Song of Solomon 7:4
What does Song of Solomon 7:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 7:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 7:4 means
The woman’s neck is like a tower of ivory—stately, smooth, and strong, blending purity with dignity. Her eyes are as tranquil as the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim, suggesting depth and clarity that invite rest and trust. Her nose is like the tower of Lebanon facing Damascus, not a crude remark but a noble profile, watchful and refined, set like a sentinel on the face. The beloved sees in her features not only charm but character—serenity, honor, and poise—so that her outward beauty reflects inner steadiness and the capacity to look outward with wisdom and vigilance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thy neck is like the tower of ivory; Thine eyes as the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon Which looketh toward Damascus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath–rabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thy neck is like the tower of ivory; Thine eyes as the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon Which looketh toward Damascus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Your neck is as a tower of ivory; your eyes like the waters in Heshbon, by the doorway of Bath-rabbim; your nose is as the tower on Lebanon looking over Damascus:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thy neck as a tower of the ivory, Thine eyes pools in Heshbon, near the gate of Bath-Rabbim, Thy face as a tower of Lebanon looking to Damascus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thy neck as a tower of ivory. Thy eyes like the fishpools in Hesebon, which are in the gate of the daughter of the multitude. Thy nose is as the tower of Libanus, that looketh toward Damascus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; Thine eyes, [like] the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Thy nose like the tower of Lebanon, Which looketh toward Damascus;
Context
The description moves from tender imagery to regal and architectural metaphors—ivory, pools, towers—elevating the woman’s beauty to the realm of strength and serenity. The contrasts—ivory’s smoothness, water’s calm, a tower’s firmness—converge to portray attractive character as well as form. Next, the beloved will crown this ascent by speaking of her head and hair in royal colors (verse 5) and then voicing an exclamation of delight (verse 6). The progression highlights an integrated admiration: her beauty is both graceful and formidable.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 4:1
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; Thine eyes are as doves behind thy veil. Thy hair is as a flock of goats, That lie along the side of mount Gilead.
- 2 Chronicles 8:6
and Baalath, and all the store-cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots, and the cities for his horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
- Psalms 45:8
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad.
- Genesis 15:2
And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?
- Song of Solomon 1:10
Thy cheeks are comely with plaits of hair, Thy neck with strings of jewels.
- Song of Solomon 6:5
Turn away thine eyes from me, For they have overcome me. Thy hair is as a flock of goats, That lie along the side of Gilead.
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