Translations
F.O.G.MPrimary
F.O.G Message"Catch the foxes for us — the little foxes that spoil the vineyards — for our vineyards are in bloom."
F.O.GSecondary
The F.O.G"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards — for our vineyards are in blossom."
KJV
King James VersionTake us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
BSB
Berean Standard BibleCatch for us the foxes—the little foxes that ruin the vineyards—for our vineyards are in bloom.
Footnotes
שׁוּעָלִים קְטַנִּים (shu'alim qetannim) = "little foxes" — foxes were notorious vineyard pests in the ancient Near East, tunnelling under roots and destroying tender shoots. Since the vineyard throughout the Song is a sustained metaphor for the beloved and the relationship itself (cf. 1:6; 8:11–12), the "little foxes" represent the small, creeping threats — petty quarrels, neglect, divided attention — that damage what is most fragrant and tender. The speaker is deliberately ambiguous — invitation, mutual plea, or appeal to witnesses — the F.O.G preserves that openness.
