Song of Solomon 4:5

Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

שְׁנֵ֥י
שְׁנֵ֥י
Root word two, twelve, both, twelfth, second, …
Dictionary form: שְׁנַיִם · sheh-na-YIM

Adjective — Cardinal Number, masculine dual, construct state dual — a natural pair ("two ___"); "___ of …" — bound to the next word; a number (one, two, three, …)

In the KJV here: thy two
two ×174 and two ×106 the two ×62 twelve ×34 both ×31 were twelve ×27 and the two ×23 and twelve ×15
More options
two — Standard cardinal number; fits virtually every context.
both — Use when referring to a pair already mentioned.
a pair — Emphasizes the twosome as a unit or set.
double — Prefer when quantity or amount is being doubled.
twice — Use for repetition or frequency, not counting objects.
twelve — Compound use; only when context indicates ten-plus-two.

BDB10007 H8145 H8147

BDB10006 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB10008

תנא (ᵑ7 Syriac; = Biblical Hebrew II. שָׁנָה, שְׁנַיִם, שֵׁנִי).


BDB8886 H8147

BDB8885 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8887

שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם (PhilippiZMG xlix (1895), 202 Ges«GKC:97b»§ 97b note):768 noun masculine and feminine dual two (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician אשנם (and ׳שנ second), Punic שנם Lzb380; Arabic ; Sabean תֿני HomChr 47, Aramaic תְּרֵין, (תִּנְיָנָא, second); Nabataean תרין, Palmyrene feminine תרתן, תרתיא, Lzb388; Assyrian šinâ; on etymology see √, and especially PhilippiZMG xxxii (1878), 21-98); —

masculine (with masculine noun) שְׁנַיִם Amos 3:3 +; construct שְׁנֵי Isa 7:16 +, suffix שְׁנֵיהֶם Gen 2:25 +, etc.; feminine (with feminine noun) שְׁתַּיִם Amos 4:8 +; construct שְׁתֵּי Gen 4:19, וּשְׁתֵּי Isa 7:21 +, etc., מִשְּׁתֵֿי Judg 16:28 (see GFM); suffixes see below (2 + 10 = 12, see below); Hexateuch chiefly P; — two:
1. no other number:
  a. usually construct before plural noun (צְמִידִים) שְׁנֵי Gen 24:22 + 19 t. + 2Sam 23:20 || 1Chr 11:22 (insert בְּנֵי ᵐ5 Th modern, otherwise RSSemitic i. 469, 2nd ed., 488); (נָשִׁים) שְׁתֵּי Gen 4:19 + 132 t., 1Sam 10:4 insert כִּכְּרוֺת Klo HPS Bu Now; Lev 16:21 read dual יָדָיו Qr, + Judg 16:28 (see above) + שְׁתֵּיאֵֿלֶּה Isa 47:9 both these things; before singular noun, שְׁנֵי Exod 16:22 (Ges«GKC:134e»§ 134e); suffix שְׁנֵיתֶם the two of them Gen 2:25 + 62 t., + Prov 24:22 (> their years ᵑ6 ᵑ7 De and others; probably corrupt, see Toy), שְׁנֵינוּ Gen 31:37 + 2 t., שְׁנֵיכֶם Gen 27:45 שְׁתֵּיהֶם (masculine suffix! Ges«GKC:135o»§ 135o) Ruth 1:19; Ruth 4:11, יֵ֯הֶן 1Sam 25:43; Ezek 23:13.
  b. absolute (1) שְׁנַ֫יִם (90 t.), before plural noun Judg 11:37 + 26 t.; after plural noun 2Sam 1:1; Exod 29:1+ 21 t. (usually P Chronicles), singular noun (collective) Gen 46:27; Num 7:17 + 11 t. Num 17 noun omitted Gen 7:2; Gen 44:27 + 26 t.; ׳שׁ ׳שׁ distributive Gen 7:9 +; ׳לִשׁ cut in two 2Kgs 3:25; Jer 34:18 = double amount Exod 22:3; Exod 22:6; Exod 22:8 (E); ׳פִּי שׁ Deut 21:17 double portion, + בְּרוּחֲךָ 2Kgs 2:9 in (of) thy spirit, + בָּהּ Zech 3:18 (2) שְׁתַּ֫יִם (55 t.) before plural noun 1Kgs 3:16 + 16 t.; after plural noun (usually P and late) 2Chr 24:3 + 9 t.; noun omitted, = two things Isa 51:19; Job 13:20; Prov 30:7 שְׁתַּיִם = twice 2Kgs 6:10; Job 40:5; Ps 62:12 (or as Prov 30:7), ׳בִּשׁ Job 33:14 either so, or in two ways RVm (see De); as ordinal בִּשְׁנַת שְׁתַּיִם לְ 1Kgs 15:25 + 9 t., etc.; (3) as round number, שְׁנַיִם עֵצִים 1Kgs 17:12 a few sticks (German 'ein paar'), compare 2Kgs 9:32; Isa 17:6 שְׁתַּיִם שָׁלשׁ Amos 4:8, פַּעַם וּשְׁתָּ֑יִם Neh 13:20, compare Jer 3:14 אֶחָד מֵעִיר וּשְׁנַיִם מִמִּשְׁפָּחָה = a small number; Ezra 10:13 not for one or two days (but for many), 2Kgs 6:10.
2. twelve: with noun masculine שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר Gen 42:13 + 87 t., לִשְׁנֵי עָשָׂר Exod 28:21 + 4 t.; with noun feminine שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה Exod 24:4 + 34 t., שְׁתֵּי עֶשְׂרֵה Ezek 32:1; Ezek 32:17; Ezek 33:21 before plural noun Gen 17:20; Exod 15:27 +; after plural noun Num 7:84 (twice in verse) +; before singular noun Exod 28:21 +, Gen 14:4 (12 year) +, etc.; as ordinal, יוֺם בְּיוֺם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר Num 7:78, בִּשְׁתֵּי עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה Ezek 32:1 +, etc.
3. with larger number: 10 (etc.) + 2, 2Sam 8:5; Judg 10:3 + 56 t.; 2 + 10 (etc.) Num 1:35 (P), 2Chr 22:2 + 18 t. (ii. 1. 215 ff. Ges«GKC:97f»§ 97f.); 200 + 2 + 30, 1Kgs 20:15 50 + 2 as ordinal 2Kgs 15:27 + 2 t.; compare 2 + 20, 1Chr 24:17.

two, twelve, both, twelfth, second, …
šĕnayim
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
  • two
    • two (the cardinal number)
      • two, both, double, twice
      second (the ordinal number)"in combination with other numbers"both (a dual number)

שָׁדַ֛יִ ךְ
שָׁדַ֛יִ
Root word breasts, breast, paps, teats
ךְ
Suffix — pronoun your / you (one woman)
Dictionary form: שַׁד · shahd

Noun — Common, masculine dual, construct state dual — a natural pair ("two ___"); "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: breasts
breasts ×5 the breasts ×3 the breast ×2 also thy breasts ×1 and my breasts ×1 and thy breasts ×1 from the breast ×1 from the breasts ×1
More options
breast — Most natural, widely understood modern term; default choice.
bosom — Slightly more poetic; suits lyrical or intimate contexts.
chest — More neutral and anatomical; avoids gendered connotations.
nipple — Precise anatomical term when nursing or suckling is in view.
teat — Retained from KJV only in animal/pastoral contexts; rarely used of humans.

BDB8474 H7701 H7699

BDB8473 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8475

I. שֹׁד, שׁוֺד (see below) noun masculine violence, havoc, devastation, ruin; — ׳שׁ absolute Hos 7:13 +; construct Isa 22:4 +; —

1. violence, havoc, as social sin: חָמָס וָשֹׁד Amos 3:10; Jer 6:7; Jer 20:5; Ezek 45:2, ׳וְח ׳שׁ Hab 1:3, כָּזָב ׳וָשׁ Hos 12:2 (1. וָשָׁוְא, ᵐ5 We Marti a.), וָשֶׁבֶר ׳שׁ Isa 59:7; Isa 60:18; Prov 24:2 (|| עָמָל;רְשָׁעִים ׳שׁ Prov 21:7 with genitive object עֲנִיִּים ׳שׁ Ps 12:6.
2. devastation, ruin, for nation Hos 7:13, כְּשֹׁד מִשַּׁדַּי יָבוֺא Isa 13:6 (simile of ׳יוֺם י) = Joel 1:13; Isa 16:4 (Lo Gr CheHpt Marti שֹׁדֵד; || רֹמֵס), Isa 22:4, וְשֶׁבֶר ׳שׁ Isa 51:19; Jer 48:3 more generally Amos 5:9 (twice in verse); for individual Job 5:21 (van d. H. שׁוֺד), vJob 5:22 for beasts Hab 2:17 (+ חֲמַס לְבָנוֺן). — Hos 10:14 see שׁדד Infinitiveמִשּׁד (הָֽלְכוּ) Hos 9:6 read אַשּׁוּר We Now Marti. — II. שֹׁד, see שׁדה. below


שַׁדַּי see below אַשְׁדוֺד; > here, Thes and others


BDB8476 H7699

BDB8475 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8477

[שַׁד] noun masculineHos 9:14 female breast; — absolute שָׁ֑ד Lam 4:3 elsewhere dual שָׁדַיִם Hos 9:14 +, construct שְׁדֵי Ezek 23:21 +, suffix שָׁדַי Song 1:13; Song 8:10, שָׁדַיִךְ Song 4:5 +, etc.; — breast:

1. of woman Hos 2:4; Ezek 16:7; Ezek 23:3; Ezek 23:21 (שְׁדֵי נְעוּרָ֑יִךְ, || דַּדַּיִךְ), vEzek 23:34 (> strike out ᵐ5 Manuscripts Co; — all these of personified People), Song 1:13; Song 4:5; Song 7:4; Song 7:8; Song 7:9; Song 8:8; Song 8:10 of mother Ps 22:10, with יָנַק suck Song 8:1; Job 3:12; Joel 2:15; Hos 9:14 (see [ צָמַק]); ׳מִשּׁ עֲתִיקֵי Isa 28:9 i.e. those already weaned, mature (|| גְּמוּלֵי מֵךְָלָב). — Isa 32:12 see [ספד].
2. of animal Lam 4:3.
3. both human and animal, וָרָ֑חַם ׳בִּרְכוֺת שׁ Gen 49:25 (poem in J).


BDB8477 H7699

BDB8476 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8478

II. שֹׁד noun masculine id. (compare the rare Arabic , Lane333 BaZMG ii. 637); — ׳שׁ absolute, of mother Job 24:9 construct (figurative, with יָנַק): מְלָכִים ׳שׁ Isa 60:16, תַּנְחֻמֶיהָ ׳שׁ Isa 66:11, i.e. the consolations of Jerusalem.

breasts, breast, paps, teats
šad
the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)
  • breast, bosom, (female) breast
    • breast (of woman)
    • "breast (of animal)"breast (of both human and animal)

כִּ שְׁנֵ֥י
כִּ
Prefix — preposition like, as
שְׁנֵ֥י
Root word two, twelve, both, twelfth, second, …
Dictionary form: שְׁנַיִם · sheh-na-YIM

Adjective — Cardinal Number, masculine dual, construct state dual — a natural pair ("two ___"); "___ of …" — bound to the next word; a number (one, two, three, …)

In the KJV here: are like two
two ×174 and two ×106 the two ×62 twelve ×34 both ×31 were twelve ×27 and the two ×23 and twelve ×15
More options
two — Standard cardinal number; fits virtually every context.
both — Use when referring to a pair already mentioned.
a pair — Emphasizes the twosome as a unit or set.
double — Prefer when quantity or amount is being doubled.
twice — Use for repetition or frequency, not counting objects.
twelve — Compound use; only when context indicates ten-plus-two.

BDB10007 H8145 H8147

BDB10006 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB10008

תנא (ᵑ7 Syriac; = Biblical Hebrew II. שָׁנָה, שְׁנַיִם, שֵׁנִי).


BDB8886 H8147

BDB8885 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8887

שְׁנַ֫יִם, שְׁתַּיִם (PhilippiZMG xlix (1895), 202 Ges«GKC:97b»§ 97b note):768 noun masculine and feminine dual two (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician אשנם (and ׳שנ second), Punic שנם Lzb380; Arabic ; Sabean תֿני HomChr 47, Aramaic תְּרֵין, (תִּנְיָנָא, second); Nabataean תרין, Palmyrene feminine תרתן, תרתיא, Lzb388; Assyrian šinâ; on etymology see √, and especially PhilippiZMG xxxii (1878), 21-98); —

masculine (with masculine noun) שְׁנַיִם Amos 3:3 +; construct שְׁנֵי Isa 7:16 +, suffix שְׁנֵיהֶם Gen 2:25 +, etc.; feminine (with feminine noun) שְׁתַּיִם Amos 4:8 +; construct שְׁתֵּי Gen 4:19, וּשְׁתֵּי Isa 7:21 +, etc., מִשְּׁתֵֿי Judg 16:28 (see GFM); suffixes see below (2 + 10 = 12, see below); Hexateuch chiefly P; — two:
1. no other number:
  a. usually construct before plural noun (צְמִידִים) שְׁנֵי Gen 24:22 + 19 t. + 2Sam 23:20 || 1Chr 11:22 (insert בְּנֵי ᵐ5 Th modern, otherwise RSSemitic i. 469, 2nd ed., 488); (נָשִׁים) שְׁתֵּי Gen 4:19 + 132 t., 1Sam 10:4 insert כִּכְּרוֺת Klo HPS Bu Now; Lev 16:21 read dual יָדָיו Qr, + Judg 16:28 (see above) + שְׁתֵּיאֵֿלֶּה Isa 47:9 both these things; before singular noun, שְׁנֵי Exod 16:22 (Ges«GKC:134e»§ 134e); suffix שְׁנֵיתֶם the two of them Gen 2:25 + 62 t., + Prov 24:22 (> their years ᵑ6 ᵑ7 De and others; probably corrupt, see Toy), שְׁנֵינוּ Gen 31:37 + 2 t., שְׁנֵיכֶם Gen 27:45 שְׁתֵּיהֶם (masculine suffix! Ges«GKC:135o»§ 135o) Ruth 1:19; Ruth 4:11, יֵ֯הֶן 1Sam 25:43; Ezek 23:13.
  b. absolute (1) שְׁנַ֫יִם (90 t.), before plural noun Judg 11:37 + 26 t.; after plural noun 2Sam 1:1; Exod 29:1+ 21 t. (usually P Chronicles), singular noun (collective) Gen 46:27; Num 7:17 + 11 t. Num 17 noun omitted Gen 7:2; Gen 44:27 + 26 t.; ׳שׁ ׳שׁ distributive Gen 7:9 +; ׳לִשׁ cut in two 2Kgs 3:25; Jer 34:18 = double amount Exod 22:3; Exod 22:6; Exod 22:8 (E); ׳פִּי שׁ Deut 21:17 double portion, + בְּרוּחֲךָ 2Kgs 2:9 in (of) thy spirit, + בָּהּ Zech 3:18 (2) שְׁתַּ֫יִם (55 t.) before plural noun 1Kgs 3:16 + 16 t.; after plural noun (usually P and late) 2Chr 24:3 + 9 t.; noun omitted, = two things Isa 51:19; Job 13:20; Prov 30:7 שְׁתַּיִם = twice 2Kgs 6:10; Job 40:5; Ps 62:12 (or as Prov 30:7), ׳בִּשׁ Job 33:14 either so, or in two ways RVm (see De); as ordinal בִּשְׁנַת שְׁתַּיִם לְ 1Kgs 15:25 + 9 t., etc.; (3) as round number, שְׁנַיִם עֵצִים 1Kgs 17:12 a few sticks (German 'ein paar'), compare 2Kgs 9:32; Isa 17:6 שְׁתַּיִם שָׁלשׁ Amos 4:8, פַּעַם וּשְׁתָּ֑יִם Neh 13:20, compare Jer 3:14 אֶחָד מֵעִיר וּשְׁנַיִם מִמִּשְׁפָּחָה = a small number; Ezra 10:13 not for one or two days (but for many), 2Kgs 6:10.
2. twelve: with noun masculine שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר Gen 42:13 + 87 t., לִשְׁנֵי עָשָׂר Exod 28:21 + 4 t.; with noun feminine שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה Exod 24:4 + 34 t., שְׁתֵּי עֶשְׂרֵה Ezek 32:1; Ezek 32:17; Ezek 33:21 before plural noun Gen 17:20; Exod 15:27 +; after plural noun Num 7:84 (twice in verse) +; before singular noun Exod 28:21 +, Gen 14:4 (12 year) +, etc.; as ordinal, יוֺם בְּיוֺם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר Num 7:78, בִּשְׁתֵּי עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה Ezek 32:1 +, etc.
3. with larger number: 10 (etc.) + 2, 2Sam 8:5; Judg 10:3 + 56 t.; 2 + 10 (etc.) Num 1:35 (P), 2Chr 22:2 + 18 t. (ii. 1. 215 ff. Ges«GKC:97f»§ 97f.); 200 + 2 + 30, 1Kgs 20:15 50 + 2 as ordinal 2Kgs 15:27 + 2 t.; compare 2 + 20, 1Chr 24:17.

two, twelve, both, twelfth, second, …
šĕnayim
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
  • two
    • two (the cardinal number)
      • two, both, double, twice
      second (the ordinal number)"in combination with other numbers"both (a dual number)

עֳפָרִ֖ים
עֳפָרִ֖ים
Root word young
Dictionary form: עֹפֶר · oh-PER

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: young
a young ×2 young ×2 to a young ×1
More options
fawn — Most natural modern English for a young deer.
young deer — Plain descriptive phrase; clearer for general audiences.
young stag — Emphasizes male gender; useful in poetic/romantic contexts.
young gazelle — Some scholars read as gazelle; fits Song of Songs imagery.
colt — Use only if context suggests a young horse or donkey.

BDB6260 H6082

BDB6259 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6261

עֹ֫פֶר noun masculineSong 4:5 young hart, stag; — constructהָאַיָּלִים ׳ע || (צְבִיׅ Song 2:9; Song 2:17; Song 8:14 plural absolute עֳפָרִים תְּאוֺמֵי צְבִיָּה Song 4:5; Song 7:4 (all in simile).

young
ʿōper
a fawn (from the dusty color)
  • deer, fawn, stag, young hart

תְּאוֹמֵ֣י
תְּאוֹמֵ֣י
Root word twins
Dictionary form: תָּאוֹם · taw-OME

Noun — Common, masculine plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: that are twins
that are twins ×2 there were twins ×1 twins ×1
More options
twin — Most natural, universal modern English choice.
twins — Use when the plural context is explicit.
double — Poetic or figurative contexts emphasizing duality.
matched pair — Highlights symmetry; suits descriptive or poetic passages.

BDB9094 H8380

BDB9093 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB9095

[תּוֺאָם (ii. 1. 69 תְּאֹם)] noun masculine twin (Late Hebrew id.; compare Phoenician proper name, masculine תאם, Greek Θωμᾶς = δίδυμος John 20:24); — plural absolute of two boys תּוֺמִם Gen 25:24 (Ges«GKC:23f»§ 23f.) תְּאוֺמִים Gen 38:27 (both J); of animals, construct תְּאוֺמֵי צְבִיָּה Song 4:5, ׳תָּאֳמֵי צ Song 7:4.

twins
tāʾôm
a twin (in plural only), literally or figuratively
  • twin

צְבִיָּ֑ה
צְבִיָּ֑ה
Root word roes
Dictionary form: צְבִיָּה · tseh-bih-YAW

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: roes
roes ×2
More options
gazelle — Most recognized modern equivalent; prefer in narrative prose.
doe — Emphasizes the female animal; good in poetic contexts.
female gazelle — Explicit about sex; use when precision matters.
antelope — Broader term; use when gazelle may confuse readers.

BDB6916 H6646

BDB6915 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6917

צְבִיָּה noun feminine id.; — ׳תְּאוֺמֵי צ Song 4:5 = Song 7:4.

roes
ṣĕbiyyâ
a female gazelle
  • gazelle, doe

הָ רוֹעִ֖ים
הָ
Prefix — article the
רוֹעִ֖ים
Root word feed, shepherds, shepherd, fed, pastors, …
Dictionary form: רָעָה · raw-AW

Verb — Qal, Participle Active, masculine plural, absolute state simple action — "he did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: which feed
feed ×16 shepherd ×12 and feed ×6 the shepherds ×6 shall feed ×5 to feed ×5 of the shepherds ×4 a shepherd ×3
More options
tend — Broad pastoral care; suits both literal and metaphorical contexts.
graze — Prefer for literal animal feeding/pasturing scenes.
shepherd — Vivid and figurative; ideal for leadership or divine care contexts.
pasture — Emphasizes the act of leading flocks to grazing land.
herd — Suits contexts involving cattle or large livestock specifically.
associate with — Captures the rarer 'companion/friend' semantic range of the lemma.

BDB7994 H7462 H7473 H7423

BDB7993 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7995

I. רָעָה167 verb pasture, tend, graze (Assyrian rê°û, verb pasture, noun ruler, Tel Amarna ru—i (as Canaanism) WklNo. 181, 11; Arabic , Ethiopic Aramaic רְעָא, , all = Biblical Hebrew); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular consecutive וְרָעָה Mic 5:3 +, 1 singular suffix consecutive זּרְעִיתִים Ezek 34:13, 3 plural suffix consecutive וְרָעוּם Jer 23:4, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִרְעֶה Isa 27:20 +, jussive יֵ֫רַע Job 20:26, suffix יִרְעֶנָּה Ps 80:14, וַיִרְעֵם Ps 78:72 (׳וַיַּר Hiph`il van d. H.), etc.; Imperative masculine singular רְעֵה Mic 7:14 +, suffix רְעֵם Ps 28:9 feminine singular רְעִי Song 1:8 masculine plural רְעוּ Gen 29:7 Infinitive construct לִרְעוֺת Gen 37:12 +, etc.; Participle רֹעֶה Gen 30:36 +, suffix רֹעִי Ps 23:1 +; feminine singular רֹעָה Gen 29:9; Prov 25:19, etc.; —
1. transitive
  a. pasture, tend (pascere), literal, with accusative צאֹן Gen 30:31; Gen 30:36; Gen 37:12 (all J), Exod 3:1 (E), 1Sam 17:15; 1Sam 25:16; Isa 61:5, accusative of asses Gen 36:24 (P), kids Song 1:8 accusative (צאֹן) omitted Gen 29:7; Gen 37:13 (ב location) vGen 37:16 (all J), Song 1:7 (|| הִרְבִּיץ), Job 24:2 (ᵐ5 Me Siegf Bu וְרֹעוֺ); — metaphor גֹּרֶן וָיֶקֶב לֹא יִרְעֵם Hos 9:2, but read יֵדָעֵם ᵐ5 We Now GASm; מָוֶת יִרְעֵם Ps 49:15.
  b. figurative of ׳י, accusative of person, Gen 48:15 (E) God, who shepherded me; with accusative of people, as flock Hos 4:16; Isa 40:11; Mic 7:14 (בְּשִׁבְטֶ֑ךָ), Ezek 34:13 (pregnantly, with אֶל location), vEzek 34:14 vEzek 34:15 (+ הִרְבִּיץ), vEzek 34:16; Ps 28:9.
  c. figurative of ruler, and teacher, accusative of people, as flock, 2Sam 5:2 = 1Chr 11:2; 2Sam 7:1 = 1Chr 17:6; Ps 78:72; Jer 3:15; Jer 23:2; Jer 23:4; Ezek 34:2; Ezek 34:3; Ezek 34:8; Ezek 34:10; Ezek 34:23 (twice in verse); Zech 11:4; Zech 11:7 (twice in verse); Zech 11:9 of teaching, יִרְעוּ רַבִּים שִׂפְתֵי צַדִּיק Prov 10:21 with ב of people Ps 78:71 absolute Mic 5:3 with accusative of person reflexive pastured (fed, enriched) themselves Ezek 34:2; Ezek 34:8; Ezek 34:10.
  d. especially participle רֹעֶה, etc., as substantive = shepherd, herdsman: (I) literal, צאֹן רֹעֵה Gen 4:2; Gen 46:32; Gen 46:34; Gen 47:3 (all J), ׳רֹעֶה בַּצּ Gen 37:2 (E), 1Sam 16:11; 1Sam 17:34 רֹעֵי מִקְנֶה Gen 13:7 (twice in verse) (J); ׳(ה)ר alone, singular Amos 3:12 + 7 t. (all in simile); רֹעָה shepherdess, Gen 29:9 (J); כְּלִי רֹעֶה אֱוִילִי Zech 11:15 (see כְּלִי 2 c), as symbol; plural (הָ)רֹעִים Amos 1:2; Exod 2:17; Exod 2:19 (J) 1Sam 21:8 (׳אַבִּיר הָר; Gr Dr Bu Kit Löhr חָרָצִים ׳א; ᵐ5 LagBN 45 HPS אֹבִיל הָעְַיָרִים, but compare We) + 8 t. + Isa 31:4 (simile), Isa 38:12 (read רֹעִים for רֹעִי Perles29 Du CheHpt compare Di), compare (suffix) Gen 13:8 (twice in verse) (J); כְּלִי הָרֹעִים 1Sam 17:40 (see כְּלִי 3); — בֵּידעֵֿקֶד הָרִעִיס. (2) figurative of ruler (as often Assyrian; compare Greek (Homer) ποιμένα λαῶν), absolute singular Jer 17:16
**figurative of prophet (but Aq Symm ᵑ6 Gie Du Co מֵרָעָה); Zech 10:2; Zech 11:16; Zech 13:7b + 8 t. Jeremiah, Ezekiel; suffix of ׳י, רֹעִי Isa 44:28 (of Cyrus), Zech 13:7a.; Zech 13:17 (read רֹעִי הָאֱוִילִי We Now GASm); absolute plural Isa 56:11; Jer 2:8; Jer 3:15; Mic 5:4; Zech 10:3; Zech 11:5; Zech 11:8 + 18 t. Jeremiah Ezek 34, + (of Assyrian leaders) Nah 3:18 ׳רֹעֵי יִשׂ Ezek 34:2 צאֹנוֺ רֹעֵי Isa 63:11 (but read רֹעֵה [of Moses] ᵐ5 Targam Di Du and others). (3) epithet of ׳רֹעִי ׃ י ׳י Ps 23:1, ׳רֹעֵה יִשׂ Ps 80:2, ׳רֹעֶה אֶבֶן יִשׂ Gen 49:24 (poem in J; read construct רֹעֵה. compare Commentaries); מֵרֹעֶה אֶחָד Eccl 12:11 De Wild, < president of assembly of sages Siegf SS.
2. intransitive feed, graze:
  a. literally of cows, sheep, etc.: with ב location Gen 41:2; Gen 41:18 (E), 1Chr 27:29 with accusative of pasture Isa 30:23 with עַל location Zeph 2:7 (עֲלֵי הַיָּם for ᵑ0 עֲלֵיהֶם, see Now); אֶלמֿוּל location Exod 34:3 (J); absolute Isa 5:17; Isa 11:7 (|| רבץ; but see רעה below) Isa 27:10 (|| id.), Isa 65:25; Jonah 3:7; Job 1:14.
  b. figurative of idolater, Isa 44:20 he feedeth on ashes (accusative); compare Hos 12:2 Ehpraimitic source feedeth on wind (acc); אִוֶּלֶת ׳פִּי כְסִילִים יִר Prov 15:14 (so Vrss Qr; Kt פני for פי) the mouth of fools feeds on folly (Toy; Buhl √ II. רעה, Gerber162 below III. רעה); in Canticles, with ב location, figurative of lover Song 2:16; Song 6:2; Song 6:3 of breasts (like gazelles) Song 4:5.
  c. figurative, of Israel as flock Isa 14:30 (|| רבץ), read (יַ֯) בְּכָרֹי in my pasture(s), for ᵑ0 בְּכוֺרֵי, Koppe Ew Di Du (otherwise CheHpt, compare Marti); Zeph 3:13 (|| id..); with עַלדְּֿרָכִים Isa 49:9 with accusative of pasture-land Jer 50:19; Mic 7:14; Ezek 34:14b ( + אֶל location), vEzek 34:18 vEzek 34:19 hence crop, strip, i.e. devastate, of conqueror, with accusative of land Mic 5:6, cf; אֶתיָֿדוֺ Jer 6:3 so יִרְעוּךְ קָדְקֹד; Jer 2:16 accusative of Israel under figure of vine (subject foes, as beasts) Ps 80:14.
  d. subject wind, with accusative of person Jer 22:22, i. e. drive them away; subject fire, with accusative of thing, יֵרַע Job 20:26, but read perhaps יֵרָע, Niph`al (Ol Di Hoffm Siegf Bu; otherwise Du). רֹעֶה עֲקָרָה֯ Job 24:21 is difficult; Bu חֵרַע for ׳ר; more radical conjectures in Du. Niph`al possibly Job 20:26, see 2 d above Hiph`il Ps 78:72 van d. H., see 1 c above


BDB7995 H7462 H7473

BDB7994 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7996

רֹעֶה shepherd, רֹעָה shepherdess, see √ 1 d. above


BDB8000 H7462 H7489

BDB7999 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8001

II. [רָעָה] verb probably associate with (compare Schulth69 ff. but also ZMG iiv (1900), 154 f.; Assyrian ru°a, ruttu, neighbour, fellow (masculine and feminine; compare JägerBAS i. 483,486); so Bedouin , master, owner, WallinZMG v (1851), 9 JayakarJA xxi. 851; Ethiopic marriage; Arabic , Ethiopic yoke; Late Hebrew רֵעוּת friendship is from Biblical Hebrew רֵעַ); —

Qal Imperative masculine singular וּרְעֵה אֱמוּנָה Ps 37:3 cherish faithfulness (Hup-Now RV Che Du Dr); > feed seocurely (Bae; I.רעה; feed on (his) faithfulness AmRV); Participle כְסִילִים רֹעֶה Prov 13:20 one associating with fools, so ׳זֹלְלְים ר Prov 28:7, זוֺנוֺת ׳ר Prov 29:3 (Thes and others think these figurative from I. רעה, see 2 b). Hithpa`el 2 masculine singular אַלתִּֿתְרַע אֶתבַּֿעַל אָ֑ף Prov 22:24 do not make companionship with a bad-tempered man; perhaps also 3 feminine plural תִּתְרָעֶינָה Isa 11:7 (LagOr. i. 21; Deceased Wife's Sister 399 Brd Du Che Hpt) cow and bear shall be each other's companions; + Infinitive construct הִתְרָעֹת Prov 18:24 (Toy, for ᵑ0 הִתְרֹעֵעַ) there are [יֵשׁ, for אִישׁ] friends (merely) to be companions (see II. רעע near the end).


BDB8003 H7462

BDB8002 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8004

[רָעָה] verb denominative Pi`el be a special friend; — Perfect 3 masculine singular מֵרֵעֵהוּ אֲשֶׁר רֵעָה לוֺ Judg 14:20 his comrade who had been 'best man' (GFM) to him.


BDB8036 H7489 H7465 H7462

BDB8035 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8037

II. [רָעַע] verb break (Aramaic loan-word = Hebrew רָצַץ q. v.); —

Qal Perfect 3 plural רָעוּ Jer 11:16 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָרֹעַ Jer 15:12; Job 34:24, 2 masculine singular suffix תְּרֹעֵם Ps 2:9 (but see below); Infinitive absolute רֹ֫עָה Isa 24:19 (strike out ה as dittograph and read רֹעַ, see Hithpo`el); Participle feminine רֹעָה (? for רֹעֲעָה) Prov 25:19: —
1. transitive הֲיָרֹע בַּרְזֶל ׳בַּרְזֶל וגו Jer 15:12 can one break iron, iron out of the north? compare יָרֹעַ כַּבִּירִים Job 34:24 תְּרֹעֵם בְּשֵֹׁבֶט בַּרְזֶל Ps 2:9 (but read תִּרְעֵם, see I. רהְ, ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 Hup-Now and others).
2. intransitive break = be broken, of branches Jer 11:16 (in figurative; Gf Or and others; > Hi Gie are in a sad state, √ I. רעע); שֵׁן רֹעָה Prov 25:19 a broken tooth (׳ר = רֹעֲעָה?; Frankenb Niph`al Participle נְרָעָה, compare Toy, but Niph`al not elsewhere; Vrss רָעָה bad). — רֹ֫עוּ Isa 8:9 read דְּעוּ (ᵐ5 Lo Che and others, || הַאֲזִינוּ). Hithpo`el Perfect 3 feminine singular + Qal Infinitive absolute (see above) צרץ[הָ] רֹעַ הִתְרֹעֲעָה Isa 24:19 the earth is broken asunder (|| פּוֺר תִתְפּוֺרְרָה, מוֺט הִתְמוֺטְטָה); also Infinitive construct לְהִתְרוֺעֵעַ Prov 18:24 will be broken in pieces (Ges«GKC:114i»§ 114i), ruined, De and others, but < read לְהִתְרָעוֺת Vrss Toy and others, see רעה Hithpa`el (see, however, DrExpos. Times xi (1899-1900), 230f.).


BDB9904 H7462

BDB9903 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9905

רעה (√ of following; compare Biblical Hebrew III. רעה).

feed, shepherds, shepherd, fed, pastors, …
rāʿâ
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend)
  • to pasture, tend, graze, feed
    • (Qal)
      • to tend, pasture
        • to shepherd
        • "of ruler, teacher (figuratively)"of people as flock (figuratively)"shepherd, herdsman (subst)
        to feed, graze
        • of cows, sheep, etc (literally)
        • "of idolater, Israel as flock (figuratively)
      (Hiphil) shepherd, shepherdess
    to associate with, be a friend of (meaning probable)
    • (Qal) to associate with
    • "(Hithpael) to be companions
    (Piel) to be a special friend

בַּ שּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים
בַּ
Prefix — preposition in, at, by, with + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
שּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים
Root word lilies, lily, shoshannim, shushan-eduth
Dictionary form: שׁוּשַׁן · shoo-SHAHN

בַּ
Hidden "the" בַּ = the preposition + the article הַ squeezed together: the "a" vowel under the prefix is the swallowed "the". Translate "in the ___".

Noun — Common, both plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: among the lilies
among the lilies ×3 as the lily ×2 of lilies ×2 shoshannim ×2 and the lily ×1 like lilies ×1 lilies ×1 shushan-eduth ×1
More options
lily — Most natural default rendering in modern English.
lotus — Prefer when Egyptian or water-flower context is likely.
flower — Broader term; use when species is uncertain or decorative.
water lily — Highlights aquatic variety; suits Song of Songs imagery.
shoshannim — Retain as musical/psalm title term; not a flower reference.
blossom — Emphasizes the bloom itself; poetic, less specific.

BDB8572 H7799 H7802

BDB8571 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8573

I. שׁוּשַׁן, שׁוֺשָׁ֑ן noun masculine שׁוֺשַׁנָּה noun feminine usually lily, probably any lily-like flower (TristrNHB 462 ff. PostHast. DB LILY LöwNo. 323; Late Hebrew שׁוֺשַׁנָּה, Arabic (Vulgar ), especially iris, Aramaic שׁוּשַׁנְתָּא, (PS4344), Greek σοῦσον LewyFremdw. 48; original loan-word from Egyptian sššn, šôš§n, ErmanZMG xlvi (1892), 117); — lily: in simile, יִפְרַח כַּשּׁוֺשַׁנָּה Hos 14:7 (of Israel), בֵּין הַחוֺחִים ׳כְּשׁוֺ Song 2:2 (simile of bride), so construct שׁוֺשַׁנַּת הָעֲמָקִים vSong 2:1 (compare חֲבַצֶּלֶת); plural שׁוֺשַׁנִּים Song 2:16; Song 4:5; Song 6:2; Song 6:3; Song 7:3 and (figurative of lover's lips) Song 5:13 of flower-shaped capitals of pillars, מַעֲשֵׂה שׁוּשַׁן 1Kgs 7:19, שׁוֺשָׁ֑ן ׳מ v1Kgs 7:22 compare פֶּרַח שׁוֺשָׁ֑ן of brim of molten sea v1Kgs 7:26, || שׁוֺשַׁנָה ׳פ 2Chr 4:5 elsewhere only Psalm-titles: עַשֹֿׁשַׁנִּים Ps 45:1; Ps 69:1, עַלשֿׁוּשַׁן עֵדוּת Ps 60:1, אֶלשֿׁשַׁגִּם עֵדוּת Ps 80:1 meaning not clear, see Bae and Commentaries al.; yet compare עֵדוּת, below עוד.

lilies, lily, shoshannim, shushan-eduth
šûšan
a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape)
  • lily
    • probably any lily-like flower
    • "Shoshannim, in title of Psalm 45

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
שְׁנֵ֥י שָׁדַ֛יִךְ Tevir — a lesser break כִּשְׁנֵ֥י עֳפָרִ֖ים Tipeha — a lesser break תְּאוֹמֵ֣י צְבִיָּ֑ה Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here הָרוֹעִ֖ים Tipeha — a lesser break בַּשּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים Silluq — end of the verse

שְׁנֵי שָׁדַיִךְ כִּשְׁנֵי עֳפָרִים תְּאוֹמֵי צְבִיָּה הָרוֹעִים בַּשּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים׃
5
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.
Cross References

Song of Solomon 2:16

דּוֹדִי לִי וַאֲנִי לוֹ הָרֹעֶה בַּשּׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים׃
16
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song of Solomon 6:3

אֲנִי לְדוֹדִי וְדוֹדִי לִי הָרֹעֶה בַּשׁוֹשַׁנִּֽים׃
3
I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song of Solomon 7:3

שְׁנֵי שָׁדַיִךְ כִּשְׁנֵי עֳפָרִים תָּאֳמֵי צְבִיָּֽה׃
3
Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.

Song of Solomon 8:10

אֲנִי חוֹמָה וְשָׁדַי כַּמִּגְדָּלוֹת אָז הָיִיתִי בְעֵינָיו כְּמוֹצְאֵת שָׁלֽוֹם׃
10
I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.

1 Peter 2:2

ὡς ἀρτιγέννητα βρέφη τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα ἐπιποθήσατε ἵνα ἐν αὐτῷ αὐξηθῆτε
2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Proverbs 5:19

אַיֶּלֶת אֲהָבִים וְֽיַעֲלַת-חֵן דַּדֶּיהָ יְרַוֻּךָ בְכָל-עֵת בְּאַהֲבָתָהּ תִּשְׁגֶּה תָמִֽיד׃
19
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

Song of Solomon 8:1

מִי יִתֶּנְךָ כְּאָח לִי יוֹנֵק שְׁדֵי אִמִּי אֶֽמְצָאֲךָ בַחוּץ אֶשָּׁקְךָ גַּם לֹא-יָבֻזוּ לִֽי׃
1
O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.

Song of Solomon 7:7

זֹאת קֽוֹמָתֵךְ דָּֽמְתָה לְתָמָר וְשָׁדַיִךְ לְאַשְׁכֹּלֽוֹת׃
7
This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.

Isaiah 66:10

שִׂמְחוּ אֶת-יְרוּשָׁלִַם וְגִילוּ בָהּ כָּל-אֹהֲבֶיהָ שִׂישׂוּ אִתָּהּ מָשׂוֹשׂ כָּל-הַמִּֽתְאַבְּלִים עָלֶֽיהָ׃
10
Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:

Song of Solomon 1:13

צְרוֹר הַמֹּר׀ דּוֹדִי לִי בֵּין שָׁדַי יָלִֽין׃
13
A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.