King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 5:20 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:20 in the King James Version says “For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. For: or, Though ...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. For: or, Though he give not much, yet he remembereth, etc”

Ecclesiastes 5:20 · KJV

Joy

Context

18

Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. It is good: Heb. there is a good which is comely, etc all the days: Heb. the number of the days

19

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

20

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. For: or, Though he give not much, yet he remembereth, etc

Read Ecclesiastes 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he shall not much remember the days of his life (כִּי לֹא הַרְבֵּה יִזְכֹּר אֶת־יְמֵי חַיָּיו, ki lo harbeh yizkor et-yemei chayav)—'for not much will he remember the days of his life.' This can mean either he won't dwell on past troubles, or life passes quickly when enjoyed. Because God answereth him in the joy of his heart (כִּי הָאֱלֹהִים מַעֲנֶה בְּשִׂמְחַת לִבּוֹ, ki ha'elohim ma'aneh besimchat libbo)—literally 'because God occupies/answers him with the joy of his heart.'

The Hebrew verb ma'aneh is fascinating—it can mean 'answers,' 'occupies,' or 'keeps busy.' The sense is that God fills the person's attention with present joy, crowding out anxious rumination about past or future. The contrast with verse 17 ('he eateth in darkness... much sorrow') is stark: same brevity of life, opposite experience. The difference is God's simchat libbo (heart-joy)—not circumstances but divine grace producing contentment. This anticipates Paul's 'the joy of the Lord is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10) and 'rejoice in the Lord always' (Philippians 4:4). When God grants contentment, life's transience becomes less burdensome because the present moment becomes sufficient.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom literature recognized that memory can torture (dwelling on losses) or fade into irrelevance when present satisfaction exists. The righteous person, content in God's provision, experiences time differently than the anxious hoarder.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's gift of present joy prevent obsessive dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties?
  2. In what ways might you be missing current blessings by constantly 'remembering the days of your life' rather than receiving today's joy?
  3. What does it mean practically for God to 'answer you in the joy of your heart'—and how do you cultivate receptivity to that answer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֚י1 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֣א2 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הַרְבֵּ֔ה3 of 12

“For he shall not much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

יִזְכֹּ֖ר4 of 12

“remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת5 of 12
H853

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

יְמֵ֣י6 of 12

“the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חַיָּ֑יו7 of 12

“of his life”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

כִּ֧י8 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים9 of 12

“because God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מַעֲנֶ֖ה10 of 12

“answereth”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

בְּשִׂמְחַ֥ת11 of 12

“him in the joy”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

לִבּֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“of his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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 5:20 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 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 65:13-14Psalms 37:16Isaiah 65:21-24Romans 5:1Psalms 4:6-7Deuteronomy 28:47

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