Song of Solomon 4:9
What does Song of Solomon 4:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 4:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 4:9 means
“Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my bride” speaks of being captivated—his inner self seized by her. Calling her “sister” is a term of endearment common in the ancient Near East, expressing intimate friendship and covenant closeness, not literal kinship. He is overcome by even a single glance and the simplest adornment (“one chain of thy neck”), showing that love values the person above extravagant display. Her attention and presence pierce him in the best way, awakening deep affection. The verse portrays love’s power to move the heart swiftly and completely, while honoring the woman with titles that combine tenderness with the dignity of marriage.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, mybride; Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, With one chain of thy neck.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, mybride; Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, With one chain of thy neck.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You have taken away my heart, my sister, my bride; you have taken away my heart, with one look you have taken it, with one chain of your neck!
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thou hast emboldened me, my sister-spouse, Emboldened me with one of thine eyes, With one chain of thy neck.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou hast wounded my heart, my sister, my spouse, thou hast wounded my heart with one of thy eyes, and with one hair of thy neck.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, [my] spouse; Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, With one chain of thy neck.
Context
This follows the invitation of verse 8 and explains why he longs for her to come: he is truly won by her. The language intensifies personal feeling, which will continue in verses 10–11 with praise of her love and fragrance. The sequence emphasizes not only her beauty but the bond formed—she is “my sister, my bride.” The chapter shifts from public imagery (mountains, towers) to the inner movements of the heart, preparing for the garden metaphor of exclusivity and fruitfulness that follows in verses 12–15.
v.8Come with me from Lebanon, mybride, With me from Lebanon: Look from the top of Amana, From the top of Senir and Hermon, From the lions’ dens, From the mountains of the leopards.
v.9This passage
v.10How fair is thy love, my sister, my bride! How much better is thy love than wine! And the fragrance of thine oils than all manner of spices!
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 7:5
Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And the hair of thy head like purple; The king is held captive in the tresses thereof.
- Hebrews 2:11
For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
- Psalms 45:9
Kings’ daughters are among thy honorable women: At thy right hand doth stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
- Song of Solomon 3:11
Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon, With the crown wherewith his mother hath crowned him In the day of his espousals, And in the day of the gladness of his heart.
- Proverbs 5:19
Asa loving hind and a pleasant doe, Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; And be thou ravished always with her love.
- Song of Solomon 4:10
How fair is thy love, my sister, my bride! How much better is thy love than wine! And the fragrance of thine oils than all manner of spices!
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