King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 2:18 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 2:18 in the King James Version says “Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after m...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Yea, 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. taken: Heb. laboured”

Ecclesiastes 2:18 · KJV

Context

16

For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

17

Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

18

Yea, 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. taken: Heb. laboured

19

And 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.

20

Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun—the strong Hebrew verb 'sane'' (שָׂנֵא, hated) expresses intense negative emotion, stronger than mere dislike. After comprehensive experimentation (2:4-10), Solomon reaches the bitter conclusion that even his impressive achievements produced not satisfaction but resentment. The reason: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. The Hebrew 'azav' (עָזַב, leave) means to abandon or forsake. Death forces relinquishing all accumulated wealth, projects, and accomplishments to successors.

This verse articulates a profound frustration: we invest decades building, acquiring, and achieving, only to die and transfer everything to heirs who neither earned it nor may appreciate it. The following verse (2:19) heightens this frustration—the heir may be 'a wise man or a fool,' yet will control everything the builder labored to create. This reality exposes the fundamental futility of labor pursued as an end in itself. Only work done as service to God, whose rewards transcend death, escapes this frustration (1 Corinthians 15:58). Jesus warned: 'Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?' (Luke 12:20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's concern proved prophetic. First Kings 12 records that his son Rehoboam foolishly rejected wise counsel, provoking the kingdom's division. Jeroboam's northern rebellion split the united monarchy Solomon built, validating the Preacher's anxiety about incompetent successors squandering hard-won achievements. Ancient Near Eastern kings obsessed over succession—Egyptian pharaohs built pyramids partly to preserve their legacy, and Mesopotamian kings erected monuments ensuring remembrance. Yet countless kingdoms rose and fell, dynasties ended, and monuments crumbled. Only God's kingdom endures eternally (Daniel 2:44). The New Testament redirects labor toward eternal rewards—'lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven' (Matthew 6:20). Church history confirms that earthly empires fade while faithful service to Christ yields eternal fruit. The Reformers emphasized vocation—all legitimate labor, done as unto the Lord, has eternal significance despite earthly transience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that death will transfer your life's work to others affect your attitude toward your labor and legacy?
  2. What labor are you investing in that will transcend death and last for eternity rather than being left to uncertain heirs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְשָׂנֵ֤אתִֽי1 of 13

“Yea I hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

אֲנִי֙2 of 13
H589

i

אֶת3 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל4 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲמָלִ֔י5 of 13

“all my labour”

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

שֶׁאֲנִ֥י6 of 13
H589

i

עָמֵ֖ל7 of 13

“which I had taken”

H6001

toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively, sorrowful

תַּ֣חַת8 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ9 of 13

“under the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

שֶׁ֣אַנִּיחֶ֔נּוּ10 of 13

“because I should leave”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

לָאָדָ֖ם11 of 13

“it unto the man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

שֶׁיִּהְיֶ֥ה12 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַחֲרָֽי׃13 of 13

“that shall be after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 2:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 39:6Psalms 49:10Luke 16:27-28Ecclesiastes 9:9Ecclesiastes 4:3Psalms 17:14

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