Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 2:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were in Jerusalem before me.
Compare translations
I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
What Ecclesiastes 2:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker reflects on their wealth and status. They mention acquiring both male and female servants, indicating a level of power and influence. Additionally, they highlight that some servants were born in their household, suggesting a legacy of servitude. The speaker also boasts about their extensive possessions, particularly herds and flocks, which were greater than anyone else's in Jerusalem at that time. This accumulation of wealth and resources illustrates the speaker's success and the privileges that come with it. However, it also raises questions about the true value of such possessions and whether they bring lasting happiness. The speaker's achievements may seem impressive, but they hint at a deeper search for meaning beyond material wealth. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for a broader exploration of what truly matters in life, beyond just riches and status, inviting readers to consider their own pursuits and values in a meaningful way.
How to apply Ecclesiastes 2:7 to your life
Consider what you value most in life. Are you chasing after material possessions, or are you seeking deeper fulfillment? Reflect on your own achievements and think about what truly brings you joy and purpose beyond wealth and status. Strive for balance in your pursuits and relationships with others. Embrace what matters most to you personally, not just what society values.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ecclesiastes 2:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ecclesiastes 2:7
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Ecclesiastes
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 2:7 say about wealth?
Ecclesiastes 2:7 reflects on the speaker's significant wealth and status, highlighting their acquisition of male and female servants and extensive herds and flocks. This verse illustrates the speaker's success in accumulating material possessions, which were greater than anyone else's in Jerusalem at that time. However, it also prompts readers to consider the deeper implications of wealth and whether it truly leads to lasting happiness.
How does Ecclesiastes 2:7 relate to the search for meaning?
In Ecclesiastes 2:7, the speaker's focus on wealth and status raises questions about the true value of material possessions. While the speaker boasts about their achievements, the verse hints at a deeper search for meaning beyond riches. It invites readers to reflect on their own pursuits and consider what truly brings fulfillment in life, suggesting that material wealth alone may not lead to true happiness.
What can we learn from the mention of servants in Ecclesiastes 2:7?
The mention of servants in Ecclesiastes 2:7 indicates the speaker's power and influence, as well as a legacy of servitude. It highlights the social dynamics of wealth and status during that time. This aspect of the verse encourages readers to think about their own relationships and the impact of their status on others, prompting a reflection on the ethical implications of wealth and how it affects those around us.
Why is the context of Jerusalem important in Ecclesiastes 2:7?
The context of Jerusalem in Ecclesiastes 2:7 is significant because it emphasizes the speaker's exceptional wealth compared to others in a prominent city known for its culture and power. By stating that their possessions were greater than anyone else's in Jerusalem, the speaker underscores their status and success. This context invites readers to consider the competitive nature of wealth and status in society and the potential emptiness that can accompany such pursuits.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.