Ecclesiastes 2:20
Ecclesiastes 2:20 in Multiple Translations
So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun.
Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor wherein I had labored under the sun.
So my mind was turned to grief for all the trouble I had taken and all my wisdom under the sun.
I decided to give up, my mind in despair over the significance of all my life's achievements.
Therefore I went about to make mine heart abhorre all the labour, wherein I had trauailed vnder the sunne.
And I turned round to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour that I laboured at under the sun.
Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.
Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor which I took under the sun.
Wherefore I left off and my heart renounced labouring any more under the sun.
I thought about all the hard work that I had done. It seemed useless, and I became depressed/discouraged.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:20
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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/סַבּ֥וֹתִֽי
אֲנִ֖י
לְ/יַאֵ֣שׁ
אֶת
לִבִּ֑/י
עַ֚ל
כָּל
הֶ֣/עָמָ֔ל
שֶׁ/עָמַ֖לְתִּי
תַּ֥חַת
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
וְ/סַבּ֥וֹתִֽי
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
לְ/יַאֵ֣שׁ
yâʼash
H2976
to despair
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
עַ֚ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הֶ֣/עָמָ֔ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
Art | N-cs
שֶׁ/עָמַ֖לְתִּי
ʻâmal
H5998
to toil
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:20
וְ/סַבּ֥וֹתִֽי
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֲנִ֖י
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.
לְ/יַאֵ֣שׁ
yâʼash
H2976
"to despair"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To despair or lose hope is the meaning of this word. It involves giving up or feeling desperate, like saying 'it's hopeless' in the face of a difficult situation.
Definition: 1) to despair 1a) (Niphal) to be despaired, be desperate 1b) (Piel) to cause to despair interj 2) it is hopeless!
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) despair, one that is desperate, be no hope. See also: 1 Samuel 27:1; Isaiah 57:10; Jeremiah 2:25.
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.
לִבִּ֑/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.
עַ֚ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
הֶ֣/עָמָ֔ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
Art | 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/עָמַ֖לְתִּי
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.
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 2:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 2:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:20
Context — The Futility of Work
18I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.
19And 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.
20So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun.
21When 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. 22For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 43:14 | May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” |
| 2 | Job 17:11–15 | My days have passed; my plans are broken off— even the desires of my heart. They have turned night into day, making light seem near in the face of darkness. If I look for Sheol as my home, if I spread out my bed in darkness, and say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’ where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 1:8–10 | We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, |
| 4 | Psalms 39:6–7 | Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 3:3–4 | so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 15:19 | If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men. |
Ecclesiastes 2:20 Summary
[This verse, Ecclesiastes 2:20, is saying that even though the Preacher worked very hard, he started to feel hopeless and like it was all for nothing. This can happen to us too, when we focus too much on what we can achieve in this life, instead of remembering that our true fulfillment comes from God, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By keeping our eyes on God and seeking to serve Him, we can find purpose and meaning in our work, even when it feels hard or unfulfilling, and remember that our labor is not in vain, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:58.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to despair over one's labor?
To despair over one's labor, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:20, means to feel hopeless and without purpose in the work one has done, similar to how the Psalmist felt in Psalms 42:5 when he was downcast and disturbed within himself.
Is it normal to feel this way about our work?
Yes, it is normal to feel frustrated or unfulfilled with our work at times, as the Bible acknowledges the futility of labor under the sun, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:20 and Ecclesiastes 1:3, but we are encouraged to find our purpose and meaning in God, as stated in Colossians 3:23-24.
How can we avoid feeling this way about our work?
We can avoid feeling hopeless about our work by keeping an eternal perspective, remembering that our labor is not just for this life, but for the life to come, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:58, and by finding joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord, as seen in Psalms 100:2.
What is the relationship between labor and fulfillment?
The Bible teaches that labor and fulfillment are not always directly related, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:20, where the Preacher feels unfulfilled despite his hard work, but in Matthew 6:33, we are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God, and then our needs will be met, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I have worked hard for, but now feel unfulfilled about?
- How can I shift my focus from the fleeting rewards of this life to the eternal rewards of the next?
- What are some ways I can serve the Lord in my daily work, and find joy and fulfillment in it?
- In what ways can I trust God to give me purpose and meaning in my work, even when it feels futile?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:20
Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair,.... Of ever finding happiness in anything here below.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:20
Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
I gave myself up to despondency, and despair of ever reaping that satisfaction which I promised to myself.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
Ecclesiastes 2:20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.Ver. 20. Therefore I went about to cause my heart, &c., ] i.e., I set myself to take off the edge of my affections from these outward comforts that are so uncertain, and so unsatisfactory, and to take another course for the attaining of true happiness. The Hebrew word signifies, I set a compass, I turned round, or I turned short again upon myself, by a reflex action of my mind, as Ephraim did, as the prodigal did when he "came to himself," who before had been beside himself in the point of salvation, and as Solomon elsewhere prays, that the captive people may bethink themselves, or, as the Hebrew hath it, "bring back to their heart," "return and discern between the righteous and the wicked." Thus David examined his ways, and finding all to be naught and stark naught - contrary to that of God, who, reviewing His works, found all good and very good - he bethought himself of a better course, he "turned his feet to God’ s testimonies." "Set not thy heart upon the asses," said the prophet to Saul, forasmuch as better things abide thee "the desire of all Israel is to thee." ραεϊι, Pεριηχθην. Symmachus. Metaph. ab equis, quos qui agitant circumagunt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
(20) Went about.—Ecclesiastes 7:25; Ecclesiastes 9:14; Ecclesiastes 12:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
Verse 20. I went about to cause my heart to despair] What makes all worse, there is no remedy. It is impossible in the present state of things to prevent these evils.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:20
20. I went about to cause my heart to despair] The verb for despair is not a common one. Another form of it meets us in the emphatic cry, “There is no hope” of Jeremiah 2:25; Jeremiah 18:12. What he had felt had made the seeker renounce the very impulse that led to labour. In the phrase “I went about,” literally, “I turned,” we have, as it were, the attitude of one who looks behind him on the road on which so far he has travelled. The retrospect was so dreary that it made the prospect drearier still.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:20
20. Cause my heart to despair — From anxiety Koheleth turns to “despair.” To feel toward the close of life that one’s enterprises and accumulations have been in vain, is a dark and gloomy feeling.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Helpers in Prayer by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the need for believers to seek God's help and intervention in their lives. He highlights the example of the apos |
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A Word for Those Who Feel Like Quitting by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the struggles and challenges that believers face after experiencing a powerful transformation in their lives through Christ. He acknowledges |
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Dont Let Discouragement Take Your Strength by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful message about overcoming discouragement by trusting in God's faithfulness and purpose, even in the darkest moments. It emphasizes the importance of waitin |
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Why Should We Pray? by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about coming home from a trip and the importance of prayer. He mentions having two notebooks, one for speaking and one for pr |
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Oil Beaten for the Light by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praising and glorifying God, asking for His presence and power to be manifested in the city. The preacher emphasizes the importance of liftin |
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(Depressed Disciples) False Teaching by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and how it reflects the perilous times mentioned in the Bible. He emphasizes the storms and challenges that pe |
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Grace Walk Experience - Part 2 by Steve McVey | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God in the midst of troubles, highlighting how our problems can lead us to a deeper reliance on God's sovereignty and purpose. It |