King James Version
What Does Song of Solomon 2:15 Mean?
“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.”
Context
13
The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
14
O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
15
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
16
My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.
17
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether. of Bether: or, of division
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(15) **Take us the foxes.**—Possibly this is a verse of a familiar country song, introduced here from the suggestion of the “sweet voice” in the last verse; but more probably to be compared to the “avaunt” so commonly addressed by poets in Epithalamia and love songs to all mischievous and troublesome creatures. Thus in Spenser’s *Epithalamium, *owls, storks, ravens, and frogs are warned off.
**Foxes.**—Comp. Judges 15:4. Whether *our fox *or the *jackal *(Heb., *shual*)*, *it is known to be equally destructive to vineyards. Theocritus (*Id. *v. 112) is often compared:—
“I hate those brush-tailed foxes, that each night
Spoil Micon’s vineyards with their deadly bite.”
In the allegorising commentators they stand for *heretics.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:15 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 2:15
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge