King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 4:6 Mean?

Song of Solomon 4:6 in the King James Version says “Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense....” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Song of Solomon 4:6 · KJV

Context

4

Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

5

Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

6

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

7

Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

8

Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

Read Song of Solomon 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away (ad sheyaphach hayom venasu hatsilalim, עַד שֶׁיָּפוּחַ הַיּוֹם וְנָסוּ הַצְּלָלִים)—this phrase suggests the dawning of day when darkness dissipates. The beloved anticipates the time of full revelation and consummation. I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense (elekh li el har hamor ve'el giv'at halevonah, אֵלֶךְ לִי אֶל־הַר הַמּוֹר וְאֶל־גִּבְעַת הַלְּבוֹנָה) employs metaphorical geography.

Myrrh (mor, מוֹר) and frankincense (levonah, לְבוֹנָה) were precious spices used in worship and intimate settings. The "mountain of myrrh" and "hill of frankincense" metaphorically represent the bride herself—her body as sacred space for intimate worship. The bridegroom pledges to spend the night in intimate communion. Eschatologically, this anticipates the full day when shadows flee—Christ's return and the consummation of His union with the Church (Revelation 19:7-9). Until then, He dwells intimately with His people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Myrrh and frankincense were among the costliest spices in the ancient world—gifts presented to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11), used in temple worship (Exodus 30:23, 34), and employed in burial preparation (John 19:39-40). Myrrh had bitter taste but beautiful fragrance, symbolizing suffering that produces beauty. Frankincense's sweet smoke represented prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). The beloved's pledge to spend the night on these fragrant mountains celebrates prolonged intimate communion. Early church fathers saw myrrh representing Christ's suffering (bitter but fragrant) and frankincense representing prayer and worship. The phrase "until the day break" was interpreted eschatologically—until Christ's return, He dwells with His Church through the Spirit. The Puritans emphasized that believers enjoy real but incomplete communion with Christ now, awaiting full consummation at His return.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does anticipating the day when "shadows flee away"—Christ's return—shape your present devotion and hope?
  2. In what ways is intimate communion with Christ like the bridegroom on the "mountain of myrrh"—involving both sweetness and suffering, pleasure and sacrifice?
  3. What practices cultivate sustained, prolonged intimacy with Christ, not just brief devotional moments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עַ֤ד1 of 13
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שֶׁיָּפ֙וּחַ֙2 of 13

“break”

H6315

to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff

הַיּ֔וֹם3 of 13

“Until the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְנָ֖סוּ4 of 13

“flee away”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

הַצְּלָלִ֑ים5 of 13

“and the shadows”

H6752

shade

אֵ֤לֶךְ6 of 13
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לִי֙7 of 13
H0
אֶל8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַ֣ר9 of 13

“me to the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הַמּ֔וֹר10 of 13

“of myrrh”

H4753

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

וְאֶל11 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גִּבְעַ֖ת12 of 13

“and to the hill”

H1389

a hillock

הַלְּבוֹנָֽה׃13 of 13

“of frankincense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 2:17Song of Solomon 4:14Luke 1:78Psalms 66:15Exodus 30:23-26Malachi 4:2

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