7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

For in the multitude of dreams and vanities even so reasons are multiplied that God is to be feared.


(7.) For in a multitude of dreams (‘conjectures’ probably) and vanities and reasonings, the much (i.e. these reasonings are increased); for (כי is repeated, and this repetition makes it emphatic——‘so indeed’) with respect to the Deity fear. The probable meaning is, ‘fear God under all circumstances: vanity and conjectures only increase the reasons for so doing,’——thus is revealed the real conclusion of the whole treatise.

Koheleth now takes up a subject ineffectually discussed before, and solves it with this principle just enunciated: Fear God.


8 ¶ If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not [¹]at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

[¹] Hebrew at the will, or purpose.

(3.) If violent oppression of the poor, and wresting of justice and right, should be observed by you in a jurisdiction, do not be surprised at the providence; for the lofty are watched by one loftier still, and these lofty ones are——subjects.