Your breasts are like two fawnsThis phrase uses pastoral imagery to convey beauty and tenderness. In ancient Near Eastern culture, fawns symbolize gentleness and innocence. The comparison to fawns suggests a sense of purity and delicate beauty. The imagery of fawns also evokes a sense of natural beauty and grace, which is a recurring theme in the Song of Solomon. This metaphor highlights the admiration and affection the speaker has for the beloved, emphasizing the gentle and nurturing aspects of love. The use of animal imagery is common in biblical poetry, often symbolizing various attributes of character or beauty.
twins of a gazelle
The mention of "twins" suggests symmetry and harmony, indicating a perfect match or balance. Gazelles were known for their swiftness and elegance, and in biblical times, they were often associated with beauty and grace. The reference to twins may also imply a sense of completeness and unity, reflecting the intimate and harmonious relationship between the lovers. In a broader biblical context, twins can symbolize duality and partnership, as seen in the stories of Jacob and Esau or Perez and Zerah. The gazelle, being a clean animal according to Levitical law, also carries connotations of purity.
grazing among the lilies
Lilies are often used in Scripture to symbolize purity, beauty, and renewal. In the Song of Solomon, lilies are a recurring motif representing the beauty and purity of love. The image of grazing suggests a peaceful and contented state, indicating a serene and fulfilling relationship. This pastoral setting evokes the idyllic and Edenic imagery found in other parts of the Bible, such as the Garden of Eden in Genesis. The mention of lilies also connects to other biblical passages where flowers symbolize the transient nature of life and the enduring beauty of God's creation, as seen inMatthew 6:28-29. The peaceful scene of grazing among lilies underscores the tranquility and joy found in the beloved's presence.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The BelovedThe speaker in this verse is Solomon, who is expressing his admiration and love for his bride, often referred to as the Shulammite.
2.
The ShulammiteThe bride and the object of Solomon's affection, representing purity, beauty, and love.
3.
Fawns and GazelleSymbolic animals in ancient Near Eastern poetry, representing beauty, grace, and gentleness.
4.
LiliesOften used in biblical poetry to symbolize purity, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life.
5.
Solomon's CourtThe setting of the Song of Solomon, reflecting the opulence and cultural richness of Solomon's reign.
Teaching Points
The Beauty of Marital LoveThis verse celebrates the physical and emotional beauty found within the covenant of marriage. It encourages couples to appreciate and express admiration for one another.
Symbolism and PurityThe use of fawns and lilies symbolizes purity and innocence. In relationships, maintaining purity and innocence in intentions and actions is vital.
God's Design for IntimacyThe Song of Solomon highlights God's design for intimacy within marriage, encouraging couples to nurture and cherish their relationship.
The Importance of AffirmationSolomon's words remind us of the power of affirmation and verbal expression of love in strengthening marital bonds.
Cultural Context and InterpretationUnderstanding the cultural and poetic context of the Song of Solomon helps us appreciate the depth and richness of its expressions of love.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Song of Solomon 4:5?
2.How does Song of Solomon 4:5 reflect God's design for marital intimacy?
3.What does the imagery in Song of Solomon 4:5 reveal about love's beauty?
4.How can Song of Solomon 4:5 inspire purity in romantic relationships today?
5.Compare Song of Solomon 4:5 with Genesis 2:24 on marital unity.
6.How can married couples apply Song of Solomon 4:5 to strengthen their bond?
7.What is the significance of the imagery in Song of Solomon 4:5 for understanding biblical love?
8.How does Song of Solomon 4:5 reflect the cultural context of ancient Israel?
9.Why is the metaphor in Song of Solomon 4:5 important for interpreting the book's overall message?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Song of Solomon 4?
11.Why does this chapter focus on sensual imagery (Song of Solomon 4:5–7) when other biblical texts seem to emphasize modesty or spiritual themes?
12.Are there any archaeological or historical records indicating cultural practices similar to the depictions in Song of Solomon 5, or is it purely literary imagery?
13.Song of Solomon 7:3 - How does comparing breasts to young deer align with or contradict other biblical teachings on modesty and propriety?
14.How do we reconcile the poetic exaggerations in Song of Solomon 4:1-3 with any literal or historical interpretations of the text?What Does Song of Solomon 4:5 Mean
Your breasts- The husband admires his bride’s body openly and without shame, celebrating God-given beauty inside the covenant of marriage (Genesis 2:25).
- Physical attraction is not sinful; it is a gift meant to draw husband and wife together, echoingProverbs 5:18-19: “May her breasts satisfy you at all times; may you be captivated always by her love.”
- The focus on the breasts also hints at nurture and life-giving comfort, themes later echoed when Israel is comforted “as a mother comforts her child” (Isaiah 66:13).
are like two fawns- Young deer are gentle, skittish, and easily startled. The comparison calls the husband to approach his wife with tenderness and patience—never harshly.
- It highlights freshness and youthful vitality, paralleling the joy of new love described in Songs 2:3-4.
- AsPsalm 42:1 pictures a deer longing for water, so the husband longs for intimacy, yet he must move slowly and respectfully.
twins of a gazelle- “Twins” underscores symmetry, balance, and completeness—God’s design is harmonious and aesthetically pleasing (Psalm 139:14).
- Gazelles are graceful and swift; their twins move in perfect harmony. Likewise, marital intimacy is meant to be mutually satisfying and synchronized (1 Corinthians 7:3-4).
- The same phrase reappears in Songs 7:3, showing this appreciation is continuous, not momentary.
grazing among the lilies- Lilies imply purity, fragrance, and restful beauty (Songs 2:2). Their presence frames the scene in innocence and holiness.
- “Grazing” suggests unhurried enjoyment within safe pastures, echoing Songs 2:16: “My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.”
- Jesus later invites trust using the same flower—“Consider the lilies” (Matthew 6:28)—linking peace and provision with God’s care, even in romantic love.
summarySong of Solomon 4:5 pictures the bride’s breasts as gentle twin fawns peacefully feeding among lilies. The verse applauds the physical beauty of marital love, calling husbands to approach their wives with tenderness, honor, and delight, while affirming that such intimacy is pure, balanced, and rooted in God’s gracious provision.
Verse 5. -
Thy two breasts are like two fawns that are twins of a roe, which feed among the lilies. This is a beautiful and yet perfectly delicate figure, describing the lovely equality and perfect shape and sweet freshness of the maiden's bosom. The meadow covered with lilies suggests beauty and fragrance. Thus the loveliness of the bride is set forth in seven comparisons, her perfections being sevenfold. "A twin pair of the young of the gazelle, lying in a bed covered with lilies, representing the fragrant delicacy and elegance of a chaste virgin besom, veiled by the folds of a dress redolent of sweet odour" (cf.
Song of Solomon 1:13). The bridegroom, having thus delighted himself in praise of his bride's loveliness, then proceeds to declare his desire for her sweet society, but he is interrupted by the bride.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Your breastsשָׁדַ֛יִךְ(šā·ḏa·yiḵ)Noun - mdc | second person feminine singular
Strong's 7699:The breast of a, woman, animalare like twoשְׁנֵ֥י(šə·nê)Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)fawns,עֳפָרִ֖ים(‘o·p̄ā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6082:A young hart, stagtwinsתְּאוֹמֵ֣י(tə·’ō·w·mê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8380:A twinof a gazelleצְבִיָּ֑ה(ṣə·ḇî·yāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6646:A female gazellegrazingהָרוֹעִ֖ים(hā·rō·w·‘îm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7462:To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate withamong the lilies.בַּשּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים׃(baš·šō·wō·šan·nîm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common plural
Strong's 7799:A lily, as a, flower of architectural ornament, a, trumpet
Links
Song of Solomon 4:5 NIVSong of Solomon 4:5 NLTSong of Solomon 4:5 ESVSong of Solomon 4:5 NASBSong of Solomon 4:5 KJV
Song of Solomon 4:5 BibleApps.comSong of Solomon 4:5 Biblia ParalelaSong of Solomon 4:5 Chinese BibleSong of Solomon 4:5 French BibleSong of Solomon 4:5 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 4:5 Your two breasts are like two fawns (Song Songs SS So Can) 
