King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 2:6 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 2:6 in the King James Version says “I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:”

Ecclesiastes 2:6 · KJV

Context

4

I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

5

I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

6

I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:

7

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 born: Heb. sons of my house

8

I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments , and that of all sorts. musical: Heb. musical instrument and instruments

Read Ecclesiastes 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees—the Hebrew 'berechot mayim' (בְּרֵכוֹת מָיִם, pools of water) describes artificial reservoirs or cisterns. Ancient engineering expertise was required to construct water management systems supporting large-scale agriculture and ornamental gardens. The phrase 'wood that bringeth forth trees' (ya'ar tsomeach etsim, יַעַר צֹמֵחַ עֵצִים) literally means 'forest sprouting trees,' suggesting Solomon cultivated extensive tree nurseries requiring irrigation.

This verse illustrates the comprehensive scope of Solomon's projects. He didn't merely plant gardens but engineered entire infrastructure systems to sustain them—a significant investment of resources, labor, and planning. Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Israel's sophisticated water management, including the Pool of Siloam and various cisterns. Yet even technological mastery and agricultural abundance proved unable to satisfy the human soul. Jesus later revealed Himself as the source of 'living water' that truly satisfies (John 4:13-14; 7:37-38)—unlike Solomon's pools, which merely sustained temporal vegetation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Water scarcity in the arid Mediterranean climate made irrigation systems essential for agriculture. Solomon's reign coincided with relative peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:20-25), enabling ambitious construction projects. The Pools of Solomon near Bethlehem, traditionally associated with these reservoirs, still exist—three massive pools supplying water to Jerusalem through aqueducts. First Kings 9:15-19 describes Solomon's extensive building program, including storage cities and infrastructure projects. Proverbs 21:1 uses irrigation imagery metaphorically: 'The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water.' Yet Ecclesiastes reveals that even successful mastery of natural resources through engineering excellence cannot fill the spiritual void only God can satisfy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What systems, resources, or infrastructure have you built hoping to create security or satisfaction, and how do they compare to spiritual resources?
  2. How does this verse challenge modern reliance on technology and human ingenuity to solve life's deepest problems?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עָשִׂ֥יתִי1 of 9

“I made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִ֖י2 of 9
H0
בְּרֵכ֣וֹת3 of 9

“me pools”

H1295

a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)

מָ֑יִם4 of 9

“of water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לְהַשְׁק֣וֹת5 of 9

“to water”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

מֵהֶ֔ם6 of 9
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יַ֖עַר7 of 9

“therewith the wood”

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

צוֹמֵ֥חַ8 of 9

“that bringeth forth”

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

עֵצִֽים׃9 of 9

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 2:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 2:14Psalms 1:3Song of Solomon 7:4Jeremiah 17:8

Test Your Knowledge

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