King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 3:9 Mean?
“King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. a chariot: or, a bed”
Context
7
Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.
8
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.
9
King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. a chariot: or, a bed
10
He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
11
Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(9) **A chariot.**—Marg., *bed; *Heb., *appiryôn. *A word of very doubtful etymology. Its derivation has been sought in Hebrew, Persian, Greek, and Sanskrit. The LXX. render φορεῖον; Vulg., *ferculum; *and it seems natural, with Gesenius, to trace the three words to the root common in *parah, *φέρω*, *fero, fahren, bear, and possibly the sign of such a common origin in the Sanskrit *pargana = a saddle *(Hitzig). At all events, *appiryôn *must be a *palanquin, *or *litter, *both from the context, which describes the approach of a royal cortége, and from the description given of it, where the word translated *covering *suggests the notion of a movable litter, rather than of a State bed.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Song of Solomon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Song of Solomon 3:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Song of Solomon 3:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge