Ecclesiastes 5:7

KJV

For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there are] also [divers] vanities: but fear thou God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For in the multitude {H7230} of dreams {H2472} and many {H7235} words {H1697} there are also divers vanities {H1892}: but fear {H3372} thou God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For [this is what happens when there are too] many dreams, aimless activities and words. Instead, just fear God!

Berean Standard Bible

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

American Standard Version

For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but fear thou God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:7 serves as a poignant distillation of the Preacher's wisdom, contrasting the inherent futility and emptiness found in excessive human speculation, idle talk, and fanciful imaginings with the singular, enduring antidote: a reverential fear of God. This verse pivots from a critique of human folly to a profound command, asserting that true meaning and stability are found not in the transient "vanities" of human endeavors but in a right relationship with the Divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 5:7 is strategically positioned within a section (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7) that provides counsel on proper conduct and reverence in the presence of God. The preceding verses sternly warn against rash vows, thoughtless speech, and presumptuous approaches to worship. For instance, [Ecclesiastes 5:2](/ecclesiastes/5-2 "Ecclesiastes 5:2 - Do not be rash with your mouth") cautions against speaking "rashly with your mouth" or letting one's "heart be hasty to utter a word before God." The "multitude of dreams and many words" in verse 7 directly echoes this preceding emphasis on the dangers of unbridled human expression, whether in thought or speech, particularly in a religious context. It suggests that such empty or excessive expressions, like unfulfilled vows or idle chatter, are ultimately without substance, leading only to the "vanity" that permeates much of the human experience described in the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, dreams were often perceived as potential channels for divine communication or omens, making their interpretation a significant practice. However, there was also an awareness of false or misleading dreams, as well as the human tendency to indulge in idle fantasies. Similarly, "many words" could refer to the verbose, often empty rhetoric common in marketplaces, courts, or even religious settings, where quantity of speech often overshadowed quality or truth. The cultural emphasis on vows and oaths, particularly before God, meant that breaking them or making them lightly was a serious offense. The Preacher's counsel, therefore, speaks to a societal environment where both genuine spiritual seeking and superficial religious performance coexisted, urging the listener to discern between substance and show.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces two central themes woven throughout Ecclesiastes. First, it highlights **The Vanity of Human Endeavor**, encapsulated by the recurring Hebrew term _hebel_ (vanity, vapor). The "multitude of dreams and many words" are categorized as "divers vanities," underscoring the Preacher's pervasive message that much of human striving, speculation, and communication, when divorced from divine purpose, is fleeting, insubstantial, and ultimately unsatisfying. This resonates with the book's opening declaration, "[Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - All is Vanity")." Second, it champions **The Centrality of Fearing God**. In stark contrast to the futility of human folly, the command "but fear thou God" emerges as the singular, profound antidote. This "fear" is not terror but a deep, reverential awe, respect, and submission to God's sovereignty, which leads to obedience and wisdom. It is presented as the only stable foundation for life, a truth reiterated as the book's ultimate conclusion in [Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Whole Duty of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chălôwm (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** From H2492, meaning "a dream." In this context, "dreams" refers not necessarily to prophetic visions but to idle imaginings, fantasies, or perhaps even empty hopes and plans that lack substance or divine grounding. Coupled with "many words," it suggests a mind filled with ungrounded thoughts or a life characterized by unfulfilled aspirations.
* **dâbâr (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1696, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." While _dâbâr_ can refer to divine words (e.g., God's commandments), here, in conjunction with "multitude" and "vanities," it points to excessive, meaningless, or empty speech—chatter, idle talk, or even empty promises and boasts that lack truth or lasting impact.
* **hebel (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** From H1891, meaning "emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory." This pivotal term, appearing frequently in Ecclesiastes, literally means "vapor" or "breath," conveying a sense of fleetingness, insubstantiality, and futility. When applied to "dreams" and "many words," it emphasizes their lack of ultimate value, lasting meaning, or ability to satisfy.
* **yârêʼ (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** A primitive root, meaning "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In the context of "fear thou God," this is not a cowering terror but a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to the Creator. It implies acknowledging His majesty, sovereignty, and authority, leading to obedience and a life lived in conscious awareness of His presence and commands.
* **ʼĕlôhîym (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** Plural of H433, meaning "Gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God." Here, with the article, it unequivocally refers to the one true God, the Creator and Sustainer of all. The command to "fear God" is thus a call to acknowledge and honor the ultimate authority and source of all wisdom and meaning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in the multitude of dreams and many words":** This phrase introduces the subject of the Preacher's critique. "Multitude" (H7230, _rôb_) and "many" (H7235, _râbâh_) emphasize an excess. "Dreams" (H2472, _chălôwm_) refers to idle fantasies, vain imaginations, or ungrounded aspirations, while "words" (H1697, _dâbâr_) points to excessive, empty, or boastful talk. Together, they depict a life or mind preoccupied with insubstantial thoughts and expressions.
* **"[there are] also [divers] vanities":** This clause reveals the consequence or nature of such a "multitude of dreams and many words." The term "vanities" (H1892, _hebel_) signifies emptiness, futility, and a lack of lasting substance or value. The "divers" (implied, not explicit in the Hebrew) suggests that these vanities manifest in various forms, all equally unsatisfying and unproductive.
* **"but fear thou God":** This is the stark and powerful counterpoint, introduced by the adversative "but." It serves as a direct command and the ultimate antidote to the preceding futility. "Fear" (H3372, _yârêʼ_) here denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respectful obedience, not terror. "God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) refers to the sovereign Creator. This command asserts that true meaning, stability, and wisdom are found only in a right, reverential relationship with the Divine.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the "multitude of dreams and many words" (representing human folly and futility) directly against the singular, weighty command to "fear God" (representing true wisdom and meaning). This juxtaposition highlights the stark difference between a life lived in pursuit of transient human endeavors and one grounded in divine reverence. **Hyperbole** is evident in "multitude of dreams and many words," emphasizing the sheer excess and overwhelming nature of empty human speculation and talk, which ultimately yield nothing but "vanities." Finally, the term "vanities" itself, _hebel_, functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**. Literally meaning "vapor" or "breath," it metaphorically represents anything fleeting, insubstantial, and ultimately unsatisfying, vividly portraying the emptiness of life apart from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:7 encapsulates a profound theological truth: human endeavors, when pursued independently of God, are ultimately devoid of lasting meaning and satisfaction. The "multitude of dreams and many words" speaks to the human tendency towards self-deception, idle speculation, and empty rhetoric, all of which fall under the pervasive "vanity" that characterizes life "under the sun." In stark contrast, the command to "fear God" is presented as the singular, non-negotiable foundation for a meaningful existence. This "fear" is not a cowering dread but a deep, reverential awe that acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and justice. It is the beginning of wisdom, leading to obedience, humility, and a proper perspective on life's fleeting nature. This verse thus serves as a theological anchor, redirecting human focus from the ephemeral to the eternal, from self-reliance to divine dependence.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Deuteronomy 10:12](/deuteronomy/10-12 "Deuteronomy 10:12 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with information, constant communication, and the relentless pursuit of fleeting desires, Ecclesiastes 5:7 offers a timeless and urgent challenge. We are constantly bombarded by a "multitude of dreams"—the endless aspirations, fantasies, and idealized realities presented by media, advertising, and social platforms—and "many words"—the incessant chatter of news cycles, social media feeds, and digital conversations, much of which is superficial, divisive, or simply meaningless. This verse calls us to critically evaluate the substance of our thoughts, our words, and our pursuits. Are they contributing to genuine meaning and purpose, or are they merely "vanities" that leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled? The profound antidote remains the same: "fear thou God." This means cultivating a deep, reverential awe for God that shapes our priorities, guides our speech, and directs our actions. It compels us to live with integrity, to honor our commitments, and to seek His will above all else, recognizing that true peace and lasting satisfaction are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do "dreams" (idle fantasies, ungrounded aspirations) and "many words" (excessive, empty communication) manifest in my daily life, and what is their ultimate fruit?**
* **What does "fearing God" practically look like in my personal decisions, my interactions with others, and my use of time and resources?**
* **In what areas of my life am I pursuing "vanities" that promise much but deliver little, and how can I reorient these pursuits towards God?**
* **How does a reverential fear of God safeguard me from the anxieties and futility that often characterize modern existence?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "dreams" is the Preacher referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "dreams" (Hebrew: _chălôwm_) in Ecclesiastes 5:7 are generally understood not as prophetic visions but as idle fantasies, vain imaginings, or ungrounded aspirations. Coupled with "many words," they represent the human tendency to indulge in excessive, unsubstantial thoughts or plans that lack divine grounding or practical reality. These are the mental counterparts to "empty words"—they are fleeting and ultimately lead to "vanity" or futility, rather than true substance or fulfillment. The Preacher is cautioning against a mind preoccupied with what is insubstantial or unrealistic, especially in contrast to the solid reality of God.

**What does it mean to "fear God" in this context? Is it about being afraid of Him?**

Answer: The "fear" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ_) of God in Ecclesiastes 5:7, and throughout much of the Old Testament wisdom literature, is not primarily about a cowering terror or dread. Instead, it signifies a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to God's majesty, sovereignty, and authority. It involves acknowledging His rightful place as Creator and Lord, leading to a desire to obey His commands, live righteously, and honor Him in all aspects of life. It is the antithesis of human pride and self-sufficiency, recognizing that true wisdom and meaning begin with a proper relationship with the Divine. This "fear" leads to life, blessing, and wisdom, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

**How does this verse relate to modern communication and digital noise?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 5:7 offers remarkably relevant wisdom for the modern age, particularly concerning digital communication. The "multitude of dreams" can be likened to the endless stream of idealized realities, ungrounded opinions, and fleeting trends that dominate social media and online spaces. The "many words" resonate with the sheer volume of digital chatter, often superficial, boastful, or divisive, that fills our lives. Much of this communication, despite its quantity, lacks substance and contributes to a sense of "vanity" or emptiness, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed but unfulfilled. The verse calls us to discernment, urging us to prioritize thoughtful, purposeful communication and to ground our lives not in the transient noise of the world, but in the enduring truth and reverence for God. This perspective encourages intentionality and a focus on what truly matters, rather than being swept away by the current of digital excess.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:7, with its stark contrast between the futility of human "vanities" and the enduring wisdom of "fearing God," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "multitude of dreams and many words" represents the human condition apart from God—a life characterized by striving for meaning in transient things, engaging in empty rhetoric, and pursuing fantasies that ultimately lead to nothing but _hebel_ (vanity). Jesus, however, is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the Word (Logos) made flesh, in whom all things hold together and find their true purpose ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning was the Word"); [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ is Before All Things")). He perfectly lived out the "fear of God"—not as a cowering servant, but as the obedient Son, always doing the will of the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Will of the Father")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ redeems humanity from the curse of vanity, offering a new creation where the pursuit of empty dreams and words is replaced by a life lived in His truth and for His glory ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). To "fear God" in the New Covenant is to revere and worship the Father through the Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the one in whom all true meaning and lasting satisfaction are found ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). Thus, the Preacher's counsel culminates in Christ, who delivers us from the futility of a life "under the sun" and invites us into an eternal reality "in Him."

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 12:13

¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

Matthew 12:36

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Ecclesiastes 8:12

Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

Ecclesiastes 5:3

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

Ecclesiastes 3:14

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.

Proverbs 23:17

¶ Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Isaiah 50:10

¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.