Ecclesiastes 5:14 asv — and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.

American Standard Version

"and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand. "

— Ecclesiastes 5:14, American Standard Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 5:14 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 5 — Context

11

When goods increase, they are increased that eat them; and what advantage is there to the owner thereof, save the beholding of them with his eyes?

12

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

13

There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept by the owner thereof to his hurt:

14

and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.

15

As he came forth from his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.

16

And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind?

17

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he is sore vexed, and hath sickness and wrath.

Ecclesiastes 5:14 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 5:14 say?
Ecclesiastes 5:14 in the American Standard Version reads: “and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand. ”
Where is Ecclesiastes 5:14 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 5:14 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 5, verse 14.
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 5:14.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 5:14 in?
Ecclesiastes 5:14 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 5:14?
Ecclesiastes 5:14 reads (ASV): “and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand. ” 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