Song of Solomon 4:3
Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Scarlet thread appears throughout Scripture: in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1), marking Rahab's house (Joshua 2:18), and symbolizing sin's stain (Isaiah 1:18). Here it celebrates beauty rather than guilt—lips made beautiful, not stained. Pomegranates were symbols of fertility, abundance, and beauty in ancient Israel—decorating the temple (1 Kings 7:18) and the high priest's robe (Exodus 28:33-34). The comparison celebrates the bride's healthy, rosy complexion. Early church tradition saw the Church's "scarlet lips" as her confession of faith, particularly martyrs who confessed Christ unto blood. The pomegranate's many seeds symbolized the Church's fruitfulness in producing believers. The Puritans emphasized that godly speech beautifies a person beyond physical appearance—gracious words reflect inner holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your speech reflect beauty or ugliness—do your words build up or tear down, spread grace or gossip?
- What does it mean that Christ values your "comely speech"—your confession of faith and witness to His truth?
- How can you cultivate both the beauty of outward presentation and the greater beauty of gracious, wise speech?
Analysis & Commentary
Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet (kesiphteyka kechut hashani, כְּשִׂפְתֹתַיִךְ כְּחוּט הַשָּׁנִי)—the comparison to scarlet thread celebrates the lips' vibrant color and delicate beauty. Scarlet dye, derived from insects, was expensive and prized, symbolizing royalty and value. And thy speech is comely (umidbarekh naveh, וּמִדְבָּרֵיךְ נָאוֶה) affirms not just physical beauty but beautiful speech—eloquence, wisdom, gracious words. The beloved appreciates both appearance and character.
Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks (kefelach harimon rakateykh, כְּפֶלַח הָרִמּוֹן רַקָּתֵךְ)—the temples (or cheeks) show the blush of modesty or health, like the red interior of pomegranates. The phrase "within thy locks" again suggests modest beauty—partially veiled yet glimpsed. This verse celebrates comprehensive beauty: lips (physical), speech (character), and temples (modesty). Church fathers saw Christ valuing His Church's witness (lips), confession (speech), and humble devotion (veiled temples).