King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 8:11 Mean?

Song of Solomon 8:11 in the King James Version says “Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring ...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.”

Song of Solomon 8:11 · KJV

Context

9

If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

10

I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour. favour: Heb. peace

11

Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.

12

My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

13

Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.

Read Song of Solomon 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers (כֶּרֶם הָיָה לִשְׁלֹמֹה בְּבַעַל הָמוֹן נָתַן אֶת־הַכֶּרֶם לַנֹּטְרִים)—the bride introduces a parable about Solomon's vineyard. Baal-hamon (בַּעַל הָמוֹן) means 'possessor of multitude' or 'master of wealth,' possibly a place name or symbolic of Solomon's vast holdings. Solomon leased his vineyard to keepers (noterim, נֹטְרִים, guardians/tenants). Every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver (אִישׁ יָבִא בְּפִרְיוֹ אֶלֶף כָּסֶף)—each keeper paid 1,000 silver pieces as rent for the vineyard's produce.

This sets up a contrast in verse 12. Solomon had many vineyards managed by hired keepers for profit. But the bride has her own vineyard (herself) which she freely gives to her beloved. The passage contrasts commercial transaction (Solomon's hired vineyards) with covenant love (the bride's self-gift). Church tradition saw Solomon's vineyard as the visible Church managed by leaders, while 'my vineyard' (verse 12) represents each individual's heart offered to Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Vineyard management was common in ancient Israel—wealthy landowners often leased vineyards to tenant farmers who paid rent in produce or money. 1,000 pieces of silver represented substantial payment, indicating valuable vineyard property. The parable echoes Jesus's parable of the wicked tenants (Matthew 21:33-41), where vineyard owners lease to tenants who fail to deliver the fruit. Baal-hamon's location is unknown, but the name suggests abundance. Early church fathers saw Solomon's vineyard as the old covenant or the institutional church, while the bride's vineyard (verse 12) represents the new covenant or individual believers' hearts. The contrast teaches that genuine love cannot be bought or rented but must be freely given.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between managing your life as a 'hired keeper' versus offering it freely to Christ out of love?
  2. How does this contrast between commercial transaction and covenant gift apply to your relationship with God?
  3. What 'vineyards' has God entrusted to you, and are you managing them as hired keepers or as loving stewards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הַכֶּ֖רֶם1 of 14

“had a vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

הָיָ֤ה2 of 14
H1961

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

לִשְׁלֹמֹה֙3 of 14

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בְּבַ֣עַל4 of 14
H0
הָמ֔וֹן5 of 14

“at Baalhamon”

H1174

baal-hamon, a place in palestine

נָתַ֥ן6 of 14

“he let out”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

הַכֶּ֖רֶם8 of 14

“had a vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

לַנֹּטְרִ֑ים9 of 14

“unto keepers”

H5201

to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger)

אִ֛ישׁ10 of 14

“every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יָבִ֥א11 of 14

“thereof was to bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּפִרְי֖וֹ12 of 14

“for the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

אֶ֥לֶף13 of 14

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

כָּֽסֶף׃14 of 14

“pieces of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 2:4Isaiah 7:23Song of Solomon 7:12Luke 20:9-18Matthew 21:33-43Genesis 20:16

Places in This Verse

Baal-hamonStructure · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Song of Solomon 8 →

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