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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ecclesiastes 2  › Ecclesiastes 2:7

Ecclesiastes 2:7

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Ecclesiastes 2:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me,

King James Version KJV

I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

American Standard Version ASV

I bought men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem;

Bible in Basic English BBE

I got men-servants and women-servants, and they gave birth to sons and daughters in my house. I had great wealth of herds and flocks, more than all who were in Jerusalem before me.

Free Bible Version FBV

I bought male and female slaves, and their children also belonged to me. I also owned many herds and flocks, more than anyone in Jerusalem before me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I haue gotten seruants and maides, and had children borne in the house: also I had great possession of beeues and sheepe aboue all that were before me in Ierusalem.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I got men-servants, and maid-servants, and sons of the house were to me; also, I had much substance — herd and flock — above all who had been before me in Jerusalem.

World English Bible WEB

I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I procured me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I got me menservants, and maidservants, and had a great family: and herds of oxen, and great flocks of sheep, above all that were before me in Jerusalem:

Translation for Translators T4T

I bought male and female slaves, and babies who later became my slaves were born in my palace. I also owned more livestock than any of the previous kings in Jerusalem had owned.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:7

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ecclesiastes 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB קָנִ֨יתִי֙ עֲבָדִ֣ים וּ/שְׁפָח֔וֹת וּ/בְנֵי בַ֖יִת הָ֣יָה לִ֑/י גַּ֣ם מִקְנֶה֩ בָקָ֨ר וָ/צֹ֤אן הַרְבֵּה֙ הָ֣יָה לִ֔/י מִ/כֹּ֛ל שֶֽׁ/הָי֥וּ לְ/פָנַ֖/י בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
קָנִ֨יתִי֙ qânâh H7069 to buy V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עֲבָדִ֣ים ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp
וּ/שְׁפָח֔וֹת shiphchâh H8198 maidservant Conj | N-fp
וּ/בְנֵי bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp
בַ֖יִת bayith H1004 place N-ms
הָ֣יָה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֑/י Prep | Suff
גַּ֣ם gam H1571 also DirObjM
מִקְנֶה֩ miqneh H4735 livestock N-ms
בָקָ֨ר bâqâr H1241 cattle N-cs
וָ/צֹ֤אן tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) Conj | N-cs
הַרְבֵּה֙ râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Hiphil-Ptc
הָ֣יָה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֔/י Prep | Suff
מִ/כֹּ֛ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
שֶֽׁ/הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/פָנַ֖/י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:7

קָנִ֨יתִי֙ qânâh H7069 "to buy" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
עֲבָדִ֣ים ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וּ/שְׁפָח֔וֹת shiphchâh H8198 "maidservant" Conj | N-fp
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
וּ/בְנֵי bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בַ֖יִת bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הָ֣יָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ֑/י "" Prep | Suff
גַּ֣ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
מִקְנֶה֩ miqneh H4735 "livestock" N-ms
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
בָקָ֨ר bâqâr H1241 "cattle" N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
וָ/צֹ֤אן tsôʼn H6629 "Sheep (Gate)" Conj | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
הַרְבֵּה֙ râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Hiphil-Ptc
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
הָ֣יָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ֔/י "" Prep | Suff
מִ/כֹּ֛ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שֶֽׁ/הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/פָנַ֖/י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams.
2 Genesis 15:3 Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
3 1 Kings 4:23 ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry.
4 Ezra 2:58 The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.
5 1 Chronicles 27:29–31 Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon. Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys. Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels. Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys. Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the flocks. All these officials were in charge of King David’s property.
6 2 Chronicles 32:27–29 Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain and new wine and oil, stalls for all kinds of livestock, and pens for the flocks. He made cities for himself, and he acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance, for God gave him very great wealth.
7 Job 1:3 and he owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East.
8 Nehemiah 7:57 The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida,
9 Genesis 13:2 And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.
10 Job 42:12 So the LORD blessed Job’s latter days more than his first. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.

Ecclesiastes 2:7 Summary

In Ecclesiastes 2:7, the speaker is describing his pursuit of wealth and earthly pleasures, including acquiring many servants and owning more herds and flocks than anyone else in Jerusalem. This shows how he was trying to find happiness and fulfillment in the things of this world, rather than in his relationship with God (as seen in Psalm 16:11 and Matthew 6:33). However, as we see throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, this pursuit of earthly things ultimately leaves us empty and unfulfilled, and true fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with God (as described in John 10:10 and Psalm 37:4). By focusing on what truly brings joy and fulfillment, we can avoid the dangers of prioritizing wealth and material possessions above our relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the speaker acquiring menservants and maidservants in Ecclesiastes 2:7?

The acquisition of menservants and maidservants in Ecclesiastes 2:7 signifies the speaker's wealth and power, as seen in the context of Ecclesiastes 2:1-10, where he is describing his pursuit of earthly pleasures and riches, similar to what is described in Genesis 13:2 and Job 42:10-12.

How does the speaker's wealth compare to others in Jerusalem?

According to Ecclesiastes 2:7, the speaker owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before him, indicating his exceptional wealth, reminiscent of the riches of Solomon described in 1 Kings 10:23 and 2 Chronicles 9:22.

Is the speaker's focus on acquiring wealth and servants a reflection of his faith?

The speaker's focus on acquiring wealth and servants in Ecclesiastes 2:7 can be seen as a reflection of his attempt to find meaning and fulfillment in earthly things, rather than in his relationship with God, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10 and Matthew 6:24.

What can we learn from the speaker's experience with wealth and servants?

We can learn from the speaker's experience that wealth and material possessions are fleeting and cannot bring lasting fulfillment, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:11 and Psalm 39:6, and that true fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with God, as described in Psalm 16:11 and John 10:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I prioritize my pursuit of earthly possessions and wealth in relation to my pursuit of a deeper relationship with God?
  2. In what ways can I use my resources and influence to serve others and bring glory to God, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46 and 1 Peter 4:10?
  3. What are some potential dangers of focusing too much on acquiring wealth and material possessions, as warned against in Proverbs 28:20 and Luke 12:15?
  4. How can I cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude for what I have, rather than constantly desiring more, as encouraged in Philippians 4:11-12 and 1 Timothy 6:6-8?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:7

I got [me] servants and maidens,.... Menservants, and maidservants; the Targum adds, "of the children of Ham, and of the rest of the strange people;'' these were such as he hired, or bought with his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:7

I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:7

Born in my house, of my bond-servants, which therefore were a part of my possessions: see .

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:7

Ecclesiastes 2:7 I got [me] servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:Ver. 7. I got me servants, &c.] Too many by one, viz., Jeroboam, who rent ten tribes from his son. It is well observed by an interpreter, that Solomon, among all his delights, got him not a fool or jester, which some princes cannot be without, no, not when they should be most serious. It is recorded of Henry III, king of France, that in a solemn procession at Paris, he could not be without his jester, who, walking between the king and the cardinal, made mirth to them both. There was sweet devotion the while. I had great possessions of great and small cattle.] Mçëá, pecudes, et postea synechdochicos, opes significant: sic pecunia a pecude. So chesita signifies in Hebrew both money and a lamb. Epit. Hist. Gallica. Melanch., in Hesiod.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:7

(7) Got me.—The servants acquired by purchase are distinguished from those born in the house. (Concerning the number of Solomon’s servants, see 1 Kings 4:27; 1 Kings 10:5; and of his cattle, 1 Kings 4:23, 1 Kings 8:63.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:7

Verse 7. Servants and maidens] For my works, fields, folds, and various domestic labors. Servants born in any house] Besides those hired from without, he had married couples in the precincts of his grounds, palaces, etc., who, when their children grew up, got them employment with themselves. Great and small cattle] Oxen, neat, horses, asses, mules, camels, and such like; with sheep and goats. And multitudes of most of these he needed, when we are told that his household consumed daily ten stall-fed oxen, with twenty from the pasture, with a hundred sheep; besides harts, roebucks, fallow deer, fatted fowls, and other kinds of provision. Probably, such another court for splendor and expense was not in the universe.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:7

7. I got me servants and maidens] Better, I bought. The picture of Oriental state was incomplete without this element, and the slave trade, of which the Midianites were the chief representatives in the patriarchal history. (Genesis 37:28), had probably been carried on without intermission, and supplied both the household and the harem of Solomon. In the Cushi of 2 Samuel 18:21, in his namesake of Jer 36:14, in Ebedmelech, the Cushite, or Ethiopian, of Jeremiah 38:7, we have instances of the presence of such slaves in the royal households. The history of every ancient nation shews the universality of the traffic. Of these slaves each great household had two classes: (1) those “bought with money,” men of other races, captives in war, often, probably, negroes (Jeremiah 38:7) who were employed in the more menial offices (Genesis 11:11-12; Genesis 11:23), and (2) those born in the house (Genesis 14:14; Genesis 15:3; Jeremiah 2:14), the ‘sons of the handmaids’ (Exodus 23:12), who rose into more confidential service, the οἰκογενεῖς of the Greeks, the vernae of the Latins. On the assumption that the book was written under the Ptolemies, their court would present the same features in an even more conspicuous manner. great and small cattle] Better, oxen and sheep. The daily provision for Solomon’s household (1 Kings 4:22) gives some idea of the magnitude of his flocks and herds. See also 1 Chronicles 27:29; 1 Kings 5:3.

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 2:7

I got - Rather, I bought, in distinction from those born in the house.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:7

7. Solomon had need of a vast amount of labour. Got me servants — Hebrew, bought.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:7

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith Abram's Concern of Having No Children Part 1 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the covenant that God made with Abram in Genesis 15. He explains that cutting animals in half and laying them out was a method of makin
Anton Bosch God Wants to Prosper You by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch preaches about the correlation between obedience and prosperity in the Old Testament, emphasizing that God blesses those who are faithful and obedient. He highlights th
Harriet N. Cook The Sheep by Harriet N. Cook Harriet N. Cook preaches about the significance of sheep and lambs in the Bible, highlighting how they are frequently mentioned and the beautiful descriptions given about them. She
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 13:5-13 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of love and unity among believers. He shares a personal story about his uncle who never came to the Lord because of the figh
Zac Poonen (Genesis) - Part 14 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis 13 and the consequences of Abraham's journey to Egypt. One result of this journey was that Abraham became rich, which initially seem
Manley Beasley Call of Abraham by Manley Beasley In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the life of Abraham and his family. Despite having dyslexia and struggling with pronunciations, the speaker emphasizes the importance of stud
Robert Constable The God of Abraham by Robert Constable In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) and his encounter with God. Abram receives a message from God to leave his family and go to a plac
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