King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 5:9 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:9 in the King James Version says “Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field. — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

Ecclesiastes 5:9 · KJV


Context

7

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

8

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they. at the: Heb. at the will, or, purpose

9

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

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?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field—this verse's interpretation is debated. The Hebrew yitron erets ba-kol (יִתְרוֹן־אֶרֶץ בַּכֹּל, profit of the earth is for all) may mean agriculture benefits everyone, or that hierarchy extends everywhere (connecting to v. 8). The phrase melekh le-sadeh ne'evad (מֶלֶךְ לְשָׂדֶה נֶעֱבָד, king for/to the field is served/enslaved) is ambiguous.

Most likely meaning: Even the king depends on agriculture—the field serves him. This highlights human interdependence and agriculture's foundational importance. Despite hierarchies of power (v. 8), everyone depends on cultivated land for sustenance. The greatest monarch cannot eat gold or silver; he needs bread from the field. This levels social distinctions—all humans share fundamental dependence on God's provision through creation. It also may provide context for v. 8: corruption in high places ultimately harms agriculture and thus hurts everyone, including the corrupt officials themselves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient economies were predominantly agricultural. Israelite society was rooted in land allotments (Joshua 13-21), and the Mosaic law protected agricultural life through Sabbath year (Leviticus 25:1-7), gleaning rights (Leviticus 19:9-10), and prohibition of moving boundary stones (Deuteronomy 19:14). Solomon's kingdom flourished economically (1 Kings 4:20-25), but his heavy taxation and forced labor (1 Kings 12:4) oppressed the people. After the kingdom divided, both prophets and wisdom literature critiqued exploitation. Jesus's parables frequently used agricultural imagery, assuming His audience understood farming's centrality. The verse reminds that despite technological progress, humanity still depends on God's creation and agricultural stewardship—a truth ecological crises highlight today.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that even the powerful depend on basic agricultural provision humble your perspective on wealth and status?
  2. In what ways does modern society obscure the fundamental dependence on land and agriculture that this verse highlights?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְיִתְר֥וֹן1 of 7

Moreover the profit

H3504

preeminence, gain

אֶ֖רֶץ2 of 7

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בַּכֹּ֣ל3 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

ה֑יּא4 of 7
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מֶ֥לֶךְ5 of 7

is for all the king

H4428

a king

לְשָׂדֶ֖ה6 of 7

by the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

נֶעֱבָֽד׃7 of 7

himself is served

H5647

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


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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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