Commentary on the Song of Songs, Book IV · §14 · Origen of Alexandria

Catch the little foxes — companions and the soul

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Catch us the little foxes that spoil the vineyards; and our vineyards will flower. The Bridegroom to his companions: foxes lie in wait for the vineyards’ flower. In the soul foxes are contrary powers and crooked thoughts; angels are to catch them while little, before consent.

Latin

Capite nobis vulpes pusillas exterminantes vineas; et vineae nostrae florebunt. Sponsus ad sodales: vulpes florem vinearum insidiantur. In anima vulpes = potestates contrariae et cogitationes pravae; angeli capiant dum pusillae, ante consensum.

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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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