Song of Solomon 2:15

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Catch for us the foxes— the little foxes that ruin the vineyards— for our vineyards are in bloom.

American Standard Version (1901)

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, That spoil the vineyards; For our vineyards are in blossom.

Bible in Basic English

Take for us the foxes, the little foxes, which do damage to the vines; our vines have young grapes.

Free Bible Version

Catch the foxes for us, all the little foxes that come and destroy the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom!

King James (Authorized) Version

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Translation for Translators

There are other men who are like [MET] little jackals/foxes that ruin vineyards; do not allow those men to attack me.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil vineyards, for our vineyard is in blossom.

Noah Webster Bible

Take for us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

World English Bible

Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that plunder the vineyards; for our vineyards are in blossom.

Young's Literal Translation

Seize ye for us foxes, Little foxes — destroyers of vineyards, Even our sweet-smelling vineyards.

Context

The Friends

¹⁴O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is lovely. ¹⁵Catch for us the foxes— the little foxes that ruin the vineyards— for our vineyards are in bloom.

Sermons

Speak to the Foxes

Carter Conlon

741

Summary

This verse from the Song of Solomon uses the metaphor of foxes that ruin the vineyards to symbolize the little things in life that can damage or hinder the growth of a relationship. It serves as a reminder to address and remove any small issues or conflicts before they escalate and cause significant harm. Just as a vineyard requires protection and care, relationships also need attention and nurturing to flourish and thrive. By dealing with the 'foxes' promptly, love can continue to blossom and deepen without unnecessary obstacles.

Commentary

Tyndale

Tyndale Open Study Notes

2:15 The foxes may represent threats to the relationship. These threats are not identified; they could be the normal ups and downs of love, rival suitors, or anything else that might keep the couple from enjoying one another. • In the dramatic view, the woman’s responsibilities as a vinedresser are still in mind. She is probably instructing the vinedressers who cared for her vineyard and received two hundred pieces of silver from her in 8:12. The alarm about catching the foxes may be understood in terms of the woman’s personal interest in maintaining the value of her vineyards; eventually, she needs to pay Solomon the lease. If the foxes’ hole-digging ruins the grapevines, she will be further in debt.