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I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men--many concubines.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/21_Ecc_02_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 2:8 - The Futility of Pleasure" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. 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I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man&#8217s heart. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—many concubines. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a> I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a> I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I also amassed for myself silver and gold, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers, and the pleasures of the sons of mankind: many concubines. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and the pleasures of men— many concubines. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Also, I collected for myself silver and gold, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and the pleasures of men—many concubines. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and the pleasures of the sons of men—many concubines. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male singers and female singers, and the delights and pleasures of men—many concubines. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I also amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered male and female singers for myself, and many concubines, the delights of men. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> I gathered me also silver and gold, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces; I gat me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, musical instruments, and that of all sorts. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Foreign rulers brought me silver, gold, and precious treasures. Men and women sang for me, and I had many wives who gave me great pleasure. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, concubines very many. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I also gathered silver and gold for myself. I gathered the treasures of kings and provinces. I provided myself with male and female singers and the pleasures men have with one concubine after another. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> I also piled up silver and gold from the royal treasuries of the lands I ruled. Men and women sang to entertain me, and I had all the women a man could want. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> I also accumulated silver, gold, and the wealth of kings and their kingdoms. I gathered around me both male and female singers, along with what delights a man—all sorts of mistresses. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—many concubines. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a> I also amassed silver and gold for myself, as well as valuable treasures taken from kingdoms and provinces. I acquired male singers and female singers for myself, and what gives a man sensual delight--a harem of beautiful concubines! <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men--musical instruments, and that of all sorts. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings, and of the provinces: I procured me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and of all sorts. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a> I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men: musical instruments of all sorts. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I also gathered for myself silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces. I prepared for myself men-singers and women-singers, and the luxuries of the sons of man—a wife and wives. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I gathered for me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces. I prepared for me men-singers and women-singers, and the luxuries of the sons of man -- a wife and wives. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I gathered to me also silver and gold, and the wealth of kings, and the provinces: I made to me men singing and women singing, and the delights of the sons of men, a wife and mistresses.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I heaped together for myself silver and gold, and the wealth of kings, and provinces: I made me singing men, and singing women, and the delights of the sons of men, cups and vessels to serve to pour out wine: <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I amassed for myself silver and gold, and the wealth of kings and governors. I chose men and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, bowls and pitchers for the purpose of pouring wine. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a> I amassed for myself silver and gold, and the treasures of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and delights of men, many women. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and of the provinces; I got singers, both men and women, and delights of the flesh, and many concubines.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I gathered for myself silver and gold and the possessions of kings and cities; I got me men singers and women singers and the delights of the sons of men, and I appointed for myself butlers and waitresses. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I gathered to me also silver and gold and the property of Kings and of cities; I made for myself male Singers and female Singers and delight among the children of man. I made for myself male Cupbearers and female Cupbearers<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> I gathered me also silver and gold, and treasure such as kings and the provinces have as their own; I got me men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, women very many. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Moreover I collected for myself both silver and gold also, and the peculiar treasures of kings and provinces: I procured me singing men and singing women, and delights of the sons of men, a butler and female cupbearers. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=228" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">The Futility of Pleasure</a> …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, 8<a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3664.htm" title="3664: kā·nas·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to collect; hence, to enfold.">accumulated</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for myself</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: ke·sep̄ (N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">silver</a> <a href="/hebrew/2091.htm" title="2091: wə·zā·hāḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Gold. From an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky.">and gold</a> <a href="/hebrew/5459.htm" title="5459: ū·sə·ḡul·laṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Possession, property. Feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to shut up; wealth.">and the treasure</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mə·lā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">of kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/4082.htm" title="4082: wə·ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ (Conj-w, Art:: N-fp) -- A province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, i.e. Jurisdiction; by implication, a district; generally, a region.">and provinces.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I gathered</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to myself</a> <a href="/hebrew/7891.htm" title="7891: šā·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To sing. Or shuwr; a primitive root; to sing.">male and</a> <a href="/hebrew/7891.htm" title="7891: wə·šā·rō·wṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-fp) -- To sing. Or shuwr; a primitive root; to sing.">female singers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8588.htm" title="8588: wə·ṯa·‘ă·nū·ḡōṯ (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight. Or taanug; and taeanugah; from anag; luxury.">and the delights</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of men—</a> <a href="/hebrew/7705.htm" title="7705: šid·dāh (N-fs) -- Perhaps a mistress. From shadad; a wife.">many</a> <a href="/hebrew/7705.htm" title="7705: wə·šid·dō·wṯ (Conj-w:: N-fp) -- Perhaps a mistress. From shadad; a wife.">concubines.</a> 9So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/10-14.htm">1 Kings 10:14-22</a> The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents, / not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land. / King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/9-13.htm">2 Chronicles 9:13-21</a> The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents, / not including the revenue from the merchants and traders. And all the Arabian kings and governors of the land also brought gold and silver to Solomon. / King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield. ... <a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-3</a> King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. / He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. <a href="/1_kings/10-27.htm">1 Kings 10:27</a> The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. <a href="/2_chronicles/1-15.htm">2 Chronicles 1:15</a> The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills. <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a> Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> 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. <a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a> And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ... <a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Proverbs 11:28</a> He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage. <a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-3</a> Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. <a href="/revelation/18-11.htm">Revelation 18:11-17</a> And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves. ... <a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16-17</a> Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Matthew 19:23-24</a> Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/mark/4-18.htm">Mark 4:18-19</a> Others are like the seeds sown among the thorns. They hear the word, / but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I got me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.silver<a href="/1_kings/9-14.htm">1 Kings 9:14,28</a> And Hiram sent to the king sixscore talents of gold… <a href="/1_kings/10-10.htm">1 Kings 10:10</a> And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.<a href="/1_kings/14-21.htm">1 Kings 14:21,22,27</a> And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess… men singers<a href="/2_samuel/19-35.htm">2 Samuel 19:35</a> I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?<a href="/ezra/2-65.htm">Ezra 2:65</a> Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.musical instruments<a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">1 Chronicles 25:1,6</a> Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: … <a href="/job/21-11.htm">Job 21:11,12</a> They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance… <a href="/psalms/150-3.htm">Psalm 150:3-5</a> Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Acquired</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/1-14.htm">Amassed</a> <a href="/esther/2-14.htm">Concubines</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-13.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Delights</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Female</a> <a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Gat</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-4.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-21.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/esther/2-13.htm">Harem</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/150-4.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Male</a> <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Musical</a> <a href="/psalms/135-4.htm">Peculiar</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">Pleasures</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Procured</a> <a href="/psalms/111-9.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/esther/9-30.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-21.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/psalms/87-7.htm">Singers</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-5.htm">Sorts</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-29.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/15-7.htm">Acquired</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-4.htm">Amassed</a> <a href="/songs/6-8.htm">Concubines</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/songs/7-6.htm">Delights</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-2.htm">Female</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-9.htm">Gat</a> <a href="/songs/5-1.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-6.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/esther/2-11.htm">Harem</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-1.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Male</a> <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Musical</a> <a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Peculiar</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-8.htm">Pleasures</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-17.htm">Procured</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-19.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-1.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-44.htm">Singers</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-29.htm">Sorts</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-6.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-3.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 2</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure</a> 12. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event</a> 18. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom</a> 24. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>and I accumulated for myself The phrase "accumulated for myself" reflects the personal pursuit of wealth and pleasure. In Hebrew, the word for "accumulated" is "קָבַץ" (qavats), which means to gather or collect. This indicates a deliberate and self-centered effort to amass possessions. The historical context of Solomon, traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, shows a king who had the means to gather vast wealth, emphasizing the futility of such pursuits when done for personal gratification rather than for God's glory.silver and gold Silver and gold were the primary measures of wealth in ancient times. The Hebrew words "כֶּסֶף" (kesef) for silver and "זָהָב" (zahav) for gold denote not just monetary wealth but also status and power. Archaeological findings from the ancient Near East reveal the extensive trade networks and the value placed on these metals. In a spiritual context, the accumulation of silver and gold symbolizes the human tendency to seek security and identity in material wealth rather than in God.and the treasure of kings and provinces The "treasure of kings and provinces" suggests wealth acquired through political alliances and conquests. The Hebrew word "סְגֻלָּה" (segullah) means a treasured possession, often used to describe something of great value. Historically, Solomon's reign was marked by prosperity and extensive trade, bringing treasures from various regions. This phrase highlights the allure of power and the temptation to find satisfaction in earthly treasures, which ultimately proves to be fleeting.I gathered male and female singers for myself Music and entertainment were significant aspects of royal life in ancient Israel. The Hebrew words "שָׁר" (shar) for male singer and "שָׁרָה" (sharah) for female singer indicate the cultural value placed on music. This pursuit of pleasure through entertainment reflects a broader human desire for distraction and enjoyment. In the biblical narrative, it serves as a reminder of the emptiness of seeking fulfillment in temporary pleasures rather than in a relationship with God.and many concubines The mention of "many concubines" points to the practice of polygamy and the pursuit of sensual pleasure. The Hebrew word "פִּילֶגֶשׁ" (pilegesh) refers to a concubine, a woman who lived with a man but had a lower status than a wife. Solomon's many wives and concubines are well-documented in the biblical account, symbolizing the excesses of human desire. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing physical desires to overshadow spiritual commitments.the delights of the sons of men This phrase encapsulates the pursuit of earthly pleasures. The Hebrew word "תַּעֲנוּג" (ta'anug) means delight or pleasure, emphasizing the temporary and often deceptive nature of such pursuits. The "sons of men" refers to humanity in general, highlighting a universal tendency to seek satisfaction in worldly pleasures. Ecclesiastes, as a whole, challenges readers to consider the ultimate futility of these pursuits and to seek lasting fulfillment in God alone.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Peculiar treasure.--The word is used of the Jewish people (<a href="/exodus/19-9.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, See, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you for ever. And Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.">Exodus 19:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/135-4.htm" title="For the LORD has chosen Jacob to himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.">Psalm 135:4</a>; <a href="/malachi/3-17.htm" title="And they shall be mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.">Malachi 3:17</a>; but generally <a href="/1_chronicles/29-3.htm" title="Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of my own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.">1Chronicles 29:3</a>). That Solomon had tributary kings is stated (<a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm" title="And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.">1Kings 4:21</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/9-24.htm" title="And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.">2Chronicles 9:24</a>; <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm" title="The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.">Psalm 72:10</a>; <a href="/ezra/4-20.htm" title="There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid to them.">Ezra 4:20</a>). The word used for "provinces" here and in <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm" title="If you see the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regards; and there be higher than they.">Ecclesiastes 5:8</a>, occurs in reference to the provinces of the Persian Empire repeatedly in the Book of Esther; <a href="/ezra/2-1.htm" title="Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and came again to Jerusalem and Judah, every one to his city;">Ezra 2:1</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/7-6.htm" title="These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one to his city;">Nehemiah 7:6</a>; <a href="/daniel/8-2.htm" title="And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.">Daniel 8:2</a>. (See also <a href="/lamentations/1-1.htm" title="How does the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!">Lamentations 1:1</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/19-8.htm" title="Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.">Ezekiel 19:8</a>.) The word is almost wholly absent from the earlier books, save that it occurs where the "princes of the provinces" are mentioned (1 Kings 20). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - I gathered me also silver and gold. Much is said of the wealth of the historical Solomon, who had all his vessels of gold, armed his body-guard with golden shields, sat on an ivory throne overlaid with gold, received tribute and presents of gold from all quarters, sent his navies to distant lands to import precious metals, and made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones (see <a href="/1_kings/9-28.htm">1 Kings 9:28</a>; <a href="/1_kings/10-14.htm">1 Kings 10:14-27</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/1-15.htm">2 Chronicles 1:15</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/9-20.htm">2 Chronicles 9:20-27</a>). The peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces. The word rendered "the provinces" (hammedinoth), in spite of the article, seems to mean, not the twelve districts into which Solomon divided his kingdom for fiscal and economical purposes (<a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7</a>, etc.), but countries generally exterior to Palestine, with which he had commercial or political relations, and which sent to him the productions for which they were each most celebrated. So the districts of the Persian empire were required to furnish the monarch with a certain portion of their chief commodities. His friendship with Hiram of Tyro brought him into connection with the Phoeni-clans, the greatest commercial nation of antiquity, and through them he accumulated riches and stores from distant and various lands beyond the limits of the Mediterranean Sea. The word מְדִינָה (medinah) occurs again in <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7</a> and in <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">1 Kings 20:14</a>, etc.; but is found elsewhere only in exilian or post-exilian books (e.g. <a href="/lamentations/1-1.htm">Lamentations 1:1</a>; <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Esther 1:1</a>, etc.; <a href="/daniel/2-48.htm">Daniel 2:48</a>, etc.). The "kings" may be the tributary monarchs, such as those of Arabia (<a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21, 24</a>; <a href="/1_kings/10-15.htm">1 Kings 10:15</a>); or the expression in the text may imply simply such treasure as only kings, and not private persons, could possess. Men-singers and women-singers. These, of course, are not the choir of the temple, of which women formed no part, bur. musicians introduced at banquets and social festivals, to enhance the pleasures of the scene. They are mentioned in David's days (<a href="/2_samuel/19-35.htm">2 Samuel 19:35</a>) and later (see <a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Isaiah 5:12</a>; <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Amos 6:5</a>; Ecclus. 35:5 Ecclus. 49:1). The females who took part in these performances were generally of an abandoned class; hence the, warning of Ben-Sira, "Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer, lest thou be taken with her attempts" (Ecclus. 9:4). Such exhibitions were usually accompanied with dancing, the character of which in Eastern countries is well known. The Jews, as time went on, learned to tolerate many customs and practices, imported often from other lands, which tended to lower morality and self-respect. And the delights of the sons of men; the sensual pleasures that men enjoy. The expression is euphemistic (comp. <a href="/songs/7-6.htm">Song of Solomon 7:6</a>). Musical instruments, and that of all sorts (shiddah veshiddoth). The word (given here first in the singular number and then in the plural emphatically to express multitude) occurs nowhere else, and has, therefore, been subjected to various interpretations. The Septuagint gives, οἰνοχόον καὶ οἰνοχόας, "a male cupbearer and female cupbearers;" and so the Syrian and. Vulgate, Scyphos et urceos in ministerio ad vina fundenda - which introduces rather a bathos into the description. After the clause immediately preceding, one might expect mention of Solomon's numerous harem (<a href="/1_kings/11-3.htm">1 Kings 11:3</a>; <a href="/songs/6-8.htm">Song of Solomon 6:8</a>), and most modern commentators consider the word to mean "concubine," the whole expression denoting multiplicity, "wife and wives." The Authorized Version is not very probable, though somewhat supported by Kimchi, Luther, etc., and the Greek Venetian, which has, δύδτημα καὶ συστήματα, a musical term signifying "combination of tones," or harmony. Other interpretations are "captives," "litters," "coaches," "baths," "treasures," "chests," "demons." Ewald, followed by Motais and others, suggests that the word implies a strong or high degree of a quality, so that, connecting the two clauses together, we should render, "And in a word, all the delights of the sons of men in abundance." This seems a more appropriate termination to the catalogue than any specification of further sources of pleasure; but there is no very strong etymological reason to recommend it; and we can hardly suppose that, in the enumeration of Solomon's prodigalities, his multitudinous seraglio would be omitted. Rather it comes in here naturally as the climax and completion of his pursuit of earthly delight. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and I גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and accumulated כָּנַ֤סְתִּי (kā·nas·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> To collect, to enfold for myself לִי֙ (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> silver כֶּ֣סֶף (ke·sep̄) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> Silver, money and gold וְזָהָ֔ב (wə·zā·hāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2091.htm">Strong's 2091: </a> Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky and the treasure וּסְגֻלַּ֥ת (ū·sə·ḡul·laṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5459.htm">Strong's 5459: </a> Possession, property of kings מְלָכִ֖ים (mə·lā·ḵîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king and provinces. וְהַמְּדִינ֑וֹת (wə·ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4082.htm">Strong's 4082: </a> A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region I gathered עָשִׂ֨יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make to myself לִ֜י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> male and שָׁרִ֣ים (šā·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7891.htm">Strong's 7891: </a> To sing female singers, וְשָׁר֗וֹת (wə·šā·rō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7891.htm">Strong's 7891: </a> To sing and the delights וְתַעֲנוּגֹ֛ת (wə·ṯa·‘ă·nū·ḡōṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8588.htm">Strong's 8588: </a> Daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight of the sons בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of men— הָאָדָ֖ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being many שִׁדָּ֥ה (šid·dāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7705.htm">Strong's 7705: </a> Perhaps a mistress concubines. וְשִׁדּֽוֹת׃ (wə·šid·dō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7705.htm">Strong's 7705: </a> Perhaps a mistress <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:8 I also gathered silver and gold (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>