Ecclesiastes 2:3

Ecclesiastes 2:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

King James Version KJV

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 the heaven all the days of their life.

American Standard Version ASV

I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I made a search with my heart to give pleasure to my flesh with wine, still guiding my heart with wisdom, and to go after foolish things, so that I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under the heavens all the days of their life.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then I used my mind to examine the attraction of wine to my body. My mind still guiding me with wisdom, I took it until I acted like a fool, so that I might see whether this was good for people to do during their time here.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I sought in mine heart to giue my selfe to wine, and to leade mine heart in wisdome, and to take holde of follie, till I might see where is that goodnesse of the children of men, which they enioy vnder the sunne: the whole nomber of the dayes of their life.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I have sought in my heart to draw out with wine my appetite, (and my heart leading in wisdom), and to take hold on folly till that I see where [is] this — the good to the sons of man of that which they do under the heavens, the number of the days of their lives.

World English Bible WEB

I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I sought in my heart, to give myself to wine, yet acquainting my 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 the heaven all the days of their life.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I thought in my heart, to withdraw my flesh from wine, that I might turn my mind to wisdom, and might avoid folly, till I might see what was profitable for the children of men: and what they ought to do under the sun, all the days of their life.

Translation for Translators T4T

So, after thinking a lot about it, I decided to ◄cheer myself/cause myself to be happy► by drinking a lot of wine. So while I was still trying to be wise, I decided to do things that many people do to be happy during the short time that they are alive on the earth.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:3

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 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB תַּ֣רְתִּי בְ/לִבִּ֔/י לִ/מְשׁ֥וֹךְ בַּ/יַּ֖יִן אֶת בְּשָׂרִ֑/י וְ/לִבִּ֞/י נֹהֵ֤ג בַּֽ/חָכְמָה֙ וְ/לֶ/אֱחֹ֣ז בְּ/סִכְל֔וּת עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁר אֶרְאֶ֗ה אֵי זֶ֨ה ט֜וֹב לִ/בְנֵ֤י הָ/אָדָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר יַעֲשׂוּ֙ תַּ֣חַת הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם מִסְפַּ֖ר יְמֵ֥י חַיֵּי/הֶֽם

תַּ֣רְתִּי tûwr H8446 to spy V-Qal-Perf-1cs

בְ/לִבִּ֔/י lêb H3820 heart Prep | N-ms | Suff

לִ/מְשׁ֥וֹךְ mâshak H4900 to draw Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בַּ/יַּ֖יִן yayin H3196 wine Prep | N-ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בְּשָׂרִ֑/י bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms | Suff

וְ/לִבִּ֞/י lêb H3820 heart Conj | N-ms | Suff

נֹהֵ֤ג nâhag H5090 to lead V-Qal

בַּֽ/חָכְמָה֙ chokmâh H2451 wisdom Prep | N-fs

וְ/לֶ/אֱחֹ֣ז ʼâchaz H270 to grasp Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בְּ/סִכְל֔וּת çiklûwth H5531 folly Prep | N-fs

עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אֶרְאֶ֗ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

אֵי ʼay H335 where? Part

זֶ֨ה zeh H2088 this Pron

ט֜וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

לִ/בְנֵ֤י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

הָ/אָדָם֙ ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יַעֲשׂוּ֙ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp

מִסְפַּ֖ר miçpâr H4557 number N-ms

יְמֵ֥י yôwm H3117 day N-mp

חַיֵּי/הֶֽם chay H2416 alive N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:3

תַּ֣רְתִּי tûwr H8446 "to spy" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This verb means to explore or spy out a place, often for trade or reconnaissance. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants, traders, and spies who search out new areas.

Definition: 1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something 1a2) to spy out, explore 1a2a) explorers, spies (participle) 1a3) to go about 1a3a) merchant, trader (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: chap(-man), sent to descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out). See also: Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:38; Proverbs 12:26.

בְ/לִבִּ֔/י lêb H3820 "heart" Prep | 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.

לִ/מְשׁ֥וֹךְ mâshak H4900 "to draw" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To draw can mean many things in the Bible, such as to pull or lead something, to sow seeds, or to make music. It is used in various contexts, including war, farming, and worship. The word is used in different forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to draw, drag, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (and lift out), drag along, lead along, drag or lead off, draw down 1a2) to draw (the bow) 1a3) to proceed, march 1a4) to draw out or give (a sound) 1a5) to draw out, prolong, continue 1a6) to trail (seed in sowing) 1a7) to cheer, draw, attract, gratify 1b) (Niphal) to be drawn out 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be drawn out, be postponed, be deferred 1c2) to be tall

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: draw (along, out), continue, defer, extend, forbear, [idiom] give, handle, make (pro-, sound) long, [idiom] sow, scatter, stretch out. See also: Genesis 37:28; Psalms 85:6; Psalms 10:9.

בַּ/יַּ֖יִן yayin H3196 "wine" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.

Definition: wine

Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.

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.

בְּשָׂרִ֑/י bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.

וְ/לִבִּ֞/י lêb H3820 "heart" Conj | N-ms | Suff

נֹהֵ֤ג nâhag H5090 "to lead" V-Qal

To moan means to sigh or lament, like in Psalm 77:3 when the psalmist moaned in his sleepless night. It can also mean to lead or guide someone, like in 1 Samuel 25:42 when Abigail led her maids to follow David.

Definition: 1) to drive, lead, guide, conduct 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off 1a2) to behave itself (fig.) (of heart) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to drive away, lead off 1b2) to lead on, guide, guide on 1b3) to cause to drive

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: acquaint, bring (away), carry away, drive (away), lead (away, forth), (be) guide, lead (away, forth). See also: Genesis 31:18; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Psalms 48:15.

בַּֽ/חָכְמָה֙ chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" Prep | N-fs

Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.

Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)

Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.

וְ/לֶ/אֱחֹ֣ז ʼâchaz H270 "to grasp" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.

Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.

בְּ/סִכְל֔וּת çiklûwth H5531 "folly" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to foolish or silly behavior, like in Proverbs 9:13-18, where it describes the folly of a foolish woman. It can also mean a foolish or senseless act. English Bibles often translate it as 'folly' or 'foolishness'.

Definition: folly, foolishness Another spelling of sikh.lut (סִכְלוּת "folly" H5531B)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishness. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 2:13; Ecclesiastes 10:13.

עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

אֲשֶׁר 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.

אֶרְאֶ֗ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

אֵי ʼay H335 "where?" Part

The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.

Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.

זֶ֨ה zeh H2088 "this" 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.

ט֜וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

לִ/בְנֵ֤י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

הָ/אָדָם֙ ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" Art | 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.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר 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.

יַעֲשׂוּ֙ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

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.

תַּ֣חַת 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/שָּׁמַ֔יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

מִסְפַּ֖ר miçpâr H4557 "number" N-ms

This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.

Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.

יְמֵ֥י yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

חַיֵּי/הֶֽם chay H2416 "alive" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 2:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:3

Context — The Futility of Pleasure

1I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!” But it proved to be futile. 2I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?”

3I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

4I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5I made gardens and parks for myself, where I planted all kinds of fruit trees.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 20:1	Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2	Ecclesiastes 1:17	So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind.
3	Proverbs 31:4–5	It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.
4	Genesis 47:9	“My travels have lasted 130 years,” Jacob replied. “My years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.”
5	Ecclesiastes 6:12	For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?
6	Ecclesiastes 12:13	When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
7	Ephesians 5:18	Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
8	Matthew 6:24	No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
9	1 Samuel 25:36	When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light.
10	2 Corinthians 6:15–17	What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Ecclesiastes 2:3 Summary

In Ecclesiastes 2:3, the writer is trying to figure out what makes life worth living by testing different things, like drinking wine and having fun, while still using his wisdom to guide him. He's looking for what's truly worthwhile for people to do with their short time on earth, which is a question we all face, as seen in Psalms 90:12. This verse reminds us that even in our search for pleasure and enjoyment, we need to use wisdom and discernment to make good choices. By considering the writer's approach, we can reflect on our own values and priorities, and seek to live a life that honors God, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'embrace folly' in Ecclesiastes 2:3?

Embracing folly in this context means to intentionally engage in foolish or unwise behavior, despite having the wisdom to know better, as a way to test its value, similar to the approach in Proverbs 24:30-34 where the writer observes the consequences of laziness.

Why did the writer seek to cheer his body with wine?

The writer sought to cheer his body with wine as part of his experiment to find meaning and fulfillment in life, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 2:1-2, where he also tested the value of laughter and pleasure.

How does this verse relate to the idea of living a meaningful life?

This verse highlights the writer's search for what is worthwhile for men to do under heaven, which is a central theme in the book of Ecclesiastes, and is also echoed in verses like Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to give His people a hope and a future.

What role does wisdom play in this verse?

Despite embracing folly, the writer's mind was still guiding him with wisdom, indicating that he was aware of the potential consequences of his actions and was using wisdom to navigate his experimentation, similar to the balancing act described in Matthew 10:16.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways you have sought to find fulfillment or cheer in your own life, and how have those pursuits turned out?
How do you balance the desire for pleasure and enjoyment with the need for wisdom and discernment in your decision-making?
What does this verse reveal about the human search for meaning and purpose, and how does that relate to your own life?
In what ways can you apply the wisdom of this verse to your own experiments and pursuits in life?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:3

I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine,.... Not in an immoderate way, so as to intoxicate himself with it, in which there can be no pleasure, nor any show of happiness; but in a moderate,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:3

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 2:3

To give myself unto wine; to relax and gratify my flesh with delicious meats and drinks, synecdochically expressed by wine here, as also , &c., as necessary food is by bread, , compared with . Yet acquainting my heart with wisdom; yet resolving to use my wisdom; either, 1. To set bounds to my pleasures. Or rather, 2. That I might try whether I could not arrive at satisfaction, by mixing wine and wisdom together, by using wine to sweeten and allay the toils of wisdom, and wisdom to prevent that destruction which many bring upon themselves by intemperate pleasures whilst they seek for satisfaction, that so I might have the comfort without the danger and mischief of pleasures. To lay hold on folly; to pursue and addict myself to carnal pleasures, which was my folly. Till I might see, & c.; till by trying several methods I might find out the true way to contentment and satisfaction, during this mortal life.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3

Ecclesiastes 2:3 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 the heaven all the days of their life.Ver. 3. Yet acquainting my heart with wisdom,] i.e., Resolving to retain my wisdom; but that could not be, "For whoredom, and wine, and new wine take away the heart"; they dull and disable nature, and so set us in a greater distance from grace; they "fight against the soul," and take away all scent and sense of heavenly comforts: much like that parcel of ground in Sicily, that sendeth such a strong smell of fragrant flowers to all the fields thereabouts, that no hound can hunt there. And here I believe began Solomon’ s apostasy, his laying the reins on the neck to pursue sinful pleasures, pleasing himself in a conceit that he could serve God and his lusts too. A Christian hath ever God for his chief end, and never sins with deliberation about this end; he will not forego God upon any terms; only he errs in the way, thinking he may fulfil such a lust, and keep God too. But God and sin cannot cohabit; and God’ s graces groaning under our abuses in this kind cry unto him for help, who gives them thereupon, as he did to the wronged Church, the wings of an eagle: after which, one lust calls upon another, as they once did upon their fellow soldiers, "Now Moab to the spoil," till the heart be filled with as many corruptions as Solomon had concubines. Arist., De Mirab. Auscul., lib. viii.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3

(3) Sought.—The word translated “search out” (Ecclesiastes 1:13). “Draw,” margin. There is no Biblical parallel for the use of the word in this sense. The general meaning is plain. Acquainting.—Rather, guiding. The word is used of the driver of an animal or the shepherd of a flock (2 Samuel 6:3; Psalms 80:1; Isaiah 63:4). Kohéleth contemplated not an unrestrained enjoyment of pleasure, but one controlled by prudence. All the days.—(See margin). This phrase occurs again in Ecclesiastes 5:17; Ecclesiastes 6:12. We have “men of number” in the sense of “few”—i.e., so few that they can be numbered (Genesis 34:30, and often elsewhere). So we may translate here “for their span of life.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3

Verse 3. To give myself unto wine, (yet acquainting [נהג noheg, "guiding"] mine heart with wisdom,)] I did not run into extremes, as when I gave up myself to mirth and pleasure. There, I threw off all restraint; here, I took the middle course, to see whether a moderate enjoyment of the things of the world might not produce that happiness which I supposed man was created to enjoy here below.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:3

3. to give myself unto wine] Literally, and more vividly, to cherish my flesh with wine. The Hebrew word for “give” is unusual and obscure. The primary meaning is “to draw out,” that of the word for “acquainting” is “to guide” or “drive,” as in Exodus 3:1; 2 Samuel 6:3. Possibly, as Lewis suggests in Lange’s Commentary, the idea is like that of the parable in the Phædrus of Plato (p. 54) and the seeker gives the rein to pleasure, yet seeks to guide or drive the steed with his wisdom. The words point to the next stage in the progress of the pleasure seeker. Pleasure as such, in its graceful, lighter forms, soon palls, and he seeks the lower, fiercer stimulation of the wine cup. But he did this, he is careful to state, not as most men do, drifting along the current of lower pleasures “Till the seared taste, from foulest wellsIs fain to quench its fires,”but deliberately, “yet guiding mine heart with wisdom.” This also was an experiment, and he retained, or tried to retain, his self-analysing introspection even in the midst of his revelry. All paths must be tried, seeming folly as well as seeming wisdom, to see if they gave any adequate standard by which the “sons of men” might guide their conduct, any pathway to the “chief good” which was the object of the seeker’s quest.

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 2:3

I sought ... - Rather, I resolved (literally “I turned in my heart”) to draw my flesh with wine (see the margin), my heart guiding me with wisdom.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:3

3. Yet acquainting — Hebrew, My mind still guiding with wisdom.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:3

	Sermon	Description
	Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday	Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em
	Prohibition (Edited) by Billy Sunday	In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and
	Open Air Meeting - Part 1 by Billy Sunday	This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and
	Prohibition by Billy Sunday	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative effects of alcohol consumption on society. He highlights the new law passed by Congress, which imposes a two-dollar tax on whisk
	Being Blessed by Jesus by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the Bible and the gospel rather than indulging in alcohol and worldly desires. He shares a story of a young co
	The History of Rock - Part 1 by Alan Ives	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of playing good music and its impact on the attitude of Christians. He refers to First Thessalonians 5 and highlights the vari
	The Folly of Meddling by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Brian leads the congregation in reading various verses from Proverbs 20. The verses touch on topics such as the dangers of wine and strong drink, the importa