Ecclesiastes 5:9

KJV

¶ Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king [himself] is served by the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the profit {H3504} of the earth {H776} is for all: the king {H4428} himself is served {H5647} by the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the greatest advantage to the country is when the king makes himself a servant to the land.

Berean Standard Bible

The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.

American Standard Version

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:9 delivers a profound observation on the universal dependence of humanity upon the earth's productivity, asserting that the benefits derived from the land are essential for everyone. It underscores this truth by highlighting that even the most powerful figure, the king, ultimately relies on the cultivated field for his sustenance and the stability of his realm, thereby humbling human authority and emphasizing the foundational role of creation's bounty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 5:9 is situated within a larger section of Qoheleth's discourse (chapters 5-6) that critically examines the pursuit of wealth, the dangers of greed, and the inherent vanity of material possessions. Following admonitions regarding hasty vows and the insatiable desire for riches (compare [Ecclesiastes 5:4-7](/ecclesiastes/5-4-7 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 - Vows and Divine Judgment") and [Ecclesiastes 5:10](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10 - The Love of Money")), this verse provides a grounding reality check. It shifts the focus from the complexities of human economic systems and social hierarchies to the fundamental source of sustenance, asserting that despite all human striving, basic needs are met by the land. This serves as a stark contrast to the fleeting satisfaction wealth offers, anchoring the Preacher's wisdom in an undeniable, universal truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Israel, was predominantly an agrarian society. Life revolved around the cycles of planting and harvest, and the productivity of the land was directly tied to survival, prosperity, and even national stability. Kingship, while embodying ultimate political and military power, was inherently dependent on the agricultural output of the kingdom to feed its populace, support its armies, and generate tribute. There was no industrial-scale food production; sustenance came directly from the soil. Therefore, Qoheleth's statement that "the king himself is served by the field" was not merely a philosophical musing but a stark, observable reality that underscored the limits of human power in the face of natural dependencies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it champions **Universal Dependence**, demonstrating that all people, from the lowliest peasant to the most exalted monarch, are fundamentally sustained by the earth's yield. This challenges notions of self-sufficiency and highlights a shared human condition. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **Humility of Power**, revealing that even the highest human authority is ultimately reliant on the basic provisions of the land, which are often produced by the labor of common people. This perspective serves to temper pride and expose the inherent limitations of earthly dominion. Thirdly, it implicitly underscores the **Value of Agriculture and Labor**, recognizing the essential role of cultivating the land for societal well-being. Finally, while not explicitly theological, the earth's consistent productivity points to the underlying theme of **Divine Provision**, suggesting a Creator who sustains all life through the bounty of His creation, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 104:14](/psalms/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God's Provision for Plants and Food").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Profit (Hebrew, _yithrôwn'_):** From H3504, meaning "preeminence, gain, excellency, profit." In Ecclesiastes, this term often carries a nuanced meaning, frequently used by Qoheleth to question the "lasting gain" or "advantage" of various earthly pursuits (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - What Profit Has Man?")). Here, however, it refers to the tangible, undeniable benefit and yield derived directly from the earth, emphasizing a fundamental and universal advantage that the land provides to all.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From H4428, meaning "a king, royal." This word represents the pinnacle of human authority and power in the ancient world. By specifically naming the king, Qoheleth highlights that even the most elevated human position is not exempt from the universal dependence on the earth, thereby underscoring a profound truth about the limits of human dominion.
* **Served (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** From H5647, a primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, enslave." In this verse, it is used in the passive voice, "is served by," indicating that the king receives service or benefit from the field. This implies that the field (and by extension, the labor involved in cultivating it) provides for the king, rather than the king being self-sufficient or solely served by his subjects' direct tribute. It powerfully conveys the king's reliance on the earth's productivity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the profit of the earth is for all":** This opening clause establishes a universal principle. The "profit" (yield, benefit, advantage) that comes from the "earth" (the land, soil, ground) is not exclusive to any one class or individual but is available to and necessary for "all" humanity. It speaks to the fundamental, shared reliance of every person on the natural world for sustenance and well-being, irrespective of their social status, wealth, or power.
* **"the king [himself] is served by the field":** This second clause provides a specific, powerful illustration of the universal principle. It highlights the ultimate irony and humility: even the "king," the most powerful and seemingly independent figure in society, is ultimately "served by the field." This means his very existence, his ability to rule, and the stability of his kingdom are dependent on the agricultural output of the land and the labor of those who cultivate it. It underscores that no human authority, however great, can transcend the basic ecological realities of life.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting the immense power and authority of the "king" with the humble, yet indispensable, "field" or "earth." This highlights the unexpected dependency of the mighty on the seemingly mundane. There is an element of **Irony** in the king, who commands armies and vast resources, being depicted as "served by the field"—a powerful reversal of typical power dynamics. The "field" itself functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing not just the physical plot of land but also the entire agricultural system, its produce, and the labor of those who work it. The phrase "for all" serves as a **Universalization**, broadening the scope of the observation to encompass every individual, reinforcing the shared human condition of dependence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:9 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human existence and divine provision. It subtly points to God's sovereignty over creation, reminding humanity that ultimate sustenance flows not from human ingenuity or power structures, but from the earth itself, which is sustained by divine design. This verse humbles human pride, especially that associated with wealth and authority, by revealing that even the most powerful are utterly dependent on the most basic elements of creation. It implicitly encourages a posture of gratitude for God's ongoing provision and a recognition of our shared vulnerability and reliance on the Creator.

* [Psalm 104:14](/psalms/104-14 "God Provides Food from the Earth") - "He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth."
* [Genesis 1:29-30](/genesis/1-29-30 "God's Provision of Food") - "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed... to you it shall be for meat."
* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Naked I Came, Naked I Return") - "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:9 invites us to a profound reflection on our fundamental place in the world and our relationship with its resources. In a society often driven by the accumulation of wealth and the pursuit of power, this verse serves as a crucial corrective, reminding us that true security and sustenance ultimately derive from the earth's productivity—a gift available to all, rather than from the often illusory gains of excessive riches. It challenges us to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the basic necessities of life, recognizing that food, water, and shelter are direct or indirect gifts from creation. For those in positions of leadership, it is a humbling reminder that their authority and ability to govern are intrinsically linked to the well-being of the common people and the foundational resources of the world. No leader, however mighty, is truly independent of the ground they stand on or the people they serve. This understanding should foster a sense of responsibility for the care of creation, compelling us to be good stewards of the earth's resources, recognizing our shared dependence and the interconnectedness of all life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ecclesiastes 5:9 challenge our modern perception of wealth, power, and self-sufficiency?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the basic provisions of life that come from the earth?**
* **What practical steps can we take, individually and collectively, to be better stewards of the earth's resources, recognizing our shared dependence?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Ecclesiastes 5:9?**

Answer: The primary message of Ecclesiastes 5:9 is the universal dependence of all humanity, including those in the highest positions of power, on the productivity of the earth. It highlights that regardless of social status or accumulated wealth, everyone ultimately relies on the land for sustenance, thereby humbling human pride and emphasizing the foundational role of creation's bounty. This observation grounds the Preacher's broader critique of the vanity of earthly pursuits by pointing to an undeniable, shared reality.

**How does this verse relate to the broader themes of Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 5:9 strongly reinforces the Preacher's recurring theme of the "vanity" (hebel) of earthly striving and the limitations of human wisdom and power. While much of Ecclesiastes explores the futility of chasing wealth, pleasure, or wisdom as ultimate ends (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 2:1-11](/ecclesiastes/2-1-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 - The Vanity of Pleasure and Wisdom")), this verse grounds the discussion in a fundamental truth: even the king, who seemingly possesses everything, is ultimately dependent on the earth. It redirects focus from the complexities of human economy and social hierarchy to the basic, undeniable source of life's necessities, reminding readers that true security and provision come from a source beyond human control, implicitly pointing to God's ongoing sustenance, as seen in passages like [Psalm 65:9-13](/psalms/65-9-13 "Psalm 65:9-13 - God's Provision for the Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:9, with its declaration that "the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. While the verse speaks of earthly sustenance, Christ is revealed as the ultimate source of all true "profit" and sustenance. He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who came down from heaven, providing eternal nourishment that far surpasses any earthly gain. Just as the king in Ecclesiastes is served by the field, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, willingly became a servant, humbling Himself to be born into the "field" of humanity and ultimately serving humanity through His atoning sacrifice ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). His ministry was deeply connected to the "field"—teaching in the fields, feeding multitudes with earthly provisions ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), and using agricultural parables to describe the Kingdom of God (e.g., the parable of the sower, [Matthew 13:1-23](/matthew/13-1-23 "Matthew 13:1-23 - The Parable of the Sower")). Ultimately, all creation finds its purpose and sustenance in Him, for "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). He is the true "profit" for all who believe, offering eternal life and true satisfaction that no earthly field or king can provide ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Life Abundantly")).

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

1 Kings 4:7

And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

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.

Proverbs 28:19

¶ He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.

Proverbs 13:23

¶ Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.

Proverbs 27:23

¶ Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds.

Proverbs 27:27

And [thou shalt have] goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and [for] the maintenance for thy maidens.

1 Chronicles 27:26

And over them that did the work of the field for tillage of the ground [was] Ezri the son of Chelub: