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.

Solomon {H8010} had a vineyard {H3754} at Baalhamon {H1174}; he let out {H5414} the vineyard {H3754} unto keepers {H5201}; every one {H376} for the fruit {H6529} thereof was to bring {H935} a thousand {H505} pieces of silver {H3701}.

Shlomo had a vineyard at Ba'al-Hamon, and he gave the vineyard to caretakers; each of them would pay for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver.

Solomon had a vineyard in Baal-hamon. He leased it to the tenants. For its fruit, each was to bring a thousand shekels of silver.

Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; He let out the vineyard unto keepers; Every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.

Commentary

Context of Song of Solomon 8:11

This verse appears near the conclusion of the Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and intimacy. While the primary narrative revolves around the mutual affection between Solomon and the Shulamite woman, this particular verse shifts focus briefly to a more administrative or economic detail concerning King Solomon's vast possessions. Vineyards were a vital part of the agricultural economy in ancient Israel, symbolizing prosperity and productivity. The mention of "Baalhamon" suggests a specific, highly fertile location, though its exact geographical identification remains debated. It might imply a place of great abundance or a large, populous estate.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Solomon's Wealth and Enterprise: The verse underscores Solomon's immense wealth and administrative acumen, as he owned and managed extensive properties, including highly productive vineyards. This reflects the grandeur associated with his reign, as also described in 1 Kings 10:14-29.
  • Stewardship and Accountability: By "letting out the vineyard unto keepers," Solomon entrusted its care and cultivation to others. This arrangement highlights the concept of stewardship, where individuals are given responsibility for a valuable asset and are expected to yield a return. The "thousand pieces of silver" signifies a significant and expected profit, indicating the vineyard's high value and productivity, and the keepers' substantial responsibility.
  • Contrast with the Shulamite's Vineyard: This verse often serves as a crucial setup for the following verse, Song of Solomon 8:12. Solomon's vineyard is external, managed for profit and material gain. In contrast, the Shulamite speaks of "my vineyard, which is mine, is before me," often interpreted as her personal purity, her self, or her cherished relationship. This juxtaposition emphasizes the difference between public wealth and private, intimate value.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Baalhamon" is intriguing. While "Baal" can refer to a pagan deity, in this context, it is more likely part of a place name, perhaps meaning "lord of a multitude" or "place of abundance." This etymology reinforces the idea that this was a very fruitful and productive vineyard, capable of yielding such a substantial return. The "thousand [pieces] of silver" indicates a significant sum, reflecting the high value of the vineyard and the considerable income it generated for Solomon.

Practical Application and Reflection

Song of Solomon 8:11, especially when read in conjunction with the subsequent verse, invites us to consider what our "vineyard" is. Are we primarily focused on external possessions and material gains, like Solomon's vast vineyard, or are we tending to our internal "vineyard"—our personal integrity, our relationships, our spiritual walk, and the unique gifts God has given us? The verse can also serve as a reminder of our role as stewards. Just as the keepers were responsible for the vineyard's fruit, we are called to be faithful managers of the resources, talents, and relationships entrusted to us. The concept of a valuable vineyard being let out to keepers for a return is also echoed in parables like the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, highlighting themes of responsibility and expected fruit.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 2:4 (6 votes)

    I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

  • Isaiah 7:23 (5 votes)

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall [even] be for briers and thorns.

  • Matthew 21:33 (2 votes)

    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:

  • Matthew 21:43 (2 votes)

    Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

  • Luke 20:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Luke 20:18 (2 votes)

    Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

  • Song Of Solomon 7:12 (2 votes)

    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.