Ecclesiastes 5:13

KJV

There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is {H3426} a sore {H2470} evil {H7451} which I have seen {H7200} under the sun {H8121}, namely, riches {H6239} kept {H8104} for the owners {H1167} thereof to their hurt {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is a gross evil which I have seen under the sun: the owner of wealth hoards it to his own hurt.

Berean Standard Bible

There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,

American Standard Version

There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept by the owner thereof to his hurt:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:13 unveils a profound paradox observed by Qoheleth: the accumulation of wealth, often perceived as a source of security and happiness, can instead become a grievous affliction for its possessor. This verse highlights a "sore evil" prevalent "under the sun"—a purely human perspective—where riches, rather than serving their owners, ultimately lead to their detriment, exposing the inherent futility and potential harm in a life devoted to material gain apart from divine wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 5:13 is situated within a broader section (Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, critiques the pursuit and accumulation of wealth. Following warnings against hasty vows and the oppression of the poor (Ecclesiastes 5:1-9), the text shifts to the insatiable nature of greed (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12), noting that those who love money never have enough, and increased wealth only brings increased dependents and worries. Verse 13 then introduces a specific, painful consequence of this pursuit—riches held to the owner's detriment—which is immediately followed by illustrations of how such wealth can be lost through misfortune (Ecclesiastes 5:14) and how one departs life as naked as they arrived (Ecclesiastes 5:15-17). This verse serves as a pivotal observation, setting the stage for the subsequent lament on the ultimate vanity of earthly striving.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many pre-industrial societies, wealth was primarily agrarian (land, livestock) or acquired through trade. There were limited options for investment or secure banking, making hoarding a common practice for preserving assets. However, such hoarded wealth was vulnerable to theft, natural disaster, political upheaval, or simply the owner's death. The cultural context often linked prosperity with divine favor, yet Qoheleth consistently challenges simplistic cause-and-effect relationships, particularly when wealth becomes an end in itself. His observations reflect a keen awareness of the human condition "under the sun," where the realities of life often contradict conventional wisdom and reveal the precariousness of earthly possessions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the **vanity and futility** of earthly pursuits, particularly the relentless accumulation of wealth, a concept introduced in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - All is Vanity"). Riches, far from providing lasting satisfaction or security, are shown to be a source of "hurt," demonstrating their ultimate emptiness. Secondly, it highlights the **deceitfulness of materialism**, revealing how something seemingly beneficial can become a profound detriment. The Preacher consistently exposes the deceptive nature of worldly wisdom and pursuits that promise fulfillment but deliver only vexation of spirit, as seen in his reflections on wisdom, pleasure, and toil throughout [Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Vanity of Earthly Pursuits"). Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **human suffering and the problem of evil**, observing that even one's own possessions can become a source of pain, a recurring motif in Qoheleth's honest assessment of life's harsh realities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, meaning bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, calamity, distress, grief, harm, hurt, mischief, sorrow, trouble, wickedness. Here, it describes a profound detriment or calamity, indicating that the riches themselves, or the manner in which they are kept, inflict genuine suffering or damage upon the owner. It's not merely an inconvenience but a significant, painful problem.
* **sore (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From H2470, meaning to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or (causatively) to grieve, make sick. When combined with "evil" (_raʻ_), it intensifies the meaning, describing an evil that is deeply painful, grievous, or even "sickening." It emphasizes the severe and unhealthy nature of the detriment caused by hoarded wealth.
* **riches (Hebrew, _ʻôsher'_):** From H6239, meaning wealth. This term refers to material abundance, possessions, or prosperity. The verse specifically identifies this wealth as the object that, when "kept," leads to the owner's "hurt," challenging the common assumption that wealth inherently brings good.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun":** Qoheleth introduces his observation with a declaration of a painful and grievous problem ("sore evil") that he has personally witnessed ("I have seen"). The phrase "under the sun" is characteristic of Ecclesiastes, signifying a perspective limited to earthly experience, without the full revelation of God's redemptive plan or eternal realities. It emphasizes that this "evil" is a pervasive reality within the human condition as observed from a purely temporal viewpoint.
* **"namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt."**: This clause specifies the nature of the "sore evil." It is not wealth itself that is inherently evil, but "riches kept" – particularly in a manner of hoarding or excessive accumulation – that ultimately prove detrimental to the "owners." The Hebrew word for "owners" (baʻal) can also imply mastery or possession, highlighting the ironic reversal where the supposed master becomes enslaved or harmed by what they possess. The phrase "to their hurt" reiterates the painful, damaging, or disadvantageous outcome for the individual who holds onto wealth in this manner. This hurt can manifest as anxiety, fear of loss, isolation, spiritual decay, or even physical illness stemming from the burdens of wealth.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:13 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the very thing commonly sought for security and happiness—riches—is revealed to be a source of profound "hurt" and a "sore evil." This counter-intuitive truth challenges conventional wisdom. The phrase "sore evil" also functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and painful nature of the problem, suggesting it's not merely an inconvenience but a deep affliction. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "under the sun" serves as a **Framing Device** throughout Ecclesiastes, consistently reminding the reader that these observations are made from a human, earthly perspective, highlighting the limitations of such a worldview and subtly pointing to the need for a transcendent one. The verse also exemplifies **Empirical Wisdom**, as Qoheleth states, "I have seen," grounding his theological insights in direct observation of human experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:13 offers a stark theological commentary on the nature of material wealth and its potential for spiritual and personal detriment. It aligns with a consistent biblical theme that warns against the dangers of idolatry, particularly the worship of mammon. While wealth itself is not inherently evil, the verse powerfully illustrates how the *keeping* or *hoarding* of riches, driven by a desire for security or status apart from God, can become a "sore evil." This perspective challenges the common human tendency to find ultimate security and satisfaction in possessions, redirecting focus to the true source of life and blessing. The "hurt" described can encompass spiritual emptiness, anxiety, greed, and a detachment from God and others, revealing the destructive power of misplaced trust.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:13 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the human inclination to find ultimate security and happiness in material possessions, only to discover their inherent capacity to wound and disappoint. It compels us to critically examine our relationship with wealth: Is it a tool for good, stewarded for God's purposes, or has it become an idol, a source of anxiety, or a barrier to genuine spiritual freedom? The "hurt" Qoheleth describes is multifaceted, encompassing the spiritual impoverishment that comes from prioritizing perishable riches over eternal values, the emotional burden of constant worry over loss, and the relational strain that often accompanies greed and hoarding. True flourishing is not found in accumulation but in contentment, generosity, and a deep trust in God's provision. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of detachment from the world's fleeting treasures, recognizing that our ultimate security and joy reside not in what we possess, but in the One who possesses us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might my pursuit or accumulation of wealth, even unintentionally, be causing "hurt" in my life or the lives of others?**
* **What anxieties or fears do I associate with my financial situation, and how do these reveal where my true security lies?**
* **In what ways can I practice greater generosity and stewardship with my resources to prevent them from becoming a "sore evil" in my life?**
* **How does my understanding of "true riches" align with or diverge from the wisdom presented in Ecclesiastes 5:13?**

### FAQ
**What does "under the sun" mean in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: The phrase "under the sun" (`tachat ha'shemesh` in Hebrew) is a recurring motif throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, appearing nearly 30 times. It refers to life as observed from a purely human, earthly perspective, without the full revelation of God's transcendent purposes or eternal realities. It signifies the limitations of human wisdom and experience when viewed apart from divine intervention or an eternal hope. Qoheleth uses this phrase to frame his observations about the vanity and futility of all human endeavors and pursuits—including the accumulation of wealth—when they are confined to the temporal realm and lack a divine reference point. It underscores the Preacher's empirical approach to understanding life's challenges, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - What profit has a man from all his toil?").

**How can riches "hurt" their owners, as stated in this verse?**

Answer: Riches can "hurt" their owners in several profound ways, as Qoheleth observes. Firstly, the **anxiety and worry** associated with protecting and managing large sums of wealth can rob a person of peace and sleep (Ecclesiastes 5:12). Secondly, wealth can lead to **isolation and distrust**, as owners become suspicious of others' motives or withdraw from genuine relationships. Thirdly, the pursuit and hoarding of riches can foster **greed and spiritual decay**, shifting one's ultimate devotion from God to material possessions, which the Bible often describes as idolatry. Fourthly, wealth can be **lost suddenly** through misfortune, economic downturns, or poor investments (as seen in [Ecclesiastes 5:14](/ecclesiastes/5-14 "Ecclesiastes 5:14 - Wealth lost through misfortune")), leaving the owner with nothing but regret. Finally, and most significantly, a life consumed by accumulating wealth often results in **spiritual emptiness and a lack of true fulfillment**, as material possessions cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart, ultimately proving vain in the face of death (Ecclesiastes 5:15-17).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:13, with its stark warning about riches hurting their owners, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and teachings of Jesus. While Qoheleth observes the "sore evil" of wealth from "under the sun," Jesus, the Son of God, offers the divine perspective and the ultimate solution. He consistently challenged the human tendency to find security in earthly treasures, declaring that "no one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money [mammon]" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving God and Mammon")). Jesus demonstrated the true nature of wealth by emptying Himself, becoming poor so that through His poverty, we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). He taught that true riches are not found in material possessions but in the Kingdom of God and a right relationship with Him, urging His followers to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Treasures in Heaven")). The "hurt" Qoheleth describes is ultimately the spiritual death and separation from God that comes from idolatry; Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, offers liberation from this bondage, providing true life and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). In Jesus, the ultimate "owner" of all things, we find the true purpose and blessing of resources, not in hoarding them to our hurt, but in stewarding them for His glory and the advancement of His eternal Kingdom.

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

Ecclesiastes 6:1

¶ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it [is] common among men:

Ecclesiastes 6:2

A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this [is] vanity, and it [is] an evil disease.

Luke 18:22

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

Luke 18:23

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

Genesis 19:14

And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

Luke 16:22

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

Luke 16:23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.