Song of Solomon 2:15
What does Song of Solomon 2:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 2:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 2:15 means
The call to “take us the foxes, the little foxes” recognizes small threats that can ruin blossoming vineyards. In the Song’s imagery, the vineyard often symbolizes love. Early growth is especially vulnerable. The lovers share responsibility (“our vineyards”) to protect what is new and fragrant. The focus is on small, easily overlooked problems that, if ignored, can cause great harm. This is wisdom for guarding affection with diligence. Their bond is not self-sustaining; it needs watchfulness. The verse marries romance with realism, urging early, active measures to preserve the beauty and fruitfulness promised by the season.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Take us the foxes, the little foxes, That spoil the vineyards; For our vineyards are in blossom.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Take us the foxes, the little foxes, That spoil the vineyards; For our vineyards are in blossom.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Take for us the foxes, the little foxes, which do damage to the vines; our vines have young grapes.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Seize ye for us foxes, Little foxes--destroyers of vineyards, Even our sweet-smelling vineyards.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Catch us the little foxes that destroy the vines: for our vineyard hath flourished.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Take us the foxes, The little foxes, that spoil the vineyards; For our vineyards are in bloom.
Context
Placed right after the gentle wooing of verse 14, this verse brings practical counsel into the courtship. As the invitation to come away is being considered, the couple acknowledges that love must be tended and defended. Then, in verse 16, the maiden will express confident mutual belonging, showing that vigilance does not diminish security. Finally, verse 17 will end the chapter with longing and a plea for the beloved’s continued nearness amid lingering separations.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 7:12
Let us get up early to the vineyards; Let us see whether the vine hath budded, Andits blossom is open, Andthe pomegranates are in flower: There will I give thee my love.
- Psalms 80:13
The boar out of the wood doth ravage it, And the wild beasts of the field feed on it.
- 2 Peter 2:1
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
- Ezekiel 13:4
O Israel, thy prophets have been like foxes in the waste places.
- Song of Solomon 2:13
The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs, And the vines are in blossom; They give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
- Luke 13:32
And he said unto them, Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I am perfected.
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