Ecclesiastes 5:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ecclesiastes 5:13
13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
Chapter Context
Ecclesiastes 5 is a philosophical reflection chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, righteousness, faith. Written during likely Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Royal wisdom reflections paralleled other ancient Near Eastern philosophical works.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ecclesiastes and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ecclesiastes 5:13
13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
Analysis
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun (יֵשׁ רָעָה חוֹלָה רָאִיתִי תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ, yesh ra'ah cholah ra'iti tachat hashemesh)—'a grievous evil I have observed.' The term cholah means 'sick' or 'diseased,' intensifying ra'ah (evil). Riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt (עֹשֶׁר שָׁמוּר לִבְעָלָיו לְרָעָתוֹ, osher shamur liv'alav lera'ato)—wealth guarded/hoarded for its owner unto his harm.
Qoheleth identifies a tragic paradox: wealth accumulated for security becomes the source of ruin. The verb shamur ('kept' or 'guarded') suggests anxious preservation rather than generous circulation. This 'hurt' (ra'ato) can manifest physically (stress, obsession), relationally (isolation, distrust), legally (lawsuits, theft), or spiritually (idolatry of mammon). Jesus's parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) perfectly illustrates this—the man hoarded for future security, only to lose his soul that very night. Paul warns that 'those who desire to be rich fall into temptation' (1 Timothy 6:9). Wealth hoarded becomes a curse; wealth stewarded becomes blessing.
Historical Context
The ancient world lacked banks and secure investment vehicles, making wealth storage physically dangerous (theft, decay). Yet the principle transcends era—hoarded resources, whether gold or stock portfolios, can become spiritual poison.
Reflection
- In what ways might your wealth or possessions be harming rather than helping you spiritually?
- How does the act of hoarding itself damage character and relationships beyond the material risks?
- What would it look like to transition from guarding wealth to stewarding it for Kingdom purposes?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 4:8, 8:9, Genesis 14:16, 19:14, Proverbs 1:19, 1:32