Song of Solomon 8:12
What does Song of Solomon 8:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Song of Solomon 8:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Song of Solomon 8:12 means
She declares, “My vineyard, which is mine, is before me.” Her love and person are under her own stewardship, not for hire. She grants that Solomon may have his thousand, and the keepers their two hundred—let commerce be commerce—but her devotion is not for sale. She reserves herself for her beloved by free choice. The statement echoes the Song’s repeated theme: true love is exclusive, unpurchasable, and governed by willing commitment. By distinguishing her “vineyard” from Solomon’s, she asserts the dignity of personal agency. Wealth has its place, but it cannot command the heart. The richest gift she offers is herself, given freely.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: Thou, O Solomon, shalt have the thousand, And those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.
KJV
King James Version · 1611My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: Thou, O Solomon, shalt have the thousand, And those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My vine-garden, which is mine, is before me: you, O Solomon, will have the thousand, and those who keep the fruit of them two hundred.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My vineyard--my own--is before me, The thousand <FI>is<Fi> for thee, O Solomon. And the two hundred for those keeping its fruit. O dweller in gardens!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My vineyard is before me. A thousand are for thee, the peaceable, and two hundred for them that keep the fruit thereof.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: The thousand [silver-pieces] be to thee, Solomon; And to the keepers of its fruit, two hundred.
Context
This verse completes the contrast begun in verse 11, reaffirming the pricelessness and autonomy of love. With that claim made, the dialogue shifts to closing invitations (vv. 13–14). The beloved desires to hear her voice, and she responds with a plea for his swift return. The movement from economic metaphor to intimate conversation underscores the Song’s core conviction: love thrives not on transactions but on personal presence and mutual delight.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:28
Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.
- 2 Corinthians 5:15
and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.
- 1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
- 1 Timothy 4:15
Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.
- Romans 14:7
For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself.
- 1 Corinthians 6:20
for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body.
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