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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 5:14 or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/21_Ecc_05_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 5:14 - The Futility of Wealth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 5:13">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 5:14 <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 5:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and <i>there is</i> nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But those riches perish through misfortune; When he begets a son, <i>there is</i> nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When that wealth was lost through bad business and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And those riches were lost through a bad endeavor; and he became the father of a son, but there was nothing in his hand <i>for him</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For when those riches are lost in bad investments and he becomes the father of a son, then there is nothing in his hand [for the support of the child].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />That wealth was lost in a bad venture, so when he fathered a son, he was empty-handed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Suddenly they lose everything in a bad business deal, then have nothing to leave for their children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />These hoarded riches were then lost in bad business deals. The owners had children, but now they have nothing to give them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and then lose it all in some bad deal and end up with nothing left to pass on to their children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and that wealth is lost in troubled circumstances. Then a son is born, but there is nothing left for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But those riches perish by evil labor: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And that wealth has been lost in an evil business, and he has begotten a son and there is nothing in his hand!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And that wealth hath been lost in an evil business, and he hath begotten a son and there is nothing in his hand!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And those riches shall perish by evil labor: and he begetting a son, and not anything in his hand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For they are lost with very great affliction: he hath begotten a son, who shall be in extremity of want. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 5:13>For they are lost in a most grievous affliction. He has produced a son, who will be in the utmost destitution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Should the riches be lost through some misfortune, they may have offspring when they have no means.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and those riches were lost in a bad venture; though they are parents of children, they have nothing in their hands.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And those riches are lost in a bad venture; for when he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And wealth is lost in bad business, for he begets a son and there is nothing in his hand<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And that wealth shall perish in an evil trouble: and <i>the man</i> begets a son, and there is nothing in his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=948" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">The Futility of Wealth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/6239.htm" title="6239: hā·‘ō·šer (Art:: N-ms) -- Riches. From ashar; wealth.">wealth</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: wə·’ā·ḇaḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">lost</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">in a failed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6045.htm" title="6045: bə·‘in·yan (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Occupation, task. From anah; ado, i.e. employment or an affair.">venture,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: wə·hō·w·lîḏ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">so when that man has</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">a son</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there is nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">to pass on.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3972.htm" title="3972: mə·’ū·māh (N-ms) -- Anything. Apparently a form of m'uwm; properly, a speck or point, i.e. something; with negative, nothing."></a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-21.htm">Job 1:21</a></span><br />saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-7.htm">1 Timothy 6:7</a></span><br />For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17</a></span><br />For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Luke 12:20-21</a></span><br />But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-10.htm">James 1:10-11</a></span><br />But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6</a></span><br />Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-31</a></span><br />Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-17.htm">1 John 2:17</a></span><br />The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Proverbs 27:24</a></span><br />for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a></span><br />What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-36.htm">Mark 8:36</a></span><br />What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18-20</a></span><br />Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. / How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! / Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begets a son, and there is nothing in his hand.</p><p class="hdg">those</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:26</a></b></br> For <i>God</i> giveth to a man that <i>is</i> good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to <i>him that is</i> good before God. This also <i>is</i> vanity and vexation of spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-5.htm">Job 5:5</a></b></br> Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/20-15.htm">Job 20:15-29</a></b></br> He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly… </p><p class="hdg">and he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-6.htm">1 Samuel 2:6-8,36</a></b></br> The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/14-26.htm">1 Kings 14:26</a></b></br> And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/109-9.htm">Psalm 109:9-12</a></b></br> Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-56.htm">Adventure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-24.htm">Begetteth</a> <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/11-21.htm">Fathered</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-10.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Misfortune</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Support</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/job/4-2.htm">Venture</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/19-31.htm">Adventure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Begetteth</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-10.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-12.htm">Fathered</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Misfortune</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-28.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/songs/2-5.htm">Support</a> <a href="/songs/8-5.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/matthew/22-46.htm">Venture</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">vanities in divine service</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">in murmuring against oppression</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">and in riches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Joy in riches is the gift of God.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>or wealth lost in a failed venture</b><br>This phrase highlights the uncertainty and fleeting nature of material wealth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, economic ventures were often risky due to factors like unpredictable weather, political instability, and trade route dangers. The Bible frequently warns against placing trust in wealth (<a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a>). The parable of the rich fool in <a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a> echoes this sentiment, illustrating the folly of hoarding wealth without regard for spiritual matters. The loss of wealth can serve as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly treasures and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>).<p><b>so when that man has a son</b><br>The mention of a son underscores the cultural importance of inheritance in biblical times. Inheritance was not only a means of providing for one's descendants but also a way to ensure the continuation of the family line and legacy. The loss of wealth would have been particularly distressing in this context, as it could jeopardize the future security and status of one's offspring. This reflects the broader biblical theme of generational blessings and responsibilities (<a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>).<p><b>there is nothing to pass on</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the ultimate futility of relying on material wealth for lasting security. The Bible consistently teaches that true inheritance is spiritual rather than material (<a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm">1 Peter 1:3-4</a>). The inability to pass on wealth serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of earthly life and possessions. It points to the need for a legacy rooted in faith and righteousness, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, who was promised a spiritual inheritance through his descendants (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>). This also foreshadows the eternal inheritance believers receive through Jesus Christ, who offers a kingdom that cannot be shaken (<a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Hebrews 12:28</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation where Solomon reigned, representing a people chosen by God, often experiencing cycles of faithfulness and disobedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wealth.htm">Wealth</a></b><br>In this context, wealth refers to material possessions and financial resources, which are often seen as blessings but can also be fleeting and uncertain.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bad_venture.htm">Bad Venture</a></b><br>This refers to risky or unwise financial endeavors that can lead to the loss of wealth, highlighting the unpredictability of human efforts.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/son.htm">Son</a></b><br>Represents the next generation, emphasizing the importance of legacy and inheritance in biblical times.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_uncertainty_of_wealth.htm">The Uncertainty of Wealth</a></b><br>Wealth is not a reliable foundation for security or happiness. It can be lost through unforeseen circumstances, reminding us to place our trust in God rather than material possessions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_stewardship.htm">The Importance of Wise Stewardship</a></b><br>We are called to be wise stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. This includes making prudent financial decisions and avoiding risky ventures that could jeopardize our ability to provide for our families and support God's work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_beyond_material_inheritance.htm">Legacy Beyond Material Inheritance</a></b><br>While providing for the next generation is important, the most valuable legacy we can leave is a spiritual one. Teaching our children to know and follow God is far more enduring than any material inheritance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_and_trust_in_god.htm">Contentment and Trust in God</a></b><br>True contentment comes from trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, not from accumulating wealth. We should seek to cultivate a heart of gratitude and reliance on God, regardless of our financial situation.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Evil travail.--</span>Unsuccessful business.<p><span class= "bld">Nothing in his hand.--</span>The same words occur in a literal sense in <a href="/judges/14-6.htm" title="And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily on him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.">Judges 14:6</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Those riches perish by evil travail;</span> thing or circumstance. There is no need to confine the cause of the loss to unsuccessful business, as many commentators do. The rich man does not seem to be a tradesman or speculator; he loses his property, like Job, by visitations for which he is in no way answerable - by storm or tempest, by robbers, by fire, by exactions, or by lawsuits. <span class="cmt_word">And he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.</span> The verb rendered "begetteth" is in the past tense, and used as it were, hypothetically, equivalent to "hath he begotten a son," supposing he has a son. His misery is doubled by the reflection that he has lost all hope of securing a fortune for his children, or founding a family, or passing on an inheritance to posterity. It is doubtful to whom the pronoun "his" refers. Many consider that the father is meant, and the clause says that when he has begotten a son, he finds he has nothing to give him. But the suffix seems most naturally to refer to the son, who is thus left a pauper. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Generavit filium qui in summa egestate erit</span>. Having a thing in the hand moans having power over it, or possessing it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">הַה֖וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wealth</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֹ֥שֶׁר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ō·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6239.htm">Strong's 6239: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wealth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lost</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָבַ֛ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·ḇaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wander away, lose oneself, to perish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in a bad</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">venture,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעִנְיַ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘in·yan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6045.htm">Strong's 6045: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ado, employment, an affair</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that when he has</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוֹלִ֣יד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·lîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there is nothing</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to pass on.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָד֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:14 Those riches perish by misfortune and if (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:15" /></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>