Ecclesiastes 10 17

Ecclesiastes 10:17 kjv

Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Ecclesiastes 10:17 nkjv

Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, And your princes feast at the proper time? For strength and not for drunkenness!

Ecclesiastes 10:17 niv

Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time? for strength and not for drunkenness.

Ecclesiastes 10:17 esv

Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Ecclesiastes 10:17 nlt

Happy is the land whose king is a noble leader
and whose leaders feast at the proper time
to gain strength for their work, not to get drunk.

Ecclesiastes 10 verses

Ecclesiastes 10 17 Meaning

This verse proclaims that a nation finds true blessedness and prosperity when its rulers are persons of noble character, demonstrating wisdom and self-control. It teaches that the king and his officials should approach even basic activities like feasting with discipline, partaking only at appropriate times for strength and purpose rather than for self-indulgence or revelry. It underscores the profound impact of virtuous and temperate leadership on a society's well-being.

Ecclesiastes 10 17 Context

The book of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to "Qoheleth" (the Preacher or Teacher), explores the meaning and purpose of life "under the sun"—from a purely human, earthly perspective. It frequently highlights the futility and impermanence of worldly pursuits without divine wisdom. Chapter 10 contrasts wisdom and folly in various life scenarios, paying particular attention to the realm of governance. Verse 17 directly follows a lament about a land whose king is immature ("a child") and whose princes feast early in the morning for mere pleasure and debauchery (Ecc 10:16), setting up a stark antithesis. This verse, therefore, illustrates the ideal, positive scenario resulting from righteous and disciplined leadership, a stark contrast to the woe pronounced upon the land governed by immature and gluttonous rulers. It speaks to the ancient Near Eastern understanding that the prosperity and stability of a kingdom were directly tied to the character and conduct of its rulers.

Ecclesiastes 10 17 Word analysis

• Blessed: Hebrew אַשְׁרֵי (ashre) - An exclamation of congratulations or beatitude, meaning "Oh, the blessedness of..." It signifies deep well-being, happiness, and divine favor, often linked to living in alignment with God's established principles. It points to a state of flourishing and divine approval, not merely temporal good fortune.

• are you, O land: Hebrew אֶרֶץ (erets) - Refers to a specific territory, country, or kingdom. The "land" represents the entire nation and its populace. The well-being of the land is intrinsically tied to the nature of its leadership.

• when your king: Hebrew מַלְכֵּךְ (malkech) - The supreme ruler or monarch. In the ancient world, the king was the central figure of the state, bearing ultimate responsibility for justice, order, and prosperity within the realm.

• is the son of nobles: Hebrew בֶּן־חוֹרִים (ben-chorim) - Literally, "son of free men" or "son of nobles/princes." This phrase emphasizes not merely aristocratic birth, but more importantly, a character shaped by proper upbringing, education, maturity, wisdom, and moral integrity. It suggests one who is not enslaved by appetites or impulsiveness, directly contrasting with an immature or ill-disciplined ruler.

• and your princes: Hebrew שָׂרַיִךְ (sarayich) - High-ranking officials, ministers, or aristocrats who serve and advise the king. They are part of the governing body and are expected to reflect the king's virtues.

• feast: Hebrew אוֹכְלִים (okheylu) - To eat, to consume food, especially in a communal setting or banquet. The act itself is neutral; the manner and purpose behind it are the points of focus.

• at the proper time: Hebrew בָּעֵת (baeyt`) - At its fitting, appointed, or appropriate time. This signifies discipline, order, discernment, and prioritizing public duties over personal indulgence. It contrasts with unseasonable revelry, especially when pressing matters of state require attention.

• for strength: Hebrew בִּגְבוּרָה (bigvurah) - For vigor, for power, for purpose, or for might. Eating for sustenance to maintain physical and mental capacity necessary for diligent and effective governance. This is consumption with a constructive, responsible end.

• and not for drunkenness: Hebrew וְלֹא בַשְּׁתִי (uvlo sheti) - Literally, "and not in drinking/carousing" or "not for excess drinking." This explicitly forbids the immoderate consumption of alcohol that leads to intoxication, impaired judgment, and debauchery. It speaks to temperance, self-control, and the avoidance of activities that undermine authority and moral uprightness.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles": This phrase highlights that national prosperity and well-being are intrinsically dependent on the quality of its supreme ruler. A king characterized by wisdom, noble conduct, and maturity (implied by "son of nobles"), rather than mere lineage, is presented as crucial for a land's state of blessedness. It elevates virtuous character above hereditary right if character is lacking.
  • "and your princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness!": This extends the principle of responsible leadership beyond the king to his closest advisors and officials. Their private conduct, specifically their leisure activities, must demonstrate discipline, purpose, and self-control. Eating and drinking should serve to sustain the body for continued service ("strength"), not degenerate into mind-numbing excess ("drunkenness") that would impede their duties, compromise their judgment, and erode moral integrity.

Ecclesiastes 10 17 Bonus section

The wisdom in Ecclesiastes 10:17 transcends the ancient political realm and holds profound implications for all spheres of influence, from familial roles to spiritual leadership within the body of Christ. Just as a nation flourishes under disciplined rulers, any group or organization thrives when those in authority demonstrate wisdom, self-control, and a clear prioritization of their responsibilities. The "son of nobles" can also be spiritually interpreted as one who exemplifies noble character born out of their walk with God, matured by godly training and living by divine principles. The imagery of feasting "for strength" and "not for drunkenness" serves as a timeless metaphor for seeking edification and purpose in all activities, actively avoiding idleness, destructive excesses, or anything that diminishes one's capacity to serve God and others. It underscores that even seemingly mundane acts like eating and drinking can reflect either spiritual wisdom or folly, with significant and far-reaching consequences.

Ecclesiastes 10 17 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:17 articulates a core principle of wise governance: the prosperity of a nation directly correlates with the disciplined and principled conduct of its leaders. In sharp contrast to the previous verse, which laments a land with childish, indulgent rulers, this verse extols the blessedness of a nation guided by mature leaders. A "son of nobles" signifies a king of profound character and disciplined upbringing, prioritizing responsibilities over personal desires. When such a king, along with his princes, exercises self-control even in matters of leisure—eating and drinking punctually and for the purpose of maintaining vitality for their duties, rather than succumbing to gluttony or drunkenness—the land thrives. This highlights that a ruler's personal habits and moral fortitude are not mere private matters but directly impact societal welfare, embodying wisdom's call for order, temperance, and devoted public service.