Song Of Solomon 1:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Look {H7200} not upon me, because I am black {H7840}, because the sun {H8121} hath looked {H7805} upon me: my mother's {H517} children {H1121} were angry {H2787} with me; they made {H7760} me the keeper {H5201} of the vineyards {H3754}; but mine own vineyard {H3754} have I not kept {H5201}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't stare at me because I'm dark; it's the sun that tanned me. My mother's sons were angry with me and made me look after the vineyards. But I haven't cared for my own vineyard.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Look not upon me, because I am swarthy, Because the sun hath scorched me. My mother’s sons were incensed against me; They made me keeper of the vineyards; But mine own vineyard have I not kept.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 1:6 captures the Shulamite woman's poignant lament regarding her sun-darkened complexion and the arduous labor imposed upon her by her family. She expresses a deep sense of insecurity about her appearance, which she attributes to her forced work in the vineyards, a task that prevented her from tending to her "own vineyard"—a powerful metaphor for her personal well-being, inner life, or perhaps her own beauty and potential for flourishing. This verse introduces themes of self-perception, familial hardship, and the profound cost of neglecting one's inner self for external obligations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is spoken by the Shulamite, the primary female protagonist of the Song of Solomon. It immediately follows her address to the "daughters of Jerusalem" in [Song of Solomon 1:5](/song_of_solomon/1-5 "Song of Solomon 1:5 - The Shulamite's Appearance"), where she declares, "I am black, but comely." Verse 6 elaborates on the *reason* for her dark skin, shifting from a statement of fact to a lament about her circumstances. It reveals her vulnerability and the external pressures she faces, setting a tone of longing and a desire for acceptance that underpins much of her narrative throughout the book. Her words here establish her character as one who has endured hardship and neglect, making her subsequent expressions of love and desire for her beloved all the more poignant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, a fair complexion was often associated with nobility, leisure, and beauty, as it indicated a life lived indoors, away from the harsh sun. Conversely, sun-darkened skin, like that of the Shulamite, was a mark of outdoor labor, particularly in agriculture. Vineyard work was physically demanding and exposed workers to the elements for long hours. The mention of "my mother's children" (her half-siblings or step-siblings, common in polygamous societies) being "angry" with her and forcing her into this labor suggests a challenging family dynamic, possibly rooted in jealousy, resentment, or a low social standing within the family unit. This cultural backdrop underscores her perceived lack of beauty and her difficult social position, making her subsequent affirmation of her comeliness (v. 5) and the king's admiration (v. 9) particularly significant.
* **Key Themes:** Song of Solomon 1:6 powerfully introduces several key themes. The most prominent is **Self-Perception and External Appearance**, as the Shulamite grapples with how others perceive her based on her sun-tanned skin, fearing it diminishes her desirability. This connects to broader biblical themes of true beauty residing in character rather than outward appearance, as seen in [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Inner Beauty"). Another significant theme is **Familial Strife and Hardship**, highlighting how family dynamics can impose burdens and shape one's life, echoing the complexities of family relationships found throughout scripture, from Jacob's household to David's. Finally, the verse introduces the profound theme of **Stewardship of Self**, encapsulated in the metaphor of the "vineyard." The Shulamite's lament, "mine own vineyard have I not kept," speaks to the universal struggle of balancing external duties with the vital need for self-care, personal development, and spiritual cultivation, a concept also explored in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **black (Hebrew, _shᵉcharchôreth'_):** From H7840, meaning "swarthy; black." In this context, it specifically refers to a sun-darkened complexion, not an ethnic descriptor. It emphasizes the physical consequence of her labor, contrasting with the desired lighter skin tone of the time and highlighting her perceived lack of conventional beauty.
* **angry (Hebrew, _chârar'_):** From H2787, a primitive root meaning "to glow, i.e. literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion); be angry, burn, dry, kindle." This word conveys a strong, intense displeasure or resentment, indicating that her mother's children were not merely annoyed but deeply incensed, leading to their punitive assignment of vineyard keeping.
* **vineyards (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** From H3754, meaning "a garden or vineyard." This term is used twice in the verse, first literally for the vineyards she was forced to tend, and then metaphorically for her "own vineyard." This dual usage establishes the central metaphor of the verse, representing a place of cultivation, productivity, and personal care.
* **kept (Hebrew, _nâṭar'_):** From H5201, a primitive root meaning "to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger); bear grudge, keep(-er), reserve." The Shulamite uses this word to describe both her forced role as "keeper" of others' vineyards and her failure to "keep" her own. It implies diligent oversight, protection, and cultivation, underscoring her lament that she could not apply this care to herself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Look not upon me, because I [am] black,"**: The Shulamite directly addresses observers, perhaps the "daughters of Jerusalem," asking them not to judge her based on her appearance. Her "blackness" is presented as a source of insecurity, implying it might be seen as undesirable or a mark of low status.
* **"because the sun hath looked upon me:"**: This clause immediately explains the cause of her dark skin. The sun's intense gaze is personified as the agent responsible for her complexion, directly linking her appearance to outdoor exposure and hard labor.
* **"my mother's children were angry with me;"**: This reveals the source of her hardship. Her siblings, driven by anger or resentment, imposed a difficult life upon her. This highlights a strained family relationship and the power dynamics within her household.
* **"they made me the keeper of the vineyards;"**: This specifies the punitive task assigned to her. Being a vineyard keeper was arduous and exposed her to the elements, directly causing her sun-darkened skin. This was not a choice but an enforced duty.
* **"[but] mine own vineyard have I not kept."**: This is the poignant climax of her lament. While diligently tending to others' vineyards, she was unable to cultivate or care for her own "vineyard"—a powerful metaphor for her personal well-being, inner life, beauty, or spiritual health. This expresses a deep sense of neglect and a loss of personal flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 1:6 is rich in **Metaphor**, most notably the "vineyard" which serves as a central image. Initially, it refers to actual vineyards she was forced to tend, but then it transforms into a powerful symbol for her inner self, her personal life, or her well-being that she was unable to cultivate. The phrase "the sun hath looked upon me" employs **Personification**, attributing the human action of "looking" to the sun, vividly portraying its tanning effect. There is also a strong sense of **Contrast** in the verse: the contrast between her forced labor in others' vineyards and the neglect of her own; and the implied contrast between her sun-darkened, labor-worn appearance and the societal ideals of beauty. The verse functions as a **Lament** or **Confession**, as the Shulamite openly expresses her sorrow and the painful reality of her circumstances, invoking empathy from the listener.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with biblical themes of identity, stewardship, and the true nature of beauty. The Shulamite's struggle with her outward appearance and the neglect of her "own vineyard" speaks to the universal human challenge of finding self-worth beyond external validation and diligently cultivating one's inner life. The Bible consistently emphasizes that true beauty and value are not found in superficial appearances or societal standards, but in the heart and character. Furthermore, the concept of "keeping" one's vineyard extends beyond physical labor to the spiritual discipline of guarding one's heart, mind, and spirit from destructive influences, and nurturing a relationship with God. It underscores the importance of intentional self-care, not as selfishness, but as a necessary foundation for healthy relationships and effective service to others.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Shulamite's lament in Song of Solomon 1:6 offers a profound mirror for our own lives. In a world that often pressures us to conform to external standards of beauty, success, or productivity, her words remind us that true worth is not diminished by perceived imperfections or the marks of honest labor. Her confession, "mine own vineyard have I not kept," is a powerful call to self-awareness and intentional living. It challenges us to examine where we are investing our time and energy. Are we so consumed by external demands, expectations, or even the "vineyards" of others (our jobs, social obligations, others' needs) that we neglect our own spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being? Cultivating our "own vineyard" means prioritizing our relationship with God, nurturing our inner life, setting healthy boundaries, and engaging in practices that restore and sustain us. It's a call to holistic stewardship of the unique life and gifts God has entrusted to us, ensuring that our inner garden flourishes even amidst external pressures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I allow external pressures or others' expectations to dictate my self-perception or priorities?**
* **What does my "own vineyard" represent in my life (e.g., spiritual health, emotional well-being, personal growth, relationships)?**
* **Am I currently neglecting my "own vineyard" due to obligations to others or external demands? If so, what small step can I take to begin tending to it?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for my inherent worth, independent of outward appearances or accomplishments?**

### FAQ
**What does "black" mean in this verse, and is it a negative term?**

Answer: In Song of Solomon 1:6, "black" (Hebrew: *shᵉcharchôreth*) refers to a sun-darkened or swarthy complexion, not an ethnic designation. It is presented by the Shulamite as a negative attribute in the eyes of others, or at least a source of her insecurity, because it signified a life of hard outdoor labor, contrasting with the fairer skin often associated with beauty and leisure among the privileged in ancient societies. However, in the preceding verse, [Song of Solomon 1:5](/song_of_solomon/1-5 "Song of Solomon 1:5 - I Am Black But Comely"), she declares, "I am black, but comely," suggesting that while society might view it negatively, she finds a unique beauty in it, especially as her beloved later affirms her beauty without reservation.

**What is the significance of "mine own vineyard have I not kept"?**

Answer: This phrase is a rich metaphor. The "vineyard" she was made to keep refers to literal vineyards, implying arduous, sun-exposed labor. "Mine own vineyard" symbolizes her personal well-being, inner life, beauty, or spiritual condition. Her lament means that while she was forced to expend her energy and time on others' property and tasks, she neglected her own self-care, personal development, or spiritual cultivation. It speaks to the cost of external obligations at the expense of one's inner flourishing and the importance of self-stewardship. This resonates with the biblical principle of guarding one's heart and soul, as seen in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else").

**Why were her "mother's children" angry with her?**

Answer: The text doesn't explicitly state the reason for their anger, but it implies a punitive action. "Mother's children" likely refers to her step-siblings or half-siblings, a common family dynamic in polygamous societies. Their anger could stem from jealousy (perhaps of her beauty or potential, despite her current state), resentment, or a desire to assert dominance and exploit her labor. This familial strife highlights the challenging circumstances she faced, forcing her into a life of toil that shaped her appearance and limited her personal freedom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Shulamite's lament in Song of Solomon 1:6, marked by her sun-darkened skin from forced labor and the poignant confession of neglecting her "own vineyard," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus, the ultimate Beloved, perfectly kept His "own vineyard"—His life, His mission, His relationship with the Father—even while enduring immense toil and suffering for the sake of others. Unlike the Shulamite, who was forced into labor and neglected her own well-being, Christ willingly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, and becoming "black" with the shame and sin of humanity on the cross (cf. [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He bore the "anger" of God's righteous judgment against sin, becoming the ultimate "keeper" of God's vineyard—His people—never neglecting His divine purpose or His own spiritual communion with the Father, even in Gethsemane (cf. [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, Christ offers us true rest from our own futile labors and the burden of self-neglect. He invites us into His perfectly kept vineyard, where our true identity is found not in outward appearance or the marks of toil, but in His beauty and righteousness. He promises to tend to our "vineyard"—our souls—cultivating growth and fruitfulness, ensuring that we, who were once "black" with sin and shame, are made "comely" in His sight (cf. [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). He is the Good Shepherd who leads us to green pastures, ensuring our souls are nourished and kept, even when we are weary and burdened (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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

Song Of Solomon 8:11

Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand [pieces] of silver.

Song Of Solomon 8:12

My vineyard, which [is] mine, [is] before me: thou, O Solomon, [must have] a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

Luke 12:51

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

Luke 12:53

The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Job 30:30

My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.

Psalms 69:8

I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.

Micah 7:6

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.