Song of Solomon 4:2
Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Sheep-washing was essential preparation for shearing—creating pristine white wool. The comparison to freshly washed sheep celebrated the bride's cleanliness and purity. In ancient culture where dental care was rudimentary, complete, even, white teeth were prized signs of health and beauty. The "bearing twins" metaphor emphasized perfect symmetry—upper and lower teeth matching perfectly. Early church interpretation saw the Church's "teeth" as her teaching function—sound doctrine that properly "chews" and distributes spiritual food to believers. Bernard of Clairvaux emphasized that Christ delights in every detail of His Church, even seemingly mundane aspects. The Puritans taught that marital love should involve comprehensive appreciation—noticing and celebrating the beloved's whole person, not just obvious attributes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge superficial attraction, calling you to notice and appreciate comprehensive, detailed beauty in your spouse or in Christ's Church?
- What "spiritual teeth"—capacity to receive and process truth—are you developing through studying Scripture and sound doctrine?
- In what ways does Christ's detailed knowledge and appreciation of His Church (even her "teeth") assure you of His intimate, comprehensive love?
Analysis & Commentary
Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing—the Hebrew tsinayikh (צִנַּיִךְ, your teeth) are compared to qatsubot (קְצוּבוֹת, shorn/matched) sheep emerging clean from washing. This celebrates uniformity, cleanliness, and wholeness. The imagery suggests white, even teeth—a sign of health and beauty in the ancient world where dental hygiene was challenging.
Whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them (kullam mat'imot ve'shakulah eyn bahem, כֻּלָּם מַתְאִימוֹת וְשַׁכֻּלָה אֵין בָּהֶם) extends the sheep metaphor: each tooth has its match (bear twins—perfect pairs), with no gaps (none barren). The beloved celebrates completeness and perfection. This verse teaches that godly love notices and appreciates even small details of the beloved's person. Allegorically, the Church's "teeth" represent her ability to receive and process divine truth—healthy doctrine produces spiritual nourishment (Hebrews 5:12-14).