He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

ECCLESIASTES 5:10KJV
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Ecclesiastes 5:10 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 5:10 mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:10 teaches that a person who loves money will never feel satisfied, no matter how much they gain, and someone who craves more possessions will not find contentment in their increase; this pursuit is described as meaningless. The verse warns that chasing after wealth and abundance does not lead to lasting fulfillment.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, sharing wisdom with anyone willing to listen about the realities of life. Ecclesiastes often reflects on the limits of earthly pursuits, and here, the focus is on wealth. The verse fits into a larger section where the writer observes how human desires, especially for riches, often leave people empty rather than happy.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 5:10

  • The word for "loveth" (אָהַב, 'ahav) means a deep desire or attachment, suggesting more than casual interest—this is about a consuming longing for silver or abundance.
  • "Silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph) was a primary form of wealth in ancient Israel, so the verse is about money and material riches in general, not just coins.
  • "Satisfied" (שָׂבַע, sava) means to be filled up or content, highlighting that no amount of wealth can truly fill the longing described here.
  • "Vanity" (הֶבֶל, hevel) literally means "vapor" or "breath," pointing to something fleeting, insubstantial, or ultimately pointless; the verse labels the endless pursuit of wealth as empty and without real substance.

Why Ecclesiastes 5:10 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 5:10 corrects the common belief that more money or possessions will finally bring satisfaction, showing that the desire itself is never-ending.
  • The verse emphasizes the emptiness ("vanity") of making wealth the main goal, connecting to the book’s broader message that many human pursuits are ultimately unfulfilling.
  • This insight helps explain why, even in times of prosperity, people can still feel restless or dissatisfied, pointing readers to reflect on what truly brings contentment.

Where else these words appear

“increase” Hebrew H8393 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 47:24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
  • Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
  • Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

“vanity” Hebrew H1892 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
  • Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

“abundance” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

“satisfied” Hebrew H7646 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 16:8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
  • Psalms 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.