Ecclesiastes 5:9
7 For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.
8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them.
The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
10 He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.
11 When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.
- KJV
- Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
- WEB
- Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.
- ASV
- Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king [himself] is served by the field.
- DARBY
- Moreover the earth is every way profitable: the king [himself] is dependent upon the field.
- BLB
- And the produce of the land, it [is] for all: A king is served by the field.
- ÅB
- Og en velsignelse for et land er det med alt dette at det har en konge som folket lyder.
- OTB
- Landets avkastning deles av alle; selv kongen drar nytte av markene.
- B1930
- Og en velsignelse for et land er det med alt dette at det har en konge som folket lyder.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Psalms 115:16
The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.
Read in context1 Kings 4:7–23
Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year,
Read in contextGenesis 1:29–30
Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.
Read in contextPsalms 104:14–15
He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth:
Read in context1 Chronicles 27:26–31
Ezri son of Chelub was in charge of the workers in the fields who tilled the soil.
Read in contextProverbs 27:23–27
Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;
Read in contextJeremiah 40:10–12
As for me, I will stay in Mizpah to represent you before the Chaldeans who come to us. As for you, gather wine grapes, summer fruit, and oil, place them in your storage jars, and live in the cities you have taken.”
Read in contextProverbs 13:23
Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away.
Read in context