Song Of Solomon 1:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

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."

Context

This verse is spoken by the Shulamite woman, the primary female voice in the Song of Solomon. She addresses others, possibly the "daughters of Jerusalem" mentioned in Song of Solomon 1:5. Her words reveal a sense of insecurity about her physical appearance and a lament over her circumstances. In ancient agrarian societies, a woman with sun-darkened skin indicated a life of hard outdoor labor, contrasting with the fairer skin often associated with beauty and leisure among the privileged.

Key Themes

  • Self-Perception and Appearance: The Shulamite is self-conscious about her sun-tanned complexion, fearing it makes her less desirable or beautiful in the eyes of others. This highlights the universal human concern with external appearance.
  • Family Dynamics and Hardship: The phrase "my mother's children were angry with me" suggests familial discord or resentment. As a consequence, they assigned her the demanding task of "keeper of the vineyards," a physically taxing job that led to her darkened skin. This reveals a challenging and perhaps punitive family environment.
  • Neglect of Self (The Unkempt Vineyard): The poignant confession, "but mine own vineyard have I not kept," is a powerful metaphor. While forced to toil for others, she neglected her own personal well-being, inner life, or perhaps her own beauty and spiritual garden. This speaks to the cost of external obligations at the expense of self-care and personal development.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "black" here is shachor (שָׁחֹר), which simply means dark or black. In this context, it refers to a sun-darkened complexion, not an ethnic descriptor. The emphasis is on the effect of the sun's exposure ("the sun hath looked upon me"). The metaphor of the "vineyard" (kerem, כֶּרֶם) is significant throughout biblical literature, often representing Israel, a person's life, or a place of productivity. Here, "mine own vineyard" vividly symbolizes her personal self, her inner being, or her life's potential.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • Beyond Superficiality: It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and appreciate the inner character and worth of individuals, rather than judging by superficial standards.
  • Balancing Duty and Self-Care: The Shulamite's lament about neglecting her "own vineyard" resonates deeply. It's a reminder of the importance of guarding our own hearts and minds, ensuring that external demands and obligations do not lead to the neglect of our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. We must cultivate our "own vineyard" even while serving others.
  • Navigating Family Pressures: The mention of "mother's children" and their anger highlights the complexities of family relationships and the potential for familial strife to impact one's life and choices. Dealing with family conflict can be a significant burden.
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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.