Song Of Solomon 4:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Until the day {H3117} break {H6315}, and the shadows {H6752} flee away {H5127}, I will get {H3212} me to the mountain {H2022} of myrrh {H4753}, and to the hill {H1389} of frankincense {H3828}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the day's cool breeze comes up and the shadows lengthen, I will get myself to the mountain of myrrh to the hill of frankincense.

Berean Standard Bible

Before the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will make my way to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 4:6 captures the intense longing of the lover for undisturbed intimacy with his beloved, the Shulamite. It expresses a profound desire to retreat to a sacred, fragrant sanctuary, symbolized by the "mountain of myrrh" and "hill of frankincense," where their love can flourish in complete light and unhindered communion, anticipating a time when all obstacles and uncertainties ("shadows") will vanish.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the lover's effusive praise of his beloved's beauty (Song of Solomon 4:1-7). Having meticulously described her physical features from head to toe, comparing them to various natural wonders and precious elements, the lover's declaration in verse 6 serves as a climactic expression of his yearning for exclusive union. It transitions from admiration of her external beauty to an internal desire for deep, shared experience, setting the stage for the intimate invitation that follows in verse 8 and beyond. The preceding verses establish her captivating allure, making his desire for retreat with her a natural progression of his adoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Myrrh and frankincense were highly prized aromatic resins in the ancient Near East, deeply embedded in the cultural and religious life of Israel. Myrrh, extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree, was used for perfumes, anointing oils, embalming, and medicinal purposes, known for its bitter taste but delightful fragrance. Frankincense, derived from Boswellia trees, was a key component of the holy incense burned in the Tabernacle and Temple rituals (e.g., [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Holy Incense")). Both were expensive commodities, signifying wealth, honor, and sacredness. Their presence in the verse evokes an atmosphere of preciousness, purity, and intoxicating delight, reflecting the high value placed on the beloved and the intimacy sought.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 4:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. The phrase "Until the day break, and the shadows flee away" introduces the theme of **Anticipation and Longing**, expressing a yearning for an ideal, unhindered state of communion—a perfect dawn where all hindrances or uncertainties disappear. This echoes similar sentiments found in [Song of Solomon 2:17](/song_of_solomon/2-17 "Song of Solomon 2:17 - Longing for the Beloved's Return at Dawn") and [Song of Solomon 8:14](/song_of_solomon/8-14 "Song of Solomon 8:14 - A Final Plea for the Beloved's Return"). The destination, "the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense," emphasizes **Intimacy and Sanctuary**, symbolizing a private, elevated, and precious haven for their exclusive love. This imagery reinforces the theme of **Beauty and Preciousness**, as the beloved's presence and the union itself are associated with these highly valued, fragrant substances, underscoring the intoxicating allure and delightful atmosphere of their shared space, much like the beloved's garments are described as fragrant in [Song of Solomon 4:11](/song_of_solomon/4-11 "Song of Solomon 4:11 - The Fragrance of the Beloved's Garments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** (H3117) This word signifies a period of time, often the warm hours from sunrise to sunset, but also used figuratively for a defined space of time. In this context, "until the day break" points to the transition from night to morning, symbolizing the arrival of clarity, light, and full revelation, marking an end to any period of waiting, obscurity, or separation. It anticipates a time of unhindered presence and joy.
* **flee away (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** (H5127) This primitive root means "to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape)." When applied to "shadows," it vividly conveys their complete disappearance with the rising sun. It implies the cessation of all things that obscure, hinder, or represent darkness—whether literal shadows, uncertainties, or any impediments to perfect communion. The active "fleeing" suggests a decisive and complete removal.
* **myrrh (Hebrew, _môr'_):** (H4753) This aromatic resin, derived from a specific tree, was highly valued for its fragrance and medicinal properties. It was often used in perfumes and anointing oils. In the Song of Solomon, myrrh consistently symbolizes preciousness, delightful fragrance, and the alluring presence of the beloved. Its mention here, alongside frankincense, creates an atmosphere of exquisite delight and sacred intimacy, emphasizing the preciousness of the desired union.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Until the day break":** This phrase sets a temporal condition, indicating a period of anticipation. "Daybreak" signifies the dawn, the moment when light overcomes darkness. In the context of intimacy, it suggests the longed-for arrival of perfect clarity, full presence, and unhindered communion, when any "night" of separation or partial understanding gives way to complete revelation and joy.
* **"and the shadows flee away":** This clause describes the natural consequence of daybreak—the disappearance of shadows. Metaphorically, "shadows" represent anything that obscures, hinders, or creates uncertainty or separation within the relationship. Their "fleeing away" implies a complete removal of all obstacles, doubts, or imperfections, paving the way for pure, unadulterated intimacy.
* **"I will get me to the mountain of myrrh":** This declares the lover's resolute intention to retreat to a specific, elevated place. A "mountain" suggests a lofty, set-apart, and perhaps arduous destination, signifying the preciousness and exclusivity of the desired sanctuary. "Myrrh," a costly and fragrant spice, imbues this "mountain" with an atmosphere of delight, preciousness, and alluring fragrance, indicating that the destination is characterized by the beloved's delightful presence.
* **"and to the hill of frankincense":** This parallels the previous phrase, reinforcing the imagery of a sacred, fragrant retreat. A "hill" is similar to a mountain, emphasizing elevation and separation. "Frankincense," another highly valued and fragrant spice, particularly associated with worship and offerings, further enhances the sense of sacredness, purity, and profound delight associated with this intimate haven. Together, these locations represent a place of ultimate pleasure and undisturbed communion.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 4:6 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of dawn, disappearing shadows, and fragrant mountainscapes. The phrase "Until the day break, and the shadows flee away" employs **Antithesis**, contrasting light with darkness and presence with absence, highlighting the transition from a state of longing to one of fulfillment. The "mountain of myrrh" and "hill of frankincense" are powerful **Metaphors** and **Symbols**. The "mountain" and "hill" symbolize an elevated, secluded, and pure sanctuary, a private space for intimate communion. Myrrh and frankincense, with their preciousness and intoxicating fragrance, serve as **Symbols** of the beloved's allure, the delightful atmosphere of their union, and the sacredness of their love. The entire verse is an example of **Poetic Parallelism**, where the two halves of the verse (daybreak/shadows fleeing and mountain of myrrh/hill of frankincense) mirror and reinforce each other's meaning, creating a harmonious expression of desire and anticipation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, within the broader allegorical interpretations of the Song of Solomon, often speaks to the spiritual longing for ultimate communion with God. The "day break" can be seen as the eschatological dawn of God's full presence, whether in the believer's personal experience or in the glorious return of Christ, when all "shadows" of sin, suffering, and separation will definitively flee. The "mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense" then represent the very presence of God, a place of supreme delight, worship, and undisturbed fellowship, where the soul finds its deepest satisfaction and joy. This longing for a pure, unhindered dwelling with the Divine resonates deeply with the human spirit's innate desire for its Creator.

* [Psalm 27:4](/psalm/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - One Thing I Ask of the Lord")
* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God's Dwelling Among His People")
* [2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The Prophetic Word as a Lamp in a Dark Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 4:6 offers a profound invitation to cultivate intentional spaces for deep connection, both in human relationships and in our spiritual walk. In marriage, it encourages couples to actively seek and protect moments of undisturbed intimacy, retreating from the "shadows" of daily distractions, conflicts, or external pressures to a "mountain" of shared delight and communion. This requires prioritizing quality time, open communication, and a commitment to nurturing the sacred bond. Spiritually, the verse calls believers to a deeper longing for the presence of God. It encourages us to anticipate the "day break" of His full revelation, whether in our daily quiet times, in corporate worship, or in the ultimate eschatological hope. We are invited to "get to the mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense"—to seek out the fragrant, precious, and pure presence of God through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word, allowing His light to dispel all "shadows" of doubt, fear, or sin in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "shadows" or distractions in your life hinder deeper intimacy, either in your significant relationships or in your walk with God?**
* **How can you intentionally create a "mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense"—a sacred, undisturbed space—for communion with your loved ones or with God?**
* **What does "the day break" signify for you in your spiritual journey, and how does this verse fuel your anticipation for God's presence?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "day break" and "shadows flee away" in this verse?**

Answer: "Day break" symbolizes the arrival of dawn, representing a time of clarity, full presence, and unhindered joy, where any darkness or obscurity is dispelled. The "shadows fleeing away" signifies the complete disappearance of all hindrances, uncertainties, or obstacles that might impede perfect intimacy and communion. Together, these phrases express a deep longing for an ideal, unblemished state of union, free from any form of separation or imperfection. This imagery is a poetic way to convey the transition from longing and waiting to complete fulfillment and delight, anticipating a time when all impediments to love and connection are removed. It evokes a sense of hope and the promise of undisturbed fellowship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While originating in a human love poem, Song of Solomon 4:6 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment when interpreted allegorically as the longing of Christ for His Church, or the believer's yearning for Christ. The "day break" powerfully foreshadows the glorious return of Jesus Christ, the true "Sun of Righteousness" ([Malachi 4:2](/malachi/4-2 "Malachi 4:2 - The Sun of Righteousness Will Rise")), when all the "shadows" of sin, suffering, and death will definitively and eternally "flee away" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). Christ's declaration, "I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense," can be seen as His desire to bring His beloved Bride, the Church, into perfect, unhindered communion with Himself in the New Heavens and New Earth—a place of ultimate purity, worship, and fragrant delight. This echoes the promise of His return to take His people to Himself, that where He is, they may be also ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises to Return")). The precious spices symbolize the inherent value and beauty of the redeemed in Christ, made fragrant by His righteousness, and the eternal, unblemished communion believers will share with Him, where all longing will be fulfilled in His glorious presence ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")).

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 2:17

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.

Song Of Solomon 4:14

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

Luke 1:78

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

Exodus 30:23

Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],

Exodus 30:26

And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,

Exodus 37:29

And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

Revelation 5:8

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.