Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse begins with the prophet offering to sing a "song of my beloved," immediately followed by the declaration that his "beloved" possesses a vineyard. This repetition of "my beloved" highlights the deep, personal affection and connection the prophet has, not just for God, but for the message God has entrusted to him concerning His people.
Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is about to deliver a prophecy that uses a familiar agricultural image. He begins by introducing a poetic parable, preparing his audience to listen closely to a song about a beloved's vineyard. This carefully cultivated vineyard, planted on fertile ground, represents God's special relationship with and care for His people, the house of Israel and the men of Judah.
Isaiah starts with a tender image – a love song about a beloved's vineyard. But this isn't just a sweet melody; it's the prelude to a profound warning.
The prophet Isaiah, inspired by God, opens this chapter by declaring his intention to sing a song for his 'beloved' about his vineyard. This immediately sets a tone of intimacy and affection. The 'beloved' is understood to be God, and the 'vineyard' represents His people, Israel. While the language is tender, like a love song, it's crucial to recognize this as the opening to a parable that will highlight a serious imbalance: immense care lavished on a beloved, met with unfruitfulness.
This isn't a song of pure joy, but rather a setup for a divine 'expostulation' – a strong, reasoned argument. God, through Isaiah, is about to lay out the case for His actions by first demonstrating the depth of His investment and love.
The vineyard isn't just anywhere; it's planted on a 'very fruitful hill.' What does this specific detail reveal about God's intentions and His people?
The description of the vineyard being on a 'very fruitful hill' (or, in Hebrew, 'on a horn of the son of oil') is more than just picturesque language. It signifies God's intentional and abundant provision for His people.
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Understand the original words
dôd · Hebrew Noun
A term of endearment and covenantal relationship, often used to describe God’s affection for His people or the Messiah’s relationship with the church. It implies deep, personal, and covenant-keeping love.
kerem · Hebrew Noun
A common biblical metaphor for the nation of Israel, illustrating God’s cultivation, care, and expectation of fruitfulness from His covenant people. It represents a people set apart for God's glory.
This parable was delivered during a period of significant political upheaval and perceived divine abandonment for Judah, making its themes of divine care, unfaithfulness, and impending judgment particularly poignant.
c. 750 BC
Prophetic Ministry of Isaiah Begins
Isaiah begins his public prophetic ministry in Judah, likely during the reign of Uzziah or Jotham. This period was characterized by outward prosperity but growing social injustice and moral corruption within the kingdom.
c. 740 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War Threatens Judah
The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria form an alliance to attack Judah. King Ahaz of Judah faces immense pressure, which fuels his later reliance on Assyria.
c. 734-732 BC
Assyrian Intervention in the Region
Judah, under King Ahaz, appeals to the Assyrian Empire for help against the Syro-Ephraimitic alliance. Assyria intervenes, conquering parts of the region and increasing its influence over Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire, under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II, destroys the northern kingdom of Israel and deports its population, serving as a dire warning to Judah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion under Sennacherib
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event highlights Judah's vulnerability and the Assyrian threat.
c. 700 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Vineyard Parable Delivered
Isaiah delivers his famous parable of the vineyard, comparing God's loving care for Israel to a vinedresser's efforts, and lamenting the nation's failure to produce righteous fruit, foretelling judgment.
This passage also uses the imagery of a vineyard planted by God, emphasizing His diligent care and the subsequent consequences of its unfruitfulness.
Matthew 21:33-41Jesus directly echoes this parable of the vineyard, retelling it to the religious leaders to illustrate God's judgment on those who misuse or reject His chosen people and their inheritance.
Jeremiah 2:21This verse speaks of Israel as a 'choice vine' that has turned degenerate, a theme that directly parallels Isaiah's depiction of God's vineyard producing wild grapes.
Song of Solomon 8:11-13This passage describes a vineyard that belongs to Solomon, similar to God's vineyard, and highlights the preciousness and care associated with it, creating a thematic link.
gillIsaiah 5:1: "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:"
Now will I sing to my well beloved,.... These are the words of the Prophet Isaiah, being about to represent the state and condition of the people of Israel by way of parable, which he calls a song, and which he determines to sing to his beloved, and calls upon himself to do it; by whom he means either God the Father, whom he loved with all his heart…
barnesIsaiah 5:1: "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:"
Now will I sing - This is an indication that what follows is poetic, or is adapted to be sung or chanted. To my well-beloved - The word used here - ידיד yedı̂yd - is a term of endearment. It properly denotes a friend; a favorite; one greatly beloved. It is applied to saints as being the beloved, or the favorites of God, in Psalm 127:2; Deuteronomy…
The verse begins with the prophet offering to sing a "song of my beloved," immediately followed by the declaration that his "beloved" possesses a vineyard. This repetition of "my beloved" highlights the deep, personal affection and connection the prophet has, not just for God, but for the message God has entrusted to him concerning His people.
The prophet Isaiah is about to deliver a prophecy that uses a familiar agricultural image. He begins by introducing a poetic parable, preparing his audience to listen closely to a song about a beloved's vineyard. This carefully cultivated vineyard, planted on fertile ground, represents God's special relationship with and care for His people, the house of Israel and the men of Judah.
The prophet Isaiah is about to deliver a prophecy that uses a familiar agricultural image. He begins by introducing a poetic parable, preparing his audience to listen closely to a song about a beloved's vineyard. This carefully cultivated vineyard, planted on fertile ground, represents God's special relationship with and care for His people, the house of Israel and the men of Judah.
"Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill." — The verse begins with the prophet offering to sing a "song of my beloved," immediately followed by the declaration that his "beloved" possesses a vineyard. This repetition of "my beloved" highlights…
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Last reviewed October 2026