Commentary on the Song of Songs, Book IV · §12 · Origen of Alexandria

Winter fortifies; spring calls beyond the world

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Historically the narration is of little use; spiritually: the soul’s winter is passions and vices; in winter the Word does not call outdoors but fortifies. Spring is quiet of mind; then she is called out beyond flesh and world — beyond the figured city.

Latin

Historice parum utilis narratio; spiritaliter: hiems animae passionum et vitiorum; in hieme Verbum non foras vocat sed munit. Ver: quies mentis; tunc evocatur extra carnem et mundum — extra civitatem figuratam.

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About this text

Origen on Song of Songs 2:10-15: the Bridegroom calls the soul out as winter passes, and the little foxes that spoil the vines stand for sins and heretics.

English follows Baehrens, Origenes Werke VIII (GCS 33, 1925), Rufinus’s Latin of Commentary Liber IV. Lawson ACW 26 was not used as wording.

Printed text used

Translated from Baehrens, Origenes Werke VIII = GCS 33 (1925) (Latin · Commentary Liber IV §§1 – 20)

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