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