Song of Solomon 1:12
What does Song of Solomon 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 1:12 means
As the king reclines at his table, her spikenard—an expensive perfume—releases its fragrance. The scene is intimate yet festive, where presence and aroma mingle. Her devotion, like the scent, fills the space; it is both personal and shared. The focus is not on feasting but on the effect of nearness: love turns ordinary moments into beauty. Naming him “the king” keeps the dignity of their union before us, while the fragrance motif prepares for deeper, more private images of closeness in the next lines.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000While the king sat at his table, My spikenard sent forth its fragrance.
KJV
King James Version · 1611While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901While the king sat at his table, My spikenard sent forth its fragrance.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949While the king is seated at his table, my spices send out their perfume.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862While the king <FI>is<Fi> in his circle, My spikenard hath given its fragrance.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me, he shall abide between my breasts.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890While the king is at his table, My spikenard sendeth forth its fragrance.
Context
This verse marks the woman’s turn to speak again, moving from promised adornments to the experience of being with him. The sensory language ties back to verse 3’s talk of oils and forward to verses 13–14’s comparisons to myrrh and henna. The flow heightens intimacy: from a public table to images that belong to the privacy of the heart and the quiet places of nature. It sets a contemplative mood for the next two verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 22:4
Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast.
- Luke 24:30
And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed; and breaking it he gave to them.
- Psalms 45:1
My heart overfloweth with a goodly matter; I speak the things which I have made touching the king: My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
- Philippians 4:18
But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
- Matthew 26:26
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
- Mark 14:3
And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head.
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