King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 5:1 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:1 in the King James Version says “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for t... — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

Ecclesiastes 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

2

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. thing: or, word

3

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse introduces the theme of approaching God with reverence and caution: 'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.' The phrase 'keep thy foot' (Hebrew 'shmor raglekha,' שְׁמֹר רַגְלֶךָ) means watch your step, be careful—approaching God requires mindful intentionality, not careless routine. 'The house of God' refers to the Temple (in Solomon's era) or synagogue worship. The command prioritizes hearing over sacrificing, echoing Samuel's declaration: 'to obey is better than sacrifice' (1 Samuel 15:22). The 'sacrifice of fools' describes ritualistic religion—external religious activity disconnected from internal devotion and obedience. Fools 'consider not that they do evil'—they're unaware their empty religiosity offends God. This verse teaches that authentic worship requires humble receptivity to God's word rather than presumptuous religious performance. It anticipates Jesus's condemnation of Pharisaical religion (Matthew 23) and His teaching that true worshipers worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's temple worship included elaborate sacrificial systems, yet the prophets repeatedly condemned sacrifices offered without covenant obedience (Isaiah 1:11-17; Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:6-8). The tension between ritual and righteousness runs throughout Scripture. Ancient Near Eastern religion was predominantly ritualistic—correct performance of ceremonies pleased gods. Israel's faith uniquely emphasized that God desires obedience, justice, and humility over mere ritual correctness (Micah 6:8). The phrase 'be ready to hear' recalls the Shema: 'Hear, O Israel' (Deuteronomy 6:4), foundational to Jewish worship. New Testament parallels abound: James's exhortation to be 'swift to hear, slow to speak' (James 1:19-22); the parable of the sower emphasizing receptive hearing (Matthew 13:1-23); and Paul's warning against worthless religious activity (2 Timothy 3:5). The Reformation recovered this emphasis: worship centers on hearing God's Word proclaimed, not merely performing religious rituals.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your approach to corporate worship demonstrate 'keeping your foot'—coming with intentional reverence and receptivity rather than casual routine?
  2. In what ways might you be offering 'the sacrifice of fools'—external religious activities disconnected from internal obedience and transformed character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
שְׁמֹ֣ר1 of 17

Keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

רַגְלְיךָ֗2 of 17

thy foot

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר3 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֵּלֵךְ֙4 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל5 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֣ית6 of 17

to the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים7 of 17

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְקָר֣וֹב8 of 17

and be more ready

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

לִשְׁמֹ֔עַ9 of 17

to hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

מִתֵּ֥ת10 of 17

than to give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הַכְּסִילִ֖ים11 of 17

of fools

H3684

properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly

זָ֑בַח12 of 17

the sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

כִּֽי13 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵינָ֥ם14 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יוֹדְעִ֖ים15 of 17

for they consider

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת16 of 17

not that they do

H6213

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

רָֽע׃17 of 17

evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)


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 5:1 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 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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