Ecclesiastes 5:11 kjv — When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholdi…

King James Version

"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?"

— Ecclesiastes 5:11, King James Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 5:11 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 5 — Context

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.

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?

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.

Ecclesiastes 5:11 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 5:11 say?
Ecclesiastes 5:11 in the King James Version reads: “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?”
Where is Ecclesiastes 5:11 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 5:11 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 5, verse 11.
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 5:11.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 5:11 in?
Ecclesiastes 5:11 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 5:11?
Ecclesiastes 5:11 reads (KJV): “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?” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2