Ecclesiastes 2:11
Ecclesiastes 2:11 in Multiple Translations
Yet 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.
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do; and, behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.
Then I saw all the works which my hands had made, and everything I had been working to do; and I saw that all was to no purpose and desire for wind, and there was no profit under the sun.
But when I thought about what I had worked so hard to achieve, everything I'd done, it was so short-lived—as significant as someone trying to catch the wind. There really is no enduring benefit here on earth.
Then I looked on all my workes that mine hands had wrought, and on the trauaile that I had laboured to doe: and beholde, all is vanitie and vexation of the spirit: and there is no profite vnder the sunne.
and I have looked on all my works that my hands have done, and on the labour that I have laboured to do, and lo, the whole [is] vanity and vexation of spirit, and there is no advantage under the sun!
Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
And when I turned myself to all the works which my hands had wrought, and to the labours wherein I had laboured in vain, I saw in all things vanity, and vexation of mind, and that nothing was lasting under the sun.
But then I thought about all the hard work that I [SYN] had done to get all those things, and none of it seems to bring any lasting benefit [DOU]. It was all like chasing the wind.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:11
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 2:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פָנִ֣יתִֽי
אֲנִ֗י
בְּ/כָל
מַעֲשַׂ/י֙
שֶֽׁ/עָשׂ֣וּ
יָדַ֔/י
וּ/בֶֽ/עָמָ֖ל
שֶׁ/עָמַ֣לְתִּי
לַ/עֲשׂ֑וֹת
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
הַ/כֹּ֥ל
הֶ֨בֶל֙
וּ/רְע֣וּת
ר֔וּחַ
וְ/אֵ֥ין
יִתְר֖וֹן
תַּ֥חַת
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
וּ/פָנִ֣יתִֽי
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מַעֲשַׂ/י֙
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp | Suff
שֶֽׁ/עָשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יָדַ֔/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
וּ/בֶֽ/עָמָ֖ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
Conj | Prep | N-cs
שֶׁ/עָמַ֣לְתִּי
ʻâmal
H5998
to toil
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לַ/עֲשׂ֑וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
הַ/כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
Art | N-ms
הֶ֨בֶל֙
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
וּ/רְע֣וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7469
longing
Conj | N-fs
ר֔וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
יִתְר֖וֹן
yithrôwn
H3504
advantage
N-ms
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:11
וּ/פָנִ֣יתִֽי
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֲנִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
מַעֲשַׂ/י֙
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
שֶֽׁ/עָשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
יָדַ֔/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וּ/בֶֽ/עָמָ֖ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
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.
שֶׁ/עָמַ֣לְתִּי
ʻâmal
H5998
"to toil"
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To toil means to work very hard, often with difficulty or annoyance, like the laborers in the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20.
Definition: 1) to labour, toil 1a) (Qal) to labour
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (take) labour (in). See also: Psalms 127:1; Ecclesiastes 2:20; Proverbs 16:26.
לַ/עֲשׂ֑וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
הַ/כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Art | 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.
הֶ֨בֶל֙
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
וּ/רְע֣וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7469
"longing"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word describes a strong longing or striving after something, like a deep desire or craving. It is often translated as 'vexation' in the KJV. It conveys a sense of yearning or pursuit.
Definition: longing, striving Aramaic equivalent: re.ut (רְעוּ "pleasure" H7470)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: vexation. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:14; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 6:9.
ר֔וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יִתְר֖וֹן
yithrôwn
H3504
"advantage"
N-ms
This word means advantage or gain, describing something that is profitable or excellent. It is used to describe preeminence and superiority. In the Bible, it is used to describe the benefits of following God's ways.
Definition: advantage, profit, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: better, excellency(-leth), profit(-able). See also: Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 5:8; Ecclesiastes 10:11.
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 2:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:11
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:11
Context — The Futility of Pleasure
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? 13And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 1:14 | I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. |
| 2 | 1 John 2:16–17 | 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. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 1:3 | What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? |
| 4 | Genesis 1:31 | And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 6:6 | Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. |
| 6 | Exodus 39:43 | And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 2:17–23 | So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil. For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 2:13 | Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain? |
Ecclesiastes 2:11 Summary
This verse is saying that even when we achieve great things and get what we want, it can still feel empty and unfulfilling. The speaker in Ecclesiastes 2:11 realized that all his hard work and accomplishments didn't bring him the happiness he thought they would (as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3). This reminds us that true fulfillment comes from God, not from what we do or have (see Psalm 16:11). We should focus on building a relationship with Him and finding our purpose in serving Him, rather than just pursuing earthly success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'pursuit of the wind' mean in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
The phrase 'pursuit of the wind' is a metaphor that describes the futility of chasing after something that is elusive and unattainable, much like trying to catch the wind (as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:14 and 1:17).
Is the speaker in Ecclesiastes 2:11 saying that all work and accomplishments are meaningless?
The speaker is saying that when he looked at all his accomplishments and works, he found them to be futile and lacking in lasting significance, a theme that is also explored in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 and Ecclesiastes 3:19-20.
How can I apply the lesson of Ecclesiastes 2:11 to my own life?
You can apply this lesson by recognizing that true fulfillment and purpose come not from earthly accomplishments, but from a relationship with God (as seen in Psalm 16:11 and Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Is Ecclesiastes 2:11 relevant to Christians today?
Yes, the message of Ecclesiastes 2:11 is still relevant today, as it reminds us that our ultimate hope and satisfaction should be in God, not in the things of this world (as seen in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 and Colossians 3:2).
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I have been pursuing, only to find them lacking in true fulfillment?
- How can I shift my focus from earthly accomplishments to a deeper relationship with God?
- What does it mean for me to 'consider all the works that my hands have accomplished' and find them futile, as the speaker does in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
- In what ways can I use my talents and abilities to serve God and find true purpose?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:11
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do,.... He had looked at them, and on them, over and over again, and had taken pleasure therein; but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:11
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 2:11
I made a serious review of my former works and labours, and considered whether I had obtained that satisfaction in them which I designed and expected; and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit; I found myself suddenly disappointed and wholly dissatisfied in this course. There was no profit; the pleasure was past and gone, and I was never the better for it, but as empty as before, and had nothing left but sorrowful reflections upon it.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:11
Ecclesiastes 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun.Ver. 11. Then I looked on all the works.] A necessary and profitable practice, well worthy our imitation - viz., to recognise and review what we have done, and to how little purpose we have "wearied ourselves in the multitude of our counsels." "God looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not, he will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light." Cicero could tell Nevius, that if he had but well weighed with himself those two words, Quid ago? What do I? his lust and luxury would have been cooled and qualified. And behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit] In the very pursuit of them is much anguish, many grievances, fears, jealousies, disgraces, interruptions, discontentments. Next, it is seldom seen that God allows to the greatest darlings of the world a perfect contentment. Something they must have to complain of, that shall give an unsavoury verdure to their sweetest morsels, and make their very felicity miserable. "Yet all this avails me nothing so long as I see Mordecai," saith Haman the king’ s minion. Lastly, after the unsanctified enjoyment follows the sting of conscience, that will inexpressibly vex and torture the soul throughout all eternity. And there was no profit under the sun.] Nulla emolumenta laborum, nothing but labour for travail, no contentation but desperation, no satisfaction but endless vexation; as children tire themselves to catch a butterfly, which when they have caught profits them nothing, only fouls their fingers. Or rather as the dropsical body, by striving to quench thirst by drinking, doth but increase the disease, and in the end destroy itself.
Orat. pro Quintio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:11
(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 2:11
Verse 11. And, behold, all was vanity] Emptiness and insufficiency in itself. And vexation of spirit] Because it promised the good I wished for, but did not, could not, perform the promise; and left my soul discontented and chagrined.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:11
11. Then I looked] Here also, however, the result was as before. There came the afterthought which scrutinised the enjoyments and found them wanting. The pursuit of pleasure was as unsatisfying as the pursuit of knowledge. Like others who have trodden the same path, he had to confess that “Medio de fonte leporumSurgit amari aliquid.”“E’en from the centre of the fount of joysThere springs an element of bitterness.”Lucret., De Rer. Nat. iv. 1127. All was vanity and feeding on the wind. There was no real “profit” (see note on chap. Ecclesiastes 1:3) that could take its place among his permanent possessions, no surplus to his credit on the balance-sheet of life. In the more solemn words of Mat 16:26, “What is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” we have substantially the same teaching.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:11
11. Then I looked — Hebrew, Then I turned. The result is, that not one or all of these gathered delights quieted the craving of the mind or gave lasting happiness.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:11
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The Way to Serve God by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and doing it with passion and dedication. He encourages the audience to identify what their hands sh |
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The Sum and Forecast and Great Conclusion. 11:17-12:14 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher reflects on the vanity of life under the sun, emphasizing the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits and the ultimate conclusion that all i |
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Standing in Slippery Places by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead's sermon 'Standing in Slippery Places' emphasizes the precarious state of the wicked who seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. He draws from Psalm 73, illustra |
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Can You Live It? by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill preaches about the feeling many of us have that we were made for bigger things, a unique purpose that we struggle to grasp, leading to a sense of unfulfillment and m |
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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 |
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The Great Contradiction and Failure. 6:1-12 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher reflects on the futility and emptiness of pursuing worldly riches, honor, and pleasures, ultimately finding them to be vanity and a chas |
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Sell Their Souls to Satan by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave danger of trading one's soul for temporary pleasures, likening it to children who exchange valuable jewels for trivial items. He warns that many |