Song of Solomon 6:6

Your teeth are like a flock of sheep coming up from the washing; each has its twin, and not one of them is lost.

Study Bible

Your teeth
In the poetic and symbolic language of the Song of Solomon, teeth represent beauty, strength, and purity. The Hebrew word for teeth, "shen," can also imply sharpness or the ability to cut, suggesting discernment and wisdom. In the context of a bride, it emphasizes her completeness and readiness, as teeth are essential for nourishment and sustenance. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's ability to discern truth and maintain spiritual health.

are like a flock of sheep
Sheep are often used in the Bible to symbolize purity, innocence, and the people of God. The comparison of teeth to a flock of sheep suggests uniformity, order, and cleanliness. In ancient Israel, sheep were a valuable asset, and their well-being was a sign of prosperity and blessing. This imagery conveys the idea of the bride's beauty being both natural and divinely blessed, reflecting the purity and order that God desires in His people.

coming up from the washing
The act of washing signifies cleansing and renewal. In the Hebrew context, washing was a ritual act that symbolized purification and preparation for worship. This phrase suggests that the bride's beauty is not only natural but also enhanced by a process of purification. Spiritually, it can be seen as a call for believers to undergo continual cleansing through repentance and the Word of God, emerging renewed and spotless.

each one bearing twins
This phrase highlights abundance and completeness. In the ancient world, twins were considered a double blessing, and the imagery of each tooth bearing twins suggests perfection and symmetry. It implies that nothing is lacking in the bride's beauty, reflecting the fullness and sufficiency found in a relationship with God. For believers, it is a reminder of the abundant life promised in Christ, where every need is met and every blessing is multiplied.

and not one has lost its young
This final phrase emphasizes preservation and wholeness. In a historical context, losing young sheep would be a sign of loss or misfortune. The assurance that not one is missing underscores the idea of divine protection and care. For the bride, it signifies her undiminished beauty and vitality. Spiritually, it reassures believers of God's faithfulness in preserving them, ensuring that nothing is lost in His care and that they remain whole and complete in Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse is the bridegroom, often interpreted as Solomon, who is expressing admiration for his bride.

2. The Bride
The bride is the recipient of the bridegroom's praise, symbolizing purity and beauty.

3. Sheep
The imagery of sheep is used to convey purity and order, as they are freshly washed and perfectly paired.

4. The Washing
This refers to the cleansing process, symbolizing purity and renewal.

5. Twins
The mention of twins emphasizes symmetry and completeness, suggesting perfection in creation.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Purity
The imagery of washed sheep highlights the importance of spiritual purity and renewal in our lives.

Value of Completeness
Just as the bride's teeth are perfectly paired, we should strive for completeness and integrity in our spiritual walk.

Appreciation of Beauty
The bridegroom's admiration for the bride teaches us to appreciate the beauty and gifts God has given us and others.

Spiritual Cleansing
The washing of the sheep symbolizes the cleansing power of God's forgiveness and grace in our lives.

Unity and Harmony
The perfect pairing of the teeth reflects the unity and harmony that should exist within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of washed sheep in Song of Solomon 6:6 relate to the concept of spiritual cleansing in your life?

2. In what ways can we strive for completeness and integrity in our daily walk with God, as symbolized by the perfect pairing of the bride's teeth?

3. How can we cultivate an appreciation for the beauty and gifts that God has given us and others, as demonstrated by the bridegroom's admiration for the bride?

4. What steps can we take to experience the spiritual cleansing and renewal that God offers, as symbolized by the washing of the sheep?

5. How can we promote unity and harmony within our church community, reflecting the perfect pairing and order described in Song of Solomon 6:6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 51:7
This verse speaks of being cleansed and washed whiter than snow, connecting to the imagery of washed sheep in Song of Solomon 6:6.

Ephesians 5:25-27
This passage discusses Christ's love for the church and His desire to present it as pure and spotless, paralleling the purity and beauty described in Song of Solomon.

1 Peter 3:3-4
This scripture emphasizes inner beauty and purity, which aligns with the symbolic meaning of the bride's beauty in Song of Solomon.