Ecclesiastes 5:14 net — Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.

NET Bible

"Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him."

— Ecclesiastes 5:14, NET Bible

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Ecclesiastes 5:14 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 5 — Context

11

When someone’s prosperity increases, those who consume it also increase; so what does its owner gain, except that he gets to see it with his eyes?

12

The sleep of the laborer is pleasant– whether he eats little or much– but the wealth of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

13

Materialism Thwarts Enjoyment of Life Here is a misfortune on earth that I have seen: Wealth hoarded by its owner to his own misery.

14

Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.

15

Just as he came forth from his mother’s womb, naked will he return as he came, and he will take nothing in his hand that he may carry away from his toil.

16

This is another misfortune: Just as he came, so will he go. What did he gain from toiling for the wind?

17

Surely, he ate in darkness every day of his life, and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger.

Ecclesiastes 5:14 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 5:14 say?
Ecclesiastes 5:14 in the NET Bible reads: “Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.”
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 (NET): “Then that wealth was lost through bad luck; although he fathered a son, he has nothing left to give him.” 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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