy, underlining the striking appearance of her lips.
• "temples" (רַקָּה, raqqah): This refers to the area of the face between the eyes and ears, often seen as a sign of health and youth, and here compared to a pomegranate for its color and freshness.
• "piece" (פֶּלַח, pelach): This word means a slice or segment, suggesting the rosy, lively look of the woman's temples as seen through her hair or veil.
• "pomegranate" (רִמּוֹן, rimmon): The pomegranate is a fruit with a rich red color and many seeds, symbolizing beauty, abundance, and perhaps even mystery.

Why Song of Solomon 4:3 matters

• This verse helps readers see the Song of Solomon as a celebration of physical beauty and romantic love, using everyday imagery from the ancient world to express deep affection.
• The detailed comparisons show how the speaker values not just outward appearance but also the beloved's speech and presence, suggesting a holistic appreciation.
• Understanding the original Hebrew words and their imagery reveals the artistry of the poetry and the cultural context, making the verse's praise more vivid and meaningful.