For as many dreams bring futilityThis phrase highlights the vanity and emptiness often associated with dreams and aspirations that are not grounded in reality or divine purpose. In the biblical context, dreams can symbolize human ambitions and desires that are fleeting and unsubstantial. The book of Ecclesiastes frequently addresses the theme of vanity, emphasizing the temporary nature of worldly pursuits (
Ecclesiastes 1:2). Historically, dreams were sometimes seen as messages from God, as in the case of Joseph (
Genesis 37:5-10), but here they are portrayed as potentially misleading when not aligned with God's will. The futility mentioned reflects the broader message of Ecclesiastes, which often contrasts human endeavors with the eternal nature of God.
so do many words
This part of the verse warns against the use of excessive words, which can lead to sin and misunderstanding. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, speech was highly valued, but there was also a strong awareness of the power and potential danger of words (Proverbs 10:19). The New Testament echoes this sentiment, with James advising believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak" (James 1:19). The emphasis on restraint in speech is a call to wisdom and discernment, recognizing that verbosity can lead to empty promises or falsehoods, much like the futility of dreams.
Therefore, fear God
The conclusion of the verse directs the reader to the central theme of Ecclesiastes: the fear of God. This fear is not about terror but reverence and awe for the Creator. It is a call to recognize God's sovereignty and align one's life with His will. The fear of God is a foundational principle in wisdom literature, as seen inProverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." This reverence is contrasted with the futility of human dreams and words, pointing to a life of purpose and meaning found in submission to God. The phrase encapsulates the essence of Ecclesiastes, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and insights.
2.
Israel- The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel is crucial for understanding the themes of Ecclesiastes.
3.
Temple Worship- The context of
Ecclesiastes 5 includes references to vows and worship practices, which were central to the religious life of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Many WordsExcessive talking can lead to sin and misunderstanding. It is wise to be concise and thoughtful in our speech, reflecting on the impact of our words.
The Illusion of DreamsDreams, in this context, can represent ambitions or plans that are not grounded in reality. We should seek God's guidance to discern which dreams align with His will.
The Fear of GodFearing God involves reverence, awe, and obedience. It is the foundation of wisdom and should guide our actions and words.
Simplicity in WorshipOur approach to God should be sincere and straightforward, avoiding empty rituals or verbose prayers that lack genuine devotion.
Practical WisdomApplying the wisdom of Ecclesiastes involves living a life that prioritizes God's will over personal ambitions or societal pressures.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:7?
2.How does Ecclesiastes 5:7 warn against "many dreams" and "many words"?
3.What does "fear God" mean in the context of Ecclesiastes 5:7?
4.How can we apply "fear God" in our daily decision-making?
5.How does Ecclesiastes 5:7 connect with Proverbs' teachings on wisdom and speech?
6.In what ways can we prioritize God's reverence over worldly distractions today?
7.What does Ecclesiastes 5:7 mean by "many dreams and many words are meaningless"?
8.How does Ecclesiastes 5:7 challenge the pursuit of material wealth?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Ecclesiastes 5:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5?
11.2 Chronicles 1:7 - How could God physically appear to Solomon and speak to him, and what evidence supports this event?
12.In Ecclesiastes 12:7, how can the phrase 'the spirit returns to God' be reconciled with scientific understandings of consciousness and death?
13.How can Jesus be both the Lamb receiving the scroll (Revelation 5:7) and also God on the throne if they appear as separate entities?
14.In Ecclesiastes 4:2-3, the speaker says the dead or unborn are more fortunate than the living--does this contradict the Bible's overall respect for life?What Does Ecclesiastes 5:7 Mean
For as many dreams bring futility• Solomon has just warned against rash vows in God’s house (Ecclesiastes 5:1-6). Now he links that warning to the emptiness of unanchored “dreams.”
• “Dreams” here are not God-given prophetic visions like those inGenesis 37:5-10 orMatthew 1:20; they are the restless imaginings that arise from our own hearts (Jeremiah 23:25-28).
• Such private fantasies promise fulfillment but deliver “vanity” or “meaninglessness,” echoingEcclesiastes 1:2.
•Isaiah 29:7-8 pictures people waking from a dream still hungry and thirsty—an apt image for hopes built on human imagination rather than God’s word.
so do many words• Just as empty dreams leave a soul hollow, careless talk produces spiritual barrenness.Proverbs 10:19 notes, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking.”
• Earlier in the chapter, Solomon said, “Let your words be few” before God (Ecclesiastes 5:2). The point is not silence for silence’s sake but reverence that keeps us from promises we cannot keep (James 1:26).
•Ecclesiastes 10:14 observes, “A fool multiplies words,” displaying arrogance rather than trust.
• The flood of speech often masks disobedience; it is easier to talk about serving God than to submit to Him (Matthew 21:28-31).
Therefore, fear God• The antidote to futile dreaming and empty talking is the “fear of the LORD,” the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7;Psalm 111:10).
• To fear God is to stand in reverent awe, taking Him at His word and living accordingly (Hebrews 12:28-29).
•Ecclesiastes 12:13 will repeat this climactic call: “Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.”
• When God is rightly revered, imagination becomes subject to His will and speech becomes truthful, measured, and fruitful (Matthew 12:36-37).
summaryHuman schemes and idle chatter promise satisfaction but prove empty. Real substance is found in a heart that treasures God above its own fantasies and tempers its words with reverent awe. Fearing God grounds our dreams in His purpose and turns our speech into sincere obedience, rescuing us from the futility Ecclesiastes exposes.
(7) This verse presents some difficulties of translation springing from corruption of text, but not affecting the general sense; according to which the many words which belong to the dreams and vanities of heathendom are contrasted with the fear of the only God.
Verse 7. -
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities. The Hebrew is literally,
For in multitude of dreams,
and vanities,
and many words;
i.
e., as Wright puts it, "In the multitude of dreams are also vanities, and (in) many words (as well)." Koheleth sums up the sense of the preceding paragraph, vers. 1-6. The popular religion, which made much of dreams and verbosity and vows, is vanity, and has in it nothing substantial or comforting. The superstitious man who puts his faith in dreams is unpractical and unreal; the garrulous man who is rash in his vows, and in prayer thinks to be heard for his much speaking, displeases God and never secures his object. Ginsburg and Bullock render, "For it is (it happens) through the multitude of idle thoughts and vanities and much talking," the reference being either to the foolish speaking of ver. 2 or to the wrath of God in ver. 6. The Septuagint rendering is elliptical,
Ὅτι ἐ πλήθει ἐνυπνίων καὶ ματαιοτήτων καὶ λόγων πολλῶν ὅτι σὺ τὸνΘεὸν φοβοῦ. To complete this, some supply, "Many vows are made or excused;" others, "There is evil." Vulgate,
Ubi multa aunt somnia,
plurimae aunt vanitates,
et sermones innumeri.' The Authorized Version gives the sense of the passage.
But fear thou God. In contrast with these spurious forms of religion, which the Jews were inclined to adopt, the writer recalls men to the fear of the one true God, to whom all vows should be performed, and who should be worshipped from the heart.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
For asכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionmanyבְרֹ֤ב(ḇə·rōḇ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7230:Multitude, abundance, greatnessdreamsחֲלֹמוֹת֙(ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2472:A dreambring futility,וַהֲבָלִ֔ים(wa·hă·ḇā·lîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1892:Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactoryso do manyהַרְבֵּ֑ה(har·bêh)Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatwords.וּדְבָרִ֖ים(ū·ḏə·ḇā·rîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeTherefore,כִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionfearיְרָֽא׃(yə·rā)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightenGod.הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
Links
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams there (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
