Song of Solomon 6:12

Old Testament Poetry/Wisdom ASV (1901)

What does Song of Solomon 6:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Before I was aware, my soul set me [Among] the chariots of my princely people.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Before I was aware, my soul set me [Among] the chariots of my princely people.
Song of Solomon 6:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Song of Solomon 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12Before I was aware, my soul set me [Among] the chariots of my princely people.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Or ever one was aware, my soul made me [like] the chariots of Amminadib.] These are either the words of the church or of Christ, saying, “I know not”f410 as the first clause may be rendered: if the words of the church, the sense may be, that though she knew not where her beloved was gone, when he went from her, yet she ran about in search of him as swiftly as the chariots of Amminadib; and when she did know that he was gone down into the garden, immediately, on a sudden, at an unawares, such was the strength of her love and affection to him, the she moved as swiftly after him as if she had been in one of those chariots; and this may signify also her courage and resolution, that,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The bride’s words may be paraphrased: “You speak of me as a glorious beauty; I was lately but a simple maiden engaged in rustic toils. I went down one day into the walnut-garden” (the walnut abounded on the shores of Lake Gennesaret, and is still common in Northern Palestine) “to inspect the young plants of the vale” (i. e., the wady, or watercourse, with now verdant banks in the early spring after the rainy season), “and to watch the budding and blossoming of vine and pomegranate.” Compare Song of Solomon 2:11-13 notes. “Then, suddenly, ere I was myself aware, my soul” (the love-bound heart) “had made me the chariot of a lordly people” (i. e., an exalted personage, one who resides on the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Or ever - I was surprized with a vehement desire of my spouse, which is to be understood figuratively, and so as to agree with the majesty and omnisciency of Christ. Ammi - nadib - Eager in my desire, and swift in my motion towards the church. Ammi - nadib is supposed to be some eminent charioteer then well known, and famous for his speed in driving chariots. Song of Solomon (Canticles) 6:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:12 to the chariot of a noble man: Desire leads to the union of the man and the woman. There may be support here for Solomon being the husband, though this description could be a metaphor for the joys of romance (cp. 1:16-17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Or ever I was aware: Heb. I knew not soul: Jer 31:18-20; Hos 11:8, Hos 11:9; Luk 15:20 made me like the chariots of Amminadib: or, set me on the chariots of my willing people Song of Solomon (Canticles) 6:13”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification