Like a tower of Beloved ("David"), is the neck of yourself, he who is built into turrets of mouths,2 one thousand of the Shield, he who is hung upon himself all the dominating of the Strong Warriors!
Footnote:
Sng. 4:4
The Hebrew word תלפיות (Talpiot) appears in Song of Songs 4:4 and has multiple possible meanings based on its root and historical interpretations.
Military Meaning (Fortifications/Turrets)
The root תל (tel) means "mound" or "hill," and פיות (piyot) can relate to "openings" or "mouths." Together, some interpret תלפיות as "turrets" or "battlements" of a fortress. In this context, it describes a fortified tower adorned with shields, reinforcing the verse’s military imagery.
Symbolic Meaning (A Place of Excellence)
Rabbinic interpretations suggest תלפיות can mean "a place toward which all mouths turn" (תל שכל הפיות פונים אליו), symbolizing Jerusalem or the Temple as a spiritual and intellectual center.
Etymological Interpretation
Some scholars link תלפיות to תלפיותא in Aramaic, meaning "elevated" or "distinguished." It could metaphorically signify something prominent, well-structured, or highly esteemed.
Here, תלפיות likely refers to a well-defended, majestic structure—metaphorically comparing the beloved’s neck to a strong, elegant tower adorned with shields. This aligns with the military and architectural themes of the passage.