Song of Solomon 4:5 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 4:5 mean?

Song of Solomon 4:5 describes the beloved’s two breasts as being like two young twin gazelles feeding among the lilies. The verse uses gentle, poetic imagery to express admiration for the beloved’s beauty in a tender and respectful way.

In this verse, the man is speaking to his beloved woman, using a comparison familiar to the ancient audience. Gazelles were seen as graceful and delicate animals, and the mention of twins highlights symmetry and harmony. The setting “among the lilies” adds a sense of purity and peacefulness to the description, fitting the romantic and affectionate tone of the passage.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 4:5

• "Breasts" (שַׁדַּיִם, shaddayim): This word refers directly to the woman’s breasts, and its use here is intimate but not crude, fitting the poetic style of the book.
• "Young" (עֵפֶר, `epher) and "roes" (צְבִי, tsevi): These words together describe young gazelles, animals known for their beauty and gentleness, emphasizing both youthfulness and grace.
• "Twins" (תְּאוֹמִים, te'omim): This word highlights that the two are alike, suggesting symmetry and balance, which was considered attractive and ideal.
• "Feed" (רָעָה, ra`ah): The word for “feed” paints a picture of calmness and natural beauty, as the animals graze peacefully among flowers, reinforcing the gentle tone of the compliment.

Why Song of Solomon 4:5 matters

• The verse shows that the Song of Solomon uses romantic and physical imagery in a way that is both respectful and affectionate, countering the idea that the Bible avoids such topics.
• The focus on symmetry and natural beauty connects this verse to the wider theme of mutual admiration and delight between the lovers throughout the book.
• Understanding the cultural imagery of gazelles and lilies helps modern readers appreciate the depth and tenderness of the compliment, rather than seeing it as strange or inappropriate.