Haggai 1:6

Haggai 1:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.”

King James Version KJV

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

Much has been planted, but little got in; you take food, but have not enough; you take drink, but are not full; you are clothed, but no one is warm; and he who gets payment for his work, gets it to put it into a bag full of holes.

Free Bible Version FBV

You have sown much but harvested little. You eat but you're still hungry. You drink but you're still thirsty. You put on clothes but you're still cold. You work hard to earn money but put it in a bag full of holes.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Ye haue sowen much, and bring in litle: ye eate, but ye haue not ynough: ye drinke, but ye are not filled: ye clothe you, but ye be not warme: and he that earneth wages, putteth the wages into a broken bagge.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Ye have sown much, and brought in little, To eat, and not to satiety, To drink, and not to drunkenness, To clothe, and none hath heat, And he who is hiring himself out, Is hiring himself for a bag pierced through.

World English Bible WEB

You have sown much, and bring in little. You eat, but you don’t have enough. You drink, but you aren’t filled with drink. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes in it.’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe yourselves, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

You have sowed much, and brought in little: you have eaten, but have not had enough: you have drunk, but have not been filled with drink: you have clothed yourselves, but have not been warmed: and he that hath earned wages, put them into a bag with holes.

Translation for Translators T4T

You have planted a lot of seeds, but you are not getting many crops to harvest. You eat food, but you never get enough. You drink wine, but you are still thirsty. You wear clothes, but you do not stay warm. You earn money, but things are very expensive, with the result that it is as though [MET] your money disappears because you are putting it in purses/pockets that have big holes in them.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Haggai 1:6

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.

Haggai 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB זְרַעְתֶּ֨ם הַרְבֵּ֜ה וְ/הָבֵ֣א מְעָ֗ט אָכ֤וֹל וְ/אֵין לְ/שָׂבְעָה֙ שָׁת֣וֹ וְ/אֵין לְ/שָׁכְרָ֔ה לָב֖וֹשׁ וְ/אֵין לְ/חֹ֣ם ל֑/וֹ וְ/הַ֨/מִּשְׂתַּכֵּ֔ר מִשְׂתַּכֵּ֖ר אֶל צְר֥וֹר נָקֽוּב

זְרַעְתֶּ֨ם zâraʻ H2232 to sow V-Qal-Perf-2mp

הַרְבֵּ֜ה râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Hiphil-Ptc

וְ/הָבֵ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

מְעָ֗ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little Adj

אָכ֤וֹל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Ptc

וְ/אֵין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part

לְ/שָׂבְעָה֙ sobʻâh H7654 satiety Prep | N-fs

שָׁת֣וֹ shâthâh H8354 to drink V-Qal-Ptc

וְ/אֵין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part

לְ/שָׁכְרָ֔ה shâkar H7937 be drunk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לָב֖וֹשׁ lâbash H3847 to clothe V-Qal-Ptc

וְ/אֵין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part

לְ/חֹ֣ם chôm H2527 heat Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

ל֑/וֹ Prep | Suff

וְ/הַ֨/מִּשְׂתַּכֵּ֔ר sâkar H7936 to hire Conj | Art | V-Hithpael

מִשְׂתַּכֵּ֖ר sâkar H7936 to hire V-Hithpael

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

צְר֥וֹר tsᵉrôwr H6872 bundle N-ms

נָקֽוּב nâqab H5344 to pierce V-Qal-Inf-c

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Haggai 1:6

זְרַעְתֶּ֨ם zâraʻ H2232 "to sow" V-Qal-Perf-2mp

To sow or plant seed is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also has figurative uses like spreading ideas or producing spiritual fruit. It appears in various forms, such as conceiving or yielding seed, and is used in biblical passages like Genesis and Psalm 107.

Definition: 1) to sow, scatter seed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sow 1a2) producing, yielding seed 1b)(Niphal) 1b1) to be sown 1b2) to become pregnant, be made pregnant 1c) (Pual) to be sown 1d) (Hiphil) to produce seed, yield seed

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: bear, conceive seed, set with sow(-er), yield. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 107:37; Psalms 97:11.

הַרְבֵּ֜ה râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Hiphil-Ptc

This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.

Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.

וְ/הָבֵ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

מְעָ֗ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" Adj

This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.

Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.

אָכ֤וֹל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Ptc

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

וְ/אֵין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

לְ/שָׂבְעָה֙ sobʻâh H7654 "satiety" Prep | N-fs

Satiety refers to the feeling of being full or satisfied, having enough of something. It can also describe something that is never satisfied.

Definition: satisfaction, satiety, one's fill

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (to have) enough, [idiom] till...be full, (un-) satiable, satisfy, [idiom] sufficiently. See also: Isaiah 23:18; Ezekiel 16:28; Isaiah 55:2.

שָׁת֣וֹ shâthâh H8354 "to drink" V-Qal-Ptc

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

וְ/אֵין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

לְ/שָׁכְרָ֔ה shâkar H7937 "be drunk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To become drunk or intoxicated, as warned against in Proverbs 23:20. This word describes the state of being under the influence. It is used in various forms, including making someone drunk or being merry.

Definition: 1) to be or become drunk or drunken, be intoxicated 1a) (Qal) to become drunken 1b)(Piel) to make drunken, cause to be drunk 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be drunk 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself drunk

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (be filled with) drink (abundantly), (be, make) drunk(-en), be merry. (Superlative of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; Isaiah 63:6; Isaiah 29:9.

לָב֖וֹשׁ lâbash H3847 "to clothe" V-Qal-Ptc

To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.

Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.

וְ/אֵין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

לְ/חֹ֣ם chôm H2527 "heat" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means heat or being hot, used to describe warm temperatures or climates. It appears in Genesis 8:13 and is related to the idea of warmth. The concept of heat is important in biblical descriptions of the environment.

Definition: heat, hot

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: heat, to be hot (warm). See also: Genesis 8:22; Nehemiah 7:3; Isaiah 18:4.

ל֑/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

וְ/הַ֨/מִּשְׂתַּכֵּ֔ר sâkar H7936 "to hire" Conj | Art | V-Hithpael

To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.

Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.

מִשְׂתַּכֵּ֖ר sâkar H7936 "to hire" V-Hithpael

Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

צְר֥וֹר tsᵉrôwr H6872 "bundle" N-ms

Zeror means bundle and was a man of the tribe of Benjamin, living during the United Monarchy. He was the son of Becorath and father of Abiel, and is mentioned in 1 Samuel 9:1.

Definition: bundle, parcel, pouch, bag (as packed)

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bag, [idiom] bendeth, bundle, least grain, small stone. See also: Genesis 42:35; Job 14:17; Proverbs 7:20.

נָקֽוּב nâqab H5344 "to pierce" V-Qal-Inf-c

This Hebrew word means to curse or blaspheme, often with a sense of violence or strong emotion. It can also mean to pierce or strike through, as seen in Exodus.

Definition: 1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pierce, bore 1a2) to prick off, designate 1b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through. See also: Genesis 30:28; 2 Chronicles 31:19; Proverbs 11:26.

Study Notes — Haggai 1:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Haggai 1:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Haggai 1:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Haggai 1:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Haggai 1:6
Trapp's Commentary on Haggai 1:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Haggai 1:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Haggai 1:6
Cambridge Bible on Haggai 1:6
Barnes' Notes on Haggai 1:6
Whedon's Commentary on Haggai 1:6
Sermons on Haggai 1:6

Context — A Call to Rebuild the Temple

4“Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” 5Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways.

6You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.”

7This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. 8Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Haggai 1:9	You expected much, but behold, it amounted to little. And what you brought home, I blew away. Why? declares the LORD of Hosts. Because My house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house.
2	Deuteronomy 28:38–40	You will sow much seed in the field but harvest little, because the locusts will consume it. You will plant and cultivate vineyards, but will neither drink the wine nor gather the grapes, because worms will eat them. You will have olive trees throughout your territory but will never anoint yourself with oil, because the olives will drop off.
3	Hosea 4:10	They will eat but not be satisfied; they will be promiscuous but not multiply. For they have stopped obeying the LORD.
4	Hosea 8:7	For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. There is no standing grain; what sprouts fails to yield flour. Even if it should produce, the foreigners would swallow it up.
5	Haggai 2:16	from that time, when one came expecting a heap of twenty ephahs of grain, there were but ten. When one came to the winepress to draw out fifty baths, there were but twenty.
6	Malachi 3:9–11	You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your land, and the vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit,” says the LORD of Hosts.
7	Malachi 2:2	If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says the LORD of Hosts, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already begun to curse them, because you are not taking it to heart.
8	Isaiah 5:10	For ten acres of vineyard will yield but a bath of wine, and a homer of seed only an ephah of grain. ”
9	Zechariah 5:4	I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.”
10	Zechariah 8:10	For before those days neither man nor beast received wages, nor was there safety from the enemy for anyone who came or went, for I had turned every man against his neighbor.

Haggai 1:6 Summary

[Haggai 1:6 is a picture of what happens when we prioritize our own desires and neglect our relationship with God. When we focus on our own interests and ignore God's commands, we can expect to experience dissatisfaction and unfruitfulness, no matter how much we have. This is similar to what is described in Proverbs 28:19, where hard work without a purpose leads to poverty. By contrast, when we seek God first and prioritize His kingdom, we can experience true fulfillment and blessing, as promised in Matthew 6:33.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'plant much but harvest little' in Haggai 1:6?

This phrase suggests that despite putting in a lot of effort and resources, the people are not experiencing the expected results or blessings, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:38-40, where disobedience leads to unfruitful labor.

Why are the people in Haggai 1:6 never satisfied, even with plenty of food and drink?

This dissatisfaction is a result of the people's focus on their own desires and neglect of their spiritual responsibilities, as seen in Haggai 1:4, where they prioritize their own houses over the house of the Lord, reminiscent of the warnings in 1 Timothy 6:10 about the dangers of prioritizing wealth over godliness.

What is the 'bag pierced through' in Haggai 1:6?

The 'bag pierced through' is likely a metaphor for the futility of the people's labor, as their earnings are being wasted or lost, much like the image of the moth-eaten garments in James 5:2-3, which illustrates the fleeting nature of earthly wealth.

How does Haggai 1:6 relate to the rest of the chapter?

Haggai 1:6 is a key part of the Lord's call to the people to consider their ways and prioritize the rebuilding of the temple, as commanded in Haggai 1:8, which is a call to put God first and seek His pleasure, as taught in Matthew 6:33.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am 'planting much but harvesting little', and how can I realign my priorities to seek God's blessings?
In what ways am I seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in things that will never truly satisfy, and how can I turn my focus to the things of God?
What are some 'bags pierced through' in my life, where I am wasting resources or energy on fleeting things, and how can I redirect them towards eternal pursuits?
How can I apply the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God, as taught in Matthew 6:33, to my daily life and decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Haggai 1:6

Ye have sown much, and bring in little,.... Contrary to what is usually done; the seed that is sown is but little, in, comparison of what springs up, is reaped, and gathered into the barn; which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Haggai 1:6

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Haggai 1:6

The prophet doth help them, or directs them what in particular they ought to consider, and so debateth it with them: Your labour, care, and charge hath been great in ploughing and sowing, that you are sensible of; but what harvest have you had? O, your barns have been far from full, you have reaped and brought in little; this is evident to all. Ye eat, you feed on the fruit of your labour and product of the earth, but ye have not enough; but what you eat doth not nourish you, it doth not suffice; you are hungry and meagre still. Ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; the like emptiness and unprofitableness in your drink; your water quencheth not your thirst, your wine does not refresh your heart or revive your spirit; or you dare not eat or drink sufficiently for fear you should not have enough, lest your store should fail you. Ye clothe you, but there is none warm; your wool and flax is not what it used to be, sufficient to defend you from the cold, it will not warm you. He that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes; who labours or trades to gain and lay up loseth all his labour, it runs from him as money put into a purse or pocket that hath no bottom, that cannot hold it. This fruitless labour you will soon discern, if you consider your ways: and what think you may be the cause of this?

Trapp's Commentary on Haggai 1:6

Haggai 1:6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put it] into a bag with holes.Ver. 6. Ye have sown much and bring in little] This was visible to them; and they are called upon to consider it. The philosopher affirms that man is therefore the wisest of creatures, because he alone can compute and consider. And yet how little doth man respect this privilege, without which he were to be sorted with beasts or madmen! "God hearkened and heard, but no man spake advisedly, no man repented of his wickedness, saying, What have I done?" Jeremiah 8:6; no man humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, though God thrust him down, as it were, with a thump upon the back. Most men’ s minds are as ill set as their eyes are; neither of them look inwards. "Lord," saith the prophet, "when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see," &c., Isaiah 26:11. So, when God’ s rod call for reformation they will not hear it and who hath appointed it, but they shall hear, Job 33:15. Conscience, their domestic chaplain, shall ring this peal in their ears, "Consider your ways: Ye have sowed much but brought in little," &c. Omnia fuistis et nihil profuit, you have tried all ways to live, and it will not be, laboured all night, and taken nothing, "laboured in the very fire, and wearied yourselves for your vanity," Habakkuk 2:13; as those that seek after the philosopher’ s stone, the most they can look for is their labour for their pains. Either vanity or violence hath exhausted you, as Zechariah 8:10, and God’ s vengeance is visible enough in those secret issues and drains of expense at which your estates run out, because he puts not his holy finger on the hole in the bottom of the bag. For it is his blessing alone that maketh rich, Proverbs 10:22 "and except he build the house, they labour in vain that build it," Psalms 127:1. There is a curse upon unlawful practices, though men be never so industrious, as in Jehoiakim, Jeremiah 22:13-19 And all their policies, without dependence upon him for direction and success, are but arena sine calce, sand without lime; they will not hold together when we have most need of them, but fall asunder, like untempered mortar. Hence the Psalmist assureth us that "promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the south," where the warm sunshine is, "but from the Lord: he putteth down one, and setteth up another," Psalms 75:6. So Hannah: "The Lord," saith she, "maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up," 1 Samuel 2:7.

Ellicott's Commentary on Haggai 1:6

(6) Ye have sown much . . .—Literally, Ye have been sowing much and bringing in little; eating, and it was not to satisfaction; drinking, and it was not to fulness; clothing yourselves, and it was not for any one’s being warm, &c. This description of course merely implies that, notwithstanding all their labours, there was not much to eat, drink, or put on. Compare the use of the phrase “ye shall eat and not be satisfied,” in Leviticus 26:26. To put it into a bag with holes.—The last clause expresses in a bold metaphor the general prevalence of poverty. Scarcity necessitated high prices, so that money “ran away” as fast as it was earned.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Haggai 1:6

Verse 6. Ye have sown much] God will not bless you in any labour of your hands, unless you rebuild his temple and restore his worship. This verse contains a series of proverbs; no less than five in the compass of a few lines.

Cambridge Bible on Haggai 1:6

6. Ye have sown much, &c.] The expostulation is very abrupt and forcible in the Hebrew, “Ye sowed much, but to bring in little! To eat, but not to satiety! To drink, but not to exhilaration! To clothe (oneself), but not for warmth, to him (the wearer)!” The description refers not to one year, but to many. It coincides with the whole period of their sloth and neglect in the matter of the Temple. It points to a double judgment, dearth and scarcity in the fruits of the ground, and (what often accompanies this, for the same adverse influences which blight the earth are injurious to the human frame) want of power in the body of man, to assimilate and benefit by food and drink and clothing. he that earneth wages] The judgment is not confined to the fruits of the earth, but extends to all branches of human industry. Disappointment and loss mar all alike. “The labour pictured is not only fruitless, but wearisome and vexing. There is a seeming result of all the labour, something to allure hopes; but forthwith it is gone. The heathen assigned a like baffling of hope as one of the punishments of hell.” Pusey.

Barnes' Notes on Haggai 1:6

Ye have sown much - The prophet expresses the habitualness of these visitations by a vivid present. He marks no time and so expresses the more vividly that it was at all times. It is one continually present evil.

Whedon's Commentary on Haggai 1:6

5, 6. If at present they are experiencing misfortune, if the results of their labors are disappointing, if their crops do not prosper, all these calamities are a judgment from Jehovah for their

Sermons on Haggai 1:6

	Sermon	Description
	It's Not Enough to Get Out of Babylon by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the trend of showcase charities that are primarily focused on raising money for airtime and advertisement. He warns that ministers will be h
	The Remnant and Martyrdom by Michael Howard	This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly living by faith and trusting God for provision, rather than manipulating circumstances for personal gain. It calls for a return to bu
	When Life Is Overwhelming - Chuck Smith by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fourth chapter of Zechariah verse 6, where God speaks to the rebel and declares that His spirit, not human might or power, will accompli
	A Message for America and Its Cultural Religion by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the times we live in and the need for spiritual discernment. He mentions a gathering of churches in New York
	Sowing the Wind by Chuck Smith	This sermon emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, highlighting the consequences of our actions and the importance of sowing seeds of righteousness and value. It warns aga
	Reaping the Whirlwind by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody shares a poignant story about a young boy from Newcastle-on-Tyne who, despite his parents' love and care, fell into a life of crime and ultimately faced dire consequence
	Worthy - or Unworthy? by A.W. Tozer	Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of sowing, emphasizing the significance of scattering the seed of the Word of God, the Gospel, into people's hearts. Through various Bibl