King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:13 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:13 in the King James Version says “A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.”

Song of Solomon 1:13 · KJV

Context

11

We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.

12

While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

13

A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

14

My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. camphire: or, cypress

15

Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. my love: or, my companion

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride continues: A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts. The Hebrew 'tseror hamor' (צְרוֹר הַמֹּר, bundle of myrrh) refers to a small sachet of aromatic myrrh resin worn around the neck, resting against the chest. Women would wear such fragrant bundles for personal enjoyment and to perfume their clothing. The beloved is like this intimate, constant fragrance—always near, continually pleasant, creating lasting delight. The phrase he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts (beyn shadai yalin, בֵּין שָׁדַי יָלִין) employs vivid language of intimate proximity and constant presence throughout the night.

Myrrh carries profound biblical significance: used in anointing oil (Exodus 30:23), burial preparation (John 19:39), and brought by the Magi to Christ (Matthew 2:11). It symbolizes suffering, sacrifice, and death—yet also precious fragrance. The beloved is like myrrh: precious, constantly present, bringing both joy and association with sacrifice. Theologically, Christ is our 'bundle of myrrh'—intimately near, continually fragrant presence, yet associated with suffering love that purchased our salvation. His presence is constant comfort and delight to the believer's heart.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Myrrh was harvested from trees in Arabia and Africa—aromatic resin prized for perfume, medicine, and embalming. Carrying myrrh sachets against the body was common practice among ancient women—the body's warmth released the fragrance throughout the day and night. The intimate imagery of the beloved as myrrh worn constantly near the heart celebrates his precious, pervasive presence in the bride's life and thoughts. Early church fathers immediately connected this to Christ—He is the believer's constant companion, intimate presence, and fragrant delight. The mystics meditated on 'wearing Christ' continually, keeping Him near the heart through prayer and meditation. The Puritans practiced the presence of God—cultivating awareness of Christ's constant nearness. Modern readers see both marital application (keeping the spouse central in thoughts and affections) and spiritual discipline (practicing Christ's presence, making Him the heart's constant treasure).

Reflection Questions

  1. Is Christ your 'bundle of myrrh'—constant, fragrant, intimate presence near your heart—or do you only think of Him occasionally?
  2. How can you cultivate greater awareness of Christ's nearness, making Him your heart's continual delight and treasure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
צְר֨וֹר1 of 7

“A bundle”

H6872

a parcel (as packed up); also a kernel or particle (as if a package)

הַמֹּ֤ר׀2 of 7

“of myrrh”

H4753

myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter)

דּוֹדִי֙3 of 7

“is my wellbeloved”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

לִ֔י4 of 7
H0
בֵּ֥ין5 of 7
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

שָׁדַ֖י6 of 7

“all night betwixt my breasts”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

יָלִֽין׃7 of 7

“unto me he shall lie”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

Study Guide

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 1:13 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 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 19:39Psalms 45:8Ephesians 3:17Genesis 43:11Song of Solomon 5:5Song of Solomon 4:14

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