Ecclesiastes 5:14
Ecclesiastes 5:14 in Multiple Translations
or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.
And I saw the destruction of his wealth by an evil chance; and when he became the father of a son he had nothing in his hand.
They put their money into bad investments and lose everything. Now when we're born, we don't bring anything into the world.
As hee came foorth of his mothers belly, he shall returne naked to goe as he came, and shall beare away nothing of his labour, which hee hath caused to passe by his hand.
And that wealth hath been lost in an evil business, and he hath begotten a son and there is nothing in his hand!
Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.
But those riches perish by evil labor: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
As he came forth naked from his mother’s womb, so shall he return, and shall take nothing away with him of his labour.
because something happens that causes their money to be gone, and when they die, there is no money for their children to get/inherit.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:14
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 5:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
יָצָא֙
מִ/בֶּ֣טֶן
אִמּ֔/וֹ
עָר֛וֹם
יָשׁ֥וּב
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
כְּ/שֶׁ/בָּ֑א
וּ/מְא֨וּמָה֙
לֹא
יִשָּׂ֣א
בַ/עֲמָל֔/וֹ
שֶׁ/יֹּלֵ֖ךְ
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יָצָא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִ/בֶּ֣טֶן
beṭen
H990
belly
Prep | N-fs
אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
עָר֛וֹם
ʻârôwm
H6174
naked
Adj
יָשׁ֥וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כְּ/שֶׁ/בָּ֑א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וּ/מְא֨וּמָה֙
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
anything
Conj | N-fs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בַ/עֲמָל֔/וֹ
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
Prep | N-cs | Suff
שֶׁ/יֹּלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Rel | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
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 5:14
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָצָא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/בֶּ֣טֶן
beṭen
H990
"belly"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
עָר֛וֹם
ʻârôwm
H6174
"naked"
Adj
The Hebrew word for being naked, either partly or fully without clothes. It appears in Genesis 2:25 and Exodus 32:25, often symbolizing innocence or shame. This concept is also mentioned in 2 Samuel 10:4.
Definition: naked, bare
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: naked. See also: Genesis 2:25; Ecclesiastes 5:14; Isaiah 20:2.
יָשׁ֥וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
כְּ/שֶׁ/בָּ֑א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וּ/מְא֨וּמָה֙
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
"anything"
Conj | 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.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
בַ/עֲמָל֔/וֹ
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
שֶׁ/יֹּלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Rel | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּ/יָדֽ/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.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 5:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:14
Context — The Futility of Wealth
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. 16This too is a grievous affliction: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 6:19–20 | Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. |
| 2 | Haggai 2:16–17 | from that time, when one came expecting a heap of twenty ephahs of grain, there were but ten. When one came to the winepress to draw out fifty baths, there were but twenty. I struck you—all the work of your hands—with blight, mildew, and hail, but you did not turn to Me, declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:5 | When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 2:26 | To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 5 | Haggai 1:9 | You expected much, but behold, it amounted to little. And what you brought home, I blew away. Why? declares the LORD of Hosts. Because My house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 2:6–8 | The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 14:26 | He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 2:36 | And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’” |
| 9 | Job 27:16–17 | Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent. |
| 10 | Job 20:15–29 | He swallows wealth but vomits it out; God will force it from his stomach. He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him. He will not enjoy the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading. For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; he has seized houses he did not build. Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure. Nothing is left for him to consume; thus his prosperity will not endure. In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him. When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats. Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him. It is drawn out of his back, the gleaming point from his liver. Terrors come over him. Total darkness is reserved for his treasures. A fire unfanned will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. The heavens will expose his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. The possessions of his house will be removed, flowing away on the day of God’s wrath. This is the wicked man’s portion from God, the inheritance God has appointed him.” |
Ecclesiastes 5:14 Summary
This verse is saying that when we lose our wealth or investments, we may not have anything to pass on to our children. It's like if we started a business that didn't work out, and now we have nothing to give to our kids. This reminds us to be careful with our money and to prioritize what's truly important, like our relationship with God (as seen in Matthew 6:33). By focusing on what really matters, we can build a legacy that will last, rather than just accumulating wealth that may not last.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'wealth lost in a failed venture' in Ecclesiastes 5:14?
This phrase refers to financial losses or investments that do not yield the expected returns, as seen in other biblical examples such as Luke 15:13, where a prodigal son squanders his inheritance. This can serve as a warning to be wise and discerning in our financial decisions, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of legacy and inheritance?
The verse highlights the importance of responsible stewardship, as a person who loses their wealth may have nothing to pass on to their children, unlike the example in Psalm 112:2, where the righteous man's children are blessed. This serves as a reminder to prioritize wise financial management and to consider the impact of our decisions on future generations.
What is the main idea that the author of Ecclesiastes is trying to convey in this verse?
The author is emphasizing the fleeting nature of wealth and the importance of living a life of simplicity and contentment, as also seen in 1 Timothy 6:10, where love of money is identified as a root of all kinds of evil. This verse encourages readers to reevaluate their priorities and focus on what truly brings lasting value and fulfillment.
How can we apply the lesson of this verse to our own lives?
By recognizing the potential risks and uncertainties of wealth and material possessions, we can cultivate a greater appreciation for the simple things in life and prioritize our relationship with God, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33, where seeking God's kingdom is identified as the key to true fulfillment and provision.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be prioritizing wealth or material possessions over my relationship with God, and how can I adjust my focus?
- How can I ensure that my financial decisions are guided by wisdom and discernment, rather than impulse or greed?
- What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my children or future generations, and what steps can I take to start building that legacy now?
- In what ways can I simplify my life and reduce my dependence on wealth or material possessions, and what benefits might I experience as a result?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:14
But those riches perish by evil travail,.... Or, "by an evil business or affair" (n).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:14
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 5:14
But, or for, or or, or moreover; for this particle is so rendered by divers others, both here and in other places of Scripture. Those riches perish: if they be kept, it is to the owner’ s hurt; and if not, they are lost to his grief. By evil travail; by some wicked practices, either his own, or of other men; or by some secret hand of God cursing all his enterprises. There is nothing in his hand; either, 1. In the father’ s power to leave to his son, for whose sake he underwent all those hard labours; which is a great aggravation of his grief and misery. Or, 2. In the son’ s possession after his father’ s death.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
Ecclesiastes 5:14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and [there is] nothing in his hand.Ver. 14. But those riches perish by evil travail,] i.e., By evil trading, trafficking, or other cross event and accident. They waste and wither either by vanity or violence. They slip out of the hand, as the punting bird or wriggling eel. There is no hold to be taken of them - no trust to be put in them. They were never true to those that trusted in them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
(14) Evil travail.—Unsuccessful business. Nothing in his hand.—The same words occur in a literal sense in Judges 14:6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
Verse 14. And he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.] He has been stripped of his property by unfortunate trade or by plunderers; and he has nothing to leave to his children.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:14
Evil travail - Adverse accident, or unsuccessful employment (compare Ecclesiastes 1:13; Ecclesiastes 4:8).
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:14
14. Those riches perish — It is to be remembered that the heir for whom the keeping is done is now spoken of, and the case is viewed from the standpoint of his fortunes.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:14
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Behaviors That Bind Us by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children that their sense of security comes from a relationship with God, rather than material possessions. The sp |
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The Redeemer Is Coming to Zion by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly knowing Jesus and not just using His name. He warns against the deception of prosperity gospel and the focus on mate |
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Short Excerpt by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offer |
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All This and Heaven Too by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of lost decisions in the Bible. He mentions Abraham and Moses as examples of individuals who made important decisions. The preach |
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"Embarrassment to a Holy God" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon challenges the modern Church to reflect on the early Christians who, despite lacking grand resources or platforms, were able to turn the world upside down with their fa |
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Judgement Seat - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of our lives and actions in the context of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer will be held accountable for their servic |
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Holy Ground by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it |