Song Of Solomon 2:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Until the day {H3117} break {H6315}, and the shadows {H6752} flee away {H5127}, turn {H5437}, my beloved {H1730}, and be thou like {H1819} a roe {H6643} or a young {H6082} hart {H354} upon the mountains {H2022} of Bether {H1336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Before the daytime breeze rises and the shadows flee, return, my love, like a stag or gazelle on the hills of Beter.

Berean Standard Bible

Before the day breaks and shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.

American Standard Version

Until the day be cool, and the shadows flee away, Turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart Upon the mountains of Bether.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 2:17 encapsulates a poignant blend of longing, anticipation, and admiration within the Shulamite's expression of love for her beloved. It articulates a fervent desire for the swift and unhindered presence of her beloved, envisioning a time when all obstacles and uncertainties—symbolized by the fleeting shadows of night—will vanish, giving way to the full, unclouded light of their shared intimacy. The verse beautifully portrays the beloved as possessing the grace and agility of a wild deer, capable of traversing any landscape, even those representing division or distance, to be reunited with his longing partner.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section (Song of Solomon 2:8-17) where the Shulamite recounts her beloved's visit and his tender invitation to enjoy the beauty of spring. He calls her to rise and come away with him, praising her beauty and urging her to let her voice be heard, likening her to a dove in the clefts of the rock. The passage also includes the famous plea to "catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards" ([Song of Solomon 2:15](/song_of_solomon/2-15 "Song of Solomon 2:15 - Catch the Foxes")), symbolizing minor issues that can harm a relationship. Following this, the Shulamite affirms her deep connection, stating, "My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies" ([Song of Solomon 2:16](/song_of_solomon/2-16 "Song of Solomon 2:16 - My Beloved is Mine")). Verse 17, then, serves as an emotional crescendo, expressing her yearning for his continued presence or swift return, acknowledging a temporary separation while holding onto the hope of an unhindered future.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Solomon, a unique collection of lyrical poetry, reflects the rich tapestry of ancient Near Eastern love literature. Its setting is often pastoral, evoking images of vineyards, gardens, and mountains, which were common backdrops for romantic encounters and expressions of affection in that era. The use of animal imagery, such as roes and harts (gazelles and deer), was prevalent in the region's poetry, symbolizing grace, swiftness, beauty, and sometimes the elusive nature of a lover or the freedom of movement. The "mountains of Bether" likely refer to a geographical location, but its name, meaning "division" or "separation," imbues it with symbolic weight, representing the natural or circumstantial distances that lovers faced in a pre-modern world where travel was arduous and communication limited. This longing for presence despite physical separation resonates deeply with the human experience across cultures and time.

* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 2:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. **Anticipation and Longing** are central, as the Shulamite yearns for the "day break" and the "shadows flee away," signifying a desire for clarity, certainty, and unbroken communion, free from the uncertainties or temporary absences of night. This highlights the theme of **Desire for Closeness and Intimacy**, a constant thread throughout the Song, as the lovers continually seek each other's presence and affirmation. The **Admiration and Idealization of the Beloved** is evident in the comparison to a swift and graceful deer, emphasizing his desirable qualities. Finally, the "mountains of Bether" introduce the theme of **Obstacles and Separation**, acknowledging that even in the most passionate relationships, periods of distance or challenge may arise, yet love endures and seeks to overcome them, desiring the beloved to navigate these divisions with ease and speed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beloved (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** H1730. This term, derived from a root meaning "to boil" and figuratively "to love," signifies a deep, passionate affection. It is used throughout the Song of Solomon to refer to the male lover, emphasizing not just a friend or relative but a cherished, adored one. Its repetition underscores the intensity and centrality of the romantic bond.
* **Flee away (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** H5127. A primitive root meaning "to flit," "vanish away," "subside," or "escape." In this context, it vividly portrays the desired disappearance of the "shadows," suggesting a complete removal of darkness, uncertainty, or any impediment to full communion. It implies a swift and decisive departure of undesirable conditions.
* **Bether (Hebrew, _Bether'_):** H1336. This proper noun refers to a specific place, but its root meaning, "division" or "separation," is highly significant in this poetic context. The "mountains of Bether" therefore symbolize not just physical distance but also the inherent divisions or obstacles that can arise in a relationship, whether geographical, circumstantial, or emotional. The beloved's ability to traverse these mountains with the agility of a deer speaks to his capacity to overcome such divisions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Until the day break":** This phrase expresses a profound longing for the dawn, symbolizing a new beginning, clarity, and the end of night's uncertainties. It speaks to the hope for a time of unhindered light and full revelation of presence.
* **"and the shadows flee away":** Complementing the previous clause, this signifies the complete disappearance of darkness, ambiguity, or anything that obscures or separates. The "shadows" represent not just literal night but also the periods of absence, doubt, or challenges within the relationship.
* **"turn, my beloved":** This is a tender, urgent plea from the Shulamite for her lover to return or to remain present. It conveys her deep desire for his physical and emotional proximity, a yearning for re-engagement or continued intimacy.
* **"and be thou like a roe or a young hart":** This is a beautiful **simile** comparing the beloved to swift, graceful, and agile deer (specifically a gazelle or young stag). It highlights his desirable qualities—his beauty, vitality, and ability to move quickly and effortlessly.
* **"upon the mountains of Bether":** These "mountains of division" represent obstacles, distances, or periods of separation. The beloved's swiftness on these mountains suggests his capacity to overcome or traverse these challenges with ease, hinting at a quick return or the ability to bridge any gap between them.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 2:17 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of dawn breaking, shadows dissipating, and a graceful deer leaping across rugged mountains. The central **Simile** compares the beloved to "a roe or a young hart," emphasizing his admirable qualities of swiftness, agility, and beauty, particularly in navigating challenging terrain. The phrase "Until the day break, and the shadows flee away" employs **Antithesis**, contrasting light and darkness, presence and absence, certainty and uncertainty, to underscore the desired transformation. Furthermore, the "mountains of Bether" function as **Symbolism**, where a literal geographical feature takes on a deeper meaning of division, separation, or obstacles that must be overcome. This layered use of literary techniques enhances the emotional depth and universal resonance of the verse, transforming a personal plea into a timeless expression of love and longing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while rooted in human romance, offers profound theological and thematic connections that resonate beyond its immediate context. The longing for the "day break" and the "shadows flee away" mirrors humanity's deep yearning for ultimate clarity, the end of suffering, and the full manifestation of God's presence, free from the obscuring "shadows" of sin, doubt, or earthly limitations. It speaks to a universal human desire for resolution and unhindered communion, whether in relationships or with the divine. The beloved's swiftness over the "mountains of Bether" can be seen as a metaphor for divine grace and power overcoming all barriers that separate humanity from God, or that hinder the full realization of His kingdom. The Song's celebration of pure, devoted love also points to the sacredness of human relationships as a reflection of God's own relational nature.

* [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1-2 - Longing for God")
* [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus")
* [Isaiah 60:1-2](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1-2 - The Glory of the Lord Rises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 2:17 offers a rich tapestry for reflection on the nature of love, longing, and perseverance in relationships. In our human connections, this verse reminds us that even the deepest bonds can experience periods of separation, challenge, or "shadows." It encourages us to maintain a hopeful and patient posture, eagerly anticipating the "day break"—the resolution of difficulties, the return of closeness, or the dawning of new understanding. It calls us to admire and affirm the unique qualities of our loved ones, recognizing their strength and grace in navigating life's "mountains of Bether." For those in committed relationships, it's a call to swiftness in reconciliation, to overcome divisions quickly, and to cherish the moments of unhindered intimacy. Spiritually, it invites us to cultivate a profound longing for Christ's presence and His ultimate return, trusting that He will swiftly overcome all remaining "shadows" and divisions, bringing us into eternal light and communion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "shadows" or "mountains of Bether" currently exist in your most significant relationships, and how might you pray for or work towards their swift resolution?**
* **How does the Shulamite's longing for her beloved's swift return parallel our own spiritual longing for God's presence or Christ's second coming?**
* **In what ways can you embody the grace and agility of the "roe or young hart" in overcoming obstacles or bridging distances in your relationships?**
* **What does "the day break" signify for you, personally or spiritually, in terms of hope, clarity, or new beginnings?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Until the day break, and the shadows flee away"?**

Answer: This phrase is a poetic expression of deep longing and anticipation. "The day break" symbolizes the arrival of clarity, light, and a new beginning, often associated with the end of a period of waiting or uncertainty. "The shadows flee away" represents the complete disappearance of darkness, ambiguity, or any impediments to full intimacy and understanding. Together, they convey a desire for an unhindered, fully revealed presence of the beloved, free from any obscuring elements or temporary separations. It speaks to a yearning for a time of complete communion and joy.

**What do "a roe or a young hart" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: These animals, specifically gazelles and young deer, are symbols of beauty, grace, swiftness, and agility in ancient Near Eastern poetry. In Song of Solomon 2:17, likening the beloved to them emphasizes his admirable qualities and his ability to move quickly and effortlessly, particularly over rugged terrain. It suggests his vitality, his attractive nature, and perhaps his capacity to swiftly return or overcome any distance or obstacle that lies between the lovers. This imagery highlights the beloved's desirable attributes and the Shulamite's deep admiration for him.

**What are the "mountains of Bether"?**

Answer: "Bether" (Hebrew: בֶּתֶר) means "division" or "separation." Therefore, the "mountains of Bether" are literally mountains of division or separation. While it may refer to a specific geographical location known for its ruggedness, its symbolic meaning is paramount. It represents any obstacles, distances, or periods of absence that can arise in a relationship. The Shulamite's desire for her beloved to be like a swift deer upon these mountains signifies her hope that he will easily and quickly traverse or overcome these divisions, ensuring a swift return or maintaining their connection despite challenges. This imagery acknowledges the reality of separation while expressing a longing for its swift resolution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 2:17, with its profound yearning for the beloved's swift return and the vanishing of shadows, finds a beautiful and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "day break" and the "shadows flee away" powerfully prefigure the dawning of God's eternal kingdom through Christ, where all darkness, sin, suffering, and separation will be utterly vanquished ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Just as the Shulamite longs for her beloved to "turn" and be present, the Church, as the Bride of Christ, eagerly awaits the glorious return of her Bridegroom ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus")). Christ is indeed like the swift "roe or young hart" upon the "mountains of Bether"—the mountains of sin, death, and division that separate humanity from God. He, with divine agility and grace, traversed the ultimate division of the cross, overcoming sin and death to reconcile us to the Father ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). His first coming inaugurated the "day break" of salvation, and His second coming will bring the full and final "fleeing away" of all shadows, ushering in an eternal, unhindered communion with Him, where we will see Him face to face and all divisions will be no more ([1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face")).

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

Song Of Solomon 4:6

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

Romans 13:12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Hebrews 8:5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Hebrews 10:1

¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Luke 1:78

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Song Of Solomon 2:8

¶ The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.