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

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:12KJV
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Song of Solomon 1:12 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 1:12 mean?

Song of Solomon 1:12 describes a scene where the woman speaks of the king sitting at his table while her spikenard, a fragrant perfume, gives off its scent. The verse paints a picture of intimacy and delight, with the fragrance symbolizing her presence and affection.

The speaker is the woman, addressing either herself or the audience, as she describes a moment in the royal dining setting. The mention of the king (often understood as Solomon) at his table suggests a special occasion or feast, and the spikenard perfume highlights her care and preparation. The verse uses the imagery of fragrance to express attraction and the pleasure of being close to the beloved.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 1:12

  • מֶלֶךְ (melekh, "king"): This word points to a royal figure, likely Solomon, emphasizing the importance and honor of the setting.
  • מִסִּבּוֹ (missibbo, "table"): This term refers to a dining couch or table, suggesting a formal banquet or intimate meal, not just any table.
  • נֵרְדִּי (nerdi, "spikenard"): Spikenard was a costly, aromatic oil, often reserved for special occasions, underlining the value and intentionality of the woman's gesture.
  • נָתַן (natan, "sendeth forth"): This verb means "to give" or "to emit," showing that the fragrance is actively filling the space, not just passively present.
  • רֵיחַ (reach, "smell"): This word for "smell" or "fragrance" is often used for pleasant scents, reinforcing the idea of delight and attraction in the scene.

Why Song of Solomon 1:12 matters

  • The verse highlights the woman's initiative and presence, showing her as an active participant in the relationship, not just a passive figure.
  • The use of spikenard, a rare and valuable perfume, signals deep affection and the specialness of the occasion, helping readers appreciate the depth of feeling in the Song.
  • By describing the king at his table and the spreading fragrance, the verse connects physical beauty and sensory experience to the themes of love and longing that run throughout the book.

Where else these words appear

“spikenard” Hebrew H5373 · used in 3 verses

  • Song of Solomon 4:13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,
  • Song of Solomon 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

“table” Hebrew H4524 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • 2 Kings 23:5 And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.
  • Job 37:12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.

“smell” Hebrew H7381 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 29:2 And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish: