Lexical Summary talpiyyoth: Towers Original Word: תַּלְפִיָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance armory Feminine from an unused root meaning to tower; something tall, i.e. (plural collective) slenderness -- armoury. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition perhaps weapons NASB Translation rows of stones (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תַּלְפִיּוֺת noun feminine plural Ges (in Thes) exitialia, fatal things (√ תלף = Arabic  perish); — poet for weapons; many other conjectures in Commentaries: ׳כְּ מִגְדַּל דָּוִיד צַוָּאדֵךְ בָּנוּי לְת Songs 4:4 a, doubtful; CheExpos. Times, ix. 423: JQ, July 1899, 562 שְׁלָטִים shields, compare vb. תְּלַשָּׁר see תְּלַאשָּׁר. תַּלְתַּלִּים see I. תלל. תֹּם, תָּם, תֻּמָּה see תמם. תֵּמָא see תּימָא Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence תַּלְפִיָּה (talpiyyah) appears once, in Song of Songs 4:4, where the Bridegroom praises the Bride: “Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stones, on which hang a thousand shields—all of them shields of warriors.” (Berean Standard Bible) Contextual Imagery The Song of Songs celebrates covenantal love through layered metaphors drawn from Israel’s geography, history and worship. Here, the Bride’s neck—symbol of dignity, will and bearing—is likened to a famed military structure associated with David. The word תַּלְפִיָּה, rendered “rows of stones” or “an armory,” underscores careful construction, strength and display. Just as a fortified tower showcased victory trophies, so the Bride’s poise displays an ordered beauty that is both attractive and formidable. Historical Background: Davidic Military Architecture Jerusalem’s defensive towers were not merely walls; they served as arsenals where shields and weapons hung in readiness and as visual testaments to God-given victories (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Archaeological parallels at Jebusite-era sites reveal towers faced with stepped courses or recessed panels—features echoed in the term’s nuance of “layers” or “terraces.” By Solomon’s time these fortifications still bore David’s name and reputation, making them ideal touchpoints for royal love poetry. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Security: The imagery reminds readers that covenant love, whether marital (Song of Songs 8:6) or divine (Isaiah 54:5), is founded on strength and permanence, not mere sentiment. Ministerial Applications • Marriage Enrichment: Couples may read Song of Songs 4 to celebrate the balance of tenderness and respect. Spouses are encouraged to build relational “towers” marked by trust and security. Related Biblical Themes Tower imagery: Genesis 11:4 (false security); Proverbs 18:10 (true refuge); Micah 4:8 (messianic reign). Shields as testimony: 2 Samuel 1:21; Psalm 3:3; Ephesians 6:16. Neck as character: Genesis 45:14 (affection); Lamentations 1:14 (bondage); Isaiah 48:4 (stubbornness). Christological Perspective As David’s tower prefigured greater security under Solomon, so the Bride’s completed beauty anticipates the Church presented “without spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27). The rows of stones foreshadow “living stones” built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), while the displayed shields hint at the open triumph of the cross (Colossians 2:15). Summary תַּלְפִיָּה encapsulates the convergence of beauty, strength and testimony. Its single biblical occurrence invites readers to ponder how ordered, visible fortitude—in marriage, community and personal devotion—reflects the Lord who is both Lover and Warrior. Forms and Transliterations לְתַלְפִּיּ֑וֹת לתלפיות lə·ṯal·pî·yō·wṯ letalpiYot ləṯalpîyōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 4:4 HEB: צַוָּארֵ֔ךְ בָּנ֖וּי לְתַלְפִּיּ֑וֹת אֶ֤לֶף הַמָּגֵן֙ NAS: Built with rows of stones On which are hung KJV: builded for an armoury, whereon there hang INT: your neck Built rows A thousand shields 1 Occurrence |
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