Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

SONG OF SOLOMON 4:9KJV
Know the Bible

Song of Solomon 4:9 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 4:9 mean?

Song of Solomon 4:9 describes the bridegroom expressing how deeply he is moved and captivated by his beloved, calling her both his "sister" and his "spouse." He says that even a single glance from her or one ornament on her neck is enough to overwhelm his heart with love.

In this verse, the man is speaking to the woman he loves, using affectionate language common in ancient poetry. The terms "sister" and "spouse" show both closeness and commitment, while the mention of her eye and necklace highlights how even the smallest details about her have a powerful effect on him. This is part of a larger section where the bridegroom praises the beauty and charm of his beloved in vivid, poetic language.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 4:9

  • The word for "heart" (לֵבָב, levav) appears twice and refers to the deepest part of a person's feelings or inner self. The repetition emphasizes just how deeply the bridegroom is affected.
  • "Sister" (אֲחוֹת, achot) and "spouse" (כַּלָּה, kallah) together reflect both affection and the special bond of marriage, a poetic way to show intimacy and respect.
  • "One" (אֶחָד, echad) is used twice, stressing that even a single glance ("one of thine eyes") or a single ornament ("one chain of thy neck") is enough to have a profound impact.
  • "Eyes" (עַיִן, ayin) and "chain" (עֲנָק, anak) are concrete details, showing that the bridegroom is not just moved by her as a whole, but by each small part of her presence and beauty.

Why Song of Solomon 4:9 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the language of "sister" and "spouse" is not literal, but a poetic way to express deep affection and the closeness of the relationship.
  • The focus on small details—one eye, one chain—shows how love can be stirred by even the simplest things, highlighting the intensity of the bridegroom's feelings.
  • Song of Solomon 4:9 fits into a larger passage where the bridegroom describes his beloved in detail, helping readers see the depth of admiration and delight in their relationship.

Where else these words appear

“chain” Hebrew H6060 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 8:26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks.
  • Proverbs 1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

“heart” Hebrew H3823 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 13:6 So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.
  • 2 Samuel 13:8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
  • Job 11:12 For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.

“spouse” Hebrew H3618 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 11:31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
  • Ruth 2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
  • Isaiah 62:5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

“neck” Hebrew H6677 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:
  • Job 15:26 He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:
  • Jeremiah 27:11 But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.