Ecclesiastes 2:4

The Futility of Pleasure · Ecclesiastes 2:1–11
Read Ecclesiastes 2

Translations

Modern
I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.
Traditional
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
Literal
I made great my works; I built for myself houses, and I planted for myself vineyards;
Latin
Magnificavi opera mea, ædificavi mihi domos, et plantavi vineas;

Original

Hebrew
English
I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.

Notes

The Bible mentions Solomon's vineyards in Song of Solomon 8:11–12.

Solomon built both small structures like porches and gates and large ones like entire cities (see 1 Kings 9:15–19). He mainly built these projects for his own enjoyment, including the palace and its related buildings (see 1 Kings 7:1–12).

The Teacher says seeking pleasure for its own sake is empty. Even great achievements are like smoke.

The Teacher examines how wisdom, work, and pleasure relate to each other.

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes Futility Pools of Solomon

Topics

Agriculture: Practiced by Solomon Epicureans: Doctrines Propagated By, Familiar to Solomon Investigation: General Scriptures Concerning Pleasure: Worldly Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his Palace Solomon: Plants Vineyards and Orchards of all Kinds of Fruit Trees; Makes Pools Vanity: Worldly Possessions Are Vineyard: Pools In Wisdom: Worldly Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning