Ecclesiastes 5:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Ecclesiastes 5:13 is part of a larger discourse by "the Preacher" (Qoheleth) on the vanity and futility of earthly pursuits, particularly the accumulation of wealth, when viewed "under the sun"—that is, from a purely human, temporal perspective without divine revelation. This chapter specifically warns against various forms of foolishness and materialism, emphasizing that much human striving for riches ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and sorrow. The verse immediately precedes observations on how wealth can be lost suddenly (Ecclesiastes 5:14) and offers no true security.

Key Themes

  • The Deceitfulness of Riches: This verse highlights a counterintuitive truth: what is often perceived as a blessing (wealth) can become a source of profound harm. Instead of bringing joy or security, hoarded riches can inflict pain, anxiety, or even spiritual detriment upon their owner.
  • The Peril of Hoarding: The phrase "riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt" points to the danger of accumulating wealth purely for its own sake, without proper purpose or use. Such hoarding can lead to isolation, suspicion, and a focus on perishable things that detracts from eternal values.
  • Vanity of Earthly Possessions: This observation reinforces a central theme of Ecclesiastes, articulated in Ecclesiastes 1:2: "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity." Even seemingly beneficial things like wealth are ultimately empty and can cause harm when pursued as an ultimate good.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "a sore evil" translates the Hebrew ra'ah chola (רָעָה חֹלָה), which literally means "sick evil" or "grievous evil." This emphasizes the deep-seated, painful, and unhealthy nature of the problem Qoheleth describes. It's not just a minor inconvenience but a profound malady of the human condition "under the sun." The recurring phrase "under the sun" (tachat ha'shemesh) is characteristic of Ecclesiastes, framing the commentary from a worldly perspective.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:13 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of materialism and the misguided pursuit of wealth. It prompts us to:

  • Examine Our Hearts: Reflect on our attitude towards money and possessions. Do we view wealth as a means to an end, or an end in itself? Is our accumulation driven by greed or a desire for security that only God can provide?
  • Seek True Security: Recognize that genuine security and lasting satisfaction are not found in material possessions, which can be lost or, as this verse warns, become a source of hurt. True contentment comes from a right relationship with God and a focus on eternal values.
  • Practice Stewardship and Generosity: Instead of hoarding, consider how wealth can be used wisely for good, to meet needs, and to further God's purposes. This aligns with New Testament teachings on being rich in good works and ready to distribute.
  • Beware of Wealth's Snares: The Preacher's observation challenges the common perception that wealth inherently brings happiness or security, aligning with Christ's teaching on storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where moth and rust corrupt. This echoes warnings found elsewhere in Scripture about the perils of covetousness and the love of money.
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.
  • 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.

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