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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 5:7 For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/21_Ecc_05_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 5:7 - Approaching God with Awe" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. 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Therefore fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For in the multitude of dreams and many words <i>there are</i> also <i>divers</i> vanities: but fear thou God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For in the multitude of dreams and many words <i>there is</i> also vanity. But fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For in many dreams and in many words there is futility. Rather, fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For in many dreams and vanities are many words. Rather, fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For in a multitude of dreams and in a flood of words there is worthlessness. Rather [reverently] fear God [and worship Him with awe-filled respect, knowing who He is].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For many dreams bring futility; so do many words. Therefore, fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but fear thou God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Respect and obey God! Daydreaming leads to a lot of senseless talk. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For thus it cometh to pass through the multitude of dreams and vanities and many words: but fear thou God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />In spite of many daydreams, pointless actions, and empty words, you should still fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />No matter how much you dream, how much useless work you do, or how much you talk, you must still stand in awe of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In spite of many daydreams, pointless actions, and empty words, it is more important to fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Just as there is futility in many dreams, so also in many words. Therefore, fear God! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words; but you must fear God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For in the abundance of dreams both vanities and words abound; but fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For, in the abundance of dreams both vanities and words abound; but fear thou God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For in the multitude of dreams, and vanities, and many words: but fear thou God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Where there are many dreams, there are many vanities, and words without number: but do thou fear God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 5:6>Where there are many dreams, there are many vanities and innumerable words. Yet truly, you must fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Despite many dreams, futilities, and a multitude of words, fear God! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />With many dreams come vanities and a multitude of words; but fear God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For in the multitude of dreams and vain things and many words is false worship; but you should worship God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because in many dreams and empty things and many words of deception you worship God<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For through the multitude of dreams and vanities there are also many words; but fear thou God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For <i>there is evil</i> in a multitude of dreams and vanities and many words: but fear thou God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/5-7.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=877" 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">Approaching God with Awe</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For as</a> <a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: ḇə·rōḇ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">many</a> <a href="/hebrew/2472.htm" title="2472: ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ (N-mp) -- A dream. Or chalom; from chalam; a dream.">dreams</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: wa·hă·ḇā·lîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">bring futility,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: har·bêh (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">so do many</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ū·ḏə·ḇā·rîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Therefore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yə·rā (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God.</a> </span><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="/matthew/6-7.htm">Matthew 6:7</a></span><br />And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8-9</a></span><br />‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Colossians 2:18</a></span><br />Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">1 Timothy 1:6-7</a></span><br />Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. / They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear you God.</p><p class="hdg">in the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:3</a></b></br> For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice <i>is known</i> by multitude of words.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:18</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:12</a></b></br> Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his <i>days</i> be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13</a></b></br> Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this <i>is</i> the whole <i>duty</i> of man.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/psalms/119-161.htm">Awe</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm">Divers</a> <a href="/genesis/41-1.htm">Dreaming</a> <a href="/job/7-14.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/psalms/7-4.htm">Emptiness</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Vanities</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-23.htm">Awe</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-16.htm">Divers</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Dreaming</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-8.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-10.htm">Emptiness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-3.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-18.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-1.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-5.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Vanities</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Words</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>For as many dreams bring futility</b><br>This phrase highlights the vanity and emptiness often associated with dreams and aspirations that are not grounded in reality or divine purpose. In the biblical context, dreams can symbolize human ambitions and desires that are fleeting and unsubstantial. The book of Ecclesiastes frequently addresses the theme of vanity, emphasizing the temporary nature of worldly pursuits (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2</a>). Historically, dreams were sometimes seen as messages from God, as in the case of Joseph (<a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5-10</a>), but here they are portrayed as potentially misleading when not aligned with God's will. The futility mentioned reflects the broader message of Ecclesiastes, which often contrasts human endeavors with the eternal nature of God.<p><b>so do many words</b><br>This part of the verse warns against the use of excessive words, which can lead to sin and misunderstanding. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, speech was highly valued, but there was also a strong awareness of the power and potential danger of words (<a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a>). The New Testament echoes this sentiment, with James advising believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak" (<a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>). The emphasis on restraint in speech is a call to wisdom and discernment, recognizing that verbosity can lead to empty promises or falsehoods, much like the futility of dreams.<p><b>Therefore, fear God</b><br>The conclusion of the verse directs the reader to the central theme of Ecclesiastes: the fear of God. This fear is not about terror but reverence and awe for the Creator. It is a call to recognize God's sovereignty and align one's life with His will. The fear of God is a foundational principle in wisdom literature, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." This reverence is contrasted with the futility of human dreams and words, pointing to a life of purpose and meaning found in submission to God. The phrase encapsulates the essence of Ecclesiastes, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.<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 writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and insights.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel is crucial for understanding the themes of Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple_worship.htm">Temple Worship</a></b><br>- The context of <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Ecclesiastes 5</a> includes references to vows and worship practices, which were central to the religious life of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_many_words.htm">The Futility of Many Words</a></b><br>Excessive talking can lead to sin and misunderstanding. It is wise to be concise and thoughtful in our speech, reflecting on the impact of our words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_dreams.htm">The Illusion of Dreams</a></b><br>Dreams, in this context, can represent ambitions or plans that are not grounded in reality. We should seek God's guidance to discern which dreams align with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_god.htm">The Fear of God</a></b><br>Fearing God involves reverence, awe, and obedience. It is the foundation of wisdom and should guide our actions and words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/simplicity_in_worship.htm">Simplicity in Worship</a></b><br>Our approach to God should be sincere and straightforward, avoiding empty rituals or verbose prayers that lack genuine devotion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_wisdom.htm">Practical Wisdom</a></b><br>Applying the wisdom of Ecclesiastes involves living a life that prioritizes God's will over personal ambitions or societal pressures.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_chr_1_7_-_did_god_appear_to_solomon.htm">2 Chronicles 1:7 - How could God physically appear to Solomon and speak to him, and what evidence supports this event?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_eccles._12_7_align_with_science.htm">In Ecclesiastes 12:7, how can the phrase 'the spirit returns to God' be reconciled with scientific understandings of consciousness and death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_jesus_both_lamb_and_god.htm">How can Jesus be both the Lamb receiving the scroll (Revelation 5:7) and also God on the throne if they appear as separate entities?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_2-3_contradict_pro-life.htm">In Ecclesiastes 4:2-3, the speaker says the dead or unborn are more fortunate than the living--does this contradict the Bible's overall respect for life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) This verse presents some difficulties of translation springing from corruption of text, but not affecting the general sense; according to which the many words which belong to the dreams and vanities of heathendom are contrasted with the fear of the only God.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities.</span> The Hebrew is literally, <span class="accented">For in multitude of dreams</span>, <span class="accented">and vanities</span>, <span class="accented">and many words</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>., as Wright puts it, "In the multitude of dreams are also vanities, and (in) many words (as well)." Koheleth sums up the sense of the preceding paragraph, vers. 1-6. The popular religion, which made much of dreams and verbosity and vows, is vanity, and has in it nothing substantial or comforting. The superstitious man who puts his faith in dreams is unpractical and unreal; the garrulous man who is rash in his vows, and in prayer thinks to be heard for his much speaking, displeases God and never secures his object. Ginsburg and Bullock render, "For it is (it happens) through the multitude of idle thoughts and vanities and much talking," the reference being either to the foolish speaking of ver. 2 or to the wrath of God in ver. 6. The Septuagint rendering is elliptical, <span class="greek">Ὅτι ἐ πλήθει ἐνυπνίων καὶ ματαιοτήτων καὶ λόγων πολλῶν ὅτι σὺ τὸν</span> <span class="greek">Θεὸν φοβοῦ</span>. To complete this, some supply, "Many vows are made or excused;" others, "There is evil." Vulgate, <span class="accented">Ubi multa aunt somnia</span>, <span class="accented">plurimae aunt vanitates</span>, <span class="accented">et sermones innumeri</span>.' The Authorized Version gives the sense of the passage. <span class="cmt_word">But fear thou God.</span> In contrast with these spurious forms of religion, which the Jews were inclined to adopt, the writer recalls men to the fear of the one true God, to whom all vows should be performed, and who should be worshipped from the heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/5-7.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">For as</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">many</span><br /><span class="heb">בְרֹ֤ב</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·rōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> </span><span class="str2">Multitude, abundance, greatness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dreams</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲלֹמוֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2472.htm">Strong's 2472: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dream</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bring futility,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַהֲבָלִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(wa·hă·ḇā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so do many</span><br /><span class="heb">הַרְבֵּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(har·bêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּדְבָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḏə·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Therefore,</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fear</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרָֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams there (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:8" /></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>