Song of Solomon 4:9
Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The combination of 'sister' and 'spouse' appears repeatedly in the Song (4:9, 10, 12; 5:1). While this may sound strange to modern ears, ancient Near Eastern love poetry commonly employed sibling language to express intimate companionship without incestuous implications. 'Sister' conveyed covenant kinship, trusted companionship, and equal partnership. Egyptian love poetry particularly used 'sister' and 'brother' for beloved and lover. The reference to 'chains of thy neck' denotes jewelry—necklaces were common adornments for brides in ancient Israel (Genesis 24:47; Isaiah 3:19). The bridegroom finds even simple ornaments overwhelmingly attractive when worn by his beloved. Early church tradition interpreted the dual title as Christ's relationship with the Church: she is His 'sister' (co-heir, companion, Hebrews 2:11) and His 'spouse' (bride, Ephesians 5:25-27). The Puritans emphasized that Christian marriage should combine affectionate companionship with passionate romance—friendship and eros together. Modern application affirms that thriving marriages balance intimate friendship with romantic passion, treating the spouse as both cherished companion and exclusive lover.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the combination of 'my sister, my spouse' inform your understanding of marriage as requiring both deep friendship and romantic passion?
- In what ways has Christ's heart been 'ravished' by His Church—how does God passionately love His people despite our unworthiness?
Analysis & Commentary
The bridegroom speaks to his bride: 'Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.' The verb 'ravished' (Hebrew 'libbabttini,' לִבַּבְתִּנִי) literally means 'you have made my heart beat' or 'you have stolen my heart'—expressing overwhelming emotional and affectional impact. The beloved's beauty and character have captured the bridegroom's heart completely. The dual terms 'my sister, my spouse' employ familial and marital language together. 'Sister' (achoti, אֲחֹתִי) suggests intimate companionship, shared life, and covenant kinship, while 'spouse' (kallah, כַּלָּה) denotes marital covenant and exclusive intimacy. Together they present marriage as both friendship and romance, companionship and passion. The phrase 'with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck' suggests that even a single glance or ornament overwhelms the bridegroom—the bride's slightest gesture or adornment powerfully affects him. This verse teaches that godly love involves passionate emotional engagement, that marriage encompasses both friendship ('sister') and intimacy ('spouse'), and that small expressions of love carry great power.