New International VersionYour neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.
New Living TranslationYour neck is as beautiful as the tower of David, jeweled with the shields of a thousand heroes.
English Standard VersionYour neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.
Berean Standard BibleYour neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.
King James BibleThy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.
New King James VersionYour neck is like the tower of David, Built for an armory, On which hang a thousand bucklers, All shields of mighty men.
New American Standard Bible“Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with layers of stones On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the warriors.
NASB 1995“Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of stones On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the mighty men.
NASB 1977“Your neck is like the tower of David Built with rows of stones, On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the mighty men.
Legacy Standard BibleYour neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of stones On which are hung one thousand shields, All the small shields of the mighty men.
Amplified Bible“Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of [glistening] stones, Whereon hang a thousand shields, All of them shields of warriors.
Christian Standard BibleYour neck is like the tower of David, constructed in layers. A thousand shields are hung on it — all of them shields of warriors.
Holman Christian Standard BibleYour neck is like the tower of David, constructed in layers. A thousand bucklers are hung on it— all of them shields of warriors.
American Standard VersionThy neck is like the tower of David Builded for an armory, Whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, All the shields of the mighty men.
Contemporary English VersionYour neck is more graceful than the tower of David, decorated with thousands of warriors' shields.
English Revised VersionThy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all the shields of the mighty men.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationYour neck is like David's beautifully-designed tower. A thousand round shields belonging to soldiers are hung on it.
Good News TranslationYour neck is like the tower of David, round and smooth, with a necklace like a thousand shields hung around it.
International Standard VersionYour neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones. A thousand shields are hung upon it, all the shields of the warriors.
NET BibleYour neck is like the tower of David built with courses of stones; one thousand shields are hung on it--all shields of valiant warriors.
New Heart English BibleYour neck is like David's tower built for an armory, whereon a thousand shields hang, all the shields of the mighty men.
Webster's Bible TranslationThy neck is like the tower of David built for an armory, on which hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYour neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.
World English BibleYour neck is like David’s tower built for an armory, on which a thousand shields hang, all the shields of the mighty men. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs the Tower of David [is] your neck, built for an armory, "" The chief of the shields are hung on it, "" All shields of the mighty.
Young's Literal Translation As the tower of David is thy neck, built for an armoury, The chief of the shields are hung on it, All shields of the mighty.
Smith's Literal TranslationAs the tower of David thy neck, built for the weapons; a thousand shields hung upon it, all shields of the powerful. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThy neck, is as the tower of David, which is built with bulwarks: a thousand bucklers hang upon it, all the armour of valiant men.
Catholic Public Domain Version
New American BibleLike a tower of David, your neck, built in courses, A thousand shields hanging upon it, all the armor of warriors.
New Revised Standard VersionYour neck is like the tower of David, built in courses; on it hang a thousand bucklers, all of them shields of warriors. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYour neck beneath your veil is like the tower of David, built for an armory, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all quivers of valiant men.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedYour neck, in your stillness, is like the tower of David; your throat built with belts, one thousand shields hanging upon it, all quivers of mighty men OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thy neck is like the tower of David Builded with turrets, Whereon there hang a thousand shields, All the armour of the mighty men.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThy neck is as the tower of David, that was built for an armoury: a thousand shields hang upon it, and all darts of mighty men.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Solomon Admires His Bride… 3Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon, and your mouth is lovely. Your brow behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate. 4Your neckis like the towerof David,builtwith rows of stones;on ithanga thousandshields,all of themshieldsof warriors.5Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle grazing among the lilies.…
Cross References 1 Kings 7:15-22He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. / He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, each capital five cubits high. / For the capitals on top of the pillars he made a network of lattice, with wreaths of chainwork, seven for each capital. ...
Ezekiel 27:11Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty.
Psalm 48:12-13March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, / consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation.
Isaiah 2:15against every high tower, against every fortified wall,
2 Chronicles 26:9Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and the angle in the wall, and he fortified them.
Nehemiah 3:1At the Sheep Gate, Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated the wall.
2 Samuel 8:7And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.
1 Kings 10:16-17King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. / He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
Isaiah 60:18No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.
Jeremiah 31:21“Set up the road markers, put up the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours.
Matthew 16:18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Revelation 21:12The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.
Ephesians 6:14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,
1 Timothy 3:15in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
1 Peter 2:5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Treasury of Scripture Your neck is like the tower of David built for an armory, where on there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. neck Song of Solomon 1:10 Thy cheeks are comely with rowsof jewels, thy neck with chainsof gold. Song of Solomon 7:4 Thy neckis as a tower of ivory; thine eyeslike the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy noseis as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. 2 Samuel 22:51He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore. an armoury Nehemiah 3:19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turningof the wall. a thousand 2 Chronicles 9:15,16 And king Solomon made two hundred targetsof beaten gold: six hundredshekels of beaten gold went to one target… 2 Chronicles 12:9-11 So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made… Jump to Previous ArmoryArmourArmouryArmsArsenalBucklersBuildedBuiltChiefDavidDavid'sEleganceHangHangingHungMightyNeckRoundRowsShieldsStonesStore-HouseThereonThousandTowerWarriorsWhereonJump to Next ArmoryArmourArmouryArmsArsenalBucklersBuildedBuiltChiefDavidDavid'sEleganceHangHangingHungMightyNeckRoundRowsShieldsStonesStore-HouseThereonThousandTowerWarriorsWhereonSong of Solomon 4 1.Christ sets forth the graces of the church8.He shows forth his love to her16.The church prays to be made fit for his presenceYour neck is like the tower of DavidThis phrase uses a simile to describe the beloved's neck, comparing it to the "tower of David." The Tower of David is a historical and architectural symbol of strength and dignity. In ancient Israel, towers were often used for defense and as watchtowers, signifying protection and vigilance. The comparison suggests grace, elegance, and strength. The Tower of David, possibly referring to a specific structure in Jerusalem, symbolizes the strength and majesty of King David's reign, which is often seen as a type of Christ's eternal kingship. The neck, in this context, represents the beloved's noble character and steadfastness. built with rows of stones
The construction "with rows of stones" implies meticulous craftsmanship and stability. In ancient times, buildings made with rows of stones were considered strong and enduring. This imagery suggests that the beloved's character is not only beautiful but also solid and well-founded. The use of stones can also symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people, as stones were often used to build altars and memorials in biblical history. This phrase may also allude to the spiritual building of the Church, with Christ as the cornerstone. on it hang a thousand shields
The imagery of "a thousand shields" hanging on the tower suggests a display of military might and readiness. Shields were essential for protection in battle, and a large number of them indicates a formidable defense. This could symbolize the beloved's ability to protect and defend her purity and virtue. In a broader spiritual sense, it may represent the protection God provides to His people, as seen inEphesians 6:16, where faith is described as a shield. all of them shields of warriors
The specification that these are "shields of warriors" emphasizes the strength and valor associated with the beloved. Warriors were respected for their courage and skill in battle, and their shields were symbols of their readiness to fight. This could be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual warfare that believers engage in, with the beloved representing the Church, adorned with the armor of God. The imagery reinforces the idea of spiritual preparedness and the honor of being part of God's army, as seen in passages like2 Timothy 2:3-4, where believers are called to endure hardship as good soldiers of Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of the Song of Solomon, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom and wealth. The book is a poetic dialogue celebrating love and marriage. 2. The BelovedThe woman in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as Solomon's bride or a representation of the ideal bride. She is the subject of Solomon's admiration and affection. 3. The Tower of DavidA metaphorical reference to a strong and majestic structure in Jerusalem, symbolizing strength, dignity, and honor. It is used to describe the beauty and grace of the beloved's neck. 4. DavidThe second king of Israel and father of Solomon. Known for his military prowess and establishing Jerusalem as the capital, his legacy is often associated with strength and leadership. 5. WarriorsThe shields mentioned are those of warriors, symbolizing protection, valor, and readiness for battle. This imagery conveys a sense of security and honor. Teaching Points Symbolism of Strength and DignityThe neck, compared to the tower of David, symbolizes strength and dignity. In relationships, we should strive to uphold these qualities, reflecting the honor and respect that God desires for us. Spiritual ReadinessJust as the shields of warriors signify readiness for battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared. This involves equipping ourselves with God's Word and prayer, much like the armor of God in Ephesians 6. The Beauty of HolinessThe beloved's beauty is not just physical but also symbolic of spiritual beauty. Our lives should reflect the beauty of holiness, characterized by purity, integrity, and devotion to God. Legacy of FaithThe reference to the tower of David reminds us of the legacy of faith and strength passed down through generations. We are encouraged to build our lives on a foundation of faith, leaving a legacy for those who follow. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 4
Is there archaeological evidence to support the mention of the “tower of David” and its “thousand shields” in Song of Solomon 4:4?
Song of Solomon 7:2 – Does describing a navel as a “rounded bowl” for wine suggest literal impossibility or exaggeration that conflicts with scientific reality?
How can the description of the bride's flawless perfection in Song of Solomon 4:7 align with human reality, given our understanding of human imperfection?
If historically attributed to King Solomon, how does Song of Solomon 4 mesh with the accounts of his many wives and concubines in other biblical texts (e.g., 1 Kings 11:3)?(4) Tower of David.--This is not likely to be identified, when even the towers of Phasaelus and Hippicus, minutely described by Josephus, cannot be found. The structure at the north-west angle, known since the Crusades as the "Tower of David," is Herodian. No clue would be given by the words in the text, "builded for an armoury," even were it certain that this is their right rendering. The LXX. regard the Heb. thalpiothas a proper name. Rabbinical authority is in favour of "as a model for architects," but most modern commentators, though differing as to the etymology, agree in giving the sense of the English Version, which the context seems to require. (Comp. Ezekiel 27:11 : "They hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.") The shields and targets made by Solomon for the house in the forest of Lebanon may have suggested this addition to an image which is repeated in Song of Solomon 7:7, and, indeed, is too common to need remark. "Her snowy neck like a marble tower" (Spenser). "Her neck is like a stately tower" (Lodge). Verse 4. - Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all the shields of the mighty men. There is an evident change here in the character of the similitudes. The royal bridegroom does not forget to praise the majesty of his bride. The description now suits a royal queen. She is full of dignity and grace in her bearing. The tower referred to was no doubt that which was sometimes called "The tower of the flock" ( Micah 4:4), that from which David surveyed the flock of his people (cf. Nehemiah 3:16, 25) - the government building erected on Mount Zion which served as a court of justice. The word talpiyoth is an ἅπαξ λεγόμενον: LXX. θαλπίωθ, as if a proper name. Hengstenberg would render it "built for hanging swords," supposing it composed of two words - tal, from a root "to hang," and piyoth, "swords." But the word piyoth does not mean "swords," but the "double edges" of the swords. Kimchi renders. "an erection of sharp-cornered stones." Gesenius takes it from two roots, "to perish" and "to go," that is, exitialibus armis, which is very doubtful. Ewald's explanation seems the best, "built for close troops, so that many hundreds or thousands find room therein," taking it from a root, connected with the Arabic, meaning, "to wrap together." Delitzsch, however, observes that both in Aramaic and Talmudic Hebrew words occur, like this, in the sense of "enclosure," i.e. joining together, one working into the other, so that it may be taken as meaning, "in ranks together." This view is supported by Doderlein, Meier, Aquila, Jerome, Vulgate ( propugnacula), and Venetian ( ἐπάλξεις). If this be accepted, it may mean "terraced," i.e. built in stories one above another. This would convey the appearance of the tall, straight neck better than any. Surrounded with ornaments, the neck would so appear. There is another suggestion, supported by Ginsburg and taken from Rashi and Rashbun, Jewish writers, that the word is a contraction for a noun meaning "instruction," and means "the model tower" - the tower built for an architect's model. It would be rendered, "built for the builder's model." The meaning "armoury" takes it as composed of two words, tael," a hill," and piyoth," swords." It was decorated with a thousand shields, which was a customary adornment of towers and castles (see Ezekiel 27:11). All theshields of heroes. We can scarcely doubt the reference in such words to the time of Solomon, and therefore to his authorship, as the allusion to heroes, or mighty men of valour, would be customary soon after the time of David.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Your neckצַוָּארֵ֔ךְ(ṣaw·wā·rêḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 6677:The back of the neckis like the towerכְּמִגְדַּ֤ל(kə·miḡ·dal)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026:A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowersof David,דָּוִיד֙(dā·wîḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessebuiltבָּנ֖וּי(bā·nui)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1129:To buildwith rows of stones;לְתַלְפִּיּ֑וֹת(lə·ṯal·pî·yō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8530:Something tall, slendernesson itעָלָ֔יו(‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthangתָּל֣וּי(tā·lui)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 8518:To suspenda thousandאֶ֤לֶף(’e·lep̄)Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 505:A thousandshields,הַמָּגֵן֙(ham·mā·ḡên)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4043:A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodileallכֹּ֖ל(kōl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyround shieldsשִׁלְטֵ֥י(šil·ṭê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7982:Perhaps shieldof the warriors.הַגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃(hag·gib·bō·w·rîm)Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrant
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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 4:4 Your neck is like David's tower built (Song Songs SS So Can) |
