King James Version
Ecclesiastes 1:8 in the King James Version says “All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearin...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.”
Ecclesiastes 1:8 · KJV
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.
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
All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
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.
Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“All things”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“utter”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“is not satisfied”
H7646to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
“it the eye”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
“with seeing”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“filled”
H4390to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
“with hearing”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Ecclesiastes 1:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge