Ecclesiastes 5:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ecclesiastes 5:7
7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Chapter Context
Ecclesiastes 5 is a philosophical reflection chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, truth, prayer. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 5:7
7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Analysis
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities—the Hebrew harbeh (הַרְבֵּה, multitude) modifies both chalomot (חֲלֹמוֹת, dreams) and devarim (דְּבָרִים, words). Dreams could claim divine origin (Joel 2:28), but most were mere mental wanderings. Similarly, verbose prayers (Matthew 6:7) and lengthy religious discourse often mask empty devotion. The phrase havalim harbeh (הֲבָלִים הַרְבֵּה, many vanities) indicates multiplied futility—more words and dreams don't produce more substance, just more emptiness (hevel, הֶבֶל, vapor/breath).
But fear thou God—this succinct conclusion (et-ha'Elohim yera', אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים יְרָא) cuts through the verbosity. True religion centers on yir'ah (יִרְאָה, fear/reverence)—humble, obedient worship of the sovereign God. The contrast is stark: human religion multiplies words, dreams, and rituals; true faith fears God and obeys simply. This anticipates Ecclesiastes' final conclusion: "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (12:13).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religion featured dream interpretation (Genesis 41; Daniel 2), and false prophets often claimed divine dreams (Jeremiah 23:25-32). Israel had to discern true from false revelations. Lengthy prayers characterized pagan religion—attempting to manipulate gods through repetition (1 Kings 18:26-29). Jesus condemned such prayers: "Use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do" (Matthew 6:7). The Pharisees made long prayers for show (Matthew 23:14). Paul warned against "oppositions of science falsely so called" (1 Timothy 6:20)—verbose speculation masquerading as wisdom. The Reformers emphasized Scripture's sufficiency against tradition's multiplied regulations. Simple fear of God and obedience to His Word trumps elaborate religious systems.
Reflection
- In what ways do you substitute religious activity, lengthy prayers, or spiritual experiences for simple obedience to God?
- How does "fear God" function as the antidote to empty religious verbosity and experience-seeking?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- References God: Ecclesiastes 3:14, 7:18, 8:12
- Word: Ecclesiastes 5:3, 12:13, Matthew 12:36
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 23:17