Ecclesiastes 5 7

Ecclesiastes 5:7 kjv

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 nkjv

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 niv

Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 esv

For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 nlt

Talk is cheap, like daydreams and other useless activities. Fear God instead.

Ecclesiastes 5 verses

Ecclesiastes 5 7 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 5:7 presents a striking contrast, asserting that a life marked by a multitude of empty dreams and an abundance of meaningless words ultimately leads to futility and vanity. This verse, coming after a passage on reverent conduct in worship, directs the reader away from the superficial and the transient. In stark opposition to this emptiness, the wise and profitable course of action is to "fear God," implying a profound reverence, awe, and submission to the Divine. This God-fearing disposition is presented as the singular, stable foundation for navigating life's inherent complexities and its frequently perplexing realities, offering substance where everything else proves to be hebel – fleeting and vain.

Ecclesiastes 5 7 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 5 delves into practical wisdom regarding human interaction with God and the world. Verses 1-7 particularly focus on proper conduct within the sacred space of worship and concerning one's words, especially vows, made before God. The preceding verses (Ecc 5:1-6) warn against rashness in making vows or offering "the sacrifice of fools"—acting carelessly or speaking impulsively to God. They emphasize the solemnity of promises made to the Almighty, asserting that it is better to not make a vow than to make one and fail to fulfill it. This directly leads into verse 7, which broadens the caution from specific vows to general excesses in dreams (often seen as a source of divination, anxiety, or empty fantasy in the ancient world) and words (excessive speech, empty promises, or idle chatter). The historical context aligns with wisdom literature, providing guidance for living wisely within a covenant relationship with God in a world often perceived as filled with vexation and futility (hebel). It encourages internal piety and genuine reverence over external, superficial religious displays.

Ecclesiastes 5 7 Word analysis

• For in the multitude (בְרֹב - bə·rōḇ): From the Hebrew רֹב (rov), meaning "abundance" or "much." This term signifies an excessive quantity, indicating that the problem lies not in dreams or words themselves, but in their overabundance or superfluity. It implies a misplaced focus or preoccupation.

• of dreams (חֲלֹמוֹת - ḥă·lō·mōt): Refers to mental images during sleep. While some dreams in Scripture serve as divine communications (Gen 20, 37, Dan 2), the Preacher likely refers here to:

  • Empty fantasies/illusions: Mere wishful thinking that does not lead to real profit or substance.
  • Anxiety-induced thoughts: As hinted in Ecclesiastes 5:3 (a dream comes with much business).
  • Superstitious reliance: Overly trusting or preoccupied with dreams for guidance rather than God's revealed wisdom or discernment.
  • Deceptive or false prophetic dreams: Condemned elsewhere in scripture for leading people astray (Jer 23:25-32, Zech 10:2).

• and many words (וּדְבָרִים הַרְבֵּה - u'dvarim harbeh): דְּבָרִים (də·ḇā·rîm) means "words" or "matters," and הַרְבֵּה (harbeh) means "many" or "much." This phrase connects directly to the preceding warnings in Ecclesiastes 5:2-6 against rash or numerous vows and speaking impulsively before God. It encompasses:

  • Idle talk/gossip: Speech without meaningful purpose or edification.
  • Rash promises: Especially those made to God or others without serious intent to fulfill them.
  • Unnecessary verbose prayers: Similar to those criticized by Jesus (Matt 6:7).
  • Foolish or empty rhetoric: Which ultimately produces no beneficial outcome and can lead to sin (Prov 10:19).

• there are also (גַּם - gam) divers vanities (וַהֲבָלִים - va·hă·ḇā·lîm): The particle gam ("also," "indeed") emphasizes this direct negative consequence. הֲבָלִים (habalim) is the plural of הֶבֶל (hebel), a pivotal term in Ecclesiastes translated as "vanity," "meaninglessness," "futility," or "vapor." It signifies emptiness, lack of substance, and a ultimately disappointing and unfulfilling outcome. The divers suggests various forms or manifestations of this futility, reinforcing its pervasive nature when one focuses on dreams and many words.

• but fear (כִּי אִם־יִרְאַת - kî ’im-yir’aṯ) thou God (אֱלֹהִים - ’ĕ·lō·hîm): The phrase כִּי אִם acts as a strong contrast or a call for the only right alternative, often translated as "surely only" or "nevertheless." יִרְאַת (yir’aṯ) is from יִרְאָה (yir'ah), meaning "fear," "awe," "reverence," or "respect." It refers not to terror but to a profound veneration of God's majesty, power, holiness, and wisdom, leading to humility, obedience, and genuine worship. אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) is the general Hebrew name for God. This imperative ("fear God") serves as the antidote to the hebel previously described, and it is a central theme and the ultimate resolution of the book of Ecclesiastes.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "For in the multitude of dreams and many words": This phrase establishes the problem statement, highlighting two areas where human excess leads to emptiness. It identifies a tendency to either rely on illusory hopes or engage in unproductive communication. Both represent misguided energy that fails to yield genuine spiritual profit or lasting value.
  • "there are also divers vanities": This completes the diagnosis of the problem, explicitly stating the consequence. The plural "vanities" (habalim) emphasizes the various ways that emptiness and lack of ultimate meaning pervade pursuits disconnected from true wisdom, reinforcing a core message of the book.
  • "but fear thou God": This constitutes the essential pivot and singular solution offered by the Preacher. It shifts from a description of folly to a divine imperative, contrasting the fleeting nature of human preoccupation with dreams and words with the enduring, substantive reality of reverence for the Creator. This concise command provides the sole path to true meaning and wisdom amidst life's inherent futility.

Ecclesiastes 5 7 Bonus section

The linkage of "dreams" and "many words" could signify a continuum of mental preoccupation leading to unproductive expression. The phrase "multitude of dreams" might also include anxious thoughts and worries (as hinted in Ecc 5:3) which consume the mind without productive outcome, akin to endless and empty talk. The final command "fear God" acts as the critical lynchpin and recurrent theme in Ecclesiastes, providing the singular reliable principle in a world full of "hebel." It suggests that genuine security and meaning are found not in human effort or perception alone, but in right relationship and reverence towards the Creator.

Ecclesiastes 5 7 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 5:7 is a profound piece of wisdom literature, distilling core principles about genuine spiritual living versus superficial pursuits. Building on previous warnings against rashness in worship and vows, the Preacher expands the caution to a broader human tendency: preoccupying oneself with idle dreams (empty hopes, fantasies, or anxieties) and engaging in excessive, empty speech (gossip, vain chatter, or unfulfilled promises). Both are characterized as "vanity" (hebel), indicating they are fleeting, unsubstantial, and ultimately dissatisfying. Such a life lacks proper grounding and direction, proving to be chasing the wind.

The verse's latter half provides the crucial antidote: "fear God." This fear is not terror, but a deep, humble reverence for God's holiness, authority, and power. It's an acknowledgment of one's place before the sovereign Creator, leading to obedience and awe. This God-fearing posture provides stability and meaning where everything else proves ephemeral. It's the practical, righteous response to the overwhelming futility observed "under the sun," serving as the cornerstone for true wisdom and righteous living as emphasized throughout biblical wisdom literature (e.g., Prov 1:7). The verse challenges us to forsake shallow diversions and verbose piety in favor of a profound, genuine, and reverential relationship with the Almighty.