For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Read it in contextThe Futility of Work
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 2:18 (Ecclesiastes 2:18 to Ecclesiastes 2:26).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
2:18Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
2:19And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
2:20Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
2:21For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
2:22For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
2:23For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
2:24There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
2:25For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
2:26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the traditional identification of the Preacher. The speaker is described as a son of David and king in Jerusalem, but the personal identification is debated. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 1:1; Ecclesiastes 1:12. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ecclesiastes 1:1–11:10): The Preacher reflects before his hearers on work, pleasure, injustice, mortality, and wisdom. Many observations describe human experience generally rather than a single event with a fixed audience. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? People seeking wisdom about work, mortality, and the fear of God; the closing instruction addresses a son or pupil. The first specific community is unknown. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 12:9; Ecclesiastes 12:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Futility of Work. Read Ecclesiastes 2:18 through Ecclesiastes 2:26 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The Preacher reflects on experience and human life without supplying a modern composition date. Identifying the speaker and dating the final book involve questions beyond a single proverb. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The speaker identifies a royal setting in Jerusalem, while the observations range broadly over life under the sun. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Futility of Work (Ecclesiastes 2:18 to Ecclesiastes 2:26).
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 2:18. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The book's concern with mortality and judgment can be read alongside the New Testament's teaching about resurrection and accountability through Christ. This is a canonical connection, not a claim that each reflection explicitly names Him. See Ecclesiastes 1:12, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Acts 17:31. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Receive ordinary life with gratitude, act responsibly amid uncertainty, and remember accountability to God. Read bleak observations within the book's larger inquiry and conclusion. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
Connection to the wholeThe opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion.
Connection to the wholeThe opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
Connection to the wholeThe reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
Connection to the wholeThe sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
Connection to the wholeThe closing appeal and conclusion direct the reader toward remembering the Creator, fearing God, keeping His commandments, and facing judgment.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.