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
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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.