Old TestamentPoetry / Wisdom
Ecclesiastes Chapter Summaries
Ecclesiastes examines life's meaning "under the sun," concluding that true purpose is found only in fearing God.
12
Chapters
222
Total Verses
Solomon
Author
940-930 BC
Date Written
Book Outline
Introduction
1:1-11Everything is meaningless
Investigations
1:12-6:12Searching for meaning
Recommendations
7:1-12:8Wisdom for living
Conclusion
12:9-14Fear God
All 12 Chapters
Introduction
1
Ecclesiastes 1: The Futility of Life
18 versesLife is vanity and all is meaningless
2
Ecclesiastes 2: Pursuit of Pleasure
26 versesPleasures and achievements fail to satisfy
3
Ecclesiastes 3: A Time for Everything
22 versesThere is a season for every purpose
4
Ecclesiastes 4: Oppression and Toil
16 versesThe misery of oppression and envy
5
Ecclesiastes 5: Reverence for God
20 versesFear God and keep His commandments
6
Ecclesiastes 6: The Emptiness of Wealth
12 versesWealth without enjoyment is vanity
7
Ecclesiastes 7: Wisdom and Folly
29 versesWisdom is better than folly but limited
8
Ecclesiastes 8: Obedience and Mystery
17 versesObey the king and accept life's mysteries
9
Ecclesiastes 9: The Common Destiny
18 versesDeath comes to all, live wisely
10
Ecclesiastes 10: Wisdom in Daily Life
20 versesFolly and wisdom affect daily affairs
11
Ecclesiastes 11: Generosity and Youth
10 versesBe generous and remember youth's days
Now that you have read the overview, test your Ecclesiastes knowledge.
Key Themes
MeaninglessnessWisdomEnjoymentDeathFear of GodPurpose
Key Verses
“To every thing there is a season.”Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Fear God, and keep his commandments.”Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.”Ecclesiastes 1:2