Ecclesiastes 2:4 net — Futility of Materialism I increased my possessions: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.

NET Bible

"Futility of Materialism I increased my possessions: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself."

— Ecclesiastes 2:4, NET Bible

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Ecclesiastes 2:4 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 2 — Context

1

Futility of Self-Indulgent Pleasure I thought to myself,“Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.” But I found that it also is futile.

2

I said of partying,“It is folly,” and of self-indulgent pleasure,“It accomplishes nothing!”

3

I thought deeply about the effects of indulging myself with wine(all the while my mind was guiding me with wisdom) and the effects of behaving foolishly, so that I might discover what is profitable for people to do on earth during the few days of their lives.

4

Futility of Materialism I increased my possessions: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.

5

I designed royal gardens and parks for myself, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.

6

I constructed pools of water for myself, to irrigate my grove of flourishing trees.

7

I purchased male and female slaves, and I owned slaves who were born in my house; I also possessed more livestock– both herds and flocks– than any of my predecessors in Jerusalem.

Ecclesiastes 2:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 2:4 say?
Ecclesiastes 2:4 in the NET Bible reads: “Futility of Materialism I increased my possessions: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 2:4 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 2:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 2, verse 4.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 2:4.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 2:4 in?
Ecclesiastes 2:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 2:4?
Ecclesiastes 2:4 reads (NET): “Futility of Materialism I increased my possessions: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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