Song Of Solomon 1 12

Song Of Solomon 1:12 kjv

While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

Song Of Solomon 1:12 nkjv

While the king is at his table, My spikenard sends forth its fragrance.

Song Of Solomon 1:12 niv

While the king was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

Song Of Solomon 1:12 esv

While the king was on his couch, my nard gave forth its fragrance.

Song Of Solomon 1:12 nlt

The king is lying on his couch,
enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume.

Song Of Solomon 1 verses

Song Of Solomon 1 12 Meaning

Song of Solomon 1:12 describes the Beloved, the Shulamite, articulating that her innermost essence and deep affection, symbolized by the costly nard, naturally emits its pleasing aroma whenever the King, her beloved, is present in an intimate and relaxed setting. Her statement conveys that his presence, particularly "at his table," creates the safe and loving atmosphere for her true, fragrant nature to reveal itself as a spontaneous outflowing of devotion and desirability.

Song Of Solomon 1 12 Context

Song of Solomon 1:12 is a tender declaration from the Beloved (Shulamite) to her King (Solomon). It follows the initial exchanges of affection and admiration in the chapter. Earlier in verses 2-4, the Shulamite expressed her longing for the King's intimate presence. In verses 5-6, she humbly spoke of her appearance, marked by the toil of outdoor labor, yet asserted her inner beauty. In verses 9-11, the King praises her beauty lavishly, likening her to Pharaoh's chariots and promising her beautiful adornments. Verse 12 serves as her response to his presence and praise, revealing the reciprocal effect he has on her. When he is near, especially in a relaxed and communal setting, her true, fragrant essence, representing her love and worth, becomes evident. The chapter as a whole introduces the intense love, mutual admiration, and desire for intimacy that characterize the relationship between the Beloved and the King. In the allegorical sense, it sets the stage for the intimate bond between Christ and His Church, where His presence draws forth the worship and devotion of His bride.

Song Of Solomon 1 12 Word analysis

• "While" (עד –ʿad`): This word denotes continuous presence or duration. It emphasizes that the outflowing of fragrance is sustained and dependent on the ongoing presence of the King. It suggests a prevailing condition.
• "the king" (הַמֶּלֶךְ –ha-meleḵ): The definite article "the" highlights his specific royal identity. "King" (meleḵ`) denotes sovereign authority, majesty, and dignity. In the immediate context, this is Solomon. Allegorically, it points to Christ, the ultimate King. His royal presence carries immense significance, inspiring reverence and drawing out the deepest aspects of the Beloved.
• "was at his table" (בִּמְסִבּוֹ –bi-msibbo): The root word (sābaḇ) means "to go around" or "to recline."Mesibbāh` specifically refers to the act of reclining at a meal or the couch/place where one reclines. This implies a setting of intimate fellowship, rest, and perhaps feasting, rather than a formal, official setting. It suggests a time of personal leisure and shared communion, allowing for vulnerability and genuine interaction. It is in this atmosphere of intimate fellowship that her essence flows.
• "my nard" (נִרְדִּי –nīrdī):Nērd` refers to spikenard, a very valuable aromatic oil derived from a plant in the Himalayas, highly prized in the ancient world for its fragrance. The possessive "my" (ִי) indicates that this is her personal, intrinsic value, her inherent loveliness, and perhaps her devoted love itself. It symbolizes something precious, reserved, and authentic to her, an unadulterated essence.
• "gave forth its fragrance" (נָתַן רֵיחוֹ –nātan rêḥōw):Nātanmeans "to give" or "to yield."Rêḥ` means "smell" or "aroma." This phrase signifies an active emission, a natural blossoming and emanation. It implies that the fragrance (her essence, her love) was not coerced but freely, naturally, and bountifully released due to the King's comforting and inspiring presence. It highlights the pleasing and attractive quality of this outpouring.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "While the king was at his table": This phrase sets the critical condition. It's not just the King's presence in general, but specifically his relaxed, engaged, and intimate presence, indicating fellowship. This atmosphere is conducive for the Beloved to be herself, unreservedly, and to express her inner beauty. Allegorically, when believers truly draw near to Christ in worship and communion, particularly at the "table" of the Lord, their devotion can openly flourish.
• "my nard gave forth its fragrance": This speaks of the manifestation of the Beloved's most precious inner self. Her "nard" is personal ("my") indicating her unique identity and internal richness. The "fragrance" is the observable, delightful emanation of this inner treasure—her love, devotion, and intrinsic beauty—which becomes perceptible and pleasing when the right conditions (the King's presence) are met. Spiritually, this suggests that the genuine love and spiritual fruits of a believer, costly and intrinsic, are spontaneously revealed and are pleasing to Christ when He is intimately abiding.

Song Of Solomon 1 12 Bonus section

• The costly nature of "nard" underscores the immeasurable value of the Shulamite's inner self and devotion, highlighting it as a treasured, not common, essence.
• The transition from the Shulamite's earlier concern about her sun-darkened skin (Sng 1:5-6) to the King's praise (Sng 1:9-11) and now her confident declaration of inner fragrance shows a growth in self-acceptance and awareness of her value through her beloved's gaze and presence. Her outward appearance matters less than her intrinsic, fragrant worth to him.
• The metaphor of fragrance is powerful because it fills a space, influences atmosphere, and is perceived intimately. It cannot be forced but flows naturally from its source, much like true love and spiritual devotion.
• The image of the King "at his table" provides a contrast to a king on his throne in a formal court. This portrays a relational aspect of sovereignty where intimacy is welcomed, underscoring Christ's desire for a personal, dwelling relationship with believers.

Song Of Solomon 1 12 Commentary

Song of Solomon 1:12 is a tender testament to the power of beloved presence in drawing forth authentic love and beauty. The Shulamite's statement is not boastful but observational: in the secure and intimate context of the King "at his table," her most precious essence, symbolized by rare nard, spontaneously releases its beautiful aroma. This signifies that true love flourishes in an atmosphere of mutual trust and secure intimacy. Her internal "fragrance"—her affection, virtue, and desirability—is not merely possessed but emanates, becoming a tangible delight for her beloved. In the allegorical interpretation, this verse resonates deeply with the relationship between Christ and His Church. When Christ, our King, is enthroned in our hearts and in our fellowship—symbolized by the "table" of communion and spiritual intimacy—the devotion, good works, and worship of His bride, the Church, become a "fragrant aroma" that is pleasing and honorific to Him. It illustrates that spiritual beauty and authentic devotion are a natural outpouring in the intimate and welcoming presence of Christ.