Song of Solomon 4:4 Your neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.

◄ Song of Solomon 4:4 ►

New International Version
Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.

New Living Translation
Your neck is as beautiful as the tower of David, jeweled with the shields of a thousand heroes.

English Standard Version
Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.

Berean Standard Bible
Your neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.

King James Bible
Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

New King James Version
Your neck is like the tower of David, Built for an armory, On which hang a thousand bucklers, All shields of mighty men.

New American Standard Bible
“Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with layers of stones On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the warriors.

NASB 1995
“Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of stones On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the mighty men.

NASB 1977
“Your neck is like the tower of David Built with rows of stones, On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the mighty men.

Legacy Standard Bible
Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of stones On which are hung one thousand shields, All the small shields of the mighty men.

Amplified Bible
“Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of [glistening] stones, Whereon hang a thousand shields, All of them shields of warriors.

Christian Standard Bible
Your neck is like the tower of David, constructed in layers. A thousand shields are hung on it — all of them shields of warriors.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your neck is like the tower of David, constructed in layers. A thousand bucklers are hung on it— all of them shields of warriors.

American Standard Version
Thy neck is like the tower of David Builded for an armory, Whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, All the shields of the mighty men.

Contemporary English Version
Your neck is more graceful than the tower of David, decorated with thousands of warriors' shields.

English Revised Version
Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all the shields of the mighty men.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your neck is like David's beautifully-designed tower. A thousand round shields belonging to soldiers are hung on it.

Good News Translation
Your neck is like the tower of David, round and smooth, with a necklace like a thousand shields hung around it.

International Standard Version
Your neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones. A thousand shields are hung upon it, all the shields of the warriors.

Majority Standard Bible
Your neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.

NET Bible
Your neck is like the tower of David built with courses of stones; one thousand shields are hung on it--all shields of valiant warriors.

New Heart English Bible
Your neck is like David's tower built for an armory, whereon a thousand shields hang, all the shields of the mighty men.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thy neck is like the tower of David built for an armory, on which hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

World English Bible
Your neck is like David’s tower built for an armory, on which a thousand shields hang, all the shields of the mighty men.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
As the Tower of David [is] your neck, built for an armory, "" The chief of the shields are hung on it, "" All shields of the mighty.

Young's Literal Translation
As the tower of David is thy neck, built for an armoury, The chief of the shields are hung on it, All shields of the mighty.

Smith's Literal Translation
As the tower of David thy neck, built for the weapons; a thousand shields hung upon it, all shields of the powerful.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Thy neck, is as the tower of David, which is built with bulwarks: a thousand bucklers hang upon it, all the armour of valiant men.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Your neck is like the tower of David, which was built with ramparts: a thousand shields are hanging from it, all the armor of the strong.

New American Bible
Like a tower of David, your neck, built in courses, A thousand shields hanging upon it, all the armor of warriors.

New Revised Standard Version
Your neck is like the tower of David, built in courses; on it hang a thousand bucklers, all of them shields of warriors.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Your neck beneath your veil is like the tower of David, built for an armory, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all quivers of valiant men.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Your neck, in your stillness, is like the tower of David; your throat built with belts, one thousand shields hanging upon it, all quivers of mighty men

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Thy neck is like the tower of David Builded with turrets, Whereon there hang a thousand shields, All the armour of the mighty men.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thy neck is as the tower of David, that was built for an armoury: a thousand shields hang upon it, and all darts of mighty men.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Solomon Admires His Bride
…3Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon, and your mouth is lovely. Your brow behind your veil is like a slice of pomegranate. 4Your neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of stones; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. 5Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle grazing among the lilies.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Kings 7:15-22
He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. / He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, each capital five cubits high. / For the capitals on top of the pillars he made a network of lattice, with wreaths of chainwork, seven for each capital. ...

Ezekiel 27:11
Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty.

Psalm 48:12-13
March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, / consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation.

Isaiah 2:15
against every high tower, against every fortified wall,

2 Chronicles 26:9
Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and the angle in the wall, and he fortified them.

Nehemiah 3:1
At the Sheep Gate, Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated the wall.

2 Samuel 8:7
And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10:16-17
King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. / He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

Isaiah 60:18
No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

Jeremiah 31:21
“Set up the road markers, put up the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

Revelation 21:12
The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.

Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,

1 Timothy 3:15
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Peter 2:5
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Treasury of Scripture

Your neck is like the tower of David built for an armory, where on there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

neck

Song of Solomon 1:10
Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

Song of Solomon 7:4
Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.

2 Samuel 22:51
He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

an armoury

Nehemiah 3:19
And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

a thousand

2 Chronicles 9:15,16
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target…

2 Chronicles 12:9-11
So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made…

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Armory Armour Armoury Arms Arsenal Bucklers Builded Built Chief David David's Elegance Hang Hanging Hung Mighty Neck Round Rows Shields Stones Store-House Thereon Thousand Tower Warriors Whereon

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Armory Armour Armoury Arms Arsenal Bucklers Builded Built Chief David David's Elegance Hang Hanging Hung Mighty Neck Round Rows Shields Stones Store-House Thereon Thousand Tower Warriors Whereon

Song of Solomon 4

1. Christ sets forth the graces of the church
8. He shows forth his love to her
16. The church prays to be made fit for his presence

Berean Study Bible

Your neck
In the Hebrew context, the neck often symbolizes strength, dignity, and the connection between the head and the body. The neck's graceful and upright posture can be seen as a representation of the beloved's noble character and inner strength. In a spiritual sense, this can be interpreted as the believer's steadfastness and unwavering faith, holding the head (Christ) in alignment with the body (the Church).

is like the tower of David
The "tower of David" is a historical and architectural reference to a stronghold in Jerusalem, known for its fortification and grandeur. This comparison elevates the beloved's beauty and strength to something majestic and unassailable. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the Church's role as a bastion of faith and truth, standing firm against the challenges of the world.

built in rows of stones
The phrase "built in rows of stones" suggests meticulous craftsmanship and stability. Each stone is carefully placed, symbolizing the deliberate and thoughtful construction of one's character and faith. In a broader sense, it reflects the idea of believers being "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5), each contributing to the spiritual edifice of the Church.

on which hang a thousand shields
Shields are symbols of protection and defense. The imagery of "a thousand shields" hanging on the tower suggests a place of refuge and safety. Historically, shields were hung on walls as trophies or signs of readiness for battle. This can be seen as a representation of the Church's preparedness to defend the faith and the believer's reliance on God's protection.

all of them shields of warriors
The mention of "warriors" emphasizes valor and readiness for spiritual warfare. In the Christian life, believers are called to be warriors of faith, equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This phrase underscores the call to be vigilant and courageous in the face of spiritual battles, trusting in God's strength and provision.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) Tower of David.--This is not likely to be identified, when even the towers of Phasaelus and Hippicus, minutely described by Josephus, cannot be found. The structure at the north-west angle, known since the Crusades as the "Tower of David," is Herodian. No clue would be given by the words in the text, "builded for an armoury," even were it certain that this is their right rendering. The LXX. regard the Heb. thalpioth as a proper name. Rabbinical authority is in favour of "as a model for architects," but most modern commentators, though differing as to the etymology, agree in giving the sense of the English Version, which the context seems to require. (Comp. Ezekiel 27:11 : "They hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.") The shields and targets made by Solomon for the house in the forest of Lebanon may have suggested this addition to an image which is repeated in Song of Solomon 7:7, and, indeed, is too common to need remark. "Her snowy neck like a marble tower" (Spenser). "Her neck is like a stately tower" (Lodge).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all the shields of the mighty men. There is an evident change here in the character of the similitudes. The royal bridegroom does not forget to praise the majesty of his bride. The description now suits a royal queen. She is full of dignity and grace in her bearing. The tower referred to was no doubt that which was sometimes called "The tower of the flock" (Micah 4:4), that from which David surveyed the flock of his people (cf. Nehemiah 3:16, 25) - the government building erected on Mount Zion which served as a court of justice. The word talpiyoth is an ἅπαξ λεγόμενον: LXX. θαλπίωθ, as if a proper name. Hengstenberg would render it "built for hanging swords," supposing it composed of two words - tal, from a root "to hang," and piyoth, "swords." But the word piyoth does not mean "swords," but the "double edges" of the swords. Kimchi renders. "an erection of sharp-cornered stones." Gesenius takes it from two roots, "to perish" and "to go," that is, exitialibus armis, which is very doubtful. Ewald's explanation seems the best, "built for close troops, so that many hundreds or thousands find room therein," taking it from a root, connected with the Arabic, meaning, "to wrap together." Delitzsch, however, observes that both in Aramaic and Talmudic Hebrew words occur, like this, in the sense of "enclosure," i.e. joining together, one working into the other, so that it may be taken as meaning, "in ranks together." This view is supported by Doderlein, Meier, Aquila, Jerome, Vulgate (propugnacula), and Venetian (ἐπάλξεις). If this be accepted, it may mean "terraced," i.e. built in stories one above another. This would convey the appearance of the tall, straight neck better than any. Surrounded with ornaments, the neck would so appear. There is another suggestion, supported by Ginsburg and taken from Rashi and Rashbun, Jewish writers, that the word is a contraction for a noun meaning "instruction," and means "the model tower" - the tower built for an architect's model. It would be rendered, "built for the builder's model." The meaning "armoury" takes it as composed of two words, tael," a hill," and piyoth," swords." It was decorated with a thousand shields, which was a customary adornment of towers and castles (see Ezekiel 27:11). All the shields of heroes. We can scarcely doubt the reference in such words to the time of Solomon, and therefore to his authorship, as the allusion to heroes, or mighty men of valour, would be customary soon after the time of David.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Your neck
צַוָּארֵ֔ךְ (ṣaw·wā·rêḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 6677: The back of the neck

is like the tower
כְּמִגְדַּ֤ל (kə·miḡ·dal)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

of David,
דָּוִיד֙ (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

built
בָּנ֖וּי (bā·nui)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

with rows of stones;
לְתַלְפִּיּ֑וֹת (lə·ṯal·pî·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8530: Something tall, slenderness

on it
עָלָ֔יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

hang
תָּל֣וּי (tā·lui)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 8518: To suspend

a thousand
אֶ֤לֶף (’e·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

shields,
הַמָּגֵן֙ (ham·mā·ḡên)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4043: A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile

all
כֹּ֖ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

round shields
שִׁלְטֵ֥י (šil·ṭê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7982: Perhaps shield

of the warriors.
הַגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃ (hag·gib·bō·w·rîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant

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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 4:4 Your neck is like David's tower built (Song Songs SS So Can)