Song of Solomon 1:13
What does Song of Solomon 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 1:13 means
She likens her beloved to a sachet of myrrh resting between her breasts—kept close, cherished, and continually perfuming her. Myrrh was precious and often worn in a small bundle on the body. The image speaks of constant awareness of him, especially through the night, when such a sachet would lie near the heart. This is not mere sensuality; it is the nearness of the one loved, whose presence sweetens life even when unseen. The metaphor honors faithful, tender intimacy that comforts and delights.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My beloved is unto me as a bundle of myrrh, That lieth betwixt my breasts.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My beloved is unto me as a bundle of myrrh, That lieth betwixt my breasts.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As a bag of myrrh is my well-loved one to me, when he is at rest all night between my breasts.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A bundle of myrrh <FI>is<Fi> my beloved to me, Between my breasts it lodgeth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A cluster of cypress my love is to me, in the vineyards of Engaddi.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A bundle of myrrh is my beloved unto me; He shall pass the night between my breasts.
Context
Flowing from the banquet scene of verse 12, this picture draws inward to private devotion. It intensifies the fragrance theme and emphasizes abiding closeness. The next verse will shift to nature, comparing him to a cluster of henna-flowers from a famous oasis, broadening the imagery from bedroom to landscape. Together, these verses show how love fills both the most intimate spaces and the wider world with remembered sweetness and refreshment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 45:8
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad.
- Song of Solomon 4:6
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.
- Song of Solomon 4:14
Spikenard and saffron, Calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; Myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices.
- Genesis 43:11
And their father Israel said unto them, If it be so now, do this: take of the choice fruits of the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spicery and myrrh, nuts, and almonds;
- Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
- Song of Solomon 5:13
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, Asbanks of sweet herbs: His lips are as lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.
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