Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 VersionUntil 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 BibleTill 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 BibleUntil 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 1917Until 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. Jump to Previous Break Breaks Breathe Breathes Cool Dawn Evening Fled Flee Forth Frankincense Hill Incense Mountain Myrrh Repair Shadows Sky Slowly WayJump to Next Break Breaks Breathe Breathes Cool Dawn Evening Fled Flee Forth Frankincense Hill Incense Mountain Myrrh Repair Shadows Sky Slowly WaySong of Solomon 4 1. Christ sets forth the graces of the church8. 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 and to the hill of frankincense Persons / Places / Events 1. The BelovedThe 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 FrankincenseMyrrh 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 Beforeעַ֤ד (‘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 Links Song of Solomon 4:6 NIVSong of Solomon 4:6 NLT Song of Solomon 4:6 ESV Song of Solomon 4:6 NASB Song of Solomon 4:6 KJV Song of Solomon 4:6 BibleApps.com Song of Solomon 4:6 Biblia Paralela Song of Solomon 4:6 Chinese Bible Song of Solomon 4:6 French Bible Song of Solomon 4:6 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Song of Solomon 4:6 Until the day is cool and (Song Songs SS So Can) |