Ecclesiastes 5:9

Translations

Modern

The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.

Traditional

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

Literal

And the produce of the land, it is for all: A king is served by the field.

Latin

…et insuper universæ terræ rex imperat servienti.

Original

Hebrew

English

The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.

Notes

Ecclesiastes 5:8–9

for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields: The New Living Translation sees these verses as saying that bureaucracy causes oppression instead of justice, even up to the king (see also 1 Samuel 8:11–18). This is not surprising because bureaucracies often work this way. Others interpret the verses to mean that the king and his officials oversee to prevent injustice and oppression. The first view aligns more with the Teacher's realistic perspective.

Theme notes and profiles

Social Justice

Related verses

1 Kings 4:7–23
Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year,
Psalm 115:16
The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.
Genesis 1:29–30
Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.
Psalm 104:14–15
He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth:
Jeremiah 40:10–12
As for me, I will stay in Mizpah to represent you before the Chaldeans who come to us. As for you, gather wine grapes, summer fruit, and oil, place them in your storage jars, and live in the cities you have taken.”
Proverbs 13:23
Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away.
Genesis 3:17–19
And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.
Proverbs 27:23–27
Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;
Proverbs 28:19
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
1 Chronicles 27:26–31
Ezri son of Chelub was in charge of the workers in the fields who tilled the soil.
1 Samuel 8:12–17
He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.

Ecclesiastes 5:9

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