Ecclesiastes 2:10

Ecclesiastes 2:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.

King James Version KJV

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

American Standard Version ASV

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor; and this was my portion from all my labor.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And nothing which was desired by my eyes did I keep from them; I did not keep any joy from my heart, because my heart took pleasure in all my work, and this was my reward.

Free Bible Version FBV

I didn't stop myself trying anything I wanted. Whatever I felt like enjoying, I did. I even enjoyed everything I had accomplished, a reward for all my work.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And whatsoeuer mine eyes desired, I withheld it not from them: I withdrew not mine heart from any ioy: for mine heart reioyced in al my labour: and this was my portion of all my trauaile.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And all that mine eyes asked I kept not back from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour, and this hath been my portion, from all my labour,

World English Bible WEB

Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And whatever my eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And whatsoever my eyes desired, I refused them not: and I withheld not my heart from enjoying every pleasure, and delighting itself in the things which I had prepared: and esteemed this my portion, to make use of my own labour.

Translation for Translators T4T

I got everything [LIT] that I [SYN] saw and wanted. I did everything [LIT] that I thought would enable me to be happy. All those things that I [SYN] enjoyed were like a reward for all my hard work.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ecclesiastes 2:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/כֹל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָֽׁאֲל֣וּ עֵינַ֔/י לֹ֥א אָצַ֖לְתִּי מֵ/הֶ֑ם לֹֽא מָנַ֨עְתִּי אֶת לִבִּ֜/י מִ/כָּל שִׂמְחָ֗ה כִּֽי לִבִּ֤/י שָׂמֵ֨חַ֙ מִ/כָּל עֲמָלִ֔/י וְ/זֶֽה הָיָ֥ה חֶלְקִ֖/י מִ/כָּל עֲמָלִֽ/י

וְ/כֹל֙ kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

שָֽׁאֲל֣וּ shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Perf-3cp

עֵינַ֔/י ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

אָצַ֖לְתִּי ʼâtsal H680 to reserve V-Qal-Perf-1cs

מֵ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

מָנַ֨עְתִּי mânaʻ H4513 to withhold V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

לִבִּ֜/י lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

שִׂמְחָ֗ה simchâh H8057 joy N-fs

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

לִבִּ֤/י lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

שָׂמֵ֨חַ֙ sâmêach H8056 glad Adj

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

עֲמָלִ֔/י ʻâmâl H5999 trouble N-cs | Suff

וְ/זֶֽה zeh H2088 this Conj | Pron

הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms

חֶלְקִ֖/י chêleq H2506 portion N-ms | Suff

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

עֲמָלִֽ/י ʻâmâl H5999 trouble N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:10

וְ/כֹל֙ kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

שָֽׁאֲל֣וּ shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.

Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

עֵינַ֔/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אָצַ֖לְתִּי ʼâtsal H680 "to reserve" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to set something aside or reserve it for later. It can also mean to select or refuse something. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's actions, such as setting aside a people or a place for a special purpose. The KJV translates it as keep or reserve.

Definition: 1) to lay aside, reserve, withdraw, withhold 1a) (Qal) to reserve, set apart, withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withdrawn 1c) (Hiphil) to withdraw

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: keep, reserve, straiten, take. See also: Genesis 27:36; Numbers 11:25; Ezekiel 42:6.

מֵ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

מָנַ֨עְתִּי mânaʻ H4513 "to withhold" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.

Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לִבִּ֜/י lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

שִׂמְחָ֗ה simchâh H8057 "joy" N-fs

This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.

Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue

Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

לִבִּ֤/י lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

שָׂמֵ֨חַ֙ sâmêach H8056 "glad" Adj

This word describes someone who is joyful or glad, like the Psalmist in Psalm 100:1, who invites all to rejoice and be glad in the Lord.

Definition: 1) joyful, merry, glad 1a) joyful, showing joy 1b) you who rejoice (subst)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be) glad, joyful, (making) merry((-hearted), -ily), rejoice(-ing). See also: Deuteronomy 16:15; Esther 5:14; Psalms 35:26.

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

עֲמָלִ֔/י ʻâmâl H5999 "trouble" N-cs | Suff

This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.

Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.

וְ/זֶֽה zeh H2088 "this" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

חֶלְקִ֖/י chêleq H2506 "portion" N-ms | Suff

Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.

Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

עֲמָלִֽ/י ʻâmâl H5999 "trouble" N-cs | Suff

This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.

Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 2:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:10

Context — The Futility of Pleasure

8and I accumulated for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I gathered to myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men—many concubines. 9So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.

10Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.

11Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. 12Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ecclesiastes 9:9	Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.
2	Ecclesiastes 5:18	Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot.
3	Ecclesiastes 3:22	I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him?
4	Psalms 119:37	Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word.
5	Psalms 128:2	For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
6	Ecclesiastes 2:22	For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?
7	1 John 2:16	For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.
8	Ecclesiastes 11:9	Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.
9	Job 31:1	“I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?
10	Ecclesiastes 6:9	Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:10 Summary

[This verse is saying that the writer allowed himself to have anything he wanted, without saying no to himself, and he found pleasure in all his work, but as we see in the next verse, he realized that it wasn't enough to truly satisfy him. This is similar to what we see in Luke 12:15, where Jesus warns against storing up treasure for ourselves, but not being rich towards God. The writer is highlighting the emptiness of a life focused solely on personal pleasure and desires. He is showing us that even when we have all we could possibly want, we may still not find true contentment, and that's why it's so important to seek God's will and purposes for our lives, as seen in Matthew 6:33.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to refuse one's heart no pleasure?

In Ecclesiastes 2:10, the writer is saying that he allowed himself to fully indulge in any pleasure he desired, without self-restraint, as seen in his accumulation of wealth and luxuries in Ecclesiastes 2:8. This is similar to the concept in Proverbs 21:17, where it warns against the consequences of pursuing one's desires without self-control.

Is the writer saying that we should pursue all our desires without restraint?

No, the writer is actually highlighting the emptiness of a life focused solely on personal pleasure and desires, as seen in the next verse, Ecclesiastes 2:11, where he concludes that all his efforts were futile. This is in line with the warning in 1 John 2:15-17, which cautions against loving the world and its desires.

What does the phrase 'this was the reward for all my labor' mean in this context?

The writer is saying that the pleasure and delight he experienced in his work and accomplishments were the only rewards he received, but as he reflects further in Ecclesiastes 2:11, he realizes that even these rewards were ultimately unsatisfying and fleeting, much like the wisdom in Psalm 39:5, which reminds us that our lives are but a breath.

How does this verse relate to the concept of contentment?

This verse shows that even when we have all we could possibly want, we may still not find true contentment, as the writer did not find lasting satisfaction in his pursuits, as seen in Philippians 4:11-13, where the apostle Paul writes about learning to be content in all circumstances.

Reflection Questions

What are some desires or pleasures that I have been pursuing in my own life, and are they truly bringing me lasting satisfaction?
How do I balance the enjoyment of God's blessings with the pursuit of spiritual growth and contentment?
What are some areas where I may be refusing to deny myself, and how can I cultivate self-control in those areas?
How can I align my desires and pursuits with God's will and purposes for my life, as seen in Romans 12:2?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:10

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them,.... Though this sense is only mentioned, all are designed; he denied himself of nothing that was agreeable to him, that was pleasing to the eye,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:10

I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10

Whatsoever mine eyes desired; whatsoever was grateful to my senses, or my heart desired. He ascribes desire to the eyes, because the sight of the eyes is the usual and powerful incentive of desires; of which see . I kept not from them; I denied myself nothing, at least of lawful delights, but went to the very utmost bounds of them; which was the occasion of his falling afterward into sinful pleasures. I withheld not my heart from any joy; as my heart was vehemently set upon pleasure, so I did not resist or curb it therein, but made all possible provisions to gratify it. My heart rejoiced in all my labour; I had the comfort of all my labours, and was not hindered from the free and full enjoyment of them by sickness or war, or any other calamities occurrent. This was my portion of all my labour; this present and temporary enjoyment of them was all the benefit which I could expect or receive from all my labours, so that I made the best of them. I had a heart to use them, which many men through covetousness have not; and I tasted the sweetness of them, which many others cannot do; and therefore if any man could arrive at happiness by this means, I had done it.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10

Ecclesiastes 2:10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.Ver. 10. And whatsoever mine eyes desired, &c.] I fed them with pleasant pictures, shows, sights, and other objects of delight, which yet have plus deceptionis quam delectationis, able to entice and ready to kill the entangled. How many are there that have died of the wound in the eye; David, knowing the danger, prayeth, "Turn away mine eyes from beholding of vanity." Job steps one degree further, from a prayer to a vow, yea, from a vow to an imprecation. If our first parents fell by following the sight of their eyes and lust of their hearts, what can Solomon or any of us promise of ourselves, qui animas etiam incarnavimus, who have made our very spirit a lump of flesh, prone to entertain vice, yea, to solicit it? For my heart rejoiced in all my labour.] This is not every worldling’ s happiness. For some live not to enjoy what they have raked together, as that rich fool in the gospel; others live indeed, but live beside what they have gotten, as not daring to diminish ought, but defrauding their own genius, and denying themselves necessaries. So did not Solomon, and yet he found not the good he sought for either, as he tells us in the next words. Nor is it want of variety in these pleasures, but inward weakness, an emptiness and insufficiency in the creature. In heaven the objects of our delight and blessedness shall be, though uniform, yet everlastingly pleasing. Lactant.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10

(9-11) Kohéleth carried out his plan of tempering his enjoyment with discretion, but while he took his fill of the pleasure that fell to his lot, he found in it no abiding profit. He goes on in the following paragraph to complain that the wisdom and other advantages he possessed in his search for happiness render his failure the more disheartening.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10

Verse 10. I withheld not my heart from any joy] He had every means of gratification; he could desire nothing that was not within his reach; and whatever he wished, he took care to possess.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:10

10. whatsoever mine eyes desired] From such a life the idea of self-denial, even of self-control, was absolutely excluded. Money and power were but means to the end, and the end proposed was the gratification of the “desire of the eyes,” not identified with the “lust of the flesh,” but closely allied to it (1 John 2:16), in all its restless cravings. It was not altogether a fruitless effort. Such joy as these things could bring he had in abundant measure. It was for a time his “portion.” Like the rich man in the parable of Luk 16:25 he had his “good things,” and could not complain that the experiment failed as through imperfect apparatus. He also was tasting of the “tree of knowledge of good and evil,” and found that it was “good for food, and pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise” (Genesis 3:6).

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 2:10

Portion - A word of frequent occurrence. By it Solomon describes the pleasure found in the act of working and also perhaps the pleasure felt in the process of acquiring wisdom; this pleasure is

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:10

10. Mine eyes desired — This experiment, so broad and full, was not the reckless conduct of a debauchee, but there was method and discretion in it.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:10

	Sermon	Description
	The Battle of Familiarity by Carter Conlon	This sermon addresses the battle with familiarity, exploring why it becomes a struggle and how it leads to boredom. Drawing from Ecclesiastes, the speaker warns against becoming bo
	Ecclesiastes 1:1 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith explores the theme of vanity in life as expressed in Ecclesiastes 1:1, emphasizing Solomon's futile search for meaning through wealth, knowledge, and pleasure. Despite
	The Peacock by Harriet N. Cook	Harriet N. Cook reflects on the story of Solomon in the Bible, emphasizing his wisdom and wealth granted by God. Despite his riches and treasures, Solomon acknowledges the emptines
	On the Thorns in the Parable by Thomas Reade	Thomas Reade preaches on the parable of the sower, explaining how worldly cares, riches, and pleasures act as thorns that choke the growth of the word of God in our hearts. He emph
	The Theme by W.J. Erdman	W.J. Erdman preaches on the book of Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher, a wise man under the sun, seeks to answer the age-old question of the chief good in life and the true purpose
	Christian Recreation and Unchristian Amusement by T.L. Cuyler	T. L. Cuyler preaches about the importance of Christian recreation and the dangers of unchristian amusement, emphasizing the need for activities that strengthen the body, bring hap
	The Vanities of the Wise Experimenter. 2:1-26 by W.J. Erdman	In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher delves into the journey of a Seeker who starts with youthful pleasure and mirth, seeking 'the good' in life's experiences but ultimately