TG
Everything TrueGospel offers, in one place.

Study

Bible Reader Scripture Search Word Study & Lexicon Bible Study Builder Reading Plans Verse Chains

Reference

The Reference Library Topical Index

Learn

True Gospel Institute

Grow & Share

Blog Q&A Sermon Notes Bible Studies Podcast

Community

Community Student Dashboard

About

About Us Support Us Contact Log In Create Free Account
BSB
← Prev Next →

Ecclesiastes 2

BSB·26 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Iאֲנִי֙’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → saidאָמַ֤רְתִּֽי’ā·mar·tî — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to myselfבְּלִבִּ֔יbə·lib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study →, “Comeלְכָה־lə·ḵāh- — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → nowנָּ֛אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study →, I will testאֲנַסְּכָ֛ה’ă·nas·sə·ḵāh — to test, try, or prove by examinationH5254 — Full Word Study → you with pleasureבְשִׂמְחָ֖הḇə·śim·ḥāh — Joy, gladness, rejoicingH8057 — Full Word Study →; enjoyוּרְאֵ֣הū·rə·’êh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → what is goodבְט֑וֹבḇə·ṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study →!” But itה֖וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → provedוְהִנֵּ֥הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → to be futileהָֽבֶל׃hā·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study →. 2I saidאָמַ֣רְתִּי’ā·mar·tî — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → of laughterלִשְׂח֖וֹקliś·ḥō·wq — laughter, derision, mockeryH7814 — Full Word Study →, “It is follyמְהוֹלָ֑לmə·hō·w·lāl — To praise, boast, or shine; to celebrate or make a displayH1984 — Full Word Study →,” and of pleasureוּלְשִׂמְחָ֖הū·lə·śim·ḥāh — Joy, gladness, rejoicingH8057 — Full Word Study →, “Whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → does itזֹּ֥הzōh — This, that; demonstrative pronoun or adjectiveH2090 — Full Word Study → accomplishעֹשָֽׂה׃‘ō·śāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →?” 3I soughtתַּ֣רְתִּיtar·tî — to spy out, scout, search, exploreH8446 — Full Word Study → to cheer my bodyבְּשָׂרִ֑יbə·śā·rî — Flesh; body; meat; human natureH1320 — Full Word Study → with wineבַּיַּ֖יִןbay·ya·yin — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study → and to embraceוְלֶאֱחֹ֣זwə·le·’ĕ·ḥōz — to grasp, seize, or take hold ofH270 — Full Word Study → follyבְּסִכְל֔וּתbə·siḵ·lūṯ — Foolishness, senselessness, lack of wisdomH5531 — Full Word Study →my mindוְלִבִּ֞יwə·lib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → still guiding meנֹהֵ֤גnō·hêḡ — to lead, drive, guideH5090 — Full Word Study → with wisdomבַּֽחָכְמָה֙ba·ḥā·ḵə·māh — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study →untilעַ֣ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → I could seeאֶרְאֶ֗ה’er·’eh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → whatאֵי־’ê- — Where? How? What?H335 — Full Word Study → was worthwhileט֜וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → for menלִבְנֵ֤יliḇ·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → to doיַעֲשׂוּ֙ya·‘ă·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → underתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → heavenהַשָּׁמַ֔יִםhaš·šā·ma·yim — The heavens; sky; dwelling place of GodH8064 — Full Word Study → during the fewמִסְפַּ֖רmis·par — number, count, enumerationH4557 — Full Word Study → daysיְמֵ֥יyə·mê — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of their livesחַיֵּיהֶֽם׃ḥay·yê·hem — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study →. 4I expandedהִגְדַּ֖לְתִּיhiḡ·dal·tî — to grow, become great, magnifyH1431 — Full Word Study → my pursuitsמַעֲשָׂ֑יma·‘ă·śāy — Work, deed, or actionH4639 — Full Word Study →. I builtבָּנִ֤יתִיbā·nî·ṯî — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → housesבָּתִּ֔יםbāt·tîm — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → and plantedנָטַ֥עְתִּיnā·ṭa‘·tî — to plant, establish, or fix firmlyH5193 — Full Word Study → vineyardsכְּרָמִֽים׃kə·rā·mîm — Vineyard; a planted garden of grapevinesH3754 — Full Word Study → for myself. 5I madeעָשִׂ֣יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → gardensגַּנּ֖וֹתgan·nō·wṯ — Garden; enclosed cultivated plot of landH1593 — Full Word Study → and parksוּפַרְדֵּסִ֑יםū·p̄ar·dê·sîm — enclosed garden or parkH6508 — Full Word Study → for myself, where I plantedוְנָטַ֥עְתִּיwə·nā·ṭa‘·tî — to plant, establish, or fix firmlyH5193 — Full Word Study → all kindsכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → of fruitפֶּֽרִי׃pe·rî — Fruit; produce; offspring; rewardH6529 — Full Word Study → treesעֵ֥ץ‘êṣ — Tree; wood; timberH6086 — Full Word Study →. 6I builtעָשִׂ֥יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → reservoirsבְּרֵכ֣וֹתbə·rê·ḵō·wṯ — Pool of water; reservoirH1295 — Full Word Study → to waterלְהַשְׁק֣וֹתlə·haš·qō·wṯ — To water, give drink, irrigateH8248 — Full Word Study → my grovesיַ֖עַרya·‘ar — Forest; woodland; honeycombH3293 — Full Word Study → of flourishingצוֹמֵ֥חַṣō·w·mê·aḥ — to sprout, grow, or spring upH6779 — Full Word Study → treesעֵצִֽים׃‘ê·ṣîm — Tree; wood; timberH6086 — Full Word Study →. 7I acquiredקָנִ֙יתִי֙qā·nî·ṯî — to acquire, buy, or possess through paymentH7069 — Full Word Study → menservantsעֲבָדִ֣ים‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → and maidservantsוּשְׁפָח֔וֹתū·šə·p̄ā·ḥō·wṯ — Female servant or maidservant of lower statusH8198 — Full Word Study →, and servants were bornוּבְנֵי־ū·ḇə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → in my houseבַ֖יִתḇa·yiṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →. I alsoגַּ֣םgam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → ownedהָ֣יָהhā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → moreהַרְבֵּה֙har·bêh — To increase, multiply, grow abundantH7235 — Full Word Study → herdsבָקָ֨רḇā·qār — cattle, herd, ox, bovine livestockH1241 — Full Word Study → and flocksוָצֹ֤אןwā·ṣōn — flock of sheep or goatsH6629 — Full Word Study → than anyoneמִכֹּ֛לmik·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → in Jerusalemבִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃bî·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study → before meלְפָנַ֖יlə·p̄ā·nay — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →, 8and Iגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → accumulatedכָּנַ֤סְתִּיkā·nas·tî — to gather together, assemble, collectH3664 — Full Word Study → for myself silverכֶּ֣סֶףke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → and goldוְזָהָ֔בwə·zā·hāḇ — Gold; precious metal; wealth and valueH2091 — Full Word Study → and the treasureוּסְגֻלַּ֥תū·sə·ḡul·laṯ — Treasured possession; prized, set-apart propertyH5459 — Full Word Study → of kingsמְלָכִ֖יםmə·lā·ḵîm — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → and provincesוְהַמְּדִינ֑וֹתwə·ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ — province; administrative districtH4082 — Full Word Study →. I gatheredעָשִׂ֨יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → to myself male andשָׁרִ֣יםšā·rîm — to sing, make musicH7891 — Full Word Study → female singersוְשָׁר֗וֹתwə·šā·rō·wṯ — to sing, make musicH7891 — Full Word Study →, and the delightsוְתַעֲנוּגֹ֛תwə·ṯa·‘ă·nū·ḡōṯ — Luxury, delicate pleasure, delightH8588 — Full Word Study → of the sonsבְּנֵ֥יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of menהָאָדָ֖םhā·’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study →manyשִׁדָּ֥הšid·dāh — musical instrument; stringed instrumentH7705 — Full Word Study → concubinesוְשִׁדּֽוֹת׃wə·šid·dō·wṯ — musical instrument; stringed instrumentH7705 — Full Word Study →. 9So I became greatוְגָדַ֣לְתִּיwə·ḡā·ḏal·tî — to grow, become great, magnifyH1431 — Full Word Study → and surpassedוְהוֹסַ֔פְתִּיwə·hō·w·sap̄·tî — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study → allמִכֹּ֛לmik·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → in Jerusalemבִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑םbî·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study → who had preceded meשֶׁהָיָ֥הše·hā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study →; andאַ֥ף’ap̄ — Also, moreover, even, indeedH637 — Full Word Study → my wisdomחָכְמָתִ֖יḥā·ḵə·mā·ṯî — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study → remainedעָ֥מְדָה‘ā·mə·ḏāh — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → with me. 10Anythingוְכֹל֙wə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → my eyesעֵינַ֔י‘ê·nay — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → desiredשָֽׁאֲל֣וּšā·’ă·lū — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study →, I did notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → deny myselfאָצַ֖לְתִּי’ā·ṣal·tî — to set aside, reserve, or withholdH680 — Full Word Study →. I refusedמָנַ֨עְתִּיmā·na‘·tî — to withhold, restrain, or refuse to giveH4513 — Full Word Study → my heartלִבִּ֜יlib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → noלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → pleasureשִׂמְחָ֗הśim·ḥāh — Joy, gladness, rejoicingH8057 — Full Word Study →. Forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → my heartלִבִּ֤יlib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → took delightשָׂמֵ֙חַ֙śā·mê·aḥ — to be glad, rejoice, make merryH8056 — Full Word Study → in allמִכָּל־mik·kāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → my workעֲמָלִ֔י‘ă·mā·lî — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study →, and thisוְזֶֽה־wə·zeh- — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → wasהָיָ֥הhā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → the rewardחֶלְקִ֖יḥel·qî — portion, allotment, flatteryH2506 — Full Word Study → for allמִכָּל־mik·kāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → my laborעֲמָלִֽי׃‘ă·mā·lî — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study →. 11Yet when Iאֲנִ֗י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → consideredוּפָנִ֣יתִֽיū·p̄ā·nî·ṯî — to turn, face, or direct attentionH6437 — Full Word Study → allבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the worksמַעֲשַׂי֙ma·‘ă·śay — Work, deed, or actionH4639 — Full Word Study → that my handsיָדַ֔יyā·ḏay — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → had accomplishedשֶֽׁעָשׂ֣וּše·‘ā·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → and what I had toiledשֶׁעָמַ֣לְתִּיše·‘ā·mal·tî — to toil, labor, exert effortH5998 — Full Word Study → to achieveלַעֲשׂ֑וֹתla·‘ă·śō·wṯ — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →, I foundוְהִנֵּ֨הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → everythingהַכֹּ֥לhak·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → to be futileהֶ֙בֶל֙he·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study →, a pursuitוּרְע֣וּתū·rə·‘ūṯ — longing, desire, cravingH7469 — Full Word Study → of the windר֔וּחַrū·aḥ — Spirit, breath, wind, or inner dispositionH7307 — Full Word Study →; there was nothingוְאֵ֥יןwə·’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → to be gainedיִתְר֖וֹןyiṯ·rō·wn — advantage, profit, superiority, what remainsH3504 — Full Word Study → underתַּ֥חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the sunהַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃haš·šā·meš — The sun; sunlight; dayH8121 — Full Word Study →. 12Then Iאֲנִי֙’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → turnedוּפָנִ֤יתִֽיū·p̄ā·nî·ṯî — to turn, face, or direct attentionH6437 — Full Word Study → to considerלִרְא֣וֹתlir·’ō·wṯ — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → wisdomחָכְמָ֔הḥāḵ·māh — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study → and madnessוְהוֹלֵל֖וֹתwə·hō·w·lê·lō·wṯ — Madness, folly, senselessnessH1947 — Full Word Study → and follyוְסִכְל֑וּתwə·siḵ·lūṯ — Foolishness, senselessness, lack of wisdomH5531 — Full Word Study →; forכִּ֣י׀kî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → what more can the king’sהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → successorשֶׁיָּבוֹא֙še·yā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → doאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → than what has alreadyכְּבָ֖רkə·ḇār — Already, now, by this timeH3528 — Full Word Study → been accomplishedעָשֽׂוּהוּ׃‘ā·śū·hū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →? 13And Iאָ֔נִי’ā·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → sawוְרָאִ֣יתִיwə·rā·’î·ṯî — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatשֶׁיֵּ֥שׁše·yêš — there is, exists, has beingH3426 — Full Word Study → wisdomלַֽחָכְמָ֖הla·ḥā·ḵə·māh — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study → exceedsיִתְר֛וֹןyiṯ·rō·wn — advantage, profit, superiority, what remainsH3504 — Full Word Study → follyהַסִּכְל֑וּתhas·siḵ·lūṯ — Foolishness, senselessness, lack of wisdomH5531 — Full Word Study →, just as lightהָא֖וֹרhā·’ō·wr — Light; brightness; illuminationH216 — Full Word Study → exceedsכִּֽיתְר֥וֹןkî·ṯə·rō·wn — advantage, profit, superiority, what remainsH3504 — Full Word Study → darknessהַחֹֽשֶׁךְ׃ha·ḥō·šeḵ — Darkness; absence of light; obscurityH2822 — Full Word Study →: 14The wiseהֶֽחָכָם֙he·ḥā·ḵām — Wise, skilled, or cunning in understanding and discernmentH2450 — Full Word Study → man has eyesעֵינָ֣יו‘ê·nāw — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → in his headבְּרֹאשׁ֔וֹbə·rō·šōw — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study →, but the foolוְהַכְּסִ֖ילwə·hak·kə·sîl — fool, foolish personH3684 — Full Word Study → walksהוֹלֵ֑ךְhō·w·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → in darknessבַּחֹ֣שֶׁךְba·ḥō·šeḵ — Darkness; absence of light; obscurityH2822 — Full Word Study →. Yet Iאָ֔נִי’ā·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → alsoגַם־ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → came to realizeוְיָדַ֣עְתִּיwə·yā·ḏa‘·tî — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → that oneאֶחָ֖ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → fateשֶׁמִּקְרֶ֥הšem·miq·reh — accident, chance occurrence, happenstanceH4745 — Full Word Study → overcomesיִקְרֶ֥הyiq·reh — to meet, befall, happen; to impose or lay (beams)H7136 — Full Word Study → themאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → bothכֻּלָּֽם׃kul·lām — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study →. 15So Iאֲנִ֜י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → saidוְאָמַ֨רְתִּֽיwə·’ā·mar·tî — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to myselfבְּלִבִּ֗יbə·lib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study →, “The fateכְּמִקְרֵ֤הkə·miq·rêh — accident, chance occurrence, happenstanceH4745 — Full Word Study → of the foolהַכְּסִיל֙hak·kə·sîl — fool, foolish personH3684 — Full Word Study → will alsoגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → befallיִקְרֵ֔נִיyiq·rê·nî — to meet, befall, happen; to impose or lay (beams)H7136 — Full Word Study → meאֲנִ֣י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study →. Whatוְלָ֧מָּהwə·lām·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → thenאָ֣ז’āz — Then; at that time; thereforeH227 — Full Word Study → have Iאֲנִ֖י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → gainedיוֹתֵ֑רyō·w·ṯêr — advantage, profit, surplus, what remains overH3148 — Full Word Study → by being wiseחָכַ֛מְתִּיḥā·ḵam·tî — to be wise; to act with wisdomH2449 — Full Word Study →?” And I saidוְדִבַּ֣רְתִּיwə·ḏib·bar·tî — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → to myselfבְלִבִּ֔יḇə·lib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → that thisזֶ֖הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → tooשֶׁגַּם־šeg·gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → is futileהָֽבֶל׃hā·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study →. 16Forכִּי֩kî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → there is noאֵ֨ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → lastingלְעוֹלָ֑םlə·‘ō·w·lām — forever, eternity, perpetual durationH5769 — Full Word Study → remembranceזִכְר֧וֹןziḵ·rō·wn — Memorial, remembrance, record of significanceH2146 — Full Word Study → of the wiseלֶחָכָ֛םle·ḥā·ḵām — Wise, skilled, or cunning in understanding and discernmentH2450 — Full Word Study →, just as withעִֽם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → the foolהַכְּסִ֖ילhak·kə·sîl — fool, foolish personH3684 — Full Word Study →, seeing thatבְּשֶׁכְּבָ֞רbə·šek·kə·ḇār — Already, now, by this timeH3528 — Full Word Study → bothהַכֹּ֣לhak·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → will be forgottenנִשְׁכָּ֔חniš·kāḥ — to forget, neglect, lose memory ofH7911 — Full Word Study → in the daysהַיָּמִ֤יםhay·yā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → to comeהַבָּאִים֙hab·bā·’îm — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study →. Alasוְאֵ֛יךְwə·’êḵ — How? In what way? Where?H349 — Full Word Study →, the wise manהֶחָכָ֖םhe·ḥā·ḵām — Wise, skilled, or cunning in understanding and discernmentH2450 — Full Word Study → will dieיָמ֥וּתyā·mūṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → just likeעִֽם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → the foolהַכְּסִֽיל׃hak·kə·sîl — fool, foolish personH3684 — Full Word Study →! 17So I hatedוְשָׂנֵ֙אתִי֙wə·śā·nê·ṯî — to hate, despise, regard with hostilityH8130 — Full Word Study → lifeהַ֣חַיִּ֔יםha·ḥay·yîm — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the workהַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֔הham·ma·‘ă·śeh — Work, deed, or actionH4639 — Full Word Study → that is doneשֶׁנַּעֲשָׂ֖הšen·na·‘ă·śāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → underתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the sunהַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁhaš·šā·meš — The sun; sunlight; dayH8121 — Full Word Study → was grievousרַ֤עra‘ — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study → to meעָלַי֙‘ā·lay — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →. Forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → everythingהַכֹּ֥לhak·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → is futileהֶ֖בֶלhe·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study → and a pursuitוּרְע֥וּתū·rə·‘ūṯ — longing, desire, cravingH7469 — Full Word Study → of the windרֽוּחַ׃rū·aḥ — Spirit, breath, wind, or inner dispositionH7307 — Full Word Study →. 18Iאֲנִי֙’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → hatedוְשָׂנֵ֤אתִֽיwə·śā·nê·ṯî — to hate, despise, regard with hostilityH8130 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → for whichשֶׁאֲנִ֥יše·’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → I had toiledעֲמָלִ֔י‘ă·mā·lî — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study → underתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the sunהַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁhaš·šā·meš — The sun; sunlight; dayH8121 — Full Word Study →, because I must leave itשֶׁ֣אַנִּיחֶ֔נּוּše·’an·nî·ḥen·nū — To rest, cease, or remain in a state of quietnessH5117 — Full Word Study → to the manלָאָדָ֖םlā·’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study → who comesשֶׁיִּהְיֶ֥הše·yih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → after meאַחֲרָֽי׃’a·ḥă·rāy — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study →. 19And whoוּמִ֣יū·mî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → knowsיוֹדֵ֗עַyō·w·ḏê·a‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → whether that man will be wiseהֶֽחָכָ֤םhe·ḥā·ḵām — Wise, skilled, or cunning in understanding and discernmentH2450 — Full Word Study → orא֣וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → foolishסָכָ֔לsā·ḵāl — fool, foolish personH5530 — Full Word Study →? Yet he will takeוְיִשְׁלַט֙wə·yiš·laṭ — to rule, dominate, or exercise power overH7980 — Full Word Study → over allבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the laborעֲמָלִ֔י‘ă·mā·lî — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study → at which I have workedשֶֽׁעָמַ֥לְתִּיše·‘ā·mal·tî — to toil, labor, exert effortH5998 — Full Word Study → skillfullyוְשֶׁחָכַ֖מְתִּיwə·še·ḥā·ḵam·tî — to be wise; to act with wisdomH2449 — Full Word Study → underתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the sunהַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁhaš·šā·meš — The sun; sunlight; dayH8121 — Full Word Study →. Thisזֶ֖הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → tooגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → is futileהָֽבֶל׃hā·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study →. 20Soאֲנִ֖י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → my heartלִבִּ֑יlib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → beganוְסַבּ֥וֹתִֽיwə·sab·bō·w·ṯî — to turn, surround, go aroundH5437 — Full Word Study → to despairלְיַאֵ֣שׁlə·ya·’êš — To lose hope; to despair utterlyH2976 — Full Word Study → overעַ֚ל‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the laborהֶ֣עָמָ֔לhe·‘ā·māl — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study → that I had doneשֶׁעָמַ֖לְתִּיše·‘ā·mal·tî — to toil, labor, exert effortH5998 — Full Word Study → underתַּ֥חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the sunהַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃haš·šā·meš — The sun; sunlight; dayH8121 — Full Word Study →. 21Whenכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → there isיֵ֣שׁyêš — there is, exists, has beingH3426 — Full Word Study → a manאָדָ֗ם’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study → who has laboredשֶׁעֲמָל֛וֹše·‘ă·mā·lōw — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study → with wisdomבְּחָכְמָ֥הbə·ḥā·ḵə·māh — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study →, knowledgeוּבְדַ֖עַתū·ḇə·ḏa·‘aṯ — Knowledge, understanding, awarenessH1847 — Full Word Study →, and skillוּבְכִשְׁר֑וֹןū·ḇə·ḵiš·rō·wn — Skill, prudence, or proper conductH3788 — Full Word Study →, and he must giveיִתְּנֶ֣נּוּyit·tə·nen·nū — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → his portionחֶלְק֔וֹḥel·qōw — portion, allotment, flatteryH2506 — Full Word Study → to a manוּלְאָדָ֞םū·lə·’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study → who has notשֶׁלֹּ֤אšel·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → workedעָֽמַל־‘ā·mal- — to toil, labor, exert effortH5998 — Full Word Study → for it, thisזֶ֥הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → tooגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → is futileהֶ֖בֶלhe·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study → and a greatרַבָּֽה׃rab·bāh — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study → evilוְרָעָ֥הwə·rā·‘āh — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study →. 22Forכִּ֠יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → whatמֶֽה־meh- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → does a manלָֽאָדָם֙lā·’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study → getהֹוֶ֤הhō·weh — to exist, to be, to becomeH1933 — Full Word Study → for allבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the toilעֲמָל֔וֹ‘ă·mā·lōw — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study → and strivingוּבְרַעְי֖וֹןū·ḇə·ra‘·yō·wn — Striving, vexation, agitation of mindH7475 — Full Word Study → with whichשֶׁה֥וּאše·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → he laborsעָמֵ֖ל‘ā·mêl — laborer; toil; trouble; miseryH6001 — Full Word Study → underתַּ֥חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → the sunהַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃haš·šā·meš — The sun; sunlight; dayH8121 — Full Word Study →? 23Indeedכִּ֧יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study →, allכָל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → his daysיָמָ֣יוyā·māw — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → are filled with griefמַכְאֹבִ֗יםmaḵ·’ō·ḇîm — Physical or emotional pain; anguishH4341 — Full Word Study →, and his taskעִנְיָנ֔וֹ‘in·yā·nōw — task, business, or occupation; labor or work undertakenH6045 — Full Word Study → is sorrowfulוָכַ֙עַס֙wā·ḵa·‘as — Vexation, provocation, or irritation that stirs angerH3708 — Full Word Study →; evenגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → at nightבַּלַּ֖יְלָהbal·lay·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study →, his mindלִבּ֑וֹlib·bōw — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → does notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → restשָׁכַ֣בšā·ḵaḇ — to lie down, recline, sleepH7901 — Full Word Study →. Thisזֶ֖הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → tooגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → is futileהֶ֥בֶלhe·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study →. 24Nothingאֵֽין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → is better for a manבָּאָדָם֙bā·’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study → than to eatשֶׁיֹּאכַ֣לše·yō·ḵal — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → and drinkוְשָׁתָ֔הwə·šā·ṯāh — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study → and enjoyוְהֶרְאָ֧הwə·her·’āh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → his workבַּעֲמָל֑וֹba·‘ă·mā·lōw — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study →. Iאָ֔נִי’ā·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → have alsoגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → seenרָאִ֣יתִיrā·’î·ṯî — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֛יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → thisזֹה֙zōh — This, that; demonstrative pronoun or adjectiveH2090 — Full Word Study → is from the handמִיַּ֥דmî·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of Godהָאֱלֹהִ֖יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. 25Forכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → apart fromח֥וּץḥūṣ — Outside, exterior, or open space beyond a boundaryH2351 — Full Word Study → Himמִמֶּֽנִּי׃mim·men·nî — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study →, whoמִ֥יmî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → can eatיֹאכַ֛לyō·ḵal — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → and whoוּמִ֥יū·mî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → can find enjoymentיָח֖וּשׁyā·ḥūš — To hurry; to hasten with eagernessH2363 — Full Word Study →? 26Toכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the manלְאָדָם֙lə·’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study → who is pleasingשֶׁטּ֣וֹבšeṭ·ṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → in His sightלְפָנָ֔יוlə·p̄ā·nāw — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →, He givesנָתַ֛ןnā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → wisdomחָכְמָ֥הḥāḵ·māh — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study → and knowledgeוְדַ֖עַתwə·ḏa·‘aṯ — Knowledge, understanding, awarenessH1847 — Full Word Study → and joyוְשִׂמְחָ֑הwə·śim·ḥāh — Joy, gladness, rejoicingH8057 — Full Word Study →, but to the sinnerוְלַחוֹטֶא֩wə·la·ḥō·w·ṭe — To sin; to miss the mark; to commit wrongdoingH2398 — Full Word Study → He assignsנָתַ֨ןnā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the taskעִנְיָ֜ן‘in·yān — task, business, or occupation; labor or work undertakenH6045 — Full Word Study → of gatheringלֶאֱס֣וֹףle·’ĕ·sō·wp̄ — to gather, assemble, collectH622 — Full Word Study → and accumulating that which he will hand overלָתֵת֙lā·ṯêṯ — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → to one who pleasesלְטוֹב֙lə·ṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → Godהָֽאֱלֹהִ֔יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. Thisזֶ֥הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → tooגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → is futileהֶ֖בֶלhe·ḇel — Vanity, emptiness, futilityH1892 — Full Word Study → and a pursuitוּרְע֥וּתū·rə·‘ūṯ — longing, desire, cravingH7469 — Full Word Study → of the windרֽוּחַ׃rū·aḥ — Spirit, breath, wind, or inner dispositionH7307 — Full Word Study →.
Scripture Explorer
Original Language
Notes & Doctrine
Chapter Commentary
Cross-Refs
Highlight
My Note
Original Hebrew / Greek
Loading…
Translation Notes & Doctrine — This Verse
Loading…
Chapter Commentary — Ecclesiastes 2
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon—the preacher—chronicles his vast experiment in pursuing happiness through earthly pleasures, material wealth, and human achievement. Despite acquiring everything the human heart could desire—wine, buildings, gardens, servants, gold, music, and fame—he concludes that all of it is fundamentally empty and meaningless. This chapter reveals a profound spiritual truth: life pursued "under the sun" (without reference to God's eternal purposes) cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human soul. Through Solomon's honest testimony, we learn that true fulfillment comes not from what we accumulate or achieve, but from recognizing God's hand in the simple gifts He provides.

Verses 1–3: The Pursuit of Pleasure

Solomon begins his experiment by deciding to test himself with mirth and pleasure (verse 1). He recognizes that laughter and joy, pursued as life's primary goal, are ultimately hollow (verse 2). In verse 3, he resolves to explore even wine and folly while maintaining his wisdom, wanting to discover what is truly good for mankind during life's fleeting days. The critical phrase here is "under the sun," which recurs throughout Ecclesiastes, signifying life viewed only from an earthly, temporal perspective, apart from God's eternal dimension. Solomon's approach is experimental and honest; he is willing to pursue pleasure methodically to test its ultimate value. Application: Many today chase happiness through entertainment, intoxication, and momentary thrills, hoping that the next experience will bring lasting satisfaction. Solomon's candid experiment reminds us that pleasure, divorced from purpose and God, always disappoints.

Verses 4–10: The Accumulation of Wealth and Status

Solomon then catalogs his extraordinary acquisitions: great building projects (verse 4), gardens and orchards (verse 5), irrigation systems (verse 6), servants and livestock (verse 7), precious metals and musical entertainment (verse 8). By verse 9, he surpasses all who preceded him in Jerusalem, retaining his wisdom throughout. Yet in verse 10, despite allowing his eyes and heart whatever they desired and finding joy in his labor, Solomon reaches a devastating conclusion: all these pursuits constitute his "portion"—his ultimate reward—and it is vanity. Application: Wealth, status, and accomplishment are not inherently sinful, but they are profoundly insufficient as life's foundation. The tragedy of modern materialism is precisely this: we pursue larger houses, higher titles, and greater possessions, forgetting that they leave the deepest needs of the human spirit unmet.

Verses 11–16: The Futility of Wisdom Without Transcendence

Solomon observes that wisdom, while superior to folly as light exceeds darkness (verse 13), ultimately cannot prevent death's leveling effect (verses 14–15). Both the wise and the fool face the same fate; both are forgotten in time (verse 16). Though Solomon retained his wisdom throughout his experiment, he realizes it provides no permanent advantage over foolishness in the face of mortality. Application: Intellectual achievement and knowledge, however impressive, cannot solve the problem of human finitude and insignificance without God. We need wisdom that transcends the temporal.

Verses 17–23: The Despair of Legacy and Labor

Solomon now confesses hatred toward life itself, finding the works "under the sun" grievous (verse 17). He hates his own labor because he must leave it to an unknown successor—possibly a fool (verses 18–19). The man who labors wisely and righteously cannot control who receives his legacy (verse 21). All his days are sorrow and travail, with no rest (verse 23). Application: This passage speaks to the anxiety many feel about their life's work. We pour ourselves into careers, businesses, and projects, only to recognize our lack of ultimate control over their future.

Verses 24–26: God's Simple Gifts

Yet Solomon discovers that satisfaction comes not from striving but from receiving: eating, drinking, and enjoying good in one's labor—recognizing these as gifts from God's hand (verse 24). God grants wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those righteous before Him, while the sinner labors only to heap up for the righteous (verses 25–26). Application: True contentment emerges when we shift from autonomous striving to grateful reception, acknowledging God as the source of all good.

Application for Today

Ecclesiastes 2 invites us to examine our own pursuits honestly. Are we chasing satisfaction through pleasure, wealth, achievement, or status—only to find ourselves empty? Solomon's testimony calls us to reorient our lives around God, who alone gives lasting joy. The good news of the gospel is that in Christ, our labor has eternal significance, our legacies are secure in God's hands, and our days are purposeful. We are freed from the treadmill of proving our worth and can receive life's simple gifts with genuine gratitude.

Cross References
Loading…
Highlight This Verse
My Note