Ecclesiastes 2:22
Ecclesiastes 2:22 in Multiple Translations
For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?
For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
For what hath a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboreth under the sun?
What does a man get for all his work, and for the weight of care with which he has done his work under the sun?
What do you get here on earth for all your hard work and worry?
For what hath man of all his trauaile and griefe of his heart, wherein he hath trauailed vnder the sunne?
For what hath been to a man by all his labour, and by the thought of his heart that he laboured at under the sun?
For what does a man have of all his labor and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?
For what hath man of all his labor, and of the vexation of his heart, in which he hath labored under the sun?
For what profit shall a man have of all his labour, and vexation of spirit, with which he bath been tormented under the sun?
So, it seems that people do not [RHQ] get much for all the hard work that they do and for worrying.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:22
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 2:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֠י
מֶֽה
הֹוֶ֤ה
לָֽ/אָדָם֙
בְּ/כָל
עֲמָל֔/וֹ
וּ/בְ/רַעְי֖וֹן
לִבּ֑/ו
שֶׁ/ה֥וּא
עָמֵ֖ל
תַּ֥חַת
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
כִּ֠י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֶֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הֹוֶ֤ה
hâvâʼ
H1933
to fall
V-Qal
לָֽ/אָדָם֙
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עֲמָל֔/וֹ
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
N-cs | Suff
וּ/בְ/רַעְי֖וֹן
raʻyôwn
H7475
striving
Conj | Prep | N-ms
לִבּ֑/ו
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
שֶׁ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Rel | Pron
עָמֵ֖ל
ʻâmêl
H6001
labour(er)
Adj
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:22
כִּ֠י
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.
מֶֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הֹוֶ֤ה
hâvâʼ
H1933
"to fall"
V-Qal
This verb means 'to be' or 'to exist', used in the sense of something happening or coming into being, like in Genesis 1:2. It's about something being present or real.
Definition: 1) Qal) 1a) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: be, [idiom] have. See also: Genesis 27:29; Ecclesiastes 2:22; Isaiah 16:4.
לָֽ/אָדָם֙
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
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.
עֲמָל֔/וֹ
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.
וּ/בְ/רַעְי֖וֹן
raʻyôwn
H7475
"striving"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word describes a strong longing or striving, like a deep desire. It can also mean a state of vexation or distress, like being troubled in one's mind.
Definition: longing, striving Aramaic equivalent: ra.yon (רַעְיוֹן "thought" H7476)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: vexation. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 2:22; Ecclesiastes 4:16.
לִבּ֑/ו
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.
שֶׁ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Rel | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
עָמֵ֖ל
ʻâmêl
H6001
"labour(er)"
Adj
This word describes someone who is laboring or sorrowful, like a worker or a person in misery. It appears in the Bible to describe people who are struggling or suffering.
Definition: 1) labourer, sufferer, wretched one 1a) labourer, workman 1b) sufferer
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: that laboureth, that is a misery, had taken (labour), wicked, workman. See also: Judges 5:26; Ecclesiastes 2:18; 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 2:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 2:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:22
Context — The Futility of Work
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?
23Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile. 24Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 127:2 | In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 1:3 | What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? |
| 3 | Philippians 4:6 | Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 3:9 | What does the worker gain from his toil? |
| 5 | 1 Peter 5:7 | Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. |
| 6 | Matthew 6:34 | Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 4:6 | Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind. |
| 8 | 1 Timothy 6:8 | But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. |
| 9 | Matthew 6:11 | Give us this day our daily bread. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 5:10–11 | He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? |
Ecclesiastes 2:22 Summary
This verse is asking a big question about the purpose of our hard work and efforts in life. The author is wondering what we really get out of all our labor and striving, and whether it brings us true fulfillment and happiness, as noted in Ecclesiastes 2:17. The answer to this question is complex, but it is clear that our work and labor can be meaningful and fulfilling when we do them with a sense of purpose and gratitude, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24 and Psalm 90:17. By considering our work in light of God's purposes and plans, we can find joy and satisfaction in our labor, even in the midst of challenges and frustrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Ecclesiastes 2:22?
The main idea of Ecclesiastes 2:22 is to question the ultimate value of human labor and toil, as seen in the phrase 'For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?' This idea is also reflected in Ecclesiastes 1:3, where the author asks about the profit of human labor.
Is the author of Ecclesiastes saying that work is meaningless?
While the author of Ecclesiastes is highlighting the futility of human labor apart from God, he is not saying that work is entirely meaningless, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:24, where he notes that it is good to enjoy one's work as a gift from God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Ecclesiastes?
This verse is part of the author's broader exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in life, which is a major theme throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
What is the significance of the phrase 'under the sun' in this verse?
The phrase 'under the sun' is a recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the limitations and frustrations of human life in this world, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:3 and Ecclesiastes 2:17, and highlighting the need to look beyond this life for true meaning and purpose, as noted in Psalm 90:1-2 and Romans 8:18-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced the futility of human labor in my own life, and how can I find meaning and purpose in my work despite these limitations?
- How does my perspective on work and labor change when I consider the phrase 'under the sun' and the limitations of human life in this world?
- In what ways can I cultivate a sense of enjoyment and gratitude for my work, as noted in Ecclesiastes 2:24, and how can this impact my overall sense of purpose and fulfillment?
- What are some things that I am striving for or laboring to achieve in my life, and are these things truly fulfilling and meaningful in light of Ecclesiastes 2:22?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:22
For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart?.... What profit has he by it, when there is so much vexation in it, both in getting it, and in the thought of leaving it to others?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:22
For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22
What comfort or benefit remains to any man after this short and frail life is once ended? or, what advantage hath he by all his labours above him who never laboured, and yet enjoyeth all the fruits of his labours?
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22
Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?Ver. 22. For what hath a man of all his labour.] What makes he of it, everything reckoned? See Ecclesiastes 1:3. What takes he with him when he dies, more than a poor winding sheet? As that great Emperor of Egypt caused to be proclaimed at his funeral, that that shirt of his, there hanged up for the purpose, was all that he now had of all his labour and great achievements. Saladin the mighty monarch of the East is gone, and hath taken no more with him than what you see, said the bare priest that went before the bier. Carion. Chron.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22
Verse 22. For what hath man of all his laborer] Labour of body, disappointment of hope, and vexation of heart, have been all my portion.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:22
22. the vexation of his heart] The word differs from that for which “feeding on wind” has been suggested, but is akin to it, and has been, as in Ecclesiastes 1:17, rendered by meditation. Here, perhaps, “corroding care” would best convey its meaning.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:22
22. What hath man — That is, man has nothing — nothing solid and abiding — when the accumulations of a working life pass from his name and lineage.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jesus Christ Is All in All by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher shares personal experiences and observations about the challenges and responsibilities of being called by God. He mentions the tragic events in Saigon |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Awakened Out of Sleep by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher draws a parallel between the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Church and its members in the present day. He emphasizes that both have settled in |
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Thou Hast Set My Feet in a Large Place by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 4 and Psalms 42, focusing on the theme of finding hope and help in God's presence. He encourages the congregation to refle |
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The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the consequences of dying unprepared, unconverted, and unsaved. It emphasizes the fear of judgment and fiery indignation for those who do not have a |
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Havner at Moody by Vance Havner | The sermon transcript discusses the idea that God does not reveal all the details of what is to come in order to prevent us from being distracted from our current responsibilities |
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Founders Week Conference 1974 - 02 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God above all else, while still acknowledging the need to fulfill our earthly responsibilities. He references the |
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Spiritual Leadership 19.12.84 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in various aspects of life. He discusses the need for balance between work and recreation, fellowship a |