Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Steve Miller" <smille10 AT sbcglobal.net>]

> From: K Randolph
> Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2010 6:25 PM
> To: B-Hebrew
> Subject: [b-hebrew] Song of Songs 1:12
> 
> Song of Songs 1:12, what does it mean?
> 
> 
> The phrase עד אשר means “until” indicating the completion of an action, 
> either time
> wise, or the desired result has been achieved. Here we find the אשר as a 
> prefix.
> 
> 
> As a noun, מסב is found only here and in 2 Kings 23:5. In the latter place 
> it refers to
> the surrounding territory, i.e. “surroundings”, so here it should have the 
> same
> meaning, though the “territory” would be much smaller, maybe confined to one
> room.
> 
> 
> Here is my question: what does המלך mean? Is it from the verb מלל meaning to
> make a statement? Or from מול meaning to clip or pluck off, used also for to
> circumcise? Or is there some other word that I have not considered?

[Steve Miller] How about the verb מלך, to become king? My verb table gives  
המלך as a nifal infinitive noun of מלך, and also as nifal imperative 
singular, or hufal perf 3ms.  But I can't get these to make sense. "Until you 
become king ...", but as Pere said, he is already king in v4. 
> 
> 
> Right now, I am leaning toward an understanding that the verse means, 
> “Until you
> cause it to be plucked off, my nard gives off its scent in its 
> surroundings.”
> 
[Steve Miller] My verb table only shows "cut off"  as a possibility as a 
nifal infinitive noun with a 2s suffix, "your cutting off".  Does this mean 
"you" are the one cut off, or "you" are the one doing the cutting off? 

Maybe it means: Until the king is round about, my nard gives forth its 
fragrance.
Where "the king is round about" means he has left his chambers which we 
entered in v4.
> 
> Any thoughts?
> 
> 
> Karl W. Randolph.
[Steve Miller] 
Sincerely,
-Steve Miller
Detroit
www.voiceInWilderness.info
Blessed is the man who walks not in 
the world's counsel of sin, 
nor standeth in the sinners' way, 
nor with the scornful stays,
because he delights in the law
of the Lord, and in awe
he meditates both day and night.
His mind is being made right. (Psalm 1:1-2)