King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 1:6 Mean?

Song of Solomon 1:6 in the King James Version says “Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Song of Solomon 1:6 · KJV

Context

4

Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. the upright: or, they love thee uprightly

5

I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

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.

7

Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? as one: or, as one that is veiled

8

If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bride explains her sun-darkened skin: '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.' The phrase 'sun hath looked upon me' (sheshezapatni hashamesh, שֶׁשְּׁזָפַתְנִי הַשָּׁמֶשׁ) indicates sun exposure from outdoor labor. The bride's brothers ('mother's children') assigned her vineyard-keeping, preventing her from caring for her own appearance ('mine own vineyard'). This creates poignant irony: caring for others' vineyards, she neglected her own. The verse teaches that legitimate responsibilities can sometimes prevent proper self-care, and that life's circumstances—not character flaws—sometimes produce perceived deficiencies. Spiritually, it warns against exhausting oneself in external ministry while neglecting personal spiritual vitality.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient patriarchal culture gave brothers authority over unmarried sisters. Vineyard work was laborious and exposed workers to sun, wind, and weather. The bride's explanation addresses potential criticism from privileged city women (daughters of Jerusalem) who had lighter skin from indoor living. Her darker skin reflected circumstance, not character. Early church fathers applied this allegorically: the Church serves the world ('other vineyards') sometimes at cost to her own beauty, yet Christ loves her still. The warning about neglecting one's own vineyard became proverbial: ministers must guard their own souls while serving others (1 Timothy 4:16). The Puritans emphasized balancing outward ministry with personal devotion—Jonathan Edwards warned against ministerial burnout from neglecting one's own spiritual life.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you caring for 'others' vineyards' while neglecting your own spiritual vitality, health, or family?
  2. How does this verse challenge judging others based on external appearances shaped by circumstances beyond their control?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אַל1 of 18
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּרְא֙וּנִי֙2 of 18

“Look”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שֶׁאֲנִ֣י3 of 18
H589

i

שְׁחַרְחֹ֔רֶת4 of 18

“not upon me because I am black”

H7840

swarthy

שֶׁשֱּׁזָפַ֖תְנִי5 of 18

“hath looked”

H7805

to tan (by sunburning); figuratively (as if by a piercing ray) to scan

הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ6 of 18

“because the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

בְּנֵ֧י7 of 18

“children”

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

אִמִּ֣י8 of 18

“upon me my mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

נִֽחֲרוּ9 of 18

“were angry”

H2787

to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)

בִ֗י10 of 18
H0
שָׂמֻ֙נִי֙11 of 18

“with me they made”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

נָטָֽרְתִּי׃12 of 18

“have I not kept”

H5201

to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger)

אֶת13 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כַּרְמִ֥י14 of 18

“but mine own vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

כַּרְמִ֥י15 of 18

“but mine own vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

שֶׁלִּ֖י16 of 18
H0
לֹ֥א17 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָטָֽרְתִּי׃18 of 18

“have I not kept”

H5201

to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Song of Solomon 1:6 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 Song of Solomon 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 8:11-12Luke 12:51-53Jeremiah 12:6Psalms 69:8Mark 4:6Job 30:30

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