Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. New Living Translation I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. English Standard Version I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. Berean Standard Bible I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me, King James Bible I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: New King James Version I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. New American Standard Bible I bought male and female slaves, and I had slaves born at home. I also possessed flocks and herds larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. NASB 1995 I bought male and female slaves and I had homeborn slaves. Also I possessed flocks and herds larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. NASB 1977 I bought male and female slaves, and I had homeborn slaves. Also I possessed flocks and herds larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. Legacy Standard Bible I bought male and female slaves, and I had homeborn slaves. Also I possessed flocks and herds larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. Amplified Bible I bought male and female slaves and had slaves born in my house. I also possessed herds and flocks larger than any who preceded me in Jerusalem. Christian Standard Bible I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned livestock—large herds and flocks—more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Holman Christian Standard Bible I acquired male and female servants and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned many herds of cattle and flocks, more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. American Standard Version I bought men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem; Contemporary English Version I owned slaves, and their sons and daughters became my slaves. I had more sheep and goats than anyone who had ever lived in Jerusalem. English Revised Version I bought menservants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem: GOD'S WORD® Translation I bought male and female slaves. In addition, slaves were born in my household. I owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. Good News Translation I bought many slaves, and there were slaves born in my household. I owned more livestock than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem. International Standard Version I acquired male and female slaves, and had other slaves born in my house. I also acquired for myself increasing numbers of herds and flocks—more than anyone who had lived before me in Jerusalem. Majority Standard Bible I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me, NET Bible I purchased male and female slaves, and I owned slaves who were born in my house; I also possessed more livestock--both herds and flocks--than any of my predecessors in Jerusalem. New Heart English Bible I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem; Webster's Bible Translation I procured me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: World English Bible I bought male servants and female servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI acquired menservants, and maidservants, and sons of the house were to me; also, I had much substance—herd and flock—above all who had been before me in Jerusalem. Young's Literal Translation I got men-servants, and maid-servants, and sons of the house were to me; also, I had much substance -- herd and flock -- above all who had been before me in Jerusalem. Smith's Literal Translation I obtained servants and maids, and sons of the house were to me; also obtaining cattle, and many sheep were to me more than all that were before me in Jerusalem. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI got me menservants, and maidservants, and had a great family: and herds of oxen, and great flocks of sheep, above all that were before me in Jerusalem: Catholic Public Domain Version I obtained men and women servants, and I had a great family, as well as herds of cattle and great flocks of sheep, beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem. New American Bible I acquired male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I also owned vast herds of cattle and flocks of sheep, more than all who had been before me in Jerusalem. New Revised Standard Version I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house; I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI got for myself menservants and maidservants, and had a great household; also I had great possessions of cattle and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated I got for myself male Servants and female Servants and I had a multitude of children of houses, and also I had more property of bulls and of sheep than all who were before me in Jerusalem OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917I acquired men-servants and maid-servants, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all that were before me in Jerusalem; Brenton Septuagint Translation I got servants and maidens, and servants were born to me in the house: also I had abundant possession of flocks and herds, beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Futility of Pleasure…6I built reservoirs to water my groves of flourishing trees. 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, 8and 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.… Cross References Genesis 12:16 He treated Abram well on her account, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels. Genesis 24:35 “The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys. Genesis 26:14 He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. Genesis 30:43 Thus Jacob became exceedingly prosperous. He owned large flocks, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys. 1 Kings 10:5-6 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. / She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true. 2 Chronicles 9:4 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, the attire of his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. Job 1:3 and he owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East. Job 42:12 So the LORD blessed Job’s latter days more than his first. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. Psalm 144:12-15 Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace. / Our storehouses will be full, supplying all manner of produce; our flocks will bring forth thousands, tens of thousands in our fields. / Our oxen will bear great loads. There will be no breach in the walls, no going into captivity, and no cry of lament in our streets. ... Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. Isaiah 56:3-5 Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.” / For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— / I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. Jeremiah 12:1-3 Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. / But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage. Matthew 8:9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.” Matthew 25:14-30 For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ... Luke 12:45-46 But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. Treasury of Scripture I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: servants 1 Kings 9:20-22 And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel, … Ezra 2:58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two. Nehemiah 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, and Genesis 17:12,13 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed… Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 2 Kings 3:4 And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool. 1 Chronicles 27:29-31 And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai: … Jump to Previous Acquired Birth Born Bought Cattle Daughters Female Flocks Great Herds Homeborn House Jerusalem Larger Maidens Maid-Servants Male Men-Servants Owned Possessed Possessions Procured Servants Slaves Small Wealth Women-ServantsJump to Next Acquired Birth Born Bought Cattle Daughters Female Flocks Great Herds Homeborn House Jerusalem Larger Maidens Maid-Servants Male Men-Servants Owned Possessed Possessions Procured Servants Slaves Small Wealth Women-ServantsEcclesiastes 2 1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event 18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom 24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift I acquired menservants and maidservants In the ancient Near Eastern context, owning servants was a sign of wealth and status. Servants were often acquired through purchase, war, or as a result of debt. The mention of both menservants and maidservants indicates a large household, reflecting the prosperity and influence of the speaker. This aligns with the practices of patriarchs like Abraham, who also had numerous servants (Genesis 14:14). The acquisition of servants can be seen as a fulfillment of the blessings promised to Israel, where prosperity was often measured by the size of one's household and possessions. and servants were born in my house I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe traditionally accepted author of Ecclesiastes, known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. He reflects on his life experiences and the pursuit of meaning. 2. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel, where Solomon reigned as king. It serves as a backdrop for his reflections on wealth and accomplishments. 3. Servants Individuals who worked for Solomon, both those acquired and those born in his household, symbolizing his wealth and status. 4. Herds and Flocks Representations of wealth in ancient times, indicating Solomon's prosperity and success in agricultural endeavors. 5. The Preacher (Qoheleth) The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the meaning of life and the futility of earthly pursuits. Teaching Points The Futility of Earthly WealthSolomon's accumulation of wealth and servants highlights the temporary satisfaction of material possessions. True fulfillment cannot be found in earthly abundance. The Illusion of Security Despite having more herds and flocks than anyone before him, Solomon recognizes that such wealth does not provide lasting security or peace. Contentment in God The pursuit of wealth and status often leads to emptiness. True contentment is found in a relationship with God, not in material possessions. Reflecting on Priorities Solomon's reflections encourage us to evaluate our own priorities and consider whether we are seeking fulfillment in temporary things or in eternal values. The Role of Stewardship While wealth itself is not condemned, the way we use our resources is important. We are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.(7) Got me.--The servants acquired by purchase are distinguished from those born in the house. (Concerning the number of Solomon's servants, see 1Kings 4:27; 1Kings 10:5; and of his cattle, 1Kings 4:23, 1Kings 8:63.)Verse 7. - I got me - I bought, procured - servants and maidens. These are distinct from those mentioned immediately afterwards, servants born in my house; Septuagint, οἰκογενεῖς: called in the Hebrew, "sons of the house" (Genesis 15:3). They were much more esteemed by their masters, and showed a much closer attachment to the family than the bought slaves or the conquered aboriginals, who were often reduced to this state (1 Kings 9:20, 21). The number of Solomon's attendants excited the wonder of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 4:26, etc.; 1 Kings 10:5), and with good reason, if Josephus's account is to be believed. This writer asserts that the king had some thousand or more chariots, and twenty thousand horses. The drivers and riders were young men of comely aspect, tall and well-made; they had long flowing hair, and wore tunics of Tyrian purple, and powdered their hair with gold dust, which glittered in the rays of the sun ('Ant.,' 8:07. 3). Attended by a cavalcade thus arrayed, Solomon used to betake himself to his "paradise" at Etham, to enjoy the refreshing coolness of its trees and pools. Great and small cattle; oxen and sheep. The enormous amount of Solomon's herds and flocks is proved by the extraordinary multitude of the sacrifices at the consecration of the temple (1 Kings 8:63), and the lavish provision made daily for the wants of his table (1 Kings 4:22, 23). The cattle of David were very numerous, and required special overlookers (1 Chronicles 27:29-31). Job (Job 1:3) had, before his troubles, seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she-asses, and these items were all doubled at the return of his prosperity. Among Solomon's possessions, horses are not here mentioned, though they formed no inconsiderable portion of his live stock, and added greatly to his magnificence. Koheleth, perhaps, avoided boasting of this extravagance in consideration of the religious sentiment which was strongly opposed to such a feature. That were in Jerusalem before me (so ver. 9; see Ecclesiastes 1:16). But the reference here may not necessarily be to kings, but to chieftains and rich men, who were celebrated for the extent of their possessions. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew I acquiredקָנִ֙יתִי֙ (qā·nî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own menservants עֲבָדִ֣ים (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5650: Slave, servant and maidservants, וּשְׁפָח֔וֹת (ū·šə·p̄ā·ḥō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 8198: Maid, maidservant and servants were born וּבְנֵי־ (ū·ḇə·nê-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son in my house. בַ֖יִת (ḇa·yiṯ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house I also גַּ֣ם (gam) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and owned הָ֣יָה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be more הַרְבֵּה֙ (har·bêh) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great herds בָקָ֨ר (ḇā·qār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd and flocks וָצֹ֤אן (wā·ṣōn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock than anyone מִכֹּ֛ל (mik·kōl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every in Jerusalem בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (bî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel before me, לְפָנַ֖י (lə·p̄ā·nay) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 6440: The face Links Ecclesiastes 2:7 NIVEcclesiastes 2:7 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:7 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:7 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:7 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:7 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:7 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:7 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:7 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:7 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:7 I bought male servants and female servants (Ecclesiast. 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