Ecclesiastes 5:7

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Ecclesiastes 5:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

King James Version KJV

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

American Standard Version ASV

For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but fear thou God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Because much talk comes from dreams and things of no purpose. But let the fear of God be in you.

Free Bible Version FBV

There are certainly many dreams, questions of meaning, and lots of different ideas, but you are to follow God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If in a countrey thou seest the oppression of the poore, and the defrauding of iudgement and iustice, be not astonied at the matter: for hee that is higher then the highest, regardeth, and there be higher then they.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For, in the abundance of dreams both vanities and words abound; but fear thou God.

World English Bible WEB

For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words; but you must fear God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If thou shalt see the oppressions of the poor, and violent judgments, and justice perverted in the province, wonder not at this matter: for he that is high hath another higher, and there are others still higher than these:

Translation for Translators T4T

Promising to do something and not doing it is like [SIM] a dream that has no value; instead, revere God by doing what you promised him that you would do.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:7

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אִם עֹ֣שֶׁק רָ֠שׁ וְ/גֵ֨זֶל מִשְׁפָּ֤ט וָ/צֶ֨דֶק֙ תִּרְאֶ֣ה בַ/מְּדִינָ֔ה אַל תִּתְמַ֖הּ עַל הַ/חֵ֑פֶץ כִּ֣י גָבֹ֜הַּ מֵ/עַ֤ל גָּבֹ֨הַ֙ שֹׁמֵ֔ר וּ/גְבֹהִ֖ים עֲלֵי/הֶֽם

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

עֹ֣שֶׁק ʻôsheq H6233 oppression N-ms

רָ֠שׁ rûwsh H7326 be poor V-Qal

וְ/גֵ֨זֶל gêzel H1499 violence Conj | N-ms

מִשְׁפָּ֤ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-ms

וָ/צֶ֨דֶק֙ tsedeq H6664 Righteousness Conj | N-ms

תִּרְאֶ֣ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

בַ/מְּדִינָ֔ה mᵉdîynâh H4082 province Prep | N-fs

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תִּתְמַ֖הּ tâmahh H8539 to astounded V-Qal-Juss-2ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/חֵ֑פֶץ chêphets H2656 pleasure Art | N-ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

גָבֹ֜הַּ gâbôahh H1364 high Adj

מֵ/עַ֤ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep

גָּבֹ֨הַ֙ gâbôahh H1364 high Adj

שֹׁמֵ֔ר shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal

וּ/גְבֹהִ֖ים gâbôahh H1364 high Conj | Adj

עֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 5:7

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

עֹ֣שֶׁק ʻôsheq H6233 "oppression" N-ms

Oppression refers to injury or fraud, often resulting in unjust gain. It is described in the Bible as a form of distress or extortion, such as in the book of Exodus.

Definition: 1) oppression, extortion, injury 1a) oppression 1b) extortion 1c) gain by extortion

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cruelly, extortion, oppression, thing (deceitfully gotten). See also: Leviticus 5:23; Isaiah 54:14; Psalms 62:11.

רָ֠שׁ rûwsh H7326 "be poor" V-Qal

To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.

Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.

וְ/גֵ֨זֶל gêzel H1499 "violence" Conj | N-ms

This word means violence or plunder, and is used to describe intense or powerful actions, like in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27. It can also refer to the act of perverting or distorting something.

Definition: robbery, plunder Another spelling of ga.zel (גָּזֵל "robbery" H1498)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: violence, violent perverting.. gozal. See H1469 (גּוֹזָל). See also: Ecclesiastes 5:7; Ezekiel 18:18.

מִשְׁפָּ֤ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

וָ/צֶ֨דֶק֙ tsedeq H6664 "Righteousness" Conj | N-ms

Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.

Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.

תִּרְאֶ֣ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

בַ/מְּדִינָ֔ה mᵉdîynâh H4082 "province" Prep | N-fs

Means a province or district, referring to a region or jurisdiction, like a judgeship or area ruled by a judge.

Definition: 1) province, district 1a) district 1b) province Aramaic equivalent: me.di.nah (מְדִינָה "province" H4083)

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] every) province. See also: 1 Kings 20:14; Esther 8:5; Daniel 11:24.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תִּתְמַ֖הּ tâmahh H8539 "to astounded" V-Qal-Juss-2ms

This Hebrew word means to be amazed or stunned, like when God parts the Red Sea in Exodus. It describes a strong emotional response to something incredible. It's used in Psalm 48:5 to describe how kings are amazed by God's power.

Definition: 1) to be astounded, be stunned, be amazed, be dumbfounded 1a) (Qal) to be astounded 1b)(Hithpael) to astonish yourself, be astounded, be astonished at one another

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be amazed, be astonished, marvel(-lously), wonder. See also: Genesis 43:33; Isaiah 13:8; Psalms 48:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/חֵ֑פֶץ chêphets H2656 "pleasure" Art | N-ms

This word refers to pleasure or delight, often describing something that brings joy or happiness. In the Bible, it can also mean a valuable thing or a desire, like in Psalm 1.

Definition: 1) delight, pleasure 1a) delight 1b) desire, longing 1c) the good pleasure 1d) that in which one takes delight

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalms 1:2.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

גָבֹ֜הַּ gâbôahh H1364 "high" Adj

High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.

Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.

מֵ/עַ֤ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

גָּבֹ֨הַ֙ gâbôahh H1364 "high" Adj

High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.

Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.

שֹׁמֵ֔ר shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

וּ/גְבֹהִ֖ים gâbôahh H1364 "high" Conj | Adj

High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.

Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.

עֲלֵי/הֶֽם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 5:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:7

Context — Approaching God with Awe

5It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?

7For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

8If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. 9The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ecclesiastes 12:13	When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
2	Matthew 12:36	But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
3	Ecclesiastes 8:12	Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence.
4	Ecclesiastes 5:3	As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.
5	Proverbs 23:17	Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.
6	Isaiah 50:10–11	Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who array yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and of the firebrands you have lit! This is what you will receive from My hand: You will lie down in a place of torment.
7	Ecclesiastes 7:18	It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings.
8	Ecclesiastes 3:14	I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 Summary

[This verse reminds us that having many dreams or saying many words doesn't always lead to fulfillment or meaning. In fact, it can sometimes lead to emptiness or hurt. That's why it's essential to fear God, which means having a deep respect and reverence for Him, and being mindful of our words and actions, as taught in Psalm 19:14. By prioritizing what truly matters and seeking to honor God in all aspects of our lives, we can find true fulfillment and purpose, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that many dreams bring futility?

This phrase suggests that having many dreams or aspirations can sometimes lead to emptiness or unfulfillment, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:7, and it's a reminder to prioritize what truly matters, as taught in Matthew 6:33.

How do many words bring futility?

Many words can bring futility when they are empty, meaningless, or even hurtful, as warned in Proverbs 10:32, and it's essential to speak wisely and thoughtfully, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.

What does it mean to fear God in this context?

Fearing God in this context means having a deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Psalm 111:10, and being mindful of our words and actions, as taught in Colossians 3:17.

How can I apply the command to fear God in my daily life?

You can apply the command to fear God by being mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions, and seeking to honor Him in all aspects of your life, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2, and by remembering that He is always with you, as promised in Hebrews 13:5.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I have experienced the futility of many dreams or words in my own life, and how can I learn from those experiences?
How can I cultivate a deeper fear of God, and what would that look like in my daily life?
In what ways do I need to be more mindful of my words and their impact on others, and how can I speak more wisely and thoughtfully?
What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize what truly matters in my life, and to seek first the kingdom of God, as taught in Matthew 6:33?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:7

For in the multitude of dreams, and many words, [there are] also [divers] vanities,.... Or as, "in a multitude of dreams, [there are] many vanities, [so] also in a multitude of words" (s); as dreams

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:7

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7

There is a great deal of vanity and folly, as in multitude of dreams, which for the most part are vain and insignificant, so also in many words, i.e. in making many vows, whereby a man is exposed to many snares and temptations. Fear thou God; fear the offence and wrath of God, and therefore be sparing in making vows, and just in performing them; whereby he implies that this rashness in vowing, and slackness in performing vows, proceed from the want of a just reverence and dread of the Divine Majesty, who is immediately concerned in these matters.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7

Ecclesiastes 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there are] also [divers] vanities: but fear thou God.Ver. 7. For in the multitude af dreams, and in many words,] i.e., As in the multitude of dreams, so in many words, &c. There may be some matter in some of either; but neither of them wants their vanities. Dreams are of various sorts. Epicurus judged them all vain. The Telmisenses nulla somnia evacuabant, saith Tertullian, made no dreams to be vain. But that some dreams are divine, some diabolical, and some natural, Peculiare solarium naturalis oraculi, as one speaketh, good symptoms and indications of the natural constitution, no wise man ever doubted. That of the philosopher hath a truth in it, Iustum ab iniusto non somno, sed somnio discerni, that a good man may be distinguished from a bad, though not by his sleep, yet by his dreams in his sleep. But fear thou God.] And so eschew this evil of fond babbling (in God’ s service especially), which is no less a vanity than plain doting, and procures Divine displeasure. Deum siquis parum metuit, valde contemnit. He that fears not God’ s wrath is sure to feel it. Tertul., De Anima, c. 46. Aristot. Ethic. Fulgent.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7

(7) This verse presents some difficulties of translation springing from corruption of text, but not affecting the general sense; according to which the many words which belong to the dreams and vanities of heathendom are contrasted with the fear of the only God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7

Verse 7. In - dreams - are - divers vanities; but fear thou God.] If, by the disturbed state of thy mind during the day, or by Satanic influence, thou dream of evil, do not give way to any unreasonable fears, or gloomy forebodings, of any coming mischief: - FEAR GOD. Fear neither the dream nor its interpretation; God, will take care of and protect thee. Most certainly, he that fears God need fear nothing else. Well may an upright soul say to Satan himself, I fear God; and because I fear him, l do not fear thee.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:7

7. For in the multitude of dreams] The order of the words in the A. V. is not that of the Hebrew, which gives For in the multitude of dreams and vanities and many words, but is adopted by many commentators as representing a more correct text. The introduction of the word “vanities” (the “divers” of the A. V. has, as the italics shew, nothing answering to it in the Hebrew,) indicates the purpose of the writer in thus noting the weak points of popular religionism. They also, the dreams which seemed to them as messages from heaven, the “many words” of long and resounding prayers, took their place in the induction which was to prove that “all is vanity.” So Theophrastus (Charact. xvi.) describes the superstitious man (δεισιδαίμων) as agitated when he sees a vision and straightway going off to consult a soothsayer. In contrast with the garrulous rashness and the inconsiderate vows and the unwise reliance on dreams which Judaism was learning from heathenism (Matthew 6:7) Koheleth falls back on the “fear of God,” the temper of reverential and silent awe, which was “the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7; Job 28:28). It is significant that here again the teaching of Koheleth has a parallel in that of the Epicurean poet who traces the “religions” of mankind (in his sense of the word) in no small measure to the influence of dreams. “Quippe etenim jam tum divum mortalia sζclaEgregias animo facies vigilante videbant,Et magis in somnis mirando corporis auctu.”“Even then the race of mortal men would seeWith waking soul the mighty forms of Gods,And in their dreams with shapes of wondrous size.”Lucret. De Rer. Nat. v. 1169–71.

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:7

For ... vanities - Or, For so it happens through many dreams and vanities and many words.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7

7. Dreams… many words… vanities — The first part of this verse, as given in our version, that there are “vanities” in dreams, etc., has no meaning.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:7

	Sermon	Description
	The Message of Ecclesiastes by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound message of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the folly of living life without a true relationship with God. He highlights the misconceptions about
	2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ.
	Life Is a Vapor. Live Like It! by Tim Conway	This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a mindset aligned with God's perspective on life and eternity. It contrasts the worldly mindset that views life as forever with the
	All Is Vanity by David Hocking	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the futility of pursuing worldly goals and pleasures. He emphasizes that these pursuits do not bring lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. The
	Leonard Ravenhill 85yrs Old Rebukes Pastors!! by Compilations	This sermon emphasizes the seriousness of reverence for God and the importance of being attentive and respectful in His presence. It calls for a deep reflection on one's attitude t
	Don't Waste Your Life by Will Galkin	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the brevity and fragility of life. He uses the imagery of broken objects to illustrate how quickly and unexpectedly life can change. The pre
	K-540 One Church, One Body (1 of 2) by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God with attentiveness and understanding. He acknowledges that his own statements are often packed