Song Of Solomon 6 13

Song Of Solomon 6:13 kjv

Return, 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.

Song Of Solomon 6:13 nkjv

Return, return, O Shulamite; Return, return, that we may look upon you! What would you see in the Shulamite? As it were, the dance of the two camps?

Song Of Solomon 6:13 niv

Come back, come back, O Shulammite; come back, come back, that we may gaze on you! Why would you gaze on the Shulammite as on the dance of Mahanaim?

Song Of Solomon 6:13 esv

Return, return, O Shulammite, return, return, that we may look upon you. He Why should you look upon the Shulammite, as upon a dance before two armies?

Song Of Solomon 6:13 nlt

Return, return to us, O maid of Shulam.
Come back, come back, that we may see you again. Young Man
Why do you stare at this young woman of Shulam,
as she moves so gracefully between two lines of dancers?

Song Of Solomon 6 verses

Song Of Solomon 6 13 meaning

This verse opens with an impassioned, repeated call from the chorus (likely the daughters of Jerusalem) for the Shulamite to return and present herself. Their eager plea, "Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon you," expresses a profound desire to behold her. The verse then shifts to a question and a descriptor, "What will you see in the Shulamite? As it were, the dance of Mahanaim." This is either a rhetorical question posed by the chorus about what would be revealed in her, or her humble question about their intense desire. The description of her beauty as "the dance of Mahanaim" implies a unique, majestic, and awe-inspiring grace, likening her movements to a harmonious and formidable display, full of dignity and captivating allure. It underscores her singular and integrated beauty.

Song Of Solomon 6 13 Context

Song of Solomon 6:13, in comprehensive English translations (like KJV/NASB) and consistent with the Hebrew Masoretic Text, bridges a significant turn in the narrative. Prior to this, the Shulamite, seeking her Beloved, has discovered him "feeding among the lilies" (Song 6:3), suggesting she has rejoined him. The Beloved then praises her in magnificent terms, comparing her beauty to majestic cities and formidable armies (Song 6:4-10). He describes his excursion into the "orchard of nuts" and seeing the "Shulamite" in a moment of spirited grace among her people (Song 6:11-12). This verse (6:13) marks an appeal, likely from the chorus (Daughters of Jerusalem) or even the Beloved, for the Shulamite to "return"—meaning to turn towards them or stand still, not to depart—so they can gaze upon her. Her appearance, when they finally behold her, is then described metaphorically as "the dance of Mahanaim," preparing the reader for the detailed poetic praise of her physical attributes that follows in chapter 7. Historically, "Mahanaim" was a literal place known as "two camps" where Jacob encountered angels, infusing the imagery with an aura of divine presence and order.

Song Of Solomon 6 13 Word analysis

• "Return, return" (שׁוּבִי שׁוּבִי, shuvi shuvi): A feminine imperative verb, repeated for intense emphasis. It’s an earnest plea, an urgent beckoning for the Shulamite to turn around, to come into full view, or to cease her graceful movement so they can appreciate her. Spiritually, it mirrors the heart's yearning for God's presence or the Church's call for believers to return to full communion and commitment.

• "O Shulamite" (הַשּׁוּלַמִּית, ha-Shulammit): Her unique title or name. The definite article "the" indicates a specific individual. Its origin is debated: either from Shunem (שׁוּנֵם), a town in Israel, suggesting her rural beauty and simple grace, or a feminine form of Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה, Shlomo), hinting at her "perfectness" or association with the King. It could also connect to shalom (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace" or "completeness," underscoring her harmonious character. This epithet establishes her as the unique beloved, a type of the Church, Christ's singular bride.

• "that we may look upon you" (וְנֶחֱזֶה בָּךְ, wə-neḥězēh bakh): The verb "look upon" (נֶחֱזֶה, neḥězēh) signifies more than a casual glance; it implies an intentional, admiring, and contemplative gaze. The preposition "in you" (בָּךְ, bakh) highlights a desire to perceive her essence, her internal as well as external beauty. This speaks to the deep longing for fellowship and intimate appreciation between Christ and His Church, or among believers.

• "What will you see in the Shulamite?" (מַה תֵּחָזוּ בַשּׁוּלַמִּית, mah teḥāzu va-Shulammit): This is a rhetorical question, likely posed by the chorus, highlighting the mystery and anticipation of what their gaze will reveal. It elevates her significance, building curiosity for her description.

• "As it were" (כְּמַחֲלֹת, kəmaḥălōt): The prefix "as" or "like" (כְּ, kə-) introduces a simile. The noun "dance of" (מַחֲלֹת, maḥălōt) refers to a specific type of stately, often ceremonial or processional dance. It signifies orderly, graceful movement, and possibly public performance.

• "Mahanaim" (מַחֲנָיִם, Maḥănayim): A place name meaning "two camps" or "two armies" (Gen 32:2). This is a multi-layered image:

  • Dual chorus dance: It could describe a grand dance performed by two coordinated choirs or groups, embodying symmetry, elegance, and captivating order.
  • Awe-inspiring power: Like two armies, her presence could be formidable, majestic, and dignified, possessing a unique spiritual power or authority.
  • Divine association: Recall Jacob's encounter with angels at Mahanaim, suggesting a celestial, spiritual dimension to her beauty—a sacred aura. It evokes a sense of protection and heavenly order.

Song Of Solomon 6 13 Bonus section

• Numbering Variation: It's important to note that what is 6:13 in English Bibles (KJV, NASB) is often split in modern translations, with the second half ("What will you see...dance of Mahanaim") appearing as Song 7:1. The complete thought is preserved by understanding it as one integrated statement, reflecting the progression from an invitation to a description.
• Shulamite as Typology: Beyond a literal woman, the Shulamite often serves as a type of the Church, or the individual believer. Her beauty and desirability in the eyes of the King foreshadow the beauty of Christ's bride (the Church) in His eyes. The call to "return" thus takes on deeper meaning as a call to spiritual faithfulness, a drawing closer to the Divine Lover.
• The Enigma of Mahanaim: The ambiguity of "the dance of Mahanaim" contributes to its poetic power. It challenges a simplistic understanding of beauty, instead suggesting a profound depth. It implies not a casual jig but a graceful, powerful, perhaps ritualistic movement. This could symbolize the harmonious interplay of love and awe, strength and submission, that characterizes a healthy relationship with Christ, or the Church’s structured yet dynamic expression of faith and mission.

Song Of Solomon 6 13 Commentary

This verse functions as a climactic invitation, drawing the reader's full attention to the Shulamite. The repeated "Return, return" underscores the profound yearning of the admirers to witness her singular charm. This beckoning call can be understood spiritually as Christ's invitation to His Church, or for believers to stand fully in His grace, open to His appreciative gaze. The ensuing comparison to "the dance of Mahanaim" is particularly rich. It moves beyond mere physical attractiveness, suggesting a majestic, ordered, and awe-inspiring beauty that integrates both strength and grace, a heavenly and an earthly quality. Like Jacob's encounter with angels at Mahanaim, it implies a divinely-ordained presence and sacred beauty. For the believer, this imagery speaks to the spiritual splendor and dignified allure of a life surrendered to God, demonstrating a harmonious existence that captivates others not just externally, but through inner peace and radiant integrity, reflecting the character of Christ Himself.