Song of Solomon 4:6
New International Version
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of incense.

New Living Translation
Before the dawn breezes blow and the night shadows flee, I will hurry to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.

English Standard Version
Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, I will go away to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.

Berean Standard Bible
Before the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will make my way to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.

King James Bible
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

New King James Version
Until the day breaks And the shadows flee away, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh And to the hill of frankincense.

New American Standard Bible
“Until the cool of the day When the shadows flee, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh And to the hill of frankincense.

NASB 1995
“Until the cool of the day When the shadows flee away, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh And to the hill of frankincense.

NASB 1977
“Until the cool of the day When the shadows flee away, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh And to the hill of frankincense.

Legacy Standard Bible
Until the day breathes And the shadows flee, I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh And to the hill of frankincense.

Amplified Bible
“Until the day breaks And the shadows flee away, [In my thoughts] I will go my way to the mountain of myrrh And to the hill of frankincense.

Christian Standard Bible
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will make my way to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Before the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will make my way to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.

American Standard Version
Until the day be cool, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, And to the hill of frankincense.

Contemporary English Version
I will hasten to those hills sprinkled with sweet perfume and stay there till sunrise.

English Revised Version
Until the day be cool, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the day brings a cool breeze and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of incense.

Good News Translation
I will stay on the hill of myrrh, the hill of incense, until the morning breezes blow and the darkness disappears.

International Standard Version
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I'll go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.

Majority Standard Bible
Before the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will make my way to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.

NET Bible
Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee, I will go up to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

New Heart English Bible
Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away, I will go to the mountain of myrrh, to the hill of frankincense.

Webster's Bible Translation
Until the day shall break, and the shadows flee away, I will repair to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

World English Bible
Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away, I will go to the mountain of myrrh, to the hill of frankincense.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Until the day breaks forth, "" And the shadows have fled away, "" I go for myself to the mountain of myrrh, "" And to the hill of frankincense.

Young's Literal Translation
Till the day doth break forth, And the shadows have fled away, I will get me unto the mountain of myrrh, And unto the hill of frankincense.

Smith's Literal Translation
Till the day shall breathe, and the shadows fled away, I will go for myself to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of Lebanon.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Till the day break, and the shadows retire, I will go to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Until the day rises and the shadows decline, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.

New American Bible
Until the day grows cool and the shadows flee, I shall go to the mountain of myrrh, to the hill of frankincense.

New Revised Standard Version
Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, I will hasten to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Until the day is cool and the evening shadows decline, I will go to the mountains of myrrh and to the hills of frankincense.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
While the day will grow cool and the shadows of evening will decline, I shall go to the mountains of myrrh and to the hills of frankincense
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Until the day breathe, And the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, And to the hill of frankincense.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Until the day dawn, and the shadows depart, I will betake me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Solomon Admires His Bride
5Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle grazing among the lilies. 6Before the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will make my way to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense. 7You are altogether beautiful, my darling; in you there is no flaw.…

Cross References
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 45:8
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.

Proverbs 7:17
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.

Isaiah 2:2
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.

Isaiah 60:6
Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 26:7-13
a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. / When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? / This perfume could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor.” ...

Mark 14:3-9
While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head. / Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? / It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. ...

Luke 7:37-38
When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. / As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.

John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16
But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. / For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. / To the one we are an odor that brings death, to the other a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?

Ephesians 5:2
and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

Philippians 4:18
I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

Revelation 5:8
When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 8:3-4
Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. / And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel.


Treasury of Scripture

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

day

Song of Solomon 2:17
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

Malachi 4:2
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Luke 1:78
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

break

Exodus 20:24
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

Exodus 30:8,23-26
And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations…

Exodus 37:29
And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

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Break Breaks Breathe Breathes Cool Dawn Evening Fled Flee Forth Frankincense Hill Incense Mountain Myrrh Repair Shadows Sky Slowly Way
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Break Breaks Breathe Breathes Cool Dawn Evening Fled Flee Forth Frankincense Hill Incense Mountain Myrrh Repair Shadows Sky Slowly Way
Song of Solomon 4
1. Christ sets forth the graces of the church
8. He shows forth his love to her
16. The church prays to be made fit for his presence














Before the day breaks and the shadows flee
This phrase evokes the imagery of early morning, a time of transition from darkness to light. In biblical symbolism, darkness often represents ignorance or sin, while light signifies knowledge, purity, and divine presence. The transition from night to day can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening or the coming of Christ, who is referred to as the "light of the world" (John 8:12). The mention of shadows fleeing suggests the dispelling of fear or uncertainty, aligning with the hope and renewal found in Christ's presence.

I will make my way to the mountain of myrrh
Myrrh is a fragrant resin used in ancient times for anointing, embalming, and as a perfume. It holds significant biblical symbolism, often associated with suffering and sacrifice. Myrrh was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to Jesus (Matthew 2:11), symbolizing His future suffering and death. The "mountain of myrrh" could represent a place of devotion and sacrifice, pointing to the sacrificial love of Christ. Mountains in Scripture often symbolize closeness to God, as seen in Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19).

and to the hill of frankincense
Frankincense, like myrrh, is a valuable resin used in incense and offerings, symbolizing prayer and worship. It was a key component in the incense burned in the Tabernacle and Temple (Exodus 30:34-38), representing the prayers of the faithful rising to God. The "hill of frankincense" suggests a place of worship and divine encounter. Hills and mountains are frequently depicted as places where God reveals Himself, such as Mount Zion, the spiritual center of Israel. This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is our intercessor and mediator, offering Himself as a fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Beloved
The speaker in this verse, often interpreted as Solomon or a representation of Christ, expressing love and admiration.

2. The Shulammite
The recipient of the speaker's affection, symbolizing the bride or the church.

3. Mountain of Myrrh
A metaphorical place representing beauty, sacrifice, and love. Myrrh was used in anointing and embalming, symbolizing purity and dedication.

4. Hill of Frankincense
Another metaphorical place, frankincense was used in worship and signifies prayer, devotion, and the presence of God.

5. Daybreak and Shadows
Symbolic of the transition from night to day, representing hope, renewal, and the dispelling of fear or uncertainty.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Myrrh and Frankincense
Myrrh and frankincense are not just aromatic substances but carry deep spiritual meanings. Myrrh represents sacrifice and suffering, while frankincense symbolizes prayer and worship. As believers, we are called to live lives of sacrificial love and constant prayer.

Hope in Transition
The imagery of daybreak and shadows fleeing reminds us that God brings hope and renewal. In times of darkness or uncertainty, we can trust that God will bring clarity and light.

Intimacy with God
The journey to the mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense can be seen as a pursuit of deeper intimacy with God. Just as the beloved seeks the presence of the Shulammite, we are invited to seek God's presence through worship and prayer.

Christ's Love for the Church
This verse can be seen as a reflection of Christ's enduring love for His church. Just as the beloved is committed to the Shulammite, Christ is committed to His bride, the church, until the end of time.

Living as Fragrance of Christ
As believers, we are called to be the fragrance of Christ in the world. Our lives should reflect His love, sacrifice, and devotion, drawing others to Him.(6) Until the day break.--See Note, Song of Solomon 2:17. Until the day breathe = when evening is come. Commentators have tried to identify the mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense, but these only carry on the thought of Song of Solomon 4:5 under another figure. We have come to another break in the poem, the end of another day, and, as before, though the metaphor is changed, the curtain falls on the complete union of the bridegroom with his bride.

Verse 6. - Until the day be cool, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. If this be the language of the bride, which most modern interpreters think, the meaning is to check the ardour of her lover, in the modesty of her fresh and maidenly feeling - Let me retire from such praises. They are too ardent for me. It is only a moment's interruption, which is followed by still more loving words from the bridegroom. We must naturally connect the words with Song of Solomon 2:17, where the bride certainly speaks. Louis de Leon thinks that the meaning is general, "shady and fragrant places." Anton (1773) suggests that she is desiring to escape and be free. It cannot be included as a description of the neighbourhood of the royal palace. She might, however, mean merely - Let me walk alone in the lovely gardens of the palace until the shades of night shall hide my blushes. It is unlikely that the words are in the mouth of Solomon; for then it would be impossible to explain their use by Shulamith previously. She is not referring to Lebanon and its neighbourhoed, and there can be no idea of looking back to a lover from whom she is torn. The interpretation which connects it with maidenly feeling is certainly the most in harmony with what has preceded. Perhaps the typical meaning is underlying the words - Let me find a place of devout meditation to feed my thoughts on the sweetness of this Divine love into which I have entered.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Before
עַ֤ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the day
הַיּ֔וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

breaks
שֶׁיָּפ֙וּחַ֙ (še·yā·p̄ū·aḥ)
Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6315: To puff, blow with the breath, air, to fan, to utter, to kindle, to scoff

and shadows
הַצְּלָלִ֑ים (haṣ·ṣə·lā·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6752: Shadow

flee,
וְנָ֖סוּ (wə·nā·sū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away

I will make my way
אֵ֤לֶךְ (’ê·leḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the mountain
הַ֣ר (har)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of myrrh
הַמּ֔וֹר (ham·mō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4753: Myrrh

and to the hill
גִּבְעַ֖ת (giḇ·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1389: A hillock

of frankincense.
הַלְּבוֹנָֽה׃ (hal·lə·ḇō·w·nāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3828: Frankincense


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OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 4:6 Until the day is cool and (Song Songs SS So Can)
Song of Solomon 4:5
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