עֹ֫פֶר (o.pher)
o.pher
fawn
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ʿōḇēr refers to a young deer, specifically a fawn or a young stag. In Scripture, it appears only four times, and its usage is concentrated almost entirely within the poetic imagery of Song of Solomon. The term evokes the image of a graceful, agile animal, often associated with beauty and vitality in the natural world.
Its primary theological and literary weight lies in how it functions as a metaphor for love and desire. In Song of Solomon 2:9 and 2:17, the beloved is compared to a young stag or roe deer leaping upon the mountains. This comparison highlights the lover’s agility, strength, and perhaps a sense of wild, untamed freedom. The imagery suggests that true affection is not static but dynamic, moving with purpose and energy across the landscape.
Translators typically render ʿōḇēr as "fawn," "young hart," or "stag," depending on the context of the verse. While the word itself does not carry heavy doctrinal meaning, its poetic application in the Song provides a vivid picture of romantic love as something lively and responsive. The sources confirm that this is a rare term, making its appearances in the biblical text particularly notable for their descriptive power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ʿōḇēr describes a young deer, often translated as a fawn or roe. In the Song of Solomon, this image appears four times to describe the beloved. These verses paint a picture of love that is not still or passive, but full of life and movement. The animal represents agility and grace, suggesting that healthy affection involves energy and responsiveness.
When Scripture uses this metaphor, it highlights the beauty of connection between people. It reminds us that love can be gentle like a young deer yet strong enough to leap across mountains. This imagery invites us to see relationships as dynamic gifts from God, where joy and freedom coexist with deep commitment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <to>/ [the] fawn of3×
- fawns1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/עֹ֣פֶר2×
- עֳפָרִ֖ים1×
- לְ/עֹ֥פֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 2:9
My beloved is like a roe or a young deer. Behold, he stands behind our wall! He looks in at the windows. He glances through the lattice.
This verse introduces the metaphor by comparing the beloved's presence behind a wall to a young deer, emphasizing his eager and agile approach.
-
Song of Solomon 4:5
Your two breasts are like two fawns that are twins of a roe, which feed among the lilies.
Here the term is used in a simile about beauty and innocence, linking the fawn imagery to the tender aspects of physical affection.
-
Song of Solomon 8:14
Come away, my beloved! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices!
The speaker uses this image as an invitation for speed and freedom, asking the beloved to move swiftly like a stag on high places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ʿōḇēr mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is this word significant in Christian reading?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Song of Solomon 4 verses
My beloved is like a roe or a young deer. Behold, he stands behind our wall! He looks in at the windows. He glances…
Song of Solomon 2:17Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a roe or a young deer on the mountains…
Song of Solomon 4:5Your two breasts are like two fawns that are twins of a roe, which feed among the lilies.
Song of Solomon 8:14Come away, my beloved! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices!