Song Of Solomon 1:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A bundle {H6872} of myrrh {H4753} is my wellbeloved {H1730} unto me; he shall lie {H3885} all night betwixt my breasts {H7699}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to me the man I love is a sachet of myrrh lodged between my breasts;

Berean Standard Bible

My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.

American Standard Version

My beloved is unto me as a bundle of myrrh, That lieth betwixt my breasts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:13 is a tender declaration from the Shulamite woman, expressing her profound affection and cherished regard for her beloved. She likens him to a precious "bundle of myrrh," a highly valued and fragrant substance, signifying his concentrated worth and delightful presence in her life. Her fervent desire for him to "lie all night betwixt my breasts" articulates a deep yearning for intimate, secure, and uninterrupted communion, underscoring themes of exclusive devotion, abiding presence, and the supreme value she places upon her lover within the Song's celebration of mutual delight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Song of Solomon 1:13 is spoken by the Shulamite woman, forming a vital part of the opening dialogue of passionate love and longing that characterizes the book. It follows her initial expressions of deep desire for her beloved's kisses and presence in [Song of Solomon 1:2](/song_of_solomon/1-2 "Song of Solomon 1:2 - The Shulamite's Longing"), and her warm admiration for his beauty and the joy he brings, as seen in verses like [Song of Solomon 1:4](/song_of_solomon/1-4 "Song of Solomon 1:4 - The King Has Brought Me Into His Chambers"). This verse deepens her personal and intimate declaration of affection, moving beyond general praise to a specific, sensory comparison and a profound desire for continuous closeness. It is embedded within a series of reciprocal praises and expressions of mutual longing that establish the tone of intense, exclusive, and beautiful marital love celebrated throughout the entire poetic narrative of the [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon Chapter 1 - The Shulamite's Affection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Myrrh was an exceptionally valuable and highly prized aromatic resin in the ancient Near East, extracted from the thorny Commiphora myrrha tree. Its significance extended far beyond mere fragrance, encompassing diverse uses in perfumes, incense for sacred worship (e.g., [Exodus 30:23](/exodus/30-23 "Exodus 30:23 - The Anointing Oil")), medicinal remedies, and notably, in anointing oils and embalming preparations (as seen in [Esther 2:12](/esthe/2-12 "Esther 2:12 - Perfumes and Myrrh for Purification") and [John 19:39](/john/19-39 "John 19:39 - Myrrh for Jesus' Burial")). Its high cost and multifaceted applications made it a potent symbol of preciousness, luxury, and sometimes, solemnity or sacrifice. The imagery of keeping something "betwixt my breasts" speaks to a cultural understanding of a place of utmost intimacy, security, and personal value, often associated with a cherished possession, a beloved child, or a lover held close to the heart. The phrase "all night" underscores a desire for continuous, uninterrupted closeness and abiding presence, reflecting the ideal of unwavering commitment and secure union within a devoted relationship in ancient Israelite culture.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Song of Solomon. Firstly, it highlights the **Preciousness and Supreme Value** of the beloved, elevating him to the status of a highly esteemed and desirable commodity like myrrh. This theme recurs as the lovers consistently praise each other's unique qualities and beauty, as seen in the beloved's declaration in [Song of Solomon 4:7](/song_of_solomon/4-7 "Song of Solomon 4:7 - You Are Altogether Beautiful"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Intimacy and Profound Closeness**, portraying a yearning for deep physical and emotional proximity. The desire for the beloved to "lie all night betwixt my breasts" is a vivid expression of tender affection and a longing for secure, comforting presence, mirroring the mutual longing expressed throughout the book, such as in [Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - My Beloved Is Mine and I Am His"). Lastly, the phrase "all night" underscores the theme of **Enduring Affection and Unwavering Commitment**, suggesting a desire for a continuous, abiding relationship rather than fleeting moments, a sentiment powerfully echoed in the enduring and unquenchable nature of love described in [Song of Solomon 8:6-7](/song_of_solomon/8-6-7 "Song of Solomon 8:6-7 - Love as Strong as Death and Unquenchable").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bundle (Hebrew, _tsᵉrôwr'_):** From צָרַר; a parcel (as packed up); also a kernel or particle (as if a package); bag, [idiom] bendeth, bundle, least grain, small stone. In this context, it signifies a concentrated, compact, and highly valued package, emphasizing the beloved's potent and concentrated preciousness, much like a small, valuable pouch of myrrh.
* **myrrh (Hebrew, _môr'_):** From מָרַר; myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter); myrrh. This refers to an aromatic gum or resin, highly valued for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and use in sacred anointing and embalming. Its inclusion here highlights the beloved's preciousness, delightful fragrance, and perhaps a subtle hint of the cost or sacrifice associated with true love.
* **wellbeloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** or (shortened) דֹּד; from an unused root meaning properly, to boil, i.e.; (figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle; (well-) beloved, father's brother, love, uncle. In this context, it is a tender term of endearment, emphasizing the deep, personal affection and cherished status of the man in the Shulamite's eyes. It signifies a profound bond of love and devotion.
* **lie all night (Hebrew, _lûwn'_):** or לִין; a primitive root; to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain); abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). In this context, it conveys the desire for the beloved to remain continuously and securely, not just for a moment but for an extended, abiding period, emphasizing constant presence and intimacy.
* **breasts (Hebrew, _shad'_):** or שֹׁד; probably from שׁוּד (in its original sense) contracted; the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging); breast, pap, teat. Here, it refers to the woman's breasts, symbolizing a place of utmost intimacy, comfort, and security, where one would hold something or someone most cherished and dear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A bundle of myrrh [is] my wellbeloved unto me":** The Shulamite woman declares the supreme value and delightful presence of her beloved by comparing him to a "bundle of myrrh." This vivid simile emphasizes his preciousness, the pleasant and captivating fragrance he brings to her life, and his concentrated, potent desirability. Just as a bundle of myrrh would be a highly prized and intimately kept possession, so too is her beloved to her, a source of profound delight and worth.
* **"he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts":** This clause expresses a profound desire for intimacy, security, and constant presence. "Betwixt my breasts" signifies a place of utmost closeness, tenderness, and vulnerability, akin to a mother holding a cherished child or a lover embracing their dearest. It implies a deep sense of comfort and belonging. The phrase "all night" underscores the longing for an enduring, unbroken communion, not merely a fleeting encounter, but a continuous, comforting, and secure abiding presence that transcends the temporal limits of a single day.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 1:13 is rich with evocative **Imagery** and powerful **Simile**. The primary **Simile** compares the beloved to "a bundle of myrrh," immediately engaging the senses of smell and touch, evoking experiences of preciousness, delightful fragrance, and concentrated value. This comparison is not merely descriptive but also deeply symbolic, as myrrh carried connotations of luxury, sacredness, and even a hint of suffering or solemnity (due to its use in embalming). The phrase "he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts" employs vivid **Imagery** of physical intimacy and deep emotional security. The "breasts" symbolize a place of nurturing, comfort, and profound personal closeness and vulnerability. The phrase "all night" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the Shulamite's intense desire for continuous, unwavering presence and intimacy, transcending mere temporal duration to speak of an abiding, cherished bond. The entire verse, through its specific comparisons and expressions, functions as a **Metaphor** for the depth, exclusivity, and enduring nature of the lovers' mutual devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while celebrating the beauty and intensity of human love, also offers profound theological insights when understood allegorically as the love between God and His people, or Christ and the Church. The "bundle of myrrh" speaks to the preciousness and unique value of the beloved, reflecting the inestimable worth of God's love and, supremely, the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the Shulamite cherishes her beloved above all else, so too are believers called to cherish Christ, finding in Him ultimate delight, security, and the fragrance of His righteousness. The desire for Him to "lie all night betwixt my breasts" speaks powerfully to the yearning for an intimate, abiding, and secure relationship with the Divine, where believers find their rest and comfort in God's constant, unwavering presence. This echoes the biblical theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for an unbroken communion with His people, a relationship characterized by mutual affection and secure belonging.

* [Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Valuing Christ Above All Else")
* [John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abiding in Christ's Love")
* [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 1:13 offers a beautiful and profound lens through which to view both human relationships and our spiritual walk. In the context of marriage, it challenges us to cultivate a love that values our partner as supremely precious, a source of delight and comfort. It encourages us to seek deep, abiding intimacy, not just fleeting moments, but a continuous presence of cherishing and security. This verse reminds us that true love desires unwavering closeness and finds its rest in the beloved's presence, fostering a bond of trust and vulnerability that allows for complete openness. Spiritually, it invites us to examine the depth of our affection for Jesus Christ. Is He truly our "wellbeloved," more precious than any earthly treasure? Do we yearn for His constant presence, finding our ultimate comfort and security in His embrace? This verse calls us to a deeper, more intimate communion with Christ, abiding in His love and allowing Him to be the source of our deepest rest and most profound joy, moving beyond superficial encounters to a continuous, cherished relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shulamite's declaration of her beloved as a "bundle of myrrh" challenge my own perception of what is truly precious and valuable in my life?**
* **What does the desire for the beloved to "lie all night betwixt my breasts" teach me about the nature of true intimacy and security in relationships, both human and divine?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more constant and abiding sense of Christ's presence in my daily life, moving beyond fleeting moments of spiritual connection to a deeper, continuous communion?**
* **How does this verse inspire me to express my love and devotion more deeply and consistently to those I cherish, and supremely, to Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "myrrh" in this verse?**

Answer: Myrrh (Hebrew: _môr_) was a highly valued, fragrant, and costly resin in the ancient world, used for perfumes, incense, medicine, and embalming. In [Song of Solomon 1:13](/song_of_solomon/1-13 "Song of Solomon 1:13 - The Beloved as Myrrh"), its significance is multifaceted. Primarily, it symbolizes the beloved's **preciousness and desirability** to the Shulamite, highlighting his delightful fragrance and concentrated value. It also carries connotations of **luxury and sacredness**, as myrrh was used in temple rituals and anointing oils (as seen in [Exodus 30:23](/exodus/30-23 "Exodus 30:23 - Myrrh in the Anointing Oil")). While myrrh was also associated with embalming (as seen in [John 19:39](/john/19-39 "John 19:39 - Nicodemus and Myrrh for Burial")), in this context within the Song of Solomon, the emphasis is overwhelmingly on its pleasant aroma and high value, signifying the beloved's cherished and delightful presence.

**Is Song of Solomon 1:13 meant to be interpreted literally or allegorically?**

Answer: Song of Solomon 1:13, like the entire book, is primarily a celebration of the beauty and intimacy of human marital love, intended to be understood literally as the passionate expressions between a man and a woman. This literal interpretation provides a robust foundation for healthy human sexuality and marriage within God's design. However, for centuries, both Jewish and Christian traditions have also interpreted the Song **allegorically**. In Jewish tradition, it represents the covenant love between God and Israel. In Christian tradition, it symbolizes the profound, intimate relationship between Christ and His Church (or the individual believer). While the literal meaning is foundational, the allegorical interpretation enriches our understanding of the spiritual longing for and communion with God, particularly the preciousness of Christ and the believer's desire for His abiding presence, as referenced in [Ephesians 5:32](/ephesians/5-32 "Ephesians 5:32 - The Mystery of Christ and the Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 1:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true "wellbeloved," not only of the Church but eternally the beloved Son of God, in whom the Father is well pleased ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")). As the "bundle of myrrh," Christ embodies supreme preciousness and a divine fragrance that draws us to Him. Myrrh, associated with both anointing and suffering, beautifully foreshadows Christ's dual role: He is the Anointed One, set apart for God's purposes, and His life culminated in the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, a fragrant offering to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). The Shulamite's yearning for her beloved to "lie all night betwixt my breasts" powerfully illustrates the believer's desire for an intimate, abiding, and secure relationship with Christ. He is our constant companion, the one in whom we find our rest, security, and comfort, fulfilling His promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). In Christ, we experience the deepest communion, finding our spiritual home and eternal delight in His unwavering love and presence ([John 15:9](/john/15-9 "John 15:9 - Abide in My Love")). He is the one who truly satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart, offering an unshakeable bond that endures through all circumstances ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 19:39

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight].

Psalms 45:8

All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Song Of Solomon 4:14

Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

Song Of Solomon 5:5

I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped [with] myrrh, and my fingers [with] sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.

Song Of Solomon 5:1

¶ I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

Song Of Solomon 2:7

I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please.