Song of Solomon 7:4
New International Version
Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon looking toward Damascus.

New Living Translation
Your neck is as beautiful as an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the sparkling pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is as fine as the tower of Lebanon overlooking Damascus.

English Standard Version
Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon, which looks toward Damascus.

Berean Standard Bible
Your neck is like a tower made of ivory; your eyes are like the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim; your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, facing toward Damascus.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Your neck is like an ivory tower, Your eyes like the pools in Heshbon By the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon Which looks toward Damascus.

New American Standard Bible
“Your neck is like a tower of ivory, Your eyes like the pools in Heshbon By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, Which looks toward Damascus.

NASB 1995
“Your neck is like a tower of ivory, Your eyes like the pools in Heshbon By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, Which faces toward Damascus.

NASB 1977
“Your neck is like a tower of ivory, Your eyes like the pools in Heshbon By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, Which faces toward Damascus.

Legacy Standard Bible
Your neck is like a tower of ivory, Your eyes like the pools in Heshbon By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, Which faces toward Damascus.

Amplified Bible
“Your neck is like a tower of ivory, Your eyes the [sparkling] pools of Heshbon By the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon Which looks toward Damascus.

Christian Standard Bible
Your neck is like a tower of ivory, your eyes like pools in Heshbon by Bath-rabbim’s gate. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon looking toward Damascus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your neck is like a tower of ivory, your eyes like pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon looking toward Damascus.

American Standard Version
Thy neck is like the tower of ivory; Thine eyes as the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon Which looketh toward Damascus.

Contemporary English Version
Your neck is like ivory, and your eyes sparkle like the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath-Rabbim. Your nose is beautiful like Mount Lebanon above the city of Damascus.

English Revised Version
Thy neck is like the tower of ivory; thine eyes as the pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim; thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are like pools in Heshbon, pools by the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like a Lebanese tower facing Damascus.

Good News Translation
Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes are like the pools in the city of Heshbon, near the gate of that great city. Your nose is as lovely as the tower of Lebanon that stands guard at Damascus.

International Standard Version
Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon, beside the gate of Beth-rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, which faces Damascus.

Majority Standard Bible
Your neck is like a tower made of ivory; your eyes are like the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim; your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, facing toward Damascus.

NET Bible
Your neck is like a tower made of ivory. Your eyes are the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon overlooking Damascus.

New Heart English Bible
Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bathrabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thy eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh towards Damascus.

World English Bible
Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bathrabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Your neck as a tower of the ivory, "" Your eyes pools in Heshbon, near the Gate of Bath-Rabbim, "" Your face as a tower of Lebanon looking to Damascus,

Young's Literal Translation
Thy neck as a tower of the ivory, Thine eyes pools in Heshbon, near the gate of Bath-Rabbim, Thy face as a tower of Lebanon looking to Damascus,

Smith's Literal Translation
Thy neck as a tower of ivory; thine eyes pools in Heshbon, by the gate of the daughter of many: thy nose as the tower of Lebanon viewing the face of Damascus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thy neck as a tower of ivory. Thy eyes like the fishpools in Hesebon, which are in the gate of the daughter of the multitude. Thy nose is as the tower of Libanus, that looketh toward Damascus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes like the fish ponds at Heshbon, which are at the entrance to the daughter of the multitude. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, which looks out toward Damascus.

New American Bible
Your neck like a tower of ivory; your eyes, pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose like the tower of Lebanon that looks toward Damascus.

New Revised Standard Version
Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon, overlooking Damascus.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Your neck is like a tower of ivory; your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of a princess; your nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes as the pools of Kheshbon at the gate of the palace of the great ones. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon that gazes at the face of Darmsuq
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; Thine eyes as the pools in Heshbon, By the gate of Bath-rabbim; Thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon Which looketh toward Damascus.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thy neck is as an ivory tower; thine eyes are as pools in Esebon, by the gates of the daughter of many: thy nose is as the tower of Libanus, looking toward Damascus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Admiration by the Bridegroom
3Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle. 4Your neck is like a tower made of ivory; your eyes are like the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim; your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, facing toward Damascus. 5Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, the hair of your head like purple threads; the king is captured in your tresses.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 16:14
Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD.

1 Kings 10:18-20
Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. / The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. / Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

Isaiah 60:13
The glory of Lebanon will come to you—its cypress, elm, and boxwood together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet.

1 Kings 7:22
And the tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. So the work of the pillars was completed.

1 Kings 7:41-42
the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars; the two sets of network covering both bowls of the capitals atop the pillars; / the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of network (two rows of pomegranates for each network covering both the bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars);

1 Kings 10:18
Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold.

Ezekiel 1:7
Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze.

Daniel 10:6
His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

Revelation 1:15
His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.

Revelation 2:18
To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.

Revelation 4:3
The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.

Revelation 21:11
shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.

Revelation 21:18
The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass.

Revelation 21:21
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.

1 Corinthians 3:12
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,


Treasury of Scripture

Your neck is as a tower of ivory; your eyes like the fish pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: your nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.

neck

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

Song of Solomon 4:4
Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

ivory

Song of Solomon 5:14
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.

1 Kings 10:18,22
Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold…

1 Kings 22:39
Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

thine eyes

Song of Solomon 4:1,9
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 6:5
Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead.

Ephesians 1:17,18
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: …

heshbon

Numbers 21:25
And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.

Isaiah 54:4
Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

thy nose

Philippians 1:9,10
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; …

Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

the tower

Song of Solomon 4:8
Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

Song of Solomon 5:15
His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

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Bath Damascus Doorway Eyes Face Faces Gate Heshbon Ivory Lebanon Neck Nose Overlooking Pools Towards Tower Waters
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Song of Solomon 7
1. a further description of the church's graces.
10. The church professes her faith and desire














Your neck is like a tower of ivory
The imagery of the "neck" as a "tower of ivory" suggests elegance, strength, and purity. In ancient times, towers were symbols of defense and stature, and ivory was a precious material, signifying wealth and beauty. The Hebrew word for "neck" (צַוָּאר, tsavvar) often symbolizes dignity and honor. This comparison elevates the beloved's grace and poise, suggesting a regal and unyielding beauty that stands tall and proud. The use of "ivory" (שֵׁן, shen) further emphasizes purity and rarity, indicating that the beloved's beauty is both unique and precious.

your eyes are like the pools of Heshbon
The "eyes" are often seen as windows to the soul, and here they are compared to "pools of Heshbon." Heshbon was a significant city in ancient Moab, known for its strategic location and abundant water sources. The "pools" (בְּרֵכָה, berekah) suggest depth, clarity, and tranquility. This metaphor implies that the beloved's eyes are deep and reflective, offering insight and peace. The historical context of Heshbon, a place of refreshment and sustenance, adds a layer of meaning, suggesting that the beloved's gaze is nurturing and life-giving.

by the gate of Bath-rabbim
The "gate of Bath-rabbim" refers to a specific location, possibly a well-known entrance in Heshbon. Gates in ancient cities were places of gathering, commerce, and decision-making. The mention of "Bath-rabbim" (בַּת רַבִּים) could imply a place of prominence and social interaction. This phrase suggests that the beloved's eyes, like the pools near this gate, are inviting and engaging, drawing people in with their allure and wisdom.

Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon
The "nose" is likened to the "tower of Lebanon," a structure that would have been both imposing and strategically important. Lebanon was renowned for its majestic cedars and strong fortifications. The Hebrew word for "nose" (אַף, aph) can also mean "face" or "anger," but here it likely emphasizes the centrality and prominence of the beloved's features. The "tower" (מִגְדָּל, migdal) suggests strength and dignity, indicating that the beloved's presence is commanding and noble.

facing toward Damascus
"Facing toward Damascus" situates the imagery geographically, as Damascus was a major city to the northeast of Israel, known for its beauty and significance. This phrase may imply that the beloved's beauty and strength are directed outward, toward a place of influence and renown. The direction "toward Damascus" (דַּמֶּשֶׂק, Dammeseq) could symbolize openness and readiness to engage with the world, suggesting that the beloved's allure is not only personal but also far-reaching and impactful.

(4) Fishpools in Heshbon.--Literally, pools. The Authorised Version follows the Vulg. piscin?, for which there is no authority. For Heshbon, see Note on Numbers 21:26. The ruins still remain, with the same name Hesban, in the Wady of that name (Robinson, p. 278). "There are many cisterns among the ruins; and towards the south, a few yards from the base of the hill, is a large ancient reservoir, which calls to mind the passage in Song of Solomon 7:4" (Smith's Bib. Dict.). Captain Warren took a photograph of "the spring-head of the waters of Hesban," published by the Palestine Exploration Fund. In regard to the image, comp.--

"Adspicies oculos tremulo fulgore micantes

Ut sol a liquida s?pe refulget aqua."

Ovid. Art. Am., ii. 722.

Comp. also Keats:--

"Those eyes, those passions, those supreme pearl springs.

The gate of Bath-rabbim.--Doubtless the name of an actual gate, so called from the crowds of people streaming through it: daughter of multitudes.

Verse 4. - Thy neck is like the tower of ivory; thine eyes are as the pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim; thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. This is plainly a partial repetition of the king's description. The ivory tower was perhaps a tower well known, covered with ivory tablets, slender in structure, dazzlingly white in appearance, imposing and captivating. No doubt in the lips of the court ladies it is intended that this echo of the royal bridegroom's praises shall be grateful to him. Heshbon is situated some five and a half hours east of the northern points of the Dead Sea, on an extensive, undulating, fruitful, high table-land, with a far-reaching prospect. "The comparison of the eyes to a pool means either their glistening like a water-mirror or their being lovely in appearance, for the Arabian knows no greater pleasure than to look upon clear, gently rippling water: cf. Ovid, 'De Arte Am.,' 2:722 -

"Adspicies oculos tremulo fulgore micantes,
Ut sol a liquida saepe refulget aqua"
The nose formed a straight line down from the forehead, conveying the impression of symmetry, and at the same time a dignity and majesty inspiring with awe like the tower of Lebanon. The reference is perhaps to a particular tower, and in the time of Solomon there were many noted specimens of architectural and artistic splendour. "A tower which looks in the direction of Damascus is to be thought of as standing on one of the eastern spurs of Hermon or on the top of Amana (Song of Solomon 4:8), whence the Amana (Barada) takes its rise, whether as a watchtower (2 Samuel 8:6) or only as a look out from which might be enjoyed the paradisaical prospect."

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

[made] of ivory;
הַשֵּׁ֑ן (haš·šên)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8127: A tooth, ivory, a cliff

your eyes
עֵינַ֜יִךְ (‘ê·na·yiḵ)
Noun - cdc | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

are like the pools
בְּרֵכ֣וֹת (bə·rê·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1295: A pool, pond

of Heshbon
בְּחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן (bə·ḥeš·bō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2809: Heshbon -- a place East of the Jordan

by
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the gate
שַׁ֙עַר֙ (ša·‘ar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

of Bath-rabbim;
רַבִּ֔ים (rab·bîm)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1337: Bath-rabbim -- 'daughter of multitudes', a name for Heshbon or its gate

your nose
אַפֵּךְ֙ (’ap·pêḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

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

of Lebanon
הַלְּבָנ֔וֹן (hal·lə·ḇā·nō·wn)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3844: Lebanon -- a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israel

facing toward
צוֹפֶ֖ה (ṣō·w·p̄eh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await

Damascus.
דַמָּֽשֶׂק׃ (ḏam·mā·śeq)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1834: Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)


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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 7:4 Your neck is like an ivory tower (Song Songs SS So Can)
Song of Solomon 7:3
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