Ecclesiastes 5:13
Ecclesiastes 5:13 in Multiple Translations
There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept by the owner thereof to his hurt:
There is a great evil which I have seen under the sun — wealth kept by the owner to be his downfall.
I observed something here that is really sickening: people who hoard money damage themselves.
And these riches perish by euill trauel, and he begetteth a sonne, and in his hand is nothing.
There is a painful evil I have seen under the sun: wealth kept for its possessor, for his evil.
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely , riches kept for the owners of them to their hurt.
For they are lost with very great affliction: he hath begotten a son, who shall be in extremity of want.
I have seen another terrible thing that happens here on the earth [MTY]: People save up all their money and become rich, but they are not helped by saving a lot of money,
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:13
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 5:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָבַ֛ד
הָ/עֹ֥שֶׁר
הַ/ה֖וּא
בְּ/עִנְיַ֣ן
רָ֑ע
וְ/הוֹלִ֣יד
בֵּ֔ן
וְ/אֵ֥ין
בְּ/יָד֖/וֹ
מְאֽוּמָה
וְ/אָבַ֛ד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הָ/עֹ֥שֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
Art | N-ms
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
בְּ/עִנְיַ֣ן
ʻinyân
H6045
task
Prep | N-ms
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
וְ/הוֹלִ֣יד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
בֵּ֔ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
בְּ/יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
מְאֽוּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
anything
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 5:13
וְ/אָבַ֛ד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
הָ/עֹ֥שֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
הַ/ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְּ/עִנְיַ֣ן
ʻinyân
H6045
"task"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a task or job, like a responsibility or employment, and is used to describe hard work or a difficult situation, as seen in the Bible's KJV translations as business or travail.
Definition: occupation, task, job
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: business, travail. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:13; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Ecclesiastes 8:16.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וְ/הוֹלִ֣יד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
בֵּ֔ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
בְּ/יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מְאֽוּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
"anything"
N-fs
This word refers to something, no matter how small, or nothing at all. It's used in phrases like 'anything' or 'nothing'. The Bible uses it in various books to convey the idea of something or nothing.
Definition: anything
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing. See also: Genesis 22:12; 1 Samuel 25:15; Jeremiah 39:10.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 5:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:13
Context — The Futility of Wealth
11When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?
12The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.
13There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,
14or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on. 15As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 6:1–2 | There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind: God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction. |
| 2 | Luke 18:22–23 | On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy. |
| 3 | Genesis 19:14 | So Lot went out and spoke to the sons-in-law who were pledged in marriage to his daughters. “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. |
| 4 | Luke 16:22–23 | One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. |
| 5 | James 5:1–4 | Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:19 | Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. |
| 7 | Luke 16:19 | Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:11–13 | If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. |
| 9 | Zephaniah 1:18 | Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth. |
| 10 | Proverbs 11:4 | Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death. |
Ecclesiastes 5:13 Summary
[Ecclesiastes 5:13 teaches that when we hoard wealth, it can actually harm us, rather than bring us happiness or fulfillment, as also noted in Proverbs 28:20, where it says that 'a faithful man will abound with blessings'. This is because our focus becomes consumed by our wealth, rather than on what truly matters - our relationships with God and others, as emphasized in Matthew 6:24, where Jesus says we cannot serve both God and money. Instead of hoarding wealth, we should use it to bless others and trust in God's provision, as encouraged in Proverbs 19:17 and Malachi 3:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'grievous evil' mentioned in Ecclesiastes 5:13?
The 'grievous evil' refers to the harm caused by wealth when it is hoarded, rather than used for good, as seen in the example of the rich man in Ecclesiastes 5:12 who cannot sleep due to his abundance, illustrating the concept that true fulfillment does not come from wealth alone, as noted in Ecclesiastes 2:26 and supported by Proverbs 28:20.
How does wealth 'harm' its owner according to Ecclesiastes 5:13?
Wealth can harm its owner by causing them to become consumed by it, leading to a never-ending pursuit of more, and ultimately, to a lack of fulfillment and joy, as warned in 1 Timothy 6:10 and Ecclesiastes 2:11.
Is it wrong to have wealth, according to Ecclesiastes 5:13?
No, having wealth is not inherently wrong, as seen in the example of Job, who was a wealthy man blessed by God, as noted in Job 1:3, but rather, it is the love of wealth and the harm it can cause when hoarded that is the issue, as taught in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 12:15.
What is the alternative to hoarding wealth, according to the Bible?
The alternative to hoarding wealth is to use it to bless others and to trust in God's provision, as encouraged in Proverbs 19:17, where it says that 'whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,' and in Malachi 3:10, where it says to 'bring the whole tithe into the storehouse' to test God's faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I am prioritizing wealth over relationships or my relationship with God, and how can I adjust my priorities?
- How can I use my resources to bless others and bring glory to God, rather than simply accumulating more?
- What are some potential 'harms' that wealth could cause in my life, and how can I guard against them?
- How does my view of wealth and material possessions align with the teachings of Scripture, and what changes do I need to make to bring my perspective into line with God's Word?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:13
There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun,.... Or "an evil sickness" (m).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:13
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. A sore evil ... Proofs of God's judgments even in this world (Proverbs 11:31).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
Because they frequently are the instruments and occasions both of their present and eternal destruction, as they feed their pride or luxury, or other hurtful lusts, which waste the body, and shorten the life, and damn the soul; and as they are great temptations to tyrants or thieves, yea, sometimes to relations, or servants, or others, to take away their lives, that they may get their riches.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
Ecclesiastes 5:13 There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.Ver. 13. There is a sore evil.] Or, An evil disease, such as breaks the sleep, hinc pallor et genae pendulae, item furiales somni et inquies nocturna, causing paleness, leanness, restlessness by night. This disease is the dropsy or bulimy of covetousness, as seldom cured as heresy, frenzy, jealousy, which three are held incurable maladies. Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.] Worldlings sit abrood upon their wealth, and hatch to their hurt, as the silly bird doth the eggs of the cockatrice. Riches are called "goods," but it hath been well observed that he that first called them so was a better husband [husbandman] than divine. Such a husband was he in the gospel, who reckoned upon "much goods laid up for many years." But how come these "goods" to prove evil to the owners but by the evil usage of them? Riches in themselves are of an indifferent nature, and it is through men’ s corruption, ut magna sit cognatio et nominis et rei divitiis et vitiis, that riches are weapons of wickedness - engines of evil. "He that getteth riches, and not by right, shall die a poor fool." “ Dum peritura parat, per male parts perit. ” He that keepeth his riches - having no quick silver, no current money - when God calls him to part with them for pious and charitable uses, keepeth them to his own greatest hurt. For the rust of his canker eaten gold shall rise up in judgment against him at that great day. “ Sic plates nimia congesta pecunia cura Strangulat ” - Juvenal, sat. 10. Mala infirmitas. - Pagn.
Plin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
(13) Sore evil.—Ecclesiastes 6:2; Jeremiah 14:17; Nahum 3:19.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
Verse 13. Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.] This may be the case through various causes: 1. He may make an improper use of them, and lose his health by them. 2. He may join in an unfortunate partnership and lose all. 3. His riches may excite the desire of the robber; and he may spoil him of his goods, and even take away his life. 4. Or, he may leave them to his son, who turns profligate, spends the whole, and ruins both his body and soul. I have seen this again and again.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:13
13. riches kept for the owners thereof] Yet another aspect of the evils attendant on riches is brought before us, as in ch. Ecclesiastes 2:18-19. Not only do they fail to give any satisfying joy, but the man who reckoned on founding a family and leaving his heaped-up treasures to his son gains nothing but anxieties and cares, loses his wealth by some unforeseen chance, and leaves his son a pauper. By some commentators the possessive pronoun in “his hand” (Ecclesiastes 5:14) is referred to the father. The crowning sorrow for him is that he begets a son and then dies himself in poverty. The upshot of the two constructions is, of course, practically the same.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:13
13. Riches kept for the owners, etc. — Better, Wealth kept for its owner to his hurt. Not by its owner, and there is no plural here. The allusion is to riches hoarded by a parent for his heir, the present owner.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Knows Best by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the common evil of a man who is given riches and wealth by God but is unable to enjoy them. He uses the example of a man who lacks noth |
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The Soul of a Man by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He warns that those who do not believe in Jesus will face judgment at the great |
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True Discipleship - Part 5 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the verse Luke 14:33 and its implications for Christians. He acknowledges the doubts and reasoning that may arise when considering the idea of |
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One Thing You Lack (Clip) by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the radical call to total surrender and abandonment to Jesus, highlighting the need to leave behind earthly security and comforts to follow Him completely. I |
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A Time to Weep by Jason Robertson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his deep desire to weep for those who are on the path to destruction. He exhorts the congregation to go out and preach the gospel, |
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The Love of Money (Compliation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the wealth and abundance that people in America have compared to historical and global standards. However, he challenges the notion that mate |
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The Love of Money - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of keeping money in its proper place as a servant, not a master, highlighting how our love for Christ should surpass all other loves, includin |