Bible Dictionary
PAIR
Pair means two things joined or matched. In Song of Solomon 4:2, however, the marginal rendering “in pairs” is uncertain and may confuse the paired teeth with the sheep used in the comparison.
Definition
Pair means two things joined or matched. In the Song of Solomon, however, the marginal rendering “in pairs” is less satisfactory than the text’s reference to teeth having twins.
Biblical Usage
The marginal reading occurs in Song of Solomon 4:2 but not in the parallel passage, Song of Solomon 6:6. The description compares the teeth with sheep, and the source judges that “pairs” confuses the thing pictured with the figure itself.
Historical Background
The Hebrew word comes from a root meaning “to be double” and may support either the ideas of pairs or twins. The context favors the description of sleek, healthy sheep and teeth corresponding in matched sets.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>par: The margin of So 4:2 (but not of the parallel 6:6) reads, "which are all of them in pairs," while the text has, "whereof every one hath twins." The Hebrew math'imoth, is from the root, ta'am, "to be double," and is perhaps susceptible of either meaning. But the description is of sheep, and the margin gives no comprehensible figure, while the text points to the exceedingly sleek and healthy appearance. "Pairs" seems to result from confusing the figure with the thing figured--the teeth, where each upper is paired with the corresponding lower.</p>