King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 2:17 Mean?

“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. of Bether: or, of division”

Context

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

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. of Bether: or, of division

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Until the day break.**—Heb., *breathe, i.e., becomes cool, *as it does when the evening breeze sets in. The time indicated is therefore evening, “the breathing blushing hour” (Campbell). (Comp. Genesis 3:8, “The cool of the day”—margin, *wind. *This interpretation is also fixed by the mention of the flying, *i.e., *lengthening shadows. Comp. Virg. *Ecl. *i. 84: “Majoresque cadunt altis de montibus umbræ;” and Tennyson, *The Brook*— “We turned our foreheads from the falling sun, And followed our own shadows, thrice as long As when they followed us.”) **Bether.**—Marg., *of division; *LXX., *of ravines or hollows, *either as separating the lovers or as intersected by valleys. Gesenius compares Bethron (2Samuel 2:29). Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 2:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.