About Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes examines life's meaning "under the sun," concluding that true purpose is found only in fearing God.

Author: SolomonWritten: c. 940-930 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 18
MeaninglessnessWisdomEnjoymentDeathFear of GodPurpose

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Jerusalem(Settlement)

King James Version

Ecclesiastes 1

18 verses with commentary

Vanity of Vanities

1

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

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KJV Study Commentary

The book opens with its superscription identifying the author as 'the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.' The Hebrew title 'Qoheleth' (קֹהֶלֶת) derives from 'qahal' (קָהָל, assembly/congregation), designating one who addresses an assembly—hence 'Preacher' or 'Teacher.' The description 'son of David, king in Jerusalem' points unmistakably to Solomon, though some scholars debate whether ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **The words.—**The Book of Nehemiah begins similarly; so do the prophecies of Jeremiah and Amos, and of Agur and Lemuel (Proverbs 30, 31) **The Preacher.—**Rather, *convener *(see Introduction). This word (*Kohéleth*) occurs in this book, Ecclesiastes 1:1-2; Ecclesiastes 1:12; Ecclesiastes 7:27, where, according to our present text, it is joined with a feminine, being elsewhere used with a mas...
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2

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

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KJV Study Commentary

The book's opening thesis statement employs quintuple repetition—'vanity of vanities... vanity of vanities; all is vanity'—creating a superlative construction meaning 'the ultimate vanity' or 'the emptiest of all emptiness.' The Hebrew word 'hevel' (הֶבֶל) literally means 'breath' or 'vapor,' connoting something transient, insubstantial, and fleeting. The Preacher uses this key term 38 times throu...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Vanity of vanities.—**This verse strikes the key-note of the whole work. In using this expression we mean to indicate the opinion that the unity of the book is rather that of a musical composition than of a philosophical treatise. A leading theme is given out and followed for a time. Episodes are introduced, not perhaps logically connected with the original subject, but treated in harmony wi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 10 Pr 10:1-32. Here begins the second part of the book, Pr 10:1-22:16, which, with the third, Pr 22:16-25:28, contains series of proverbs whose sense is complete in one or two verses, and which, having no logical connection, admit of no analysis. The parallelisms of Pr 10:1-15:33 are mostly antithetic; and those of Pr 16:1-22:16, synthetic. The evidences of art in the structure are very cl...
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3

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse poses the book's central question: 'What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?' The Hebrew 'yitron' (יִתְרוֹן, profit/advantage/gain) appears nine times in Ecclesiastes, asking whether human toil produces lasting surplus or benefit. The phrase 'under the sun' (tachat hashemesh, תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ) occurs 29 times, denoting earthly existence evaluated apart fr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3-11) Man is perpetually toiling, yet of all his toil there remains no abiding result. The natural world exhibits a spectacle of unceasing activity, with no real progress. The sun, the winds, the waters, are all in motion, yet they do but run a round, and nothing comes of it. (3) **What profit.—**The Hebrew word occurs ten times in this book (Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 2:13; Ecclesiastes 3:9...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. Treasures ... nothing--**that is, Ill-gotten gains give no true happiness (compare Pr 4:17; Mt 6:19). **righteousness--**especially beneficence (Psa 112:9). **death--**the greatest of all evils.
4

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh : but the earth abideth for ever.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Preacher observes the cyclical nature of human existence: 'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.' The Hebrew 'dor' (דּוֹר, generation) refers to each successive cohort of humanity, while 'olam' (עוֹלָם, for ever) indicates indefinite continuation. Human beings are temporary—each generation rises, lives briefly, and passes away—yet the earth...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) Comp. Ecclesiasticus 14:19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

3. (Compare Psa 37:16-20). The last clause is better: "He will repel the greedy desires of the wicked."
5

The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. hasteth: Heb. panteth

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KJV Study Commentary

The Preacher observes nature's cyclical patterns: 'The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.' The Hebrew verb 'shoeph' (שׁוֹאֵף, hasteth/pants) creates the image of the sun panting or gasping as it rushes back to its starting point, only to repeat the same circuit the next day. This personification portrays nature's wearying repetition—even the majestic...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Hasteth.—**Heb., *panteth. *The word is used of eager desire (Job 7:2; Psalm 119:131). **Where he arose.**—Better, *there to rise again.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. slack--**literally, "deceitful," failing of its purpose (compare Ho 7:16). **maketh rich--**(compare Pr 10:22).
6

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north</strong>—Qoheleth observes natural cycles with scientific precision. The Hebrew <em>ruach</em> (רוּחַ, wind/spirit/breath) circles endlessly in its <em>savivim</em> (סְבִיבִים, circuits/courses). Ancient observers noted seasonal wind patterns: winter winds from the north, summer from the south. Yet despite constant motion, <...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) The order of the Hebrew words permits the first clause, “going towards the south and returning towards the north,” to be understood in continuation of the description of the movements of the sun, and so some interpreters have taken them, but probably erroneously. The verse gains in liveliness if more literally rendered, “going towards the south and circling towards the north, circling, circlin...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. son--**as Pr 1:8, 10, and often. **sleepeth--**in indolence, and not for rest. **causeth shame--**literally, "is base" (compare Pr 14:35; 17:2).
7

All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. return: Heb. return to go

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full</strong>—the hydrological cycle perfectly illustrates Qoheleth's thesis about futility under the sun. Hebrew <em>nachalim</em> (נְחָלִים, rivers/streams) constantly flow <em>el-hayam</em> (אֶל־הַיָּם, toward the sea), yet oceanic volume remains stable. The closing phrase explains why: <strong>unto the place from whence the rivers com...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Whence the rivers come.—**Better, *whither the rivers go. *(Comp. Ecclesiasticus 40:11.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. Blessings--**literally, "Praises." The last clause is better: "The mouth of the wicked covereth (or concealeth) violence (or mischievous devices)" to be executed in due time (Psa 5:9; 10:7; Ro 3:14), and hence has no praises (compare Pr 10:11).
8

All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Preacher observes: 'All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.' The Hebrew 'yegeaim' (יְגֵעִים, full of labour/wearisome) describes exhausting toil that never satisfies. Human language cannot fully express this weariness—'man cannot utter it' (lo-yukhal ish ledabber, לֹא־יוּכַל אִישׁ לְדַבֵּר). The parallel phrases...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) This verse is capable of another translation which would give the sense “other instances of the same kind might be mentioned, but they are so numerous that it would be wearisome to recount them,” We abide by the rendering of our version.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. blessed--**literally, "for a blessing," or praise. **shall rot--**literally, "be worm-eaten," useless and disgusting.
9

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Preacher reaches a sobering conclusion: 'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.' The repeated formula emphasizes historical repetition. Human experience, wisdom, folly, sin, suffering—all repeat across generations. The phrase 'no new thing under the sun' doesn't deny innovation but assert...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **No** **new thing.—**Contrast Jeremiah 31:22; Isaiah 43:19; Isaiah 65:17. Justin Martyr (*Apol. i.* 57) has what looks like a reminiscence of this verse; but we cannot rely on it to prove his acquaintance with the book, the same idea being found in Grecian philosophy.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. wise, &amp;c.--**(compare Pr 9:8, 9, 16), opposed to **prating fool--**or, "fool of lips of wicked language." **fall--**headlong, suddenly.
10

Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Preacher warns: 'Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.' This verse reinforces verse 9's claim that there is 'no new thing under the sun.' When something appears novel, closer examination reveals precedent—'it hath been already of old time' (kebar hayah le-olamim, כְּבָר הָיָה לְעֹלָמִים). Human nature, problems, and ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Of old time.—**The Hebrew word here is peculiar to Ecclesiastes, where it occurs eight times (Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Ecclesiastes 3:15; Ecclesiastes 4:2; Ecclesiastes 6:10; Ecclesiastes 9:6-7), but is common in later Hebrew.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. perverteth his ways--**acts deceitfully. **known--**discovered and punished.
11

There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Preacher concludes his opening observations: 'There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.' The Hebrew 'zecher' (זֵכֶר, remembrance) indicates lasting memory or historical consciousness. Human memory is selective and limited—previous generations are forgotten, and our generation will likewise fade ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) If anything appears new, this is only because its previous occurrence has been forgotten. So likewise will those of this generation be forgotten by those who succeed them.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

10. Two vices contrasted; hypocrisy, or insinuating evil against one (Pr 6:13; Psa 35:19), and rashness of speech. In each case, the results are on the evildoers.

The Preacher's Quest for Meaning

12

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem</strong>—Qoheleth identifies himself with precision. The past tense <em>hayiti</em> (הָיִיתִי, I was) suggests he writes late in life, reflecting on his reign. 'King over Israel in Jerusalem' definitively identifies Solomon, David's son who ruled the united kingdom from Jerusalem (not just Judah). No other Davidic king ruled 'Israel' from Je...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

KOHELETH RELATES HIS OWN EXPERIENCE. (12) Having in the introductory verses stated the argument of the treatise, the writer proceeds to prove what he has asserted as to the vanity of earthly pursuits, by relating the failures of one who might be expected, if any one could, to bring such pursuits to a satisfactory result. Solomon, in this book called Kohéleth, pre-eminent among Jewish sovereigns as...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. a well--**or, "source" of good to himself and others (Joh 7:37, 38). On last clause, see on Pr 10:6.
13

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. to be: or, to afflict them

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KJV Study Commentary

Solomon describes his quest: 'And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.' The phrase 'gave my heart' (natati et-libi, נָתַתִּי אֶת־לִבִּי) indicates wholehearted intellectual pursuit. The verbs 'seek' (darosh, דָּרַשׁ) and 'search out' (tur, תּוּר) suggest comp...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Gave my heart.**—The phrase occurs again in this book (Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 7:25; Ecclesiastes 8:9; Ecclesiastes 8:16) and often elsewhere. (See Daniel 10:12; 2Chronicles 11:16, &c) The heart among the Hebrews is regarded as the seat, not merely of the feelings, but of the intellectual faculties, and so the word is constantly used in what follows. “I gave my heart” is the same as...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. strifes--**or, "litigations." **covereth--**by forgiveness and forbearance.
14

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

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KJV Study Commentary

After surveying 'all the works that are done under the sun,' the Preacher reaches a devastating conclusion: 'all is vanity and vexation of spirit.' The phrase 'vexation of spirit' translates the Hebrew 're'ut ruach' (רְעוּת רוּחַ), literally 'shepherding' or 'striving after wind'—a vivid metaphor for futile effort expended on something impossible to grasp or control. This isn't mere pessimism but ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Vexation.**—The word occurs only in this book (Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 2:17; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Ecclesiastes 4:6; Ecclesiastes 6:9). The A. V. translation, “vexation of spirit,” is difficult to justify. Very nearly the same phrase occurs in Hosea 12:1, and is there translated “feeding on wind,” for in Hebrew, as in some other languages, the name for “spirit” primar...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. In the lips ... found--**hence, not beaten, as the wicked-speaking fool. **void of understanding--**(Pr 6:32; 7:7).
15

That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. that which is wanting: Heb. defect

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse captures the sobering reality of humanity's limitations and the fallen world's brokenness. The Hebrew word for 'crooked' (me'uwwath, מְעֻוָּת) describes something twisted, perverted, or distorted—morally and physically. The parallel term 'wanting' (chesrown, חֶסְרוֹן) means deficiency or lack. Together, these terms paint a picture of irreversible damage and insurmountable deficiency. Th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Made straight.**—The verb occurs only in this book (Ecclesiastes 7:13; Ecclesiastes 12:9, “set in order”) and in Rabbinical Hebrew. So likewise “that which is wanting” is peculiar to this passage, and to later Hebrew.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. lay up knowledge--**that is, as treasures for good use. **mouth ... destruction--**or, "as to the mouth," &amp;c., destruction is near; they expose themselves to evil by prating.
16

I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. had: Heb. had seen much

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KJV Study Commentary

Solomon's pursuit of wisdom leads to a paradoxical discovery: 'in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.' The Hebrew 'ka'as' (כַּעַס, grief/vexation) and 'makob' (מַכְאוֹב, sorrow/pain) describe emotional and psychological distress. This isn't anti-intellectualism but honest acknowledgment that comprehensive understanding of reality brings burdensome awarene...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Wisdom and knowledge.—**Isaiah 30:6; Romans 11:33.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15. Both by trusting in "uncertain riches" (1Ti 6:17), or by the evils of poverty (Pr 30:9), men, not fearing God, fall into dangers.
17

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse describes Solomon's comprehensive investigation: 'I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly.' The Hebrew 'natati et-libi' (נָתַתִּי אֶת־לִבִּי, gave my heart) indicates wholehearted, systematic pursuit—not casual curiosity but intentional examination. Solomon pursued understanding not only of wisdom but also its opposites: 'madness' (holelot, הוֹלֵלוֹת, reckless beha...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Madness and folly** are words we should not expect to find in this context, and accordingly some interpreters have attempted by variations of reading to substitute for them words of the same nature as “wisdom and knowledge,” but see Ecclesiastes 2:12; Ecclesiastes 7:25. Taking the text as it stands, it means to know wisdom and knowledge fully by a study of their contraries. The word for “ma...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16. The industry of the righteous is alone truly successful, while the earnings of the wicked tempt and lead to sin.
18

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

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KJV Study Commentary

Solomon's pursuit of wisdom leads to a paradoxical discovery: 'in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.' The Hebrew 'ka'as' (כַּעַס, grief/vexation) and 'makob' (מַכְאוֹב, sorrow/pain) describe emotional and psychological distress. This isn't anti-intellectualism but honest acknowledgment that comprehensive understanding of reality brings burdensome awarene...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Grief.—**Irritation. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. keepeth--**observes (Pr 3:18; 4:22). **refuseth--**or, "turns from reproof," which might direct him aright.

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