Lexical Summary opher: Fawn, young deer Original Word: עֹפֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance young roe hart From aphar; a fawn (from the dusty color) -- young roe (hart). see HEBREW aphar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a young hart, stag NASB Translation fawns (2), young (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֹ֫פֶר noun masculineSong of Solomon 4:5 young hart, stag; — constructהָאַיָּלִים ׳ע "" (צְבִיׅ Songs 2:9,17; Songs 8:14; plural absolute עֳפָרִים תְּאוֺמֵי צְבִיָּה Songs 4:5; Songs 7:4 (all in simile). Topical Lexicon Natural Setting and Meaning The term describes a young male deer in its first strength—nimble, alert, and full of life. In the hill country of ancient Israel such animals were a common sight, well-known for their ability to bound over crags and disappear among the lilies and shrubs. That combination of vigor and gentleness lies behind every biblical use of the word. Occurrences in the Canon The word appears exclusively in the Song of Songs (2:9; 2:17; 4:5; 7:3; 8:14), forming a unifying thread in the poetry of marital love. Each occurrence clusters in two groupings: 1. 2:9 and 2:17 place the young stag in motion on “the mountains” and behind “the lattice,” expressing the eager, unrestrained approach of the bridegroom. Literary and Symbolic Significance Swiftness and Approachability The animal’s speed pictures the bridegroom’s zeal, suggesting that no barrier—walls, mountains, or social conventions—can hinder true covenant love. The repeated summons to “be like” the stag invites continued courtship even after union, hinting that healthy marriage is characterized by lifelong pursuit. Tender Beauty Comparing the bride’s breasts to twin fawns conveys innocence and gentle responsiveness. The imagery eschews vulgarity: just as a fawn startles at rough handling, so marital intimacy flourishes in patient, affectionate care. Cyclical Structure The five occurrences frame the Song: anticipation (chapter 2), consummation (chapter 4), celebration (chapter 7), and renewed anticipation (chapter 8). The motif therefore functions as a literary hinge, moving the poem from longing to fulfillment and back to longing, mirroring the rhythmic ebb and flow of married life. Theological and Devotional Applications Christ and the Church Historically, Christian interpreters have seen the stag typifying the risen Lord. His swift appearance “through the lattice” reflects post-resurrection manifestations (Luke 24:36), while the bridal desire “Come away … on the mountains of spices” anticipates His return (Revelation 22:20). The tender fawn imagery then celebrates the nurture Christ gives to His people, who are nourished and protected within covenant love. Moral Instruction Proverbs 5:18–19 parallels the Song by urging husbands to rejoice in “the wife of your youth … a loving doe, a graceful fawn.” The overlap highlights sexual fidelity, delight, and mutual satisfaction as God-ordained goods, guarding believers against illicit desire. Pastoral Ministry 1. Premarital counseling finds in the young stag a model of pure, eager pursuit untainted by selfish aggression. Historical Resonances Ancient Near Eastern love poetry likewise used deer imagery, but Scripture uniquely anchors that motif in covenant. By situating the young stag within the canonical wisdom tradition, the Song elevates romantic love from mere passion to a holy signpost of divine faithfulness. Summary Wherever the young stag appears, it signals vitality, purity, and relentless pursuit. In human marriage it calls couples to an ever-renewed chase of one another’s hearts; in redemptive history it points to the Lord who “skips upon the hills” to claim His bride and lead her into fragrant communion forever. Forms and Transliterations לְעֹ֣פֶר לְעֹ֥פֶר לעפר עֳפָרִ֖ים עפרים ‘o·p̄ā·rîm ‘op̄ārîm lə‘ōp̄er lə·‘ō·p̄er leOfer ofaRimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 2:9 HEB: לִצְבִ֔י א֖וֹ לְעֹ֣פֶר הָֽאַיָּלִ֑ים הִנֵּה־ NAS: a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, KJV: a roe or a young hart: INT: A gazelle or A young stag Behold Songs 2:17 Songs 4:5 Songs 7:3 Songs 8:14 5 Occurrences |
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