Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Song Of Solomon - Chapter 1 - Verse 6

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.

Meaning

Within this verse, the speaker is expressing feelings of rejection and neglect by those around them. The phrase "Look not upon me, because I am black" may refer to the speaker feeling ostracized or judged based on their appearance. The mention of the sun looking upon them could symbolize exposure or scrutiny. The speaker's siblings' anger towards them and making them the keeper of the vineyards highlights the mistreatment and resentment they have faced. The speaker's admission that they have not tended to their own vineyard suggests neglect of their personal responsibilities or well-being amidst their duties to others. Overall, this verse conveys a sense of isolation, mistreatment, and neglect, illustrating the speaker's struggles and pain in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the Song of Solomon, the speaker laments being judged for their physical appearance, specifically their dark skin. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen as a powerful statement against colorism and discrimination based on one's appearance. The speaker's reference to the sun darkening their skin highlights how the natural world can affect our perception of beauty. Additionally, the verse can be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling rejected or ostracized by society. The speaker's reference to being made the keeper of the vineyards by their mother's children could symbolize feeling burdened with responsibilities and treated unfairly by family members. Despite these challenges, the speaker admits to neglecting their own vineyard, possibly representing neglecting their own self-care and well-being. Overall, this verse sheds light on issues of identity, societal expectations, and self-worth, making it a thought-provoking and poignant passage in the biblical text.

American Standard Version

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.
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