Ecclesiastes 2:5
“I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.”
What does Ecclesiastes 2:5 mean?
The Teacher in Ecclesiastes is describing the ambitious projects he undertook to find meaning and satisfaction in life. He planted orchards and parks, accumulated possessions, and pursued every pleasure available to someone with wealth and power. This wasn't casual gardening—it was the kind of large-scale project that only a king could afford, designed to prove that human achievement and enjoyment could add up to something lasting. As you read on in the chapter, you'll see he's building a case for why even these impressive accomplishments ultimately left him feeling empty, which is the whole point of the book's honest wrestling with what truly matters.