Isaiah 5:1

KJV

¶ Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now will I sing {H7891} to my wellbeloved {H3039} a song {H7892} of my beloved {H1730} touching his vineyard {H3754}. My wellbeloved {H3039} hath a vineyard {H3754} in a very fruitful {H1121}{H8081} hill {H7161}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I want to sing a song for someone I love, a song about my loved one and his vineyard. My loved one had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.

Berean Standard Bible

I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.

American Standard Version

Let me sing for my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved had a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:1 introduces the profound "Song of the Vineyard," a parabolic lament sung by the prophet Isaiah on behalf of God, whom he affectionately calls "my wellbeloved." This opening verse sets a tender, almost romantic tone, describing the meticulous care and immense investment of the Beloved (God) in His cherished vineyard, which is situated on an exceedingly fertile hill. However, this initial idyllic portrayal serves as a poignant setup for the subsequent verses, which will dramatically reveal the vineyard's tragic failure to produce expected fruit, thereby foreshadowing divine judgment upon unfaithful Judah and Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:1 initiates a powerful and central section within the book of Isaiah, immediately following the prophet's pronouncements of judgment and calls to repentance in chapters 1-4. This "Song of the Vineyard" acts as a captivating literary device, drawing the audience in with familiar agrarian imagery and a seemingly innocent love song before transitioning into a scathing indictment and a detailed prophecy of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. It functions as an **allegory** that clarifies the reasons for the impending divine wrath, directly linking the nation's moral and spiritual decay to their failure to produce righteousness despite God's abundant provision and care. The song's structure, moving from tender affection to bitter disappointment, amplifies the emotional weight of God's case against His people, setting the stage for the "Woes" that follow in [Isaiah 5:8-23](/isaiah/5-8-23 "Isaiah 5:8-23 - The Six Woes Against Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah is situated in the 8th century BC, a tumultuous period for the kingdom of Judah, marked by political instability, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy, particularly during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The imagery of a "vineyard" was deeply ingrained in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. Vineyards were vital economic assets, requiring immense labor—clearing stones, building walls, digging a winepress, and planting choice vines—all signifying careful cultivation and the expectation of a bountiful harvest. This metaphor would have been immediately understood by Isaiah's audience as representing a highly valued and meticulously tended possession. Furthermore, the concept of God as a diligent cultivator of His people was a common theological motif, making the vineyard a potent symbol for the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as the introduction to the "Song of the Vineyard," immediately establishes several critical themes that permeate Isaiah's prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's intimate and passionate love** for His chosen people, Israel, depicted through the repeated use of "my wellbeloved" and "my beloved." This highlights the personal investment and tender affection God had for the nation He had "planted." Secondly, the **metaphor of the vineyard** unequivocally identifies Israel (specifically Judah) as God's cherished possession, whom He had carefully cultivated and provided for, expecting a return of righteousness and justice. This imagery is deeply rooted in Israel's self-understanding and is echoed in other prophetic texts, such as [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalms/80-8-16 "Psalm 80:8-16 - Israel as a Vine Brought from Egypt") where Israel is a vine brought out of Egypt, and [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - Israel as a Noble Vine Turned Wild"). Thirdly, while Isaiah 5:1 speaks of a "very fruitful hill," it subtly introduces the theme of **unfulfilled expectation**, setting the stage for the dramatic reveal in subsequent verses that this meticulously tended vineyard yielded only "wild grapes," leading to the inevitable theme of **divine judgment** for spiritual barrenness and disobedience. This foundational tension between divine provision and human failure is central to the entire prophetic message of [Isaiah 1-12](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1-12 - Prophecies Against Judah and Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wellbeloved (Hebrew, _yᵉdîyd'_):** This term (H3039), meaning "loved," "amiable," or "(well-)beloved," is used here to describe the one to whom the song is sung and who possesses the vineyard. It emphasizes an affectionate, intimate relationship, often found in contexts of deep personal attachment. In this prophetic context, it unequivocally refers to Yahweh, God Himself, highlighting the tender and personal nature of the prophet's (and by extension, God's) address. The repetition of "my wellbeloved" (H3039) and "my beloved" (H1730, _dôwd'_, which also carries connotations of love, friendship, or even an uncle, further underscoring the profound and emotional bond God desired with His people.
* **Vineyard (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** This word (H3754) refers to a cultivated plot of ground specifically for growing grapevines. The Strong's definition notes it as "a garden or vineyard." In biblical literature, the vineyard is a powerful and recurrent symbol, almost always representing the nation of Israel or Judah. Its presence immediately signals a context of careful cultivation, significant investment, and the expectation of fruit. The imagery evokes a sense of ownership, stewardship, and the potential for both productivity and disappointment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard."**: The verse opens with a personal declaration from the prophet Isaiah, adopting the persona of a singer or a friend. The repeated use of "my wellbeloved" (H3039) and "my beloved" (H1730) establishes an intimate, almost tender relationship, immediately signaling that the subject of the song is deeply cherished. This "beloved" is God Himself, and the song is "touching his vineyard," indicating that the narrative will revolve around this central metaphor. The phrase "song of my beloved" suggests that the song's content expresses the heart and perspective of God concerning His vineyard. This opening sets a tone of affection and personal investment, drawing the audience into what appears to be a beautiful, personal narrative, but one that will soon turn to lament.
* **"My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:"**: This clause elaborates on the nature and location of the vineyard. The repetition of "my wellbeloved" reinforces the divine ownership and care. The vineyard is not just any plot of land; it is situated "in a very fruitful hill." The Hebrew for "very fruitful hill" is a powerful idiom (`qeren ben shemen`), literally "a horn, son of oil." According to the provided Strong's data, `qeren` (H7161) can mean "peak (of a mountain)" or "[idiom] hill," while `bên` (H1121) can mean "son" and is part of the phrase "[phrase] very fruitful," and `shemen` (H8081) means "oil" or "[idiom] fruitful," often denoting richness or fertility. Thus, "a horn/hill of oil/richness" signifies a place of exceptional fertility and ideal conditions for viticulture. This detail emphasizes the optimal conditions and abundant provision God afforded His vineyard, setting up a sharp contrast with the tragic outcome revealed in the subsequent verses. It highlights God's perfect preparation and generous investment, making the vineyard's later failure all the more egregious and inexcusable.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:1 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Allegory**, immediately establishing the central symbolic framework of the "Song of the Vineyard." The vineyard itself is a powerful **Metaphor** for the nation of Israel/Judah, a common biblical motif that would have resonated deeply with the original audience. The "wellbeloved" is a **Personification** of God, depicted as a loving owner or husbandman, investing deeply in His cherished possession. The entire passage functions as an **Allegory**, where the literal elements of the vineyard (the owner, the soil, the vines, the expected fruit) represent deeper theological realities (God, Israel, His covenant care, and the expectation of righteousness). The opening lines also employ **Repetition** ("my wellbeloved," "my beloved," "vineyard") to emphasize the key figures and the central theme, drawing the listener's attention and reinforcing the intimate relationship between God and His people. The seemingly idyllic description of a "very fruitful hill" also serves as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience, especially those familiar with prophetic warnings, would anticipate the tragic contrast between the vineyard's potential and its actual yield, setting the stage for the impending judgment. The prophet's opening as a "singer" also introduces a **Poetic Device**, setting a lyrical, almost mournful tone that belies the harsh judgment to follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:1 lays the theological groundwork for understanding God's profound covenant love and meticulous care for His people, Israel, symbolized by the vineyard. It emphasizes God's personal investment and His expectation of a corresponding spiritual harvest—righteousness and justice—from those He has so abundantly blessed and cultivated. This verse introduces the tragic tension between divine faithfulness and human unfaithfulness, a recurring theme throughout salvation history. The initial picture of a "very fruitful hill" highlights God's perfect provision and the optimal conditions He established for His people to thrive, underscoring that any subsequent failure would be entirely due to the vineyard's (Israel's) own spiritual barrenness, not a lack of divine grace or effort. This sets the stage for the revelation of God's righteous judgment as a necessary consequence of His people's failure to bear good fruit, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when it demands judgment.

* [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalms/80-8-16 "Psalm 80:8-16 - God's Vine Brought from Egypt")
* [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - Israel as a Noble Vine Turned Degenerate")
* [Hosea 10:1](/hosea/10-1 "Hosea 10:1 - Israel as a Luxuriant Vine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:1 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, inviting us to consider our own relationship with the "wellbeloved" God. Just as God meticulously cultivated His ancient vineyard, He continues to invest in the lives of His people today, providing every spiritual resource necessary for growth and fruitfulness through His Word, His Spirit, and the community of believers. This verse challenges us to reflect on the "soil" of our own hearts—are we truly receptive to God's cultivation, or are we allowing "wild grapes" of sin, apathy, and unrighteousness to take root, despite His abundant grace? The expectation of fruit, not just religious activity, is paramount. God desires not merely outward observance but lives that genuinely reflect His character: love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This passage calls us to a sober assessment: are we producing the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and actively pursuing righteousness and justice in our spheres of influence, or are we, like the vineyard, failing to meet the divine expectation despite abundant grace and optimal spiritual conditions?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways has God, the "wellbeloved," cultivated and invested in your life, providing you with fertile ground for spiritual growth?**
* **What "fruit" (character, actions, impact) do you believe God is expecting to see in your life, individually and corporately as part of His people?**
* **Are there areas in your life where "wild grapes" (unrighteousness, injustice, spiritual barrenness) might be growing, despite God's abundant provision? How can you address these?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "wellbeloved" in Isaiah 5:1?**

Answer: The "wellbeloved" (Hebrew: _yᵉdîyd_ and _dôwd_) in Isaiah 5:1 refers to God Himself. This term, often used in intimate love poetry like the Song of Solomon, underscores the deep, personal, and affectionate relationship God desired to have with His people, Israel. It highlights His profound love and tender care for them, making their subsequent unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment all the more poignant. It sets the emotional tone for the entire "Song of the Vineyard," revealing God's heartbreak over the failure of His cherished possession. This intimate portrayal emphasizes that God's judgment is not arbitrary but flows from a deeply wounded love.

**Why is the "vineyard" a common metaphor for Israel in the Bible?**

Answer: The "vineyard" (Hebrew: _kerem_) is a recurring and potent metaphor for Israel throughout the Old Testament because it vividly illustrates God's meticulous care, investment, and covenant relationship with His chosen people. Like a vineyard owner who carefully prepares the soil, plants choice vines, builds protective walls, and expects a harvest, God "planted" Israel, brought them out of Egypt, established them in the Promised Land, and provided them with everything necessary to flourish and produce "good fruit" of righteousness and justice. This imagery is found in various passages, including [Psalm 80:8](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8 - Israel as a Vine Brought from Egypt"), [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - Israel as a Noble Vine Turned Wild"), and even later in the New Testament, as seen in Jesus' parables like the [Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers") in Matthew 21:33-46. It effectively conveys themes of divine stewardship, covenant expectation, and the consequences of unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 5:1 initially speaks of God's relationship with ancient Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological resonance are found in Jesus Christ. The "wellbeloved" who owns the vineyard is God the Father, and the vineyard, though initially Israel, finds its true and perfect expression in Christ and His new covenant people. Jesus Himself picks up the vineyard imagery, declaring, "I am the [true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), and My Father is the vinedresser." In this profound statement, Christ becomes the embodiment of the perfectly fruitful vine, the one who truly bears the fruit of righteousness and justice that Israel failed to produce. Believers, by being "in Christ," are branches grafted into this true vine, drawing life and nourishment directly from Him, enabling them to bear "much fruit" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Bearing Much Fruit in Christ")). The judgment against the unfruitful vineyard in Isaiah 5 foreshadows the consequences for those who reject the true Vine, while those who abide in Him are pruned to bear even more fruit, demonstrating God's continued meticulous care, now perfectly realized through the person and work of His Son, the ultimate "beloved" in whom the Father is "well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Affirmation of Jesus") and [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered into the Kingdom of His Beloved Son")). Thus, the vineyard's purpose—to yield good fruit for God's glory—is perfectly achieved in and through Christ and those united to Him.

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

Mark 12:1

¶ And he began to speak unto them by parables. A [certain] man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about [it], and digged [a place for] the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

Luke 20:9

¶ Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

John 15:1

¶ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Psalms 80:8

¶ Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.

Matthew 21:33

¶ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

Jeremiah 2:21

Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?

Song Of Solomon 2:16

My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.