Song Of Solomon 6 6

Song Of Solomon 6:6 kjv

Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them.

Song Of Solomon 6:6 nkjv

Your teeth are like a flock of sheep Which have come up from the washing; Every one bears twins, And none is barren among them.

Song Of Solomon 6:6 niv

Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing. Each has its twin, not one of them is missing.

Song Of Solomon 6:6 esv

Your teeth are like a flock of ewes that have come up from the washing; all of them bear twins; not one among them has lost its young.

Song Of Solomon 6:6 nlt

Your teeth are as white as sheep
that are freshly washed.
Your smile is flawless,
each tooth matched with its twin.

Song Of Solomon 6 verses

Song Of Solomon 6 6 meaning

Song of Solomon 6:6 is part of the Lover's enthusiastic praise for the Shulamite's beauty, reiterating a description previously given in chapter 4. This verse specifically extols her teeth, likening them to a flock of newly washed ewes, which suggests radiant whiteness, perfect alignment, and a healthy, complete appearance. The imagery of "all of which bear twins" implies uniformity, perfect matching, robust health, and an abundant, complete set without any gaps. The phrase "and not one among them has lost her young" further emphasizes that her teeth are all present, perfectly formed, without blemish or loss, signifying her youthful vitality and flawless charm.

Song Of Solomon 6 6 Context

Song of Solomon 6:6 occurs in a scene where the Beloved (the Shulamite) has gone into a garden, prompting the Lover (the King) to lavish praise upon her, demonstrating his unwavering devotion and deep admiration. This specific verse is almost an exact repetition of the praise given for her teeth in 4:2. The repetition signifies not only the enduring nature of her beauty but also the constancy and depth of the Lover's affection. Within the immediate chapter, the Daughters of Jerusalem are impressed by the Shulamite, asking where her Lover has gone. When she responds, the Lover appears, speaking this praise as a reaffirmation of her unmatched beauty among all women, including queens and concubines. Historically, this poetry reflects ancient Near Eastern courtship and wedding songs, celebrating ideal physical attributes as a symbol of overall desirability, health, and fertility. The imagery, though unusual to modern ears, would have conveyed significant admiration for the beauty, strength, and perfection of the Shulamite’s teeth, essential for both eating and speaking, symbolizing health and vibrancy.

Song Of Solomon 6 6 Word analysis

• Your teeth: The Hebrew word šinnayik (שִׁנַּיִךְ), plural for "teeth" with the feminine singular possessive suffix, referring directly to the Beloved. In ancient cultures, good teeth symbolized health, vitality, youth, and the ability to consume food and speak clearly, all signs of desirability.
• are like: The Hebrew simply presents a direct comparison without a explicit "are like," implying the simile directly.
• a flock of ewes: ʻĒdher hāṣqânôt (עֵדֶר הָרְחֵלִים). ʻĒdher means "herd" or "flock," and reḥel refers specifically to a female sheep, or "ewe." Ewes are typically known for their white wool and gentle nature. This imagery emphasizes the whiteness, uniform appearance, and the gentle, harmonious beauty of her teeth.
• that have come up from the washing: še-ʻalû min-hā-rāḥṣâ (שֶׁעָלוּ מִן-הָרַחְצָה). This implies a thorough cleansing, resulting in pristine whiteness. In a pastoral context, washing animals cleans their wool, making them appear brilliant white. It also could allude to ritual purification or general cleanliness. This highlights the purity and brightness of her teeth.
• all of which bear twins: kulām maṯʼîmôt (כֻּלָּם מַתְאִימוֹת). The term maṯʼîmôt means "making suitable pairs" or "producing twins." This phrase indicates that her teeth are perfectly matched, evenly aligned, and complete without any gaps, creating a robust and symmetrical appearance. It suggests abundance, regularity, and an ideal formation.
• and not one among them has lost her young: wəʼēyn qišlâ bāhem (וְאֵין קִישׁוּשׁ בָּהֶם). The Hebrew qišlâ refers to barrenness or a miscarriage, thus implying that no ewe in the flock has failed to be fruitful or suffered a loss. Metaphorically, for her teeth, this signifies absolute completeness – not a single tooth is missing, decayed, or broken. It underscores their perfect condition and the beloved's unblemished vitality.

Song Of Solomon 6 6 Bonus section

The poetic technique of repetition (e.g., from 4:2 to 6:6) in ancient Hebrew literature often serves to emphasize a point, reinforce a theme, or signify steadfastness and unchangeableness. In this context, it underlines the King's consistent perception of her beauty, suggesting his love has not diminished or altered. The comparison to ewes from "the washing" implies a whiteness that is not just clean but brilliant, possibly reflecting an inner purity that manifests outwardly. The choice of "ewes" over rams suggests gentleness and tenderness alongside strength and completeness. This verse contributes to the overarching theme of perfect love and appreciation, where the beloved is seen without fault by her lover, much like how God views His Church, perfected in Christ.

Song Of Solomon 6 6 Commentary

Song of Solomon 6:6 is a potent commendation of the Shulamite’s pristine and flawless beauty, particularly her teeth. The near-verbatim repetition from 4:2 underscores the enduring nature of her charm and the consistency of the King's profound admiration. The imagery evokes a scene of unparalleled natural beauty and perfection: teeth so sparkling white and uniformly aligned that they resemble a flock of freshly washed ewes, full and perfect in every pair, with no blemish or defect. This speaks not merely to aesthetic appeal but also to her robust health, youth, and an overall sense of wholeness. In an age without advanced dental care, such perfect teeth were a rare and highly prized indicator of health and beauty, symbolizing a vibrant, desirable partner. It signifies a profound appreciation for completeness and an unmarred presentation, painting a picture of total loveliness from the Lover’s perspective.