Song of Solomon 7:3
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Gazelles (Hebrew tsevi) were native to Israel and symbolized grace, beauty, and swiftness. They appear frequently in Scripture as emblems of loveliness (2 Samuel 1:19; Proverbs 5:19). The Song's repeated use of this imagery (4:5; 7:3) demonstrates that ancient love poetry valued familiar themes and recurring praise. Unlike modern culture's obsession with novelty, ancient literature often found beauty in repetition and variation on established themes. The emphasis on 'twins' highlights perfect symmetry and paired beauty. Church interpretation saw the two breasts as Old and New Testaments (both nourishing), or as love for God and neighbor (the two great commandments), or as contemplation and action in Christian life.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate the kind of love that finds fresh delight in familiar beauty rather than constantly craving novelty?
- What does Christ's repeated celebration of His Church's beauty teach about His unchanging, faithful love?
- In what ways does biblical repetition of praise (like this verse) model healthy patterns for affirming your spouse or fellow believers?
Analysis & Commentary
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins (שְׁנֵי שָׁדַיִךְ כִּשְׁנֵי עֳפָרִים תָּאֳמֵי צְבִיָּה)—this exact phrase repeats from 4:5, demonstrating how covenant love returns again and again to celebrate the beloved's beauty without growing tired or bored. The Hebrew opharim (עֳפָרִים, young roes/fawns) and to'omey tseviyah (תָּאֳמֵי צְבִיָּה, twins of a gazelle) emphasize gracefulness, symmetry, and natural beauty. Gazelles were celebrated for elegance and gentleness.
The repetition of this imagery from earlier in the Song teaches an important principle: covenant love doesn't need constant novelty to maintain passion. Rather, it finds fresh delight in contemplating the beloved's unchanging beauty. The bridegroom's continued celebration of what he's praised before models the biblical pattern of renewed appreciation. This counters the cultural lie that familiarity breeds contempt or boredom. In Christ's relationship with His Church, He continually delights in what He's created and redeemed (Zephaniah 3:17).