Song of Solomon 8:12 Meaning and Explanation
“My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The speaker claims her own vineyard, allocating its fruit to Solomon and the keepers.
The Context of Song of Solomon 8:12
The speaker asserts ownership of her own vineyard, deciding how its fruit is distributed.
What Does Song of Solomon 8:12 Mean?
The speaker draws a sharp contrast to Solomon's arrangement. Her vineyard is hers—personal, claimed, under her direct observation and control ('before me'). She offers Solomon a thousand pieces of silver, matching the amount his keepers pay him. But she allocates only two hundred to those who keep her vineyard. This redistribution asserts her authority and generosity—she decides how the fruit is divided, not external forces.
The comparison reveals the speaker's independence and wisdom. While Solomon's vineyard is vast but managed at arm's length, hers is modest but directly hers. By positioning herself as both owner and allocator, she claims a different kind of wealth: intimacy with what she possesses, direct relationship to the labor, and the freedom to distribute as she chooses. She is not property to be managed like keepers, but a proprietor in her own right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Song of Solomon 8:12
What does Song of Solomon 8:12 mean?
The speaker claims her own vineyard, allocating its fruit to Solomon and the keepers.
What is the context of Song of Solomon 8:12?
The speaker asserts ownership of her own vineyard, deciding how its fruit is distributed.