Ecclesiastes 2:7

KJV

I got [me] servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:

KJV (with Strong's)

I got {H7069} me servants {H5650} and maidens {H8198}, and had servants born {H1121} in my house {H1004}; also I had great {H7235} possessions {H4735} of great {H1241} and small cattle {H6629} above all that were in Jerusalem {H3389} before {H6440} me:

Complete Jewish Bible

I bought male and female slaves, and I had my home-born slaves as well. I also had growing herds of cattle and flocks of sheep, more than anyone before me in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me,

American Standard Version

I bought men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:7 meticulously details the Preacher's vast accumulation of human capital and material wealth, specifically a multitude of servants, maidens, and immense herds of livestock. This verse is a pivotal component of his grand "experiment" to ascertain if worldly pleasure, power, and possessions can genuinely provide lasting meaning and profound satisfaction. It emphatically highlights the unparalleled scale of his earthly acquisitions, setting the stage for his ultimate, sobering conclusion regarding the inherent futility of such pursuits when divorced from divine purpose and eternal perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2 commences with the Preacher's deliberate declaration, "I said in my heart, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself'" ([Ecclesiastes 2:1](/ecclesiastes/2-1 "Ecclesiastes 2:1 - The Preacher's Experiment with Pleasure")). This marks a systematic and exhaustive exploration of all that life "under the sun" ([Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - Life Under the Sun")) has to offer, moving beyond the intellectual pursuits of wisdom and folly discussed in the opening chapter. Verses 4-6 vividly describe his ambitious architectural and horticultural endeavors—constructing houses, planting vineyards, creating gardens and parks, and establishing intricate irrigation systems—showcasing his capacity for monumental undertakings. Verse 7 naturally progresses from these projects, detailing the essential human and animal resources required to sustain and expand such an empire. It further illustrates the immense breadth and depth of his worldly endeavors, all of which he will ultimately declare "vanity and a chasing after wind" ([Ecclesiastes 2:11](/ecclesiastes/2-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:11 - The Preacher's Concluding Assessment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, true wealth was not primarily measured in currency, but overwhelmingly in land, agricultural output, and, most significantly, the quantity of livestock and human labor. Owning a large number of servants and vast herds of cattle was the clearest and most undeniable indicator of immense power, elevated status, and profound economic dominance. The phrase "servants born in my house" refers to individuals born into servitude within the master's household. This was a particularly potent symbol, often signifying a long-established and deeply entrenched lineage of wealth and control, as these individuals were considered permanent, hereditary assets. Jerusalem, as the capital city and cultural center, served as the ultimate benchmark for comparison. The Preacher's bold claim of possessing more than anyone "before me" in Jerusalem emphatically underscores his unparalleled prosperity, echoing the historical accounts of King Solomon's legendary riches and wisdom, as extensively described in passages like [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Immense Material Wealth and Power**, showcasing the Preacher's unparalleled accumulation of resources, both human and animal, which were the ultimate symbols of affluence in his era. Secondly, it highlights the **Pursuit of Earthly Fulfillment**, as these extensive acquisitions are explicitly part of his deliberate "experiment" to discover meaning and joy apart from God. He leaves no stone unturned, exhaustively exploring every avenue for satisfaction through worldly means. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Human Labor and Social Hierarchy**, demonstrating the Preacher's absolute command over a vast workforce, including those born into his household, which profoundly underscored his supreme social standing and economic control. Ultimately, this verse, like the rest of the chapter, serves to reinforce the book's central, poignant message: that even the most extreme levels of worldly success and accumulation, when pursued as ends in themselves, lead only to **Vanity and Dissatisfaction** ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Vanity of Vanities")), a conclusion the Preacher himself profoundly articulates in [Ecclesiastes 2:11](/ecclesiastes/2-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:11 - The Preacher's Final Verdict")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From H5650, this term refers to a bondman or servant. In the context of ancient Israel, '_ebed_' could denote various forms of servitude, ranging from voluntary service to debt-slavery or hereditary servitude. Here, it signifies individuals who constituted a significant portion of the Preacher's vast workforce, essential for managing his extensive enterprises and household. Their acquisition and sheer multitude underscore his immense wealth and formidable power.
* **Born (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, while primarily meaning "son," this word is used idiomatically here in conjunction with "house" (H1004, _bayith_) to form the phrase "servants born in my house." This specific phrase (_yelidey bayith_) denotes individuals born into servitude within the master's own household, indicating a deeply established, often hereditary, workforce. This was a crucial marker of a truly wealthy and powerful family, as it implied generations of accumulated and inherited prosperity, providing a stable and permanent labor force.
* **Possessions (Hebrew, _miqneh'_):** From H4735, this term specifically refers to "something bought" or "acquisition," but predominantly in the context of livestock. It encompasses various types of animals, including cattle, flocks, and herds. In an agrarian society, livestock represented liquid wealth, a vital food supply, a source of labor (e.g., oxen for plowing), and valuable trade goods. The Preacher's "great possessions of great and small cattle" (including H1241 _bâqâr_ for large cattle like oxen and H6629 _tsôʼn_ for small cattle like sheep and goats) highlights the immense scale of his agricultural and economic power, far surpassing others in Jerusalem (H3389, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim_).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I got me servants and maidens":** This opening clause establishes the Preacher's active and deliberate acquisition of human labor. "Servants" (male) and "maidens" (female) refer to bondservants, indicating a substantial and diverse workforce essential for managing a large household, extensive agricultural estates, and various other enterprises. The verb "got" (H7069, _qânâh_) implies procurement, often through purchase or acquisition, highlighting a conscious and strategic act of accumulating human resources.
* **"and had servants born in my house":** This phrase signifies a deeper and more entrenched level of wealth and establishment. These were not merely purchased servants but individuals who were born into servitude within the Preacher's own household (H1004, _bayith_). This implies a long-standing, hereditary workforce, reflecting immense, stable, and often inherited prosperity, as well as a deeply entrenched social hierarchy and control over generations of labor.
* **"also I had great possessions of great and small cattle":** This clause details the Preacher's vast animal wealth. "Great possessions" (H4735, _miqneh_) specifically refers to livestock, encompassing both "great cattle" (H1241, _bâqâr_ - oxen, bulls, and other large bovines) and "small cattle" (H6629, _tsôʼn_ - sheep, goats, and other smaller ruminants). In an agrarian society, such extensive herds were the primary measure of wealth, providing food, labor, and trade goods, unequivocally underscoring his economic dominance.
* **"above all that were in Jerusalem before me":** This concluding phrase emphatically underscores the unparalleled nature of the Preacher's wealth and resources. By comparing his possessions to "all that were in Jerusalem" (H3389, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim_) and asserting his superiority over anyone "before me" (H6440, _pânîym_ - literally "face" or "presence," implying both those preceding him and those contemporary with him), he highlights his unique and unmatched prosperity and power, setting the ultimate standard for worldly achievement and accumulation.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the Preacher's immense wealth and the exhaustive nature of his experiment. **Accumulation** is vividly evident in the detailed listing of his diverse assets: servants, maidens, house-born servants, and various types of cattle. This deliberate piling up of possessions emphasizes the sheer quantity and breadth of his worldly acquisitions, painting a picture of overwhelming abundance. **Hyperbole** is strongly suggested by the phrase "above all that were in Jerusalem before me." While potentially a factual statement if referring to King Solomon, it functions rhetorically to underscore the unprecedented scale of his wealth, setting him apart as the quintessential example of worldly success. This grandiosity serves to magnify the eventual, stark conclusion of vanity. The verse also utilizes **Concrete Imagery**, painting a vivid and tangible picture of a bustling, prosperous ancient estate, making the Preacher's claims of wealth relatable and impactful to the audience's understanding of affluence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:7, situated within the broader narrative of the Preacher's relentless quest for meaning, serves as a profound theological statement on the inherent limits of material wealth and human achievement to provide ultimate satisfaction. It powerfully illustrates the pervasive human tendency to seek fulfillment in accumulation, control, and elevated status, often operating under the deceptive belief that "more" will inevitably equate to "enough." However, the Preacher's unparalleled success in these very areas ultimately leads him to the desolate and inescapable conclusion that such pursuits are "vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Emptiness of Life Under the Sun")). This verse therefore underscores a critical truth: true meaning and lasting contentment cannot be found in what one possesses or controls, but rather in a right relationship with God and a life lived in humble accordance with His divine purposes. It directly challenges the common human assumption that external abundance will adequately fill an internal, spiritual void.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - The Folly of Trusting in Riches")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - A Warning Against Covetousness")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Dangers of Loving Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:7 presents us with a powerful and uncomfortable mirror, reflecting our own societal and personal inclinations toward relentless accumulation and the pursuit of status. In a world that frequently equates success with material possessions, career achievements, and social influence, the Preacher's exhaustive experiment serves as a timeless and poignant warning. He attained it all—unparalleled wealth, vast human resources, and immense power—yet he found it to be utterly unsatisfying, a mere "chasing after wind." This challenges us to critically examine our own deepest desires: Where do we genuinely seek our security, significance, and enduring joy? Are we subtly, or overtly, pursuing "more" in the mistaken belief that it will bring lasting contentment and fulfillment? The verse reminds us that while God may graciously bless us with resources, our ultimate purpose and profound satisfaction are found not in their acquisition or control, but in a life lived in humble dependence on Him, recognizing that all earthly things are temporary and fleeting. True richness lies in spiritual contentment, eternal perspective, and a grateful heart, rather than in the fleeting pleasures of "under the sun" pursuits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek satisfaction and security through accumulation or control, mirroring the Preacher's grand experiment?**
* **How does the Preacher's ultimate conclusion about the vanity of worldly pursuits challenge my own understanding of success and true fulfillment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to intentionally shift my focus from earthly accumulation to spiritual richness and contentment in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of "servants born in my house" in ancient times?**

Answer: The phrase "servants born in my house" (_yelidey bayit_) was a significant indicator of extreme wealth and established power in the ancient Near East. Unlike purchased servants who might be acquired at various times, these individuals were born into servitude within the master's household, often over generations. This signified a deeply entrenched, hereditary workforce, demonstrating a family's long-standing prosperity and stability. It meant the master had a permanent, reliable labor force that was integrated into the household structure, reflecting immense inherited and accumulated wealth, as seen in the accounts of powerful figures like Abraham in [Genesis 14:14](/genesis/14-14 "Genesis 14:14 - Abraham's Trained Servants").

**How does this verse relate to the Preacher's overall experiment in Ecclesiastes 2?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 2:7 is a key and integral component of the Preacher's systematic "experiment" to find meaning and satisfaction in worldly pursuits. After exploring the limitations of wisdom and folly, he deliberately turns to pleasure, grand projects, and material accumulation. This verse specifically details his immense success in acquiring human labor and livestock, which were the primary measures of wealth and power in his era. By demonstrating that he achieved the pinnacle of such worldly success ("above all that were in Jerusalem before me"), the Preacher sets the stage for his ultimate, profound conclusion in [Ecclesiastes 2:11](/ecclesiastes/2-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:11 - The Preacher's Conclusion on Vanity"), where he declares all these endeavors to be "vanity and a chasing after wind," proving that even the greatest earthly achievements cannot truly satisfy the human soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 2:7, with its vivid depiction of the Preacher's unparalleled earthly accumulation, sets the stage for a profound Christ-centered fulfillment that radically redefines true wealth. The Preacher's exhaustive pursuit of material possessions, human resources, and worldly pleasure ultimately leads to the desolate cry of "vanity." In stark and glorious contrast, Jesus Christ offers true and lasting riches that transcend all earthly possessions and human achievements. He teaches us not to "store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Treasures on Earth")), but rather to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Treasures in Heaven")), where true and eternal value resides. Christ, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Self-Impoverishment for Our Riches")). He embodies the ultimate fulfillment, offering not fleeting satisfaction from acquired goods or commanded labor, but the immeasurable wealth of eternal life, profound peace, and unending joy that comes from knowing Him and participating in His kingdom, a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). The emptiness found in the Preacher's vast earthly "possessions" powerfully points to the profound and enduring satisfaction found only in Christ, the true treasure for whom all worldly gains are but loss ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philipians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of Earthly Gain for Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 15:3

And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

1 Kings 9:20

[And] all the people [that were] left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which [were] not of the children of Israel,

1 Kings 9:22

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

1 Kings 4:23

Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.

2 Chronicles 26:10

Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

2 Chronicles 32:27

And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;

2 Chronicles 32:29

Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.