Ecclesiastes 2:8

I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, [as] musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

I gathered {H3664} me also silver {H3701} and gold {H2091}, and the peculiar treasure {H5459} of kings {H4428} and of the provinces {H4082}: I gat {H6213} me men singers {H7891} and women singers {H7891}, and the delights {H8588} of the sons {H1121} of men {H120}, as musical instruments {H7705}{H7705}, and that of all sorts.

I amassed silver and gold, the wealth of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, things that provide sensual delight, and a good many concubines.

and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—many concubines.

I gathered me also silver and gold, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces; I gat me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

Ecclesiastes 2:8 describes the vast accumulation of wealth, unique treasures, and various forms of entertainment by the Preacher, traditionally identified as King Solomon. This verse is part of his grand experiment to find ultimate meaning and satisfaction in life apart from God.

Context

This verse falls within Ecclesiastes chapter 2, where the Preacher, or Qoheleth, details his systematic pursuit of pleasure and worldly achievements to test whether they could bring lasting happiness. Having already described his endeavors in building, planting vineyards, acquiring servants, and amassing livestock in previous verses (Ecclesiastes 2:4-7), this verse continues the inventory of his boundless acquisitions. It highlights the extent of his resources and his determination to explore every avenue of earthly delight, reflecting the unparalleled wealth and power of King Solomon.

Key Themes

  • Material Accumulation and Riches: The verse explicitly mentions "silver and gold" and "peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces," indicating not just wealth, but rare and exclusive items typically reserved for royalty. This underscores the Preacher's pursuit of ultimate affluence and unique possessions.
  • Sensory Pleasure and Entertainment: The acquisition of "men singers and women singers" and "musical instruments, and that of all sorts" points to a lavish lifestyle focused on sensory gratification and constant amusement. These were common luxuries for ancient monarchs seeking to fill their courts with delight.
  • The Royal Experiment: This verse is a critical component of the Preacher's comprehensive investigation into what truly satisfies the human soul. He spares no expense, gathering everything that could conceivably bring joy, demonstrating the exhaustive nature of his experiment with pleasure.
  • The Theme of Vanity (Hebel): Underlying this grand accumulation is the book's overarching theme that all such pursuits, when disconnected from God, ultimately prove to be "vanity and vexation of spirit" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The very scale of his acquisitions sets the stage for the inevitable conclusion that even the greatest earthly delights are fleeting and unsatisfying.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "peculiar treasure" translates the Hebrew word segullah (סְגֻלָּה), which signifies a "special possession," "treasured property," or "personal valuables." While in other biblical contexts it refers to God's chosen people as His treasured possession (e.g., Exodus 19:5), here it denotes rare, highly valuable, and unique assets collected from throughout a kingdom or conquered territories, emphasizing their exclusivity and luxury.

The "delights of the sons of men" is from the Hebrew ta'anugot (תַּעֲנוּגֹת), which conveys extreme pleasure, luxury, and sensual gratification. It encompasses all forms of human indulgence and enjoyment.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:8 serves as a timeless warning against seeking ultimate fulfillment in material possessions, entertainment, or sensory pleasures. In a modern context, this verse speaks to the endless pursuit of consumer goods, extravagant lifestyles, and constant entertainment that often leaves individuals feeling hollow and unfulfilled. Like Solomon, many discover that even with unlimited resources, true satisfaction remains elusive. The Preacher's conclusion, found later in the book, is that the true purpose of life is to fear God and keep His commandments. This verse encourages a shift from accumulating earthly treasures to seeking spiritual contentment and purpose, recognizing that true fulfillment is found not in possessions but in a right relationship with God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 10:10

    And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.

  • 2 Samuel 19:35

    I [am] this day fourscore years old: [and] can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

  • 1 Kings 9:28

    And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought [it] to king Solomon.

  • 1 Kings 10:14

    ¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,

  • Job 21:11

    They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

  • Job 21:12

    They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.

  • 1 Chronicles 25:6

    All these [were] under the hands of their father for song [in] the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back