Song of solomon 4:9 - You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride. You have ravished my heart with one of your eyes, with one chain of your neck.

Generated Verse: Song of solomon 4:9

What does "Song of solomon 4:9" mean?


This verse from Song of Solomon 4:9 is a highly evocative and poetic expression of love and infatuation. Let's break it down:

"You have ravished my heart..." This is the key phrase, and "ravished" here doesn't mean sexual assault, as it can sometimes be interpreted today. In older English (and particularly in the context of biblical poetry), "ravished" meant to captivate, enchant, or overwhelm with delight. The speaker is saying that his beloved has completely captured his heart and attention. It implies a powerful and sudden emotional impact.

"...my sister, my bride." The use of both "sister" and "bride" can be confusing to modern readers. In this context, it's not meant to be literal (though in some ancient cultures, marriage between cousins was practiced). Here's how to understand it:

"My sister": This conveys a sense of intimacy, familiarity, and closeness. It implies a deep connection that goes beyond mere physical attraction. It can also suggest a bond of friendship and shared history.
"My bride": This highlights the romantic and marital bond. It emphasizes the commitment, love, and anticipation of their union.

Using both terms underscores the multifaceted nature of their relationship. She is both a close confidante and a beloved wife.

"You have ravished my heart with one of your eyes, with one chain of your neck." This part is intensely metaphorical and romantic. It emphasizes the power of her beauty and the speaker's complete enthrallment.

"With one of your eyes": The focus on just one eye suggests a captivating glance, a meaningful look that is so powerful it alone can steal his heart. It's not necessarily about the physical beauty of the eye itself, but the emotion and connection conveyed through it. It's the depth of her gaze that captivates him.
"With one chain of your neck": This is an example of synecdoche, where a part represents the whole. The chain is not the primary object of attraction; it's a symbol. It could represent:

Her beauty enhanced: The chain highlights her beauty, acting as a frame for her face and neck.
Her adornment: It speaks to the care and attention she puts into her appearance, which the speaker finds alluring.
Her status and value: Jewelry, in that time, was often a sign of wealth and status, making her even more desirable in the speaker's eyes.
Her submission to him: A chain might also have the connotation of binding, where the speaker feels like her commitment is as attractive as her physical beauty.

In Summary:

The verse expresses a deep, overwhelming love and infatuation. The speaker is utterly captivated by his beloved, finding her both intimately familiar and utterly desirable. Her beauty, even in the smallest details like a single glance or a piece of jewelry, has completely stolen his heart. The language is metaphorical and poetic, emphasizing the power of love to elevate and transform.

What categories does "Song of solomon 4:9" have?