Ecclesiastes 5:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ecclesiastes 5:14
14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
Chapter Context
Ecclesiastes 5 is a philosophical reflection chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 5:14
14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
Analysis
But those riches perish by evil travail (וְאָבַד הָעֹשֶׁר הַהוּא בְּעִנְיַן רָע, ve'avad ha'osher hahu be'inyan ra)—'and that wealth was lost through bad business/misfortune.' The noun inyan refers to occupation, affair, or venture—the wealth vanishes through failed enterprise. And he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand (וְהוֹלִיד בֵּן וְאֵין בְּיָדוֹ מְאוּמָה, veholid ben ve'ein beyado me'umah)—he fathers a child, yet has nothing left to provide.
The 'sore evil' (v.13) now plays out concretely: the hoarded wealth disappears through misfortune or bad decisions, leaving the owner unable to fulfill paternal duty of inheritance. The phrase 'nothing in his hand' (ein beyado me'umah) emphasizes complete emptiness—the grasping hand opens to reveal nothing. This illustrates Jesus's teaching: 'Do not lay up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal' (Matthew 6:19). The father who focused on accumulation for his son's sake finds his singular focus produces the opposite result. True inheritance is training in godliness (Proverbs 22:6), not merely material transfer.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite culture emphasized generational wealth transfer—fathers were expected to provide inheritances (Proverbs 13:22). The shame of having 'nothing in his hand' for one's son represented profound failure of patriarchal responsibility.
Reflection
- What 'bad ventures' in your life might be threatening to consume the resources God has entrusted to you?
- How does focusing on leaving material inheritance for children potentially distract from more important spiritual legacy?
- In what ways can riches 'perish' beyond literal loss—through damaged relationships, lost opportunities, spiritual compromise?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ecclesiastes 2:26, Proverbs 23:5, Haggai 1:9