Song of Solomon 8:11-13
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This verse highlights that even in the pursuit of love and intimacy, there's an underlying principle of responsibility and fruitful labor. Solomon’s vineyard wasn't just a passive garden; it was an enterprise requiring careful management and yielding significant returns, suggesting that true fulfillment often involves contributing to and nurturing something valuable.
Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the vineyard to keepers; each one was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver. My vineyard, my very own, is before me; you, O Solomon, may have the thousand, and the keepers of the fruit two hundred. He O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it. She
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in the final chapter of the Song of Solomon, where the Shulamite woman recounts a dream or allegory about Solomon's vineyard. She's defending her love for her shepherd lover, contrasting it with a supposed offer from Solomon for a great reward, implying her love is priceless and not for sale. The passage sets up her declaration that her love is solely for her beloved, and his love is solely for her, like a garden enclosed.
Solomon’s vineyard wasn’t just any garden; it was incredibly valuable. What does this tell us about the 'fruit' of love?
This verse paints a picture of immense value. Solomon's vineyard at Baal-hamon was so fruitful that each keeper was responsible for producing a harvest worth a thousand pieces of silver! This wasn't a small operation; it was a high-stakes, high-reward investment.
A Wealthy Beginning
Think about that figure – a thousand pieces of silver for one keeper's share! This suggests the vineyard was extraordinarily fertile and well-managed, producing an abundant crop.
Love as a Valuable Asset
In the context of Song of Solomon, this imagery elevates the relationship to a place of incredible worth. The 'fruit' of their love is not meant to be meager or easily obtained. It is something precious, requiring dedicated effort and yielding an immeasurable return.
Solomon didn't tend his vineyard alone. What does this model of 'keepers' reveal about nurturing love?
The verse states that Solomon 'let out the vineyard to keepers.' This signifies a division of labor and a collaborative effort. The vineyard's incredible yield wasn't the work of one person but of many, each contributing their part.
Partnership in Cultivation
This highlights that true, fruitful love isn't typically a solo project. It involves partners, community, and shared responsibility. Each 'keeper' had a specific role and expectation, contributing to the overall success.
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Investing Together
When we apply this to relationships, it means that building and maintaining a loving connection often requires mutual investment. Whether it's a romantic partnership, family ties, or friendships, sharing the effort, setting clear expectations, and working together leads to a more abundant and satisfying 'harvest' of love and companionship.
Understand the original words
kerem · Hebrew Noun
An area planted with grapevines, often used in Scripture as a metaphor for Israel, the people of God, or the intimate life and love between husband and wife. It represents fruitfulness, labor, and stewardship.
noter · Hebrew Noun
A general term for those entrusted with the care, maintenance, and protection of a property or vineyard. In a spiritual context, it often refers to those responsible for stewarding God's gifts or people.
kesep · Hebrew Noun
Often translated as 'pieces of silver' or literally 'shekels,' representing a standard unit of value and currency used for commerce, tribute, and contractual obligations in the ancient Near East.
The verse places the love described within the context of Solomon's vast wealth and agricultural management, suggesting that true love and commitment are more valuable than any earthly riches or productive enterprises.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
Solomon inherits the throne of Israel from his father David, ushering in a period of peace and prosperity.
c. 965-960 BC
Temple Construction
Solomon oversees the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental undertaking requiring vast resources and labor.
During Solomon's Reign (c. 970-931 BC)— this verse
Solomon's Extensive Land Holdings
Solomon, known for his wealth and wisdom, managed vast agricultural estates, including vineyards, demonstrating his economic prowess.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to political fragmentation.
This passage describes a similar parable where a landowner leases out his vineyard, highlighting themes of stewardship and accountability for the fruits of the land.
Isaiah 5:1-7This prophecy is about a vineyard that fails to produce, serving as a powerful metaphor for God's people and His disappointment when they don't yield the fruit He desires.
1 Corinthians 3:9Paul uses the metaphor of God's vineyard and God as the farmer to explain that believers are God's field, called to cultivate and produce fruit for Him.
John 15:1-8Jesus directly calls Himself the true vine and His followers the branches, emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Him to bear fruit and be fruitful in His kingdom.
This verse highlights that even in the pursuit of love and intimacy, there's an underlying principle of responsibility and fruitful labor. Solomon’s vineyard wasn't just a passive garden; it was an enterprise requiring careful management and yielding significant returns, suggesting that true fulfillment often involves contributing to and nurturing something valuable.
This verse appears in the final chapter of the Song of Solomon, where the Shulamite woman recounts a dream or allegory about Solomon's vineyard. She's defending her love for her shepherd lover, contrasting it with a supposed offer from Solomon for a great reward, implying her love is priceless and not for sale. The passage sets up her declaration that her love is solely for her beloved, and his love is solely for her, like a garden enclosed.
This verse appears in the final chapter of the Song of Solomon, where the Shulamite woman recounts a dream or allegory about Solomon's vineyard. She's defending her love for her shepherd lover, contrasting it with a supposed offer from Solomon for a great reward, implying her love is priceless and not for sale. The passage sets up her declaration that her love is solely for her beloved, and his love is solely for her, like a garden enclosed.
"Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the vineyard to keepers; each one was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver. My vineyard, my very own, is before me; you, O Solomon, may have the thousan…" — This verse highlights that even in the pursuit of love and intimacy, there's an underlying principle of responsibility and fruitful labor. Solomon’s vineyard wasn't just a passive garden; it was an e…
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Last reviewed October 2026
