Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. New Living Translation I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. English Standard Version I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. Berean Standard Bible I built reservoirs to water my groves of flourishing trees. King James Bible I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: New King James Version I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. New American Standard Bible I made ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. NASB 1995 I made ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. NASB 1977 I made ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. Legacy Standard Bible I made for myself pools of water from which to water a forest of growing trees. Amplified Bible I made pools of water for myself from which to water the forest and make the trees bud. Christian Standard Bible I constructed reservoirs for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. Holman Christian Standard Bible I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees. American Standard Version I made me pools of water, to water therefrom the forest where trees were reared; Contemporary English Version And I had pools where I could get water for the trees. English Revised Version I made me pools of water, to water therefrom the forest where trees were reared: GOD'S WORD® Translation I made pools to water the forest of growing trees. Good News Translation I dug ponds to irrigate them. International Standard Version I built for myself water reservoirs to irrigate forests that produce trees. Majority Standard Bible I built reservoirs to water my groves of flourishing trees. NET Bible I constructed pools of water for myself, to irrigate my grove of flourishing trees. New Heart English Bible I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared. Webster's Bible Translation I made me pools of water, to water with them the wood that bringeth forth trees: World English Bible I made myself pools of water, to water the forest where trees were grown. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI made for myself pools of water, to water from them a forest shooting forth trees. Young's Literal Translation I made for me pools of water, to water from them a forest shooting forth trees. Smith's Literal Translation I made to me pools of waters to water from them the forest, causing trees to spring forth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I made me ponds of water, to water therewith the wood of the young trees, Catholic Public Domain Version And I dug out fishponds of water, so that I might irrigate the forest of growing trees. New American Bible And I constructed for myself reservoirs to water a flourishing woodland. New Revised Standard Version I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI made myself pools of water, to irrigate the nursery that produces trees. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated I made for myself pools of waters to water the woods of fruit trees by them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917I made me pools of water, to water therefrom the wood springing up with trees; Brenton Septuagint Translation I made me pools of water, to water from them the timber-bearing wood. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Futility of Pleasure…5I made gardens and parks for myself, where I planted all kinds of fruit trees. 6I built reservoirs to water my groves of flourishing trees. 7I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me,… Cross References Genesis 2:10-14 Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it branched into four headwaters: / The name of the first river is the Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. / And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there. ... 1 Kings 7:25-26 The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center. / It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths. Isaiah 41:18 I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. Psalm 104:10-13 He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains. / They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. / The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches. ... Nehemiah 9:25 They captured fortified cities and fertile land and took houses full of all goods, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted in Your great goodness. Jeremiah 17:8 He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit. Ezekiel 31:4-5 The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field. / Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. Isaiah 58:11 The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. John 4:14 But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” Revelation 22:1-2 Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb / down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. John 7:38 Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” Matthew 6:28-30 And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. / Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. / If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Luke 12:27 Consider how the lilies grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. Treasury of Scripture I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that brings forth trees: pools Nehemiah 2:14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass. Song of Solomon 7:4 Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. to water Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Jeremiah 17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jump to Previous Flourishing Forest Forth Groves Growing Ponds Pools Reared Shooting Springing Therefrom Therewith Trees Water Wood Woods YoungJump to Next Flourishing Forest Forth Groves Growing Ponds Pools Reared Shooting Springing Therefrom Therewith Trees Water Wood Woods YoungEcclesiastes 2 1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event 18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom 24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift I built reservoirs The construction of reservoirs in ancient times was a significant engineering feat, reflecting the wealth and resources of the builder. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this phrase highlights the efforts of King Solomon, traditionally considered the author, to create a self-sustaining and prosperous environment. Reservoirs were essential for agriculture in the arid climate of Israel, ensuring a steady water supply. This reflects Solomon's wisdom and ability to manage resources, as seen in 1 Kings 4:29-34, where his understanding of nature is emphasized. to water my groves of flourishing trees Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where Solomon reigned and undertook many of his building projects, including the reservoirs mentioned in this verse. 3. Reservoirs These were large water storage systems that Solomon constructed to irrigate his gardens and groves, showcasing his wealth and the extent of his projects. 4. Groves of Flourishing Trees These represent the lush and abundant gardens that Solomon cultivated, symbolizing prosperity and the fruits of human labor. 5. The Book of Ecclesiastes A book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to Solomon, exploring themes of meaning, purpose, and the vanity of worldly pursuits. Teaching Points The Pursuit of Earthly AccomplishmentsSolomon's construction of reservoirs and gardens illustrates the human desire to achieve and create. However, Ecclesiastes reminds us that these pursuits, while impressive, are ultimately fleeting without a focus on God. The Vanity of Material Wealth Despite Solomon's immense wealth and accomplishments, Ecclesiastes emphasizes that material possessions cannot provide lasting satisfaction or meaning. Stewardship of Resources Solomon's use of resources to build reservoirs can remind us of the importance of wise stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us, ensuring they are used for good and sustainable purposes. Finding Fulfillment in God True fulfillment and purpose are found not in our achievements or possessions but in our relationship with God and aligning our lives with His will. Reflecting on Our Own Pursuits This verse encourages us to reflect on our own pursuits and consider whether they are aligned with God's purposes or merely attempts to find satisfaction in worldly accomplishments.(6) Pools.--In a place south of Bethlehem are still pointed out three gigantic reservoirs, known as the Pools of Solomon (Stanley's Jewish Church, 2:197). The place is probably the same as that called Etham by Josephus in his description of Solomon's luxury (Ant. viii. 7. 3). Josephus speaks of another Pool of Solomon (Bell. Jud. v. 4. 2). Tanks are necessary for irrigation in a land where natural streams are few and are dried up in summer. The king's pool is mentioned in Nehemiah 2:14.Verse 6. - Pools of water. Great care was exercised by Solomon to provide his capital with water, and vast operations were undertaken for this purpose. "The king's pool," mentioned in Nehemiah 2:14, may have been constructed by him (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 5:04. 2); but the most celebrated work ascribed to him is the water-supply at Etham, southwest of Bethlehem, and the aqueduct leading from thence to Jerusalem. Most modern travelers have described these pools. They are three in number, and, according to Robinson's measurement, are of immense size. The first, to the east, is 582 feet long, 207 wide, and 50 deep; the second, 432 by 250, and 39 feet deep; the third, 380 by 236, and 25 feet deep. They are all, however, narrower at the upper end, and widen out gradually, flowing one into the other. There is a copious spring led into the uppermost pool from the north-east, but this supply is augmented by other sources now choked and ruined. The water from the pools was conveyed round the ridge on which Bethlehem stands in earthen pipes to Jerusalem. Dr. Thomson ('The Land and the Book,' p. 326) says, "Near that city it was carried along the west side of the Valley of Gihon to the north-western end of the lower Pool of Gihon, where it crossed to the east side, and, winding round the southern declivity of Zion below Neby Daud, finally entered the south-eastern corner of the temple area, where the water was employed in the various services of the sanctuary." Etham is, with good reason, identified with the beautiful valley of Urtas, which lies southwest of Bethlehem, in the immediate neighborhood of the pools of Solomon. The fountain near the present village watered the gardens and orchards which were planted here, the terraced hills around were covered with vines, figs, and olives, and the prospect must have been delightful and refreshing in that thirsty land. To water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees; Revised Version, to water therefrom the forest where trees were reared; literally, in order to irrigate a wood sprouting forth trees; i.e. a nursery of saplings. So we read how the Garden of Eden was watered (Genesis 2:10; Genesis 13:10) - a most necessary feature in Eastern countries, where streams and pools are not constructed for picturesque reasons, but for material uses. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew I builtעָשִׂ֥יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make reservoirs בְּרֵכ֣וֹת (bə·rê·ḵō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 1295: A pool, pond to water לְהַשְׁק֣וֹת (lə·haš·qō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 8248: To quaff, to irrigate, furnish a, potion to my groves יַ֖עַר (ya·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3293: A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the comb of flourishing צוֹמֵ֥חַ (ṣō·w·mê·aḥ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 6779: To sprout, spring up trees. עֵצִֽים׃ (‘ê·ṣîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood Links Ecclesiastes 2:6 NIVEcclesiastes 2:6 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:6 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:6 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:6 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:6 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:6 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:6 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:6 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:6 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:6 I made myself pools of water (Ecclesiast. 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