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Song Of Solomon 2:17

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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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Song of Solomon 2:17 (KJV)

Song of Solomon 2:17 concludes a vibrant passage where the Shulamite woman expresses her deep affection and longing for her beloved. This verse captures a moment of yearning and anticipation, blending a desire for continued intimacy with an acknowledgment of temporary separation.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a unique book of love poetry within the biblical canon. It vividly portrays the romantic relationship between a shepherdess (the Shulamite) and her beloved shepherd/king. This particular verse comes after a joyful description of their bond and shared moments, such as the beloved's call to enjoy spring (Song of Solomon 2:10-13) and the Shulamite's desire for his presence. The imagery of deer and mountains is common in ancient Near Eastern love poetry, symbolizing grace, freedom, and sometimes the distances or obstacles lovers might face.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Anticipation and Longing: The phrase "Until the day break, and the shadows flee away" speaks to a profound yearning for clarity, the end of separation, or the full dawning of a new, unbroken period of intimacy. It implies a desire for the darkness or uncertainties to pass, giving way to light and certainty.
  • Desire for Closeness: "Turn, my beloved" is a tender plea for his continued presence or swift return. It underscores the Shulamite's desire for physical and emotional proximity.
  • Admiration and Freedom: The beloved is likened to "a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether." These animals are known for their swiftness, grace, and agility, especially in rugged terrain. This simile highlights the beloved's admirable qualities and perhaps his freedom to move and conquer any "mountains" that separate them.
  • The "Mountains of Bether": The word "Bether" (Hebrew: בָּֽתֶר, bāther) means "division" or "separation." Thus, "mountains of Bether" can be interpreted as mountains of separation or division, symbolizing the obstacles, distances, or periods of absence that inevitably occur even in the closest relationships. The call for the beloved to be like a swift deer on these mountains suggests his ability to overcome or traverse these divisions quickly.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "roe" (צְבִ֥י, tsevi) often refers to a gazelle, while "young hart" (עֹ֙פֶר֙, ʿōp̄er) denotes a young deer. Both are symbols of beauty, swiftness, and grace. The choice of these animals emphasizes the beloved's desirable characteristics and his nimble movement across difficult landscapes. The symbolic weight of "Bether" as "division" adds a layer of depth to the verse, suggesting that even in moments of separation, the lover desires the beloved to be swift and graceful in their movements, perhaps hinting at a quick return or the ability to overcome any obstacles.

Practical Application

This verse offers rich insights for understanding love and relationships, both human and divine:

  • In Human Relationships: It beautifully articulates the longing for a loved one's presence, the desire for obstacles to vanish, and the admiration for their unique qualities. It teaches patience and hope during periods of separation, emphasizing the enduring nature of true affection. Couples can relate to the desire for "the shadows to flee away" in their own challenges, looking forward to times of greater closeness and understanding.
  • In Spiritual Allegory: Many Christian interpretations view the Song of Solomon as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and His Church. In this light, "Until the day break, and the shadows flee away" can be seen as the Church's longing for the second coming of Christ, when all darkness, suffering, and separation will cease, and His full presence will be revealed. The call for the Beloved (Christ) to be like a swift roe on the "mountains of Bether" reflects the Church's eager anticipation for Him to swiftly overcome all remaining divisions and usher in the eternal day.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Song Of Solomon 4:6 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Peter 1:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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