King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:1 Mean?

Isaiah 5:1 in the King James Version says “Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very f...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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: a very: Heb. the horn of the son of oil”

Isaiah 5:1 · KJV

Context

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: a very: Heb. the horn of the son of oil

2

And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. fenced: or, made a wall about made: Heb. hewed

3

And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah introduces the 'Song of the Vineyard,' a prophetic parable about God's relationship with Israel. The 'beloved' is Yahweh, and Isaiah acts as God's spokesman singing this love song. The vineyard in 'a very fruitful hill' represents the ideal conditions God provided Israel—choice land, covenant relationship, and divine care. This introduction sets up the devastating indictment that follows.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Vineyards required years of cultivation and care in ancient Israel. The audience would understand the investment and expectations associated with vineyard ownership, making the parable's impact powerful.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fruitful hills' has God placed you in—what advantages and opportunities have you been given?
  2. How does viewing God as the 'beloved' affect your understanding of His expectations for your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אָשִׁ֤ירָה1 of 12

“Now will I sing”

H7891

to sing

נָּא֙2 of 12
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

לִֽידִידִ֖י3 of 12

“My wellbeloved”

H3039

loved

שִׁירַ֥ת4 of 12

“a song”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

דּוֹדִ֖י5 of 12

“of my beloved”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

כֶּ֛רֶם6 of 12

“hath a vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

כֶּ֛רֶם7 of 12

“hath a vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

הָיָ֥ה8 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִֽידִידִ֖י9 of 12

“My wellbeloved”

H3039

loved

בְּקֶ֥רֶן10 of 12

“hill”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

בֶּן11 of 12

“in a very fruitful”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָֽׁמֶן׃12 of 12
H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:1Luke 20:9John 15:1Psalms 80:8Jeremiah 2:21Matthew 21:33

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