King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 5:12 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:12 in the King James Version says “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him ...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”

Ecclesiastes 5:12 · KJV

Context

10

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

11

When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

12

The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

13

There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

14

But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet (מְתוּקָה שְׁנַת הָעֹבֵד, metukah shenat ha'oved)—literally 'sweet is the sleep of the worker.' The adjective metukah conveys pleasantness and satisfaction. Whether he eat little or much (אִם־מְעַט וְאִם־הַרְבֵּה יֹאכֵל, im-me'at ve'im-harbeh yokhel)—regardless of quantity consumed. But the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep (וְהַשָּׂבָע לֶעָשִׁיר אֵינֶנּוּ מַנִּיחַ לוֹ לִישׁוֹן, vehasava le'ashir einennu maniach lo lishon)—prosperity's satiation doesn't permit him to sleep.

One of Scripture's most pointed contrasts: the laborer sleeps soundly regardless of modest means, while the rich man suffers insomnia despite (or because of) abundance. The verb maniach ('permit' or 'allow') suggests wealth actively prevents rest—through anxiety about preservation, fear of loss, complications of management, or the spiritual burden Jesus described: 'the deceitfulness of riches' (Matthew 13:22). Physical labor produces healthy fatigue and clear conscience; wealth accumulation produces restless worry. Proverbs 3:24 promises the righteous, 'When you lie down, you will not be afraid; your sleep will be sweet'—a sweetness dependent on trust in God rather than portfolio size.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient agricultural societies understood labor's rhythm—farmers and craftsmen worked hard physically and rested deeply. The wealthy class, however, faced constant concerns about property, inheritances, political intrigue, and maintaining status, as royal court life demonstrated.

Reflection Questions

  1. What anxieties associated with possessions might be robbing you of peace and rest?
  2. How does simplicity of lifestyle contribute to 'sweet sleep' in both physical and spiritual senses?
  3. In what ways does honest labor bring contentment that wealth accumulation cannot provide?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מְתוּקָה֙1 of 14

“is sweet”

H4966

sweet

שְׁנַ֣ת2 of 14

“The sleep”

H8142

sleep

הָעֹבֵ֔ד3 of 14

“of a labouring man”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אִם4 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מְעַ֥ט5 of 14

“little”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

וְאִם6 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הַרְבֵּ֖ה7 of 14

“or much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

יֹאכֵ֑ל8 of 14

“whether he eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְהַשָּׂבָע֙9 of 14

“but the abundance”

H7647

copiousness

לֶֽעָשִׁ֔יר10 of 14

“of the rich”

H6223

rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

אֵינֶ֛נּוּ11 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַנִּ֥יחַֽ12 of 14

“will not suffer”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

ל֖וֹ13 of 14
H0
לִישֽׁוֹן׃14 of 14

“him to sleep”

H3462

properly, to be slack or languid, i.e., (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate

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 5:12 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 5:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 3:24Psalms 4:8Jeremiah 31:26Psalms 127:2

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