Song Of Solomon 7:12

KJV

Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, [whether] the tender grape appear, [and] the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us get up early {H7925} to the vineyards {H3754}; let us see {H7200} if the vine {H1612} flourish {H6524}, whether the tender grape {H5563} appear {H6605}, and the pomegranates {H7416} bud forth {H5132}: there will I give {H5414} thee my loves {H1730}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We'll get up early and go to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, to see if their flowers have opened, or if the pomegranate trees are in bloom. There I will give you my love. The mandrakes are sending out their fragrance, all kinds of choice fruits are at our doors, fruits both new and old, my darling, which I have kept in store for you.

Berean Standard Bible

Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vine has budded, if the blossom has opened, if the pomegranates are in bloom— there I will give you my love.

American Standard Version

Let us get up early to the vineyards; Let us see whether the vine hath budded, Andits blossom is open, Andthe pomegranates are in flower: There will I give thee my love.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Song of Solomon 7:12 presents a tender and proactive invitation from the Shulamite woman to her beloved, urging him to join her in the vineyards at dawn. This verse beautifully captures a desire for shared experience, intimate communion, and a mutual observation of nature's flourishing, culminating in her heartfelt promise to express the fullness of her affection in this private, natural setting. It encapsulates themes of relational intentionality, the beauty of shared simple moments, and the profound offering of love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the Shulamite's loving and initiative-taking response to her beloved's effusive praise of her beauty and grace, as detailed in [Song of Solomon 7:1-9](/song_of_solomon/7-1 "Song of Solomon 7:1-9 - The Beloved's Praise of the Shulamite"). Having been celebrated and admired, she now reciprocates by inviting him away from the public gaze and into a more private, natural setting. The immediate preceding verse, [Song of Solomon 7:11](/song_of_solomon/7-11 "Song of Solomon 7:11 - The Shulamite's Invitation to the Fields"), sets the stage for this invitation to the fields, and the subsequent verse, [Song of Solomon 7:13](/song_of_solomon/7-13 "Song of Solomon 7:13 - The Mandrakes and Fruit"), continues to describe the natural abundance they will encounter. Together, [Song of Solomon 7:11-13](/song_of_solomon/7-11 "Song of Solomon 7:11-13 - The Shulamite's Invitation and Promise") form a cohesive unit, emphasizing her desire for intimate, shared time where their love can flourish, mirroring the growth of the plants around them. This shift from being praised to taking initiative highlights the dynamic and reciprocal nature of their relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Vineyards (`H3754 kerem`) were central to ancient Israelite life, serving not only as a primary source of sustenance and economic prosperity but also as a common setting for social gatherings, courtship, and quiet reflection. The imagery of "getting up early" (`H7925 shâkam`) speaks to the agricultural rhythms of the time, where diligent care was required to observe and nurture crops. For a couple, a vineyard offered a degree of privacy and natural beauty, making it an ideal location for intimate moments away from the bustling city or village. Pomegranates (`H7416 rimmôwn`) were highly valued fruits, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and beauty, often appearing in biblical imagery and ancient Near Eastern art. The act of observing the "tender grape" (`H5563 çᵉmâdar`) and "pomegranates bud forth" (`H5132 nûwts`) reflects an appreciation for the cycles of nature and the promise of new life, which culturally paralleled the blossoming of love and new beginnings in relationships.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Song of Solomon. Foremost is the theme of **Intimacy and Shared Experience**, as the Shulamite desires not just physical proximity but a deep, personal connection forged through shared observation and mutual appreciation of nature's beauty. This echoes the broader theme of finding delight in one another's presence, as seen throughout the book, such as in [Song of Solomon 2:10-13](/song_of_solomon/2-10 "Song of Solomon 2:10-13 - The Call to Come Away"). Another prominent theme is **Nature as a Sanctuary for Love**, where the pastoral setting of vineyards, flourishing vines, and budding fruits provides a pure, fertile, and private environment for their affection to blossom. This natural imagery consistently underpins the lovers' expressions, symbolizing the organic growth and vitality of their bond, much like the garden imagery in [Song of Solomon 4:12-15](/song_of_solomon/4-12 "Song of Solomon 4:12-15 - The Enclosed Garden"). Finally, the verse highlights **Anticipation and Nurturing**, as the act of "seeing if the vine flourish" speaks to an active interest in observing and fostering growth, both in the natural world and, by extension, in their own relationship. The climax, "there will I give thee my loves," underscores the theme of **Unreserved Devotion** and the complete offering of oneself in the context of profound, reciprocal affection, a sentiment woven throughout the expressions of love in [Song of Solomon 8:6-7](/song_of_solomon/8-6 "Song of Solomon 8:6-7 - Love as a Strong Seal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vineyards (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** From `H3754`, meaning "a garden or vineyard." The choice of "vineyards" is highly symbolic. It's not merely a place of work but a place of fertility, growth, and often, privacy. In the Song, vineyards are frequently associated with the beloved herself (e.g., [Song of Solomon 1:6](/song_of_solomon/1-6 "Song of Solomon 1:6 - My Own Vineyard")) or with the setting for their love. Here, it signifies a natural, productive, and intimate space where their love can be cultivated and enjoyed.
* **Flourish (Hebrew, _pârach'_):** From `H6524`, meaning "to break forth as a bud, i.e. bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish." This word captures the vibrant, dynamic process of growth and blossoming. It implies not just static existence but active, visible, and beautiful development. The Shulamite's desire to "see if the vine flourish" indicates an active interest in the vitality and progress of life, mirroring her desire for their relationship to similarly thrive and burst forth with new beauty.
* **Loves (Hebrew, _dôwd'_):** From `H1730`, meaning "properly, to boil, i.e.; (figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend." The plural form, _dôwdîm_ (often translated "my loves" or "my caresses"), emphasizes the abundance, intensity, and multifaceted nature of her affection. It's not a singular, abstract concept of love, but the tangible, expressed manifestations of love—kisses, embraces, tender words, and intimate gestures. This highlights the complete and unreserved offering of her deepest affections, promising a rich outpouring of devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us get up early to the vineyards;"**: This opening clause is an active and intentional invitation. "Getting up early" (shâkam) suggests eagerness, diligence, and a desire to seize the day's freshness and quietude. The destination, "the vineyards," immediately sets a pastoral, fertile, and intimate scene, indicating a desire for shared experience in a place conducive to growth and privacy.
* **"let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth:"**: This segment reveals the purpose of their early morning excursion: to observe the natural world's awakening and growth. The Shulamite is interested in the specific signs of vitality—the flourishing of the vine, the appearance of the tender grape blossoms (çᵉmâdar), and the budding of the pomegranates. This shared observation is not merely agricultural curiosity but an act of bonding, mirroring their hope for their own relationship to grow and bear fruit. It signifies an appreciation for the cycles of life and the beauty of creation.
* **"there will I give thee my loves."**: This climactic declaration reveals the ultimate intention and deepest desire behind the invitation. The "there" refers to the private, natural setting of the vineyards, away from distractions. The phrase "I will give thee my loves" (dôwdîm) is a profound promise of unreserved intimacy and devotion. It signifies a complete offering of her affections, encompassing all the ways she intends to express her deep love, desire, and caresses, making the natural flourishing a backdrop for the blossoming of their own passionate connection.

#### Literary Devices
Song of Solomon 7:12 is rich with **Imagery**, vividly painting a picture of an early morning in a vineyard. The sensory details of "vine flourish," "tender grape appear," and "pomegranates bud forth" evoke sights and perhaps even the scents of a burgeoning spring, creating an atmosphere of freshness, vitality, and promise. This natural imagery functions as **Symbolism**, where the flourishing plants are a direct **Metaphor** for the blossoming love between the Shulamite and her beloved. The growth of the vine and fruit trees symbolizes the growth, fertility, and renewal of their relationship. The act of "getting up early" and "seeing" suggests **Intentionality** and active participation in nurturing both nature and their bond. The verse also employs **Anticipation**, building from the invitation to the observation of nature's growth, culminating in the promise of profound intimacy, creating a sense of eager expectation for the consummation of their love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while overtly romantic, carries profound theological and thematic weight, particularly when understood within the broader biblical narrative of love, covenant, and spiritual growth. The Shulamite's invitation to observe the "flourishing" of nature and her promise to "give thee my loves" speaks to the intentionality required in cultivating deep relationships, whether human or divine. It underscores that genuine love is not passive but actively seeks out opportunities for shared experience, mutual observation, and unreserved self-giving. The vineyard, a place of fruitfulness and labor, becomes a sanctuary for intimacy, reminding us that true connection often blossoms in environments where effort and vulnerability are present. This echoes the biblical understanding that love is both a feeling and an action, requiring diligent nurturing and a willingness to offer one's deepest self.

* [Song of Solomon 2:10-13](/song_of_solomon/2-10 "Song of Solomon 2:10-13 - The Beloved's Invitation in Spring")
* [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth")
* [John 15:1-5](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Song of Solomon 7:12 offers timeless wisdom for nurturing any relationship, be it marital, familial, or even our connection with God. It calls us to intentionality, urging us to "get up early"—to actively seek out and create opportunities for deeper connection rather than waiting for them to happen. Just as the Shulamite desired to observe the growth in the vineyard, we are invited to pay close attention to the "flourishing" of our relationships, noticing signs of life, growth, and areas that need nurturing. True intimacy often thrives not in grand gestures but in shared simple moments—a quiet walk, a shared meal, a conversation about the day's observations. The climax of the verse, "there will I give thee my loves," serves as a powerful reminder that love reaches its fullest expression in vulnerability and the complete, unreserved offering of oneself. This means giving our time, our attention, our deepest affections, and our authentic selves to those we cherish, fostering an environment where love can truly blossom and bear fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I be more intentional in nurturing my significant relationships, "getting up early" to create opportunities for connection?**
* **What "vines" or areas of growth in my relationships do I need to observe and appreciate more closely, and how can I actively contribute to their flourishing?**
* **How can I more fully and unreservedly "give my loves" in my relationships, moving beyond superficial interactions to deeper, more vulnerable expressions of affection?**
* **Considering the spiritual allegory, how can I actively seek out quiet, intimate moments with God, observing His work in my life and offering Him my wholehearted devotion?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "vineyards" in this verse?**

Answer: The vineyards in [Song of Solomon 7:12](/song_of_solomon/7-12 "Song of Solomon 7:12 - Invitation to the Vineyards") hold multifaceted significance. Historically and culturally, vineyards were vital agricultural sites in ancient Israel, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and prosperity. For the lovers in the Song, the vineyard serves as a private, natural sanctuary, a place of beauty and growth away from public view. It symbolizes the fertile ground where their love can blossom, mirroring the natural growth of the vines and fruits. It is a place of shared labor, shared observation, and ultimately, shared intimacy and the unreserved giving of "loves." This setting reinforces the organic, natural, and fruitful nature of their relationship.

**What does "there will I give thee my loves" imply about the Shulamite's affection?**

Answer: The phrase "there will I give thee my loves" (Hebrew: _dôwdîm_) is a powerful declaration of the Shulamite's profound and abundant affection. The use of the plural "loves" emphasizes the multiplicity, intensity, and fullness of her devotion. It implies not just a singular emotion of love, but the entire spectrum of her affectionate expressions—her caresses, kisses, tender words, and intimate gestures. This is a promise of complete self-giving and unreserved intimacy, indicating that in the private, nurturing environment of the vineyard, she intends to fully express the depth and breadth of her passionate love for her beloved. It underscores the reciprocal and active nature of their relationship, where both partners initiate and offer their deepest affections.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Song of Solomon 7:12, with its tender invitation to the flourishing vineyard and the promise of unreserved "loves," finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the Shulamite invites her beloved to a place of growth and intimacy, so Christ, our ultimate Beloved, continually invites His Church into a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Him. He calls us to "get up early," to seek Him diligently and intentionally in the "vineyard" of our spiritual lives, where we can observe the flourishing of His work. He is the [True Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine"), and we are the branches, called to abide in Him to bear much fruit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")). The "tender grape" and "pomegranates bud forth" can symbolize the spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the growth of His kingdom that we are invited to witness and participate in. In response to His persistent invitation and love, the Church, as His bride, is called to "give Him her loves"—to offer Him our wholehearted devotion, worship, and obedience, not out of obligation but out of a deep, reciprocal affection ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). This verse thus prefigures the intimate, fruitful, and eternally blossoming union between Christ and His redeemed people, culminating in the joyous marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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 6:11

¶ I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, [and] to see whether the vine flourished, [and] the pomegranates budded.

Song Of Solomon 7:6

How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!

Psalms 122:5

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

Ephesians 6:24

Grace [be] with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Psalms 73:25

Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.