Song of Solomon 6:13
What does Song of Solomon 6:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 6:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 6:13 means
A chorus cries, “Return, return, O Shulammite… that we may look upon thee,” expressing eager desire to behold her. She replies, “Why will ye look upon the Shulammite, as upon the dance of Mahanaim?” She questions being treated as a spectacle, comparing their gaze to a notable, perhaps formal, dance. The exchange captures a tension: her beauty rightly draws admiration, yet love’s intimacy should not be put on public display without discernment. The Shulammite maintains dignity and agency, guarding what is precious. The scene closes with her presence commanding attention while she resists being consumed by it, keeping the focus on the exclusive bond celebrated throughout the song.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Return, return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that we may look upon thee. Why will ye look upon the Shulammite, As upon the dance of Mahanaim?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Return, return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that we may look upon thee. Why will ye look upon the Shulammite, As upon the dance of Mahanaim?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Come back, come back, O Shulammite; come back, come back, so that our eyes may see you. What will you see in the Shulammite? A sword-dance.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Return, return, O Shulammith! Return, return, and we look upon thee. What do ye see in Shulammith?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Return, return, O Shulamite; Return, return, that we may look upon thee. — What would ye look upon in the Shulamite? — As it were the dance of two camps.
Context
This final verse follows the sudden elevation of verse 12, explaining the crowd’s desire to gaze upon her. It closes the chapter by highlighting public admiration and the bride’s measured response. The call-and-reply sets up further scenes to come, but here it reinforces the chapter’s central themes: her unrivaled beauty, the beloved’s devotion, and the exclusivity and dignity of their love. From communal inquiry (verse 1) to communal acclaim (verse 13), the song holds intimate love and public honor in careful balance.
v.12Before I was aware, my soul set me Amongthe chariots of my princely people.
v.13This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 17:24
Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
- Genesis 49:10
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come; And unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:10
when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.
- Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.
- Luke 15:10
Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
- Romans 3:29
Or is God the God of Jews only? is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Song of Solomon 6
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Song of Solomon 6.