Ecclesiastes 2:4

Futility of Materialism

2:4 I increased my possessions: ¹ 

I built houses for myself; ² 

I planted vineyards for myself.

Ecclesiastes 10:18

10:18 Because of laziness the roof ³  caves in,

and because of idle hands ⁴  the house leaks.

[2:4]  ¹ tn Or “my works”; or “my accomplishments.” The term מַעֲשָׂי (ma’asay, “my works”) has been handled in two basic ways: (1) great works or projects, and (2) possessions. The latter assumes a metonymy, one’s effort standing for the possessions it produces. Both interpretations are reflected in the major English translations: “works” (KJV, NEB, NAB, ASV, NASB, MLB, RSV, Douay, Moffatt), “projects” (NIV), and “possessions” (NJPS).

[2:4]  ² sn The expression for myself is repeated eight times in 2:4-8 to emphasize that Qoheleth did not deny himself any acquisition. He indulged himself in acquiring everything he desired. His vast resources as king allowed him the unlimited opportunity to indulge himself. He could have anything his heart desired, and he did.

[10:18]  ³ tn Or “the rafters sink.”

[10:18]  ⁴ tn Heb “lowering of hands.”