Ecclesiastes 5:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For nightmares come from worrying too much; and a fool, when he speaks, chatters too much.

Berean Standard Bible:

As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

American Standard Version:

For a dream cometh with a multitude of business, and a fool’s voice with a multitude of words.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For a dream^{H2472} cometh^{H935} through the multitude^{H7230} of business^{H6045}; and a fool's^{H3684} voice^{H6963} is known by multitude^{H7230} of words^{H1697}.

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Commentary for Ecclesiastes 5:3

Ecclesiastes 5:3 is a verse from the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who is believed to have written or compiled the book in the 10th century BCE. The book of Ecclesiastes is part of the Ketuvim (Writings) in the Jewish canon and is included in the Old Testament in Christian Bibles. It is known for its philosophical reflections on the meaning of life, the nature of wisdom, and the human condition.

The verse itself speaks to two distinct ideas:

1. The first part of the verse, "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business," suggests that being overly preoccupied with many tasks or worries can lead to a state of disillusionment or unfulfilled aspirations. In the context of the time, this could reflect the ancient wisdom that warns against the pursuit of wealth and worldly achievements as the primary goals in life. It implies that an excessive focus on material gain or a busy lifestyle can result in a life that feels as insubstantial as a dream.

2. The second part, "and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words," addresses the nature of foolishness. It indicates that someone who speaks excessively, without thought or substance, reveals their lack of wisdom. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that emphasizes the value of measured speech and the understanding that wise individuals choose their words carefully. In the historical context, this could be seen as advice to those in leadership or public roles, where the quality of speech was an indicator of one's character and governance.

Overall, Ecclesiastes 5:3 encapsulates the book's recurring themes of the vanity of excessive labor and the importance of restraint and thoughtfulness in speech. It serves as a caution against the pitfalls of a life consumed by ceaseless activity and the emptiness of verbosity without wisdom. The verse continues to resonate with readers today, offering timeless advice on the pursuit of a balanced and meaningful life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2472
   There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חֲלוֹם
   Transliteration: chălôwm
   Pronunciation: khal-ome'
   Description: or (shortened) חֲלֹם; from חָלַם; a dream; dream(-er).
   
2. Strong's Number: H935
   There are 2307 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בּוֹא
   Transliteration: bôwʼ
   Pronunciation: bo
   Description: a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications); 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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7230
   There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֹב
   Transliteration: rôb
   Pronunciation: robe
   Description: from רָבַב; abundance (in any respect); abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age).
   
4. Strong's Number: H6045
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עִנְיָן
   Transliteration: ʻinyân
   Pronunciation: in-yawn'
   Description: from עָנָה; ado, i.e. (generally) employment or (specifically) an affair; business, travail.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3684
   There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כְּסִיל
   Transliteration: kᵉçîyl
   Pronunciation: kes-eel'
   Description: from כָּסַל; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly; fool(-ish).
   
6. Strong's Number: H6963
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קוֹל
   Transliteration: qôwl
   Pronunciation: kole
   Description: or קֹל; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound; [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell.
   
7. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.