Ecclesiastes 2:6
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 Version
I 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
I 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 1917
I 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.

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Flourishing Forest Forth Groves Growing Ponds Pools Reared Shooting Springing Therefrom Therewith Trees Water Wood Woods Young
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Flourishing Forest Forth Groves Growing Ponds Pools Reared Shooting Springing Therefrom Therewith Trees Water Wood Woods Young
Ecclesiastes 2
1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure
12. 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
The phrase "I built" reflects the active and intentional efforts of King Solomon, traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes. In Hebrew, the root word is "בָּנָה" (banah), which means to build or construct. This action signifies human endeavor and creativity, emphasizing the God-given ability to create and shape the environment. It also reflects the human desire to leave a legacy and make a lasting impact on the world.

reservoirs
The term "reservoirs" refers to large storage systems for water, essential for sustaining life and agriculture in ancient times. The Hebrew word "בְּרֵכָה" (berekah) can mean a pool or a pond. Archaeological evidence from ancient Israel shows that water management was crucial, especially in a region with a dry climate. This highlights Solomon's wisdom and foresight in ensuring the prosperity of his kingdom through resource management.

to water
"To water" indicates the purpose of the reservoirs, which was to provide sustenance and growth. The Hebrew root "שָׁקָה" (shaqah) means to give drink or irrigate. This action symbolizes nurturing and sustaining life, reflecting God's provision and care for His creation. It also serves as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment, where the Word of God is likened to water that refreshes and sustains the soul.

my groves
The phrase "my groves" suggests ownership and personal investment. The Hebrew word "יָעַר" (ya'ar) typically means a forest or a wooded area. In this context, it refers to cultivated areas of trees, possibly orchards. This indicates Solomon's wealth and the extent of his projects, as well as the beauty and abundance of his kingdom. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with stewardship of God's creation.

of flourishing trees
"Of flourishing trees" describes the vitality and prosperity of the groves. The Hebrew word "צָמַח" (tsamach) means to sprout or flourish, indicating growth and health. This imagery of flourishing trees is often used in Scripture to symbolize righteousness and the blessings of God. It serves as a reminder that true prosperity and flourishing come from aligning with God's will and purposes, rather than solely from human effort.

(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 built
עָשִׂ֥יתִי (‘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


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:6 I made myself pools of water (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 2:5
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