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

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:13KJV
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Song of Solomon 1:13 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 1:13 mean?

Song of Solomon 1:13 uses the image of a bundle of myrrh to describe how precious and close the beloved is to the speaker, saying he is like a fragrant sachet resting near her heart through the night. This verse expresses deep affection and the comfort the woman feels from her beloved’s presence, even when they are apart.

In this verse, the woman is speaking about her beloved to either herself or a group of companions. Myrrh was a costly, sweet-smelling resin often worn in small bundles as perfume, especially at night. By comparing her beloved to this cherished scent, she is highlighting both his value to her and the way his memory lingers with her intimately and constantly.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 1:13

  • Bundle (צְרוֹר, tseror): This word means a small bundle or pouch, often used for carrying precious items. Here, it emphasizes something treasured and kept close.
  • Myrrh (מֹר, mor): Myrrh is a fragrant resin used in perfume and incense, symbolizing sweetness and value. Its scent would linger, suggesting the beloved’s lasting presence.
  • Wellbeloved (דּוֹד, dod): This term refers to a dearly loved one, often used for a romantic partner in Song of Solomon. It shows the personal and affectionate nature of the relationship.
  • Lie (לִין, lin): This verb means to lodge or spend the night. The idea is that the beloved’s presence or memory remains with her through the night, offering comfort.
  • Breasts (שָׁדַיִם, shadayim): This refers to the chest area, close to the heart, symbolizing intimacy and affection.

Why Song of Solomon 1:13 matters

  • Song of Solomon 1:13 clarifies that the relationship described is deeply personal and affectionate, using sensory imagery rather than abstract ideas.
  • The verse shows the beloved’s presence is not just physical but emotional and constant, lingering like a cherished scent.
  • This image connects to the wider passage, where the lovers use poetic language to express longing, intimacy, and delight in each other, setting the tone for the rest of the book.

Where else these words appear

“bundle” Hebrew H6872 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 42:35 And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
  • 2 Samuel 17:13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
  • Proverbs 26:8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

“myrrh” Hebrew H4753 · used in 11 verses

  • 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,
  • Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
  • Song of Solomon 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

“breasts” Hebrew H7699 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • Song of Solomon 7:8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;
  • Lamentations 4:3 Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

“wellbeloved” Hebrew H1730 · used in 53 verses

  • Leviticus 10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
  • Song of Solomon 2:3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
  • Song of Solomon 6:1 Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.