Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Come back, come back, O Shulammite; come back, come back, that we may gaze on you! He Why would you gaze on the Shulammite as on the dance of Mahanaim? New Living Translation 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? English Standard Version 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? Berean Standard Bible Come back, come back, O Shulammite! Come back, come back, that we may gaze upon you. Why do you look at the Shulammite, as on the dance of Mahanaim? King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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? New American Standard Bible “Come back, come back, O Shulammite; Come back, come back, so that we may look at you!” “Why should you look at the Shulammite, As at the dance of the two armies? NASB 1995 “Come back, come back, O Shulammite; Come back, come back, that we may gaze at you!” “Why should you gaze at the Shulammite, As at the dance of the two companies? NASB 1977 “<,>Come back, come back, O Shulammite; Come back, come back, that we may gaze at you!” “Why should you gaze at the Shulammite, As at the dance of the two companies? Legacy Standard Bible “Come back, come back, O Shulammite; Come back, come back, that we may behold you!” “Why should you behold the Shulammite, As at the dance of the two companies? Amplified Bible “Return, return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that we may gaze at you.” “Why should you gaze at the Shulammite, As at the dance of the two armies? Christian Standard Bible Come back, come back, Shulammite! Come back, come back, that we may look at you! Man How you gaze at the Shulammite, as you look at the dance of the two camps! Holman Christian Standard Bible Come back, come back, Shulammite! Come back, come back, that we may look at you! M Why are you looking at the Shulammite, as you look at the dance of the two camps? American Standard Version Return, return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that we may look upon thee. Why will ye look upon the Shulammite, As upon the dance of Mahanaim? Contemporary English Version Dance! Dance! Beautiful woman from Shulam, let us see you dance! Why do you want to see this woman from Shulam dancing with the others? English Revised Version Return, return, O Shulammite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. Why will ye look upon the Shulammite, as upon the dance of Mahanaim? GOD'S WORD® Translation Come back! Come back, young woman from Shulam! Come back! Come back so that we may look at you! Why do you look at me, the young woman from Shulam, as you look at the dance of Mahanaim? Good News Translation Dance, dance, girl of Shulam. Let us watch you as you dance. Why do you want to watch me as I dance between the rows of onlookers? International Standard Version Return, return, Shulammite, return, return, so we may look at you! Why should you look at the Shulammite, like you watch the dance of the two camps? Majority Standard Bible Come back, come back, O Shulammite! Come back, come back, that we may gaze upon you. Why do you look at the Shulammite, as on the dance of Mahanaim? NET Bible Turn, turn, O Perfect One! Turn, turn, that I may stare at you! The Beloved to Her Lover: Why do you gaze upon the Perfect One like the dance of the Mahanaim? New Heart English Bible Return, return, Shulammite. Return, return, that we may gaze at you. Why do you desire to gaze at the Shulammite, as at the dance of Mahanaim? Webster's Bible Translation 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. World English Bible Return, return, Shulammite! Return, return, that we may gaze at you. Lover Why do you desire to gaze at the Shulammite, as at the dance of Mahanaim? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionReturn, return, O Shulammith! Return, return, and we look on you. What do you see in Shulammith? Young's Literal Translation Return, return, O Shulammith! Return, return, and we look upon thee. What do ye see in Shulammith? Smith's Literal Translation Turn back, turn back, thou Shulamite; turn back, turn back, and we will look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As the stringed instrument of the camps. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleReturn, return, O Sulamitess : return, return that we may behold thee. Catholic Public Domain Version Chorus to Bride: Return, return, O Sulamitess. Return, return, so that we may consider you. New American Bible Turn, turn, O Shulammite! turn, turn that we may gaze upon you! How can you gaze upon the Shulammite as at the dance of the two camps? New Revised Standard Version Return, return, O Shulammite! Return, return, that we may look upon you. Why should you look upon the Shulammite, as upon a dance before two armies? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleReturn, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon you. What will you see in the Shulamite, who comes down joyfully, like the rejoicing of a host? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Return! Return, Shilumite! Return, return, and we shall gaze at you! What will you see in the Shilumite who comes down as rejoicing, like the rejoicing of army camps? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Return, return, O Shulammite; Return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulammite? As it were a dance of two companies. Brenton Septuagint Translation Return, return, O Sunamite; return, return, and we will look at thee. What will ye see in the Sunamite? She comes as bands of armies. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Together in the Garden…12Before I realized it, my desire had set me among the royal chariots of my people. 13Come back, come back, O Shulammite! Come back, come back, that we may gaze upon you. Why do you look at the Shulammite, as on the dance of Mahanaim? Cross References Judges 21:21 and watch. When you see the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, each of you is to come out of the vineyards, catch for himself a wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin. Judges 21:23 The Benjamites did as instructed and carried away the number of women they needed from the dancers they caught. They went back to their own inheritance, rebuilt their cities, and settled in them. Jeremiah 31:4 Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing. Jeremiah 31:13 Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow. 1 Samuel 18:6 As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. Psalm 30:11 You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, Psalm 149:3 Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. Isaiah 62:5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you. Isaiah 65:18-19 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight. / I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her. Jeremiah 31:12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD—the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish. Matthew 11:17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ Luke 15:25 Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. John 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. John 12:13 They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” 2 Corinthians 11:2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. Treasury of Scripture Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look on you. What will you see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies. return Song of Solomon 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. Jeremiah 3:12-14,22 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever… Hosea 14:1-4 O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity… what Song of Solomon 1:6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. shulamite Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Psalm 76:2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. Isaiah 8:6 Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son; as John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Romans 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Ephesians 2:14-17 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; … two armies Genesis 32:2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Jump to Previous Armies Camps Companies Company Dance Desire Eyes Gaze Lover MahanaimJump to Next Armies Camps Companies Company Dance Desire Eyes Gaze Lover MahanaimSong of Solomon 6 1. the church professes her faith in Christ4. Christ shows the graces of the church 10. and his love toward her Come back, come back, O Shulammite! The repetition of "come back" emphasizes urgency and longing. The term "Shulammite" is often understood to refer to a woman from Shunem, a village in the territory of Issachar. This could connect her to Abishag the Shunammite, who cared for King David in his old age (1 Kings 1:3-4). The call for her return suggests a desire for reconciliation or reunion, possibly symbolizing the relationship between God and Israel or Christ and the Church. Come back, come back, that we may gaze upon you. Why do you look at the Shulammite, as on the dance of Mahanaim? Persons / Places / Events 1. ShulammiteThe female protagonist in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as a representation of the bride or beloved. Her identity is a subject of much discussion, with some seeing her as a historical figure and others as a symbolic representation of Israel or the Church. 2. Mahanaim A place mentioned in the Old Testament, known for its significance in the account of Jacob and later as a city of refuge. The "dance of Mahanaim" is a phrase that has sparked various interpretations, possibly referring to a celebratory or ritualistic dance. Teaching Points The Beauty of HolinessThe repeated call to the Shulammite to "come back" reflects the admiration and desire for the beauty of holiness. As believers, we are called to reflect the beauty of Christ in our lives. The Dance of Joy The reference to the "dance of Mahanaim" can be seen as an invitation to participate in the joy and celebration of God's presence. Our lives should be a dance of joy, reflecting the grace and love we have received. The Pursuit of Intimacy Just as the beloved seeks the Shulammite, God seeks an intimate relationship with us. We are invited to return to Him and experience the depth of His love. The Call to Return The repeated plea to "come back" serves as a reminder of God's persistent call for us to return to Him, especially when we stray. It emphasizes His unwavering love and desire for reconciliation.Verse 13a. - Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. Shulem is the same as Shunem (see 1 Kings 1:3; 2 Kings 4:8; Joshua 19:18). Shulamite will, therefore, mean "lady of Shulem." It is the first occurrence of the name. It cannot be a pure proper name, says Delitzsch, because the article is attached to it. It is a name of descent. The LXX. has ἡ Σοοναμῖτις, i.e. "she who is from Shunem." Abishag was exceedingly beautiful, and she came from the same district. It is the country in the tribe of Issachar, near to little Hermon, to the southeast of Carmel and south of Nain, southeast of Nazareth, southwest of Tabor. It is found at present under the name Sawlam, not far from the great plain of Jiszeal (now Zer'in), "which forms a convenient way of communication between Jordan and the seacoast, but is yet so hidden in the mountain range that the Talmud is silent concerning this Sulem, as it is concerning Nazareth." It is impossible to resist the impression of the fact that this part of Galilee so closely associated with our Lord and his ministry should be the native place of the bride. Delitzsch thinks that the Shulamite is on her way from the garden to the palace. That the words are addressed to her by the admiring ladies can scarcely be disputed; hence the "we" of the address. "The fourfold 'come back' (or, 'turn') entreats her earnestly, yea, with team, to return thither (that is, to the garden) with them once more, and for this purpose, that they might find delight in looking upon her." But Delitzsch is scarcely right in thinking that the garden of nuts to which the bride referred is the garden of the palace. She is, perhaps, turning to leave the company of ladies, Solomon himself beingamong them, as though she would escape from their gaze, which is too much for her in her simplicity, and the ladies, seeing her intention to leave them, call her back. Another view is that the word "return" is for "turn round;" that is, "Let us see thee dance, that we may admire the beauty of thy form and movements." This would explain the appropriateness of the bride's reply in the latter haft of the verse. Moreover, the fourfold appeal is scarcely suitable if the bride was only slightly indicating her intention to leave. She would surely not leave hastily, seeing that Solomon is present. The request is not that she may remain, but that they may look upon her. It would be quite fitting in the mouth of lady companions. The whole is doubtless a poetic artifice, as before in the case of the dream, for the purpose of introducing the lovely description of her personal attractions. Plainly she is described as dancing or as if dancing. Delitzsch, however, thinks that the dance is only referred to by the ladies as a comparison; but in that case he certainly leaves unexplained the peculiarity of the description in Song of Solomon 7:1-5, which most naturally is a description of a dancing figure. Verse 13b. - Why will ye look upon the Shulamite as upon the dance of Mahanaim? The Shulamite, in her perfect modesty and humility, not knowing how beautiful she really is, asks why it is that they wish still to gaze upon her, like those that gaze at the dance of Mahanaim, or why they wish her to dance. But at the same moment, with the complaisance of perfect amiability, begins to move - always a pleasure to a lovely maiden - thus filling them with admiration. Mahanaim came in later times to mean "angels," or the "heavenly host" (see Genesis 32:3), but here it is generally thought to be the name of a dance, perhaps one in which the inhabitants of Mahanaim excelled, or one in which angels or hosts were thought to engage. The old translators, the Syriac, Jerome, and the Venetian, render, "the dances of the camps" (choros castrarum, θίωσον στρατοπέδων), possibly a war dance or parade. The word, however, is in the dual. Delitzsch thinks the meaning is a dance as of angels, "only a step beyond the responsive song of the seraphim" (Isaiah 6.). Of course, there can be no objection to the association of angels with the bride, but there is no necessity for it. The word would be, no doubt, familiarly known in the age of Solomon. The sacred dances wore often referred to in Scripture. and there would be nothing degrading to the dignity of the bride in dancing before the ladies and her own husband. "After throwing aside her upper garment, so that she had only the light clothing of a shepherdess or vine dresser, Shulamith danced to and fro before the daughters of Jerusalem, and displayed all her attractions before them."
Hebrew Come back,שׁ֤וּבִי (šū·ḇî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again come back, שׁ֙וּבִי֙ (šū·ḇî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again O Shulammite! הַשּׁ֣וּלַמִּ֔ית (haš·šū·lam·mîṯ) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7759: Shulammite -- heroine of the Song of Solomon Come back, שׁ֥וּבִי (šū·ḇî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again come back, שׁ֖וּבִי (šū·ḇî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again that we may gaze upon you. וְנֶחֱזֶה־ (wə·ne·ḥĕ·zeh-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of Why מַֽה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what do you look תֶּחֱזוּ֙ (te·ḥĕ·zū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of at the Shulammite, בַּשּׁ֣וּלַמִּ֔ית (baš·šū·lam·mîṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7759: Shulammite -- heroine of the Song of Solomon as on the dance כִּמְחֹלַ֖ת (kim·ḥō·laṯ) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4246: A dance of Mahanaim? הַֽמַּחֲנָֽיִם׃ (ham·ma·ḥă·nā·yim) Article | Noun - cd Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army Links Song of Solomon 6:13 NIVSong of Solomon 6:13 NLT Song of Solomon 6:13 ESV Song of Solomon 6:13 NASB Song of Solomon 6:13 KJV Song of Solomon 6:13 BibleApps.com Song of Solomon 6:13 Biblia Paralela Song of Solomon 6:13 Chinese Bible Song of Solomon 6:13 French Bible Song of Solomon 6:13 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 6:13 Return return Shulammite! (Song Songs SS So Can) |
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