Song Of Solomon 1:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

While the king {H4428} sitteth at his table {H4524}, my spikenard {H5373} sendeth forth {H5414} the smell {H7381} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

[She] As the king reclines at table, my nard gives forth its perfume:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

While the king sat at his table, My spikenard sent forth its fragrance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:12 beautifully portrays a moment of profound intimacy and devotion, where the Shulamite woman, in the presence of her beloved king, expresses her deepest affection. Her precious "spikenard" symbolizes the essence of her being and her unreserved love, which, when released, fills the shared space with a pleasing fragrance, signifying her active and perceptible devotion to the one she adores.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the Song of Solomon, a lyrical dialogue celebrating the passionate love between the King (traditionally Solomon) and his beloved Shulamite. Preceding this verse, the Shulamite expresses her longing for the king's intimate affection and her desire to be drawn into his chambers (e.g., [Song of Solomon 1:2-4](/song_of_solomon/1-2 "Song of Solomon 1:2-4 - Longing for Intimacy")). Following this, the narrative continues with mutual admiration and the king's poetic praise of her beauty (e.g., [Song of Solomon 1:15](/song_of_solomon/1-15 "Song of Solomon 1:15 - The King's Praise")). Song of Solomon 1:12 thus marks a pivotal moment of settled intimacy and expressed devotion, where the Shulamite is no longer merely longing but actively present and offering herself in the king's restful presence. The "table" setting implies a moment of quiet communion, distinct from the bustling court, highlighting the exclusivity and focus of their relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, banquets and feasts were significant social and ceremonial events, often involving reclining on divans around a low table. The mention of the "king at his table" (H4524, _mêçab_) suggests such a setting, implying a relaxed, intimate, and perhaps private atmosphere rather than a formal public gathering. Perfumes and aromatics, such as spikenard (H5373, _nêrd_), were highly prized luxury items, often imported from distant lands like the Himalayas. Their use was widespread in ancient cultures for anointing, perfuming, religious rites, and as a symbol of wealth and honor. The act of "sending forth" its smell would have been a deliberate, costly, and deeply meaningful gesture, signifying an offering of immense value and a desire to fill the shared space with a pleasing and pervasive presence. This cultural understanding underscores the preciousness of the Shulamite's offering and the depth of her devotion.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 1:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Intimate Communion and Presence**. The king's presence "at his table" creates the secure and receptive environment for the Shulamite's expression, emphasizing the importance of shared space and focused attention in love. Secondly, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **Costly Devotion and Self-Offering**. The spikenard, being a highly valuable commodity, symbolizes the Shulamite's offering of her most precious essence, her very being, to her beloved. This is not a casual gesture but a profound act of giving. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Sensory Expression of Love and Delight**. The pervasive fragrance signifies that her love is not merely internal but actively expressed and perceived, creating a delightful atmosphere that affirms the mutual pleasure found in their relationship, a theme echoed throughout [the Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "The Song of Solomon - A Celebration of Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From the root _malak_ (to reign), this term denotes a sovereign ruler, one who possesses authority and exercises dominion. In the context of Song of Solomon 1:12, the "king" refers to the beloved, emphasizing his royal status, dignity, and position of honor. His presence "at his table" underscores his settled authority and the secure environment he provides for the Shulamite.
* **table (Hebrew, _mêçab'_):** Derived from _savav_ (to surround), this word refers to a divan or a place for reclining, specifically indicating a setting for feasting or intimate gathering. It suggests a circular or enclosing arrangement, highlighting a close, personal, and perhaps private atmosphere where the king is at ease and attentive, creating a space for deep communion rather than a formal, public audience.
* **spikenard (Hebrew, _nêrd'_):** Of foreign origin, this term refers to nard, a highly aromatic and expensive perfume derived from a plant. Its inclusion signifies something precious, rare, and valuable. In this verse, it symbolizes the Shulamite's unique and costly essence, her inherent beauty, purity, and the preciousness of her unreserved love and devotion.
* **sendeth forth (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** A primitive root with a wide range of applications, meaning "to give," "to put," or "to yield." Here, it signifies the active emission or release of the spikenard's fragrance. It implies a voluntary and natural outflow of the Shulamite's essence, a giving forth of her presence and love, which is both perceptible and pervasive.
* **smell (Hebrew, _rêyach'_):** From the root _ruach_ (to breathe, to blow), this word denotes an odor or scent. It emphasizes the sensory experience of the spikenard's emanation. The "smell thereof" indicates that the Shulamite's essence, her love and devotion, is not merely internal but becomes a tangible, pervasive presence, filling the space and reaching the king directly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"While the king sitteth at his table":** This clause sets the scene, establishing the king's presence and posture. "Sitteth at his table" implies a moment of repose, attention, and perhaps intimate communion. It suggests a setting where the king is focused and receptive, creating a safe and inviting space for the Shulamite to express herself. This is not a casual encounter but a focused, shared moment.
* **"my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof":** This clause reveals the Shulamite's response to the king's presence. "My spikenard" emphasizes personal possession and the preciousness of her offering, symbolizing her unique essence, beauty, and unreserved love. The act of "sendeth forth the smell thereof" describes the active, natural, and pervasive emanation of her devotion, filling the atmosphere around the king. It signifies that her love is not passive but an active, perceptible, and delightful presence.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 1:12 is rich in literary devices that enhance its meaning and emotional impact. Most prominently, **Symbolism** is employed through the "spikenard," which represents the Shulamite's precious essence, her deep affection, and her unreserved devotion. Its high value underscores the costliness of her love. **Imagery**, particularly sensory imagery, is central, as the verse appeals directly to the sense of smell ("sendeth forth the smell thereof"), creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. This olfactory imagery conveys the pervasive and delightful nature of her love. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor**, where the fragrance of the spikenard serves as a metaphor for the Shulamite's love and presence, which is actively given and pleasing to the king. The entire scene is an **Allegory** for the intimate relationship between God and His people, or Christ and the Church, where devotion is a "sweet-smelling savor."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The imagery of costly spikenard offered in devotion resonates deeply with biblical themes of worship, sacrifice, and the offering of one's best to God. Just as the Shulamite's spikenard fills the king's presence with a pleasing aroma, so too is the sincere devotion of believers a "fragrant offering" to God. This verse reminds us that true worship is not merely ritualistic but involves the outpouring of our most precious self—our love, our time, our resources, and our very being—in the intimate presence of our Divine King. It speaks to the beauty of a relationship where our genuine affection is both perceived and delighted in by God, becoming a sweet aroma in His nostrils.

* [John 12:3](/john/12-3 "John 12:3 - Mary Anoints Jesus with Spikenard"): Mary anoints Jesus' feet with a pound of costly spikenard, an act of profound love and worship, demonstrating the offering of one's most precious possession.
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Fragrant Offering"): Paul describes Christ's sacrifice as "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God," paralleling the idea of a pleasing aroma rising from a costly act of love.
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - Paul's Received Gifts as a Fragrant Offering"): Paul refers to the gifts received from the Philippians as "a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God," linking material generosity with spiritual devotion.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 1:12 offers a beautiful metaphor for the believer's relationship with God. When we enter into God's presence, resting in His love and provision—symbolized by the "king at his table"—our deepest devotion, our "spikenard," should naturally flow forth. This "spikenard" represents our authentic worship, our heartfelt gratitude, our obedient service, and the very essence of our redeemed lives. It's not about outward show, but an internal wellspring of love that, when released, becomes a sweet aroma to God. This verse challenges us to cultivate a profound, intimate relationship with Christ, where our lives are a continuous, costly, and pleasing offering to Him. It encourages us to ask: What is my "spikenard" that I am offering to the Lord? Is it truly precious, and am I actively "sending forth" its fragrance in His presence?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "the king at his table" symbolize in your personal relationship with God? How does His presence create a space for your devotion?**
* **What is your "spikenard"—the most precious aspect of your life, love, or resources—that you can offer to God?**
* **In what ways do you "send forth the smell" of your devotion to God in your daily life? Is it perceptible and pleasing?**
* **How can cultivating greater intimacy with Christ lead to a more natural and abundant outpouring of your "spikenard"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "spikenard" in this verse and throughout the Bible?**

Answer: Spikenard (Hebrew: _nêrd_) was a highly valuable and aromatic oil derived from a plant native to the Himalayas. Its significance lies in its rarity, costliness, and powerful fragrance. In Song of Solomon 1:12, it symbolizes the Shulamite's precious essence, her unique beauty, and her unreserved, costly love for the king. Throughout the Bible, spikenard often appears in contexts of profound devotion and sacrifice. Most notably, in the New Testament, Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus' feet with very costly spikenard, an act of extravagant love and worship that foreshadows His burial (see [John 12:3-8](/john/12-3 "John 12:3-8 - Mary Anoints Jesus")). Its use consistently represents an offering of immense value, signifying deep honor, worship, and selfless devotion.

**How does this verse apply to the Christian's spiritual life today?**

Answer: This verse serves as a beautiful metaphor for the believer's relationship with God. "The king at his table" can represent God's presence, His provision, and the intimate communion we share with Him. Our "spikenard" symbolizes our worship, our devotion, our talents, our resources, and indeed, our very lives offered to Him. Just as the Shulamite's spikenard was a precious, active, and pleasing offering to her beloved, so too should our lives be a "fragrant offering" to God (see [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). It encourages us to live lives of active, costly, and sincere devotion, where our love for God is not merely internal but manifests as a perceptible and pleasing aroma in His presence and to the world around us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 1:12, while celebrating human love, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His relationship with the Church, His Bride. The "king at his table" beautifully foreshadows Christ, our King, who has prepared a table for us in His presence, inviting us into intimate communion (cf. [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - The Lord's Provision")). In response to His gracious invitation and settled presence, the Church, like the Shulamite, is called to pour forth her "spikenard"—the precious fragrance of her worship, devotion, and sacrificial love. This costly offering is made possible only because Christ Himself first offered the ultimate "spikenard"—His own life, a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (as described in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Our worship, our prayers (which are likened to incense in [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Prayers as Incense")), and our lives lived in obedience become a sweet aroma to God, not because of our inherent worth, but because they are offered through and in response to the perfect, pleasing sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Thus, the Shulamite's devotion points to the Church's joyful, Spirit-empowered outpouring of love for her Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, whose presence makes such an offering both possible and eternally pleasing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 12:3

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Mark 14:3

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.

Matthew 22:4

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and [my] fatlings [are] killed, and all things [are] ready: come unto the marriage.

Matthew 22:11

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

Revelation 8:3

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Revelation 8:4

And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.