Lexical Summary susah: Mare Original Word: סוּסָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance company of horses Feminine of cuwc; a mare -- company of horses. see HEBREW cuwc NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sus Definition a mare NASB Translation mare (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [סוּסָה] noun feminine mare; — with suffix סֻסָתִי Songs 1:9. — compare also חֲצַר סוּסָה. Topical Lexicon Overview The term denotes a female horse and appears a single time in the Hebrew Scriptures. Its solitary use occurs within an ode of love, yet it draws upon militaristic, royal, and cultural imagery familiar to the ancient Near East. Historical Setting of Pharaoh’s Chariots Egypt was famed for breeding swift, ornamented horses that drew the war chariots of Pharaoh. These steeds were symbols of regal power and unrivaled splendor, often trained and adorned for parade as much as for battle. To the Israelite ear, the thought of an Egyptian mare harnessed to the king’s chariot summoned visions of disciplined strength, stately beauty, and costly elegance. By invoking such imagery, the Song immediately casts its beloved in a setting of courts and armies, where the highest standards of excellence apply. Usage in Song of Songs 1:9 “I compare you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots.” (Song of Songs 1:9) The bridegroom’s likeness elevates the bride through a three-fold nuance: 1. Beauty—Egyptian mares were prized for their appearance, enhanced by ornamental trappings; likewise, the beloved radiates outward loveliness. Symbolism of the Mare • Majesty: Horses in Scripture often convey royal dignity (Esther 6:8–9). Intertextual Echoes and Theological Reflection While the word itself is rare, its imagery resonates with broader biblical teaching: Pastoral and Devotional Applications Marriage: Couples may glean permission to employ vivid, even daring, compliments within the bounds of covenant love, celebrating both physical attractiveness and moral vigor. Discipleship: Believers are called to cultivate the disciplined responsiveness of the well-trained mare, ready for the Master’s direction. Worship: The passage encourages admiration of Christ’s bride—the Church—viewing her, despite flaws, as adorned with royal grace and destined for triumphant procession. Conclusion Though the word surfaces only once, its placement in Song of Songs 1:9 harnesses historical grandeur to portray covenant love that is strong, beautiful, and singular—qualities ultimately fulfilled in the union of Christ and His redeemed people. Forms and Transliterations לְסֻסָתִי֙ לססתי lə·su·sā·ṯî lesusaTi ləsusāṯîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 1:9 HEB: לְסֻסָתִי֙ בְּרִכְבֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה NAS: you are like My mare among the chariots KJV: thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's INT: my mare the chariots of Pharaoh 1 Occurrence |
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