King James Version
Ecclesiastes 2:4 in the King James Version says “I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:”
Ecclesiastes 2:4 · KJV
I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. to give: Heb. to draw my flesh with wine all: Heb. the number of the days of their life
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
KJV Study — Public Domain
“I made me great”
H1431to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
“works”
H4639an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
“me houses”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
“I planted”
H5193properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Ecclesiastes 2:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge