Song of Solomon 4:1
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.
Song of Solomon 4:1 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in the Song of Solomon 4:1, is a beautiful expression of admiration and love. In this verse, the speaker is praising the beauty of their beloved, using poetic and symbolic language to convey their feelings. The phrase "Behold, thou art fair, my love" is a simple yet powerful declaration of love and appreciation. The imagery of "doves' eyes within thy locks" speaks to the purity and innocence of the beloved, comparing their eyes to the gentle and peaceful nature of doves. The comparison of the beloved's hair to a flock of goats from mount Gilead is meant to evoke images of strength, abundance, and beauty. Overall, this verse uses vivid and romantic imagery to convey the deep affection and admiration the speaker feels for their beloved.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse from the Song of Solomon is that it symbolically represents the beauty and purity of the beloved. The language used to describe the beloved as fair and having doves' eyes within her locks conveys a sense of innocence, gentleness, and grace. The comparison of her hair to a flock of goats from mount Gilead may seem unusual to modern readers, but it was actually a compliment in ancient times, as the goats from that region were known for their strength, vitality, and beauty.
From a word studies perspective, the use of the term "doves' eyes" is intriguing. In biblical times, doves were often symbols of peace, innocence, and purity. Therefore, describing the beloved as having doves' eyes within her locks could be seen as a way of highlighting her inner beauty and purity. Additionally, the mention of hair being like a flock of goats from mount Gilead may not be meant to be taken literally, but rather as a way of conveying the abundance and luxuriousness of her hair, which was considered a prized attribute in ancient cultures.
Song of Solomon 4:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; Thine eyes are [as] doves behind thy veil. Thy hair is as a flock of goats, That lie along the side of mount Gilead.
World English Bible
Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is as a flock of goats, that descend from Mount Gilead.
Douay-Rheims
How beautiful art thou, my love, how beautiful art thou! thy eyes are doves' eyes, besides what is hid within. Thy hair is as flocks of goats, which come up from mount Galaad.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Behold, thou art faire, my loue: behold, thou art faire: thine eyes are like the doues: among thy lockes thine heare is like the flocke of goates, which looke downe from the mountaine of Gilead.