Ecclesiastes 5:14
New International Version
or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit.

New Living Translation
Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children.

English Standard Version
and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand.

Berean Standard Bible
or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.

King James Bible
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

New King James Version
But those riches perish through misfortune; When he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand.

New American Standard Bible
When that wealth was lost through bad business and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him.

NASB 1995
When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him.

NASB 1977
When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And those riches were lost through a bad endeavor; and he became the father of a son, but there was nothing in his hand for him.

Amplified Bible
For when those riches are lost in bad investments and he becomes the father of a son, then there is nothing in his hand [for the support of the child].

Christian Standard Bible
That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed.

American Standard Version
and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Contemporary English Version
Suddenly they lose everything in a bad business deal, then have nothing to leave for their children.

English Revised Version
and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These hoarded riches were then lost in bad business deals. The owners had children, but now they have nothing to give them.

Good News Translation
and then lose it all in some bad deal and end up with nothing left to pass on to their children.

International Standard Version
and that wealth is lost in troubled circumstances. Then a son is born, but there is nothing left for him.

Majority Standard Bible
or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.

NET Bible
Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.

New Heart English Bible
Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Webster's Bible Translation
But those riches perish by evil labor: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

World English Bible
Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And that wealth has been lost in an evil business, and he has begotten a son and there is nothing in his hand!

Young's Literal Translation
And that wealth hath been lost in an evil business, and he hath begotten a son and there is nothing in his hand!

Smith's Literal Translation
And those riches shall perish by evil labor: and he begetting a son, and not anything in his hand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For they are lost with very great affliction: he hath begotten a son, who shall be in extremity of want.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For they are lost in a most grievous affliction. He has produced a son, who will be in the utmost destitution.

New American Bible
Should the riches be lost through some misfortune, they may have offspring when they have no means.

New Revised Standard Version
and those riches were lost in a bad venture; though they are parents of children, they have nothing in their hands.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And those riches are lost in a bad venture; for when he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And wealth is lost in bad business, for he begets a son and there is nothing in his hand
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And that wealth shall perish in an evil trouble: and the man begets a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Futility of Wealth
13There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, 14or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on. 15As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.…

Cross References
Job 1:21
saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

1 Timothy 6:7
For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.

Psalm 49:17
For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:20-21
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Proverbs 23:4-5
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

James 1:10-11
But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

1 Peter 1:24
For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,

Psalm 39:6
Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.

Luke 16:19-31
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...

1 John 2:17
The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Proverbs 27:24
for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.

Matthew 16:26
What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:36
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Psalm 73:18-20
Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. / How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! / Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.


Treasury of Scripture

But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begets a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

those

Ecclesiastes 2:26
For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Job 5:5
Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.

Job 20:15-29
He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly…

and he

1 Samuel 2:6-8,36
The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up…

1 Kings 14:26
And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

Psalm 109:9-12
Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow…

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Ecclesiastes 5
1. vanities in divine service
8. in murmuring against oppression
9. and in riches
18. Joy in riches is the gift of God.














or wealth lost in a failed venture
This phrase highlights the uncertainty and fleeting nature of material wealth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, economic ventures were often risky due to factors like unpredictable weather, political instability, and trade route dangers. The Bible frequently warns against placing trust in wealth (Proverbs 23:4-5; 1 Timothy 6:17). The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 echoes this sentiment, illustrating the folly of hoarding wealth without regard for spiritual matters. The loss of wealth can serve as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly treasures and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

so when that man has a son
The mention of a son underscores the cultural importance of inheritance in biblical times. Inheritance was not only a means of providing for one's descendants but also a way to ensure the continuation of the family line and legacy. The loss of wealth would have been particularly distressing in this context, as it could jeopardize the future security and status of one's offspring. This reflects the broader biblical theme of generational blessings and responsibilities (Genesis 17:7; Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

there is nothing to pass on
This phrase emphasizes the ultimate futility of relying on material wealth for lasting security. The Bible consistently teaches that true inheritance is spiritual rather than material (1 Peter 1:3-4). The inability to pass on wealth serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of earthly life and possessions. It points to the need for a legacy rooted in faith and righteousness, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, who was promised a spiritual inheritance through his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). This also foreshadows the eternal inheritance believers receive through Jesus Christ, who offers a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Israel
The nation where Solomon reigned, representing a people chosen by God, often experiencing cycles of faithfulness and disobedience.

3. Wealth
In this context, wealth refers to material possessions and financial resources, which are often seen as blessings but can also be fleeting and uncertain.

4. Bad Venture
This refers to risky or unwise financial endeavors that can lead to the loss of wealth, highlighting the unpredictability of human efforts.

5. Son
Represents the next generation, emphasizing the importance of legacy and inheritance in biblical times.
Teaching Points
The Uncertainty of Wealth
Wealth is not a reliable foundation for security or happiness. It can be lost through unforeseen circumstances, reminding us to place our trust in God rather than material possessions.

The Importance of Wise Stewardship
We are called to be wise stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. This includes making prudent financial decisions and avoiding risky ventures that could jeopardize our ability to provide for our families and support God's work.

Legacy Beyond Material Inheritance
While providing for the next generation is important, the most valuable legacy we can leave is a spiritual one. Teaching our children to know and follow God is far more enduring than any material inheritance.

Contentment and Trust in God
True contentment comes from trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, not from accumulating wealth. We should seek to cultivate a heart of gratitude and reliance on God, regardless of our financial situation.(14) Evil travail.--Unsuccessful business.

Nothing in his hand.--The same words occur in a literal sense in Judges 14:6.

Verse 14. - Those riches perish by evil travail; thing or circumstance. There is no need to confine the cause of the loss to unsuccessful business, as many commentators do. The rich man does not seem to be a tradesman or speculator; he loses his property, like Job, by visitations for which he is in no way answerable - by storm or tempest, by robbers, by fire, by exactions, or by lawsuits. And he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. The verb rendered "begetteth" is in the past tense, and used as it were, hypothetically, equivalent to "hath he begotten a son," supposing he has a son. His misery is doubled by the reflection that he has lost all hope of securing a fortune for his children, or founding a family, or passing on an inheritance to posterity. It is doubtful to whom the pronoun "his" refers. Many consider that the father is meant, and the clause says that when he has begotten a son, he finds he has nothing to give him. But the suffix seems most naturally to refer to the son, who is thus left a pauper. Vulgate, Generavit filium qui in summa egestate erit. Having a thing in the hand moans having power over it, or possessing it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
or
הַה֖וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

wealth
הָעֹ֥שֶׁר (hā·‘ō·šer)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239: Wealth

lost
וְאָבַ֛ד (wə·’ā·ḇaḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish

in a bad
רָ֑ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

venture,
בְּעִנְיַ֣ן (bə·‘in·yan)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6045: Ado, employment, an affair

so that when he has
וְהוֹלִ֣יד (wə·hō·w·lîḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

a son
בֵּ֔ן (bên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

there is nothing
וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

to pass on.
בְּיָד֖וֹ (bə·yā·ḏōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:14 Those riches perish by misfortune and if (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 5:13
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