Keraia
Song of Solomon 1

Song of Solomon 1:6

The Bride Confesses Her Love · Song of Solomon 1:1–17
Read Song of Solomon 1

Translations

Modern
Do not stare because I am dark, for the sun has gazed upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have neglected.
Traditional
Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
Literal
Do not look at me because I am black, for the sun has gazed upon me. The sons of my mother were hot with me; they set me keeping the vineyards; my own vineyard I have not kept.
Latin
Nolite me considerare quod fusca sim, quia decoloravit me sol. Filii matris meæ pugnaverunt contra me; posuerunt me custodem in vineis: vineam meam non custodivi.

Original

Hebrew
English
Do not stare because I am dark, for the sun has gazed upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have neglected.

Notes

Song of Solomon 1:6

  • of the vineyards: The New Living Translation sees vineyard as a metaphor for the woman's body (compare Song of Solomon 2:15; 7:12). In ancient Near Eastern societies, brothers protected their sisters from early intimate relationships. The woman's protest shows she believes she is ready for love (see also Song of Solomon 8:8–12, the only other mention of the brothers).

  • The dramatic view sees vineyard as actual vineyards: The brothers' mistreatment led to the woman's inability to care for the vineyards she was responsible for. She ended up in Solomon's harem because she could not pay him the money she owed (Song of Solomon 8:11–12).

Song of Solomon 1:5–6

  • The woman's dark skin is not related to her race; the sun has darkened her complexion. Despite this, she maintains her self-respect and asserts her beauty. She looks healthy from working in vineyards and caring for goats (see also Song of Solomon 1:8).

  • Solomon had caretakers for his fields, vineyards, herds, and flocks; the herders lived in dark tents made of goats' hair.

Song of Solomon 1:5–11

If the Song is a three-character drama and the shepherd is her lover, the couple was apart while she was in the king’s palace. In this passage, she wants to know where to find him when she leaves. Twice, she is frantic about losing him again (Song of Solomon 3:1–4; 5:2–8). At other times, her concern is more subtle (Song of Solomon 2:14).

Song of Solomon 1:2–14

  • The song starts with the woman expressing her desire to be close to the man she loves. In the song, the woman often begins the relationship. The chorus, called the "Young Women of Jerusalem" in the New Living Translation, supports her choice of this man.

  • According to a three-character dramatic interpretation, the song begins by describing the woman's situation. The king is about to bring her into his palace, but she truly loves her shepherd. She hopes her lover will save her from the king (Song of Solomon 1:4).

Parallels

Ephesians 5:22–33 1 Peter 3:1–7

Glossary

Song of Solomon

Topics

The Sun: The Rays of Change the Colour of the Skin Vineyards: Members of the Family often Wrought In Woman: Dark from Exposure to the Sun Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Women: Kept Vineyards