Ecclesiastes 3:13

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Ecclesiastes 3:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.

King James Version KJV

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

American Standard Version ASV

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And for every man to take food and drink, and have joy in all his work, is a reward from God.

Free Bible Version FBV

In addition everyone should eat and drink and enjoy their work—this is God's gift to us.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And also that euery man eateth and drinketh, and seeth the commoditie of all his labour. this is the gift of God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

yea, even every man who eateth and hath drunk and seen good by all his labour, it [is] a gift of God.

World English Bible WEB

Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For every man that eateth and drinketh, and seeth good of his labour, this is the gift of God.

Translation for Translators T4T

And I also know that everyone should eat and drink, and enjoy the work that they do. Those are things that God gives to us.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 3:13

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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 3:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/גַ֤ם כָּל הָ/אָדָם֙ שֶׁ/יֹּאכַ֣ל וְ/שָׁתָ֔ה וְ/רָאָ֥ה ט֖וֹב בְּ/כָל עֲמָל֑/וֹ מַתַּ֥ת אֱלֹהִ֖ים הִֽיא

וְ/גַ֤ם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

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

שֶׁ/יֹּאכַ֣ל ʼâkal H398 to eat Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/שָׁתָ֔ה shâthâh H8354 to drink Conj | V-Qal-3ms

וְ/רָאָ֥ה râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-3ms

ט֖וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

עֲמָל֑/וֹ ʻâmâl H5999 trouble N-cs | Suff

מַתַּ֥ת mattâth H4991 gift N-fs

אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

הִֽיא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 3:13

וְ/גַ֤ם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

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.

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.

שֶׁ/יֹּאכַ֣ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

וְ/שָׁתָ֔ה shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

וְ/רָאָ֥ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

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.

ט֖וֹב 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.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

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

עֲמָל֑/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.

מַתַּ֥ת mattâth H4991 "gift" N-fs

Mattah means a gift or reward, and is used to describe something given to someone.

Definition: gift, reward

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: gift. See also: 1 Kings 13:7; Ecclesiastes 5:18; Proverbs 25:14.

אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

הִֽיא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" 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.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 3:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 3:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:13
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:13
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:13
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:13
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:13

Context — God’s Works Remain Forever

11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end. 12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,

13and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.

14I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him. 15What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 128:2	For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
2	Ecclesiastes 9:7	Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
3	Ecclesiastes 2:24	Nothing 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.
4	Isaiah 65:21–23	They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses for others to inhabit, nor plant for others to eat. For as is the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands. They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD— they and their descendants with them.
5	Ecclesiastes 5:18–20	Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot. Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.
6	Deuteronomy 28:30–31	You will be pledged in marriage to a woman, but another man will violate her. You will build a house but will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard but will not enjoy its fruit. Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be taken away and not returned to you. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will save you.
7	Judges 6:3–6	Whenever the Israelites would plant their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. Israel was greatly impoverished by Midian, and the Israelites cried out to the LORD.
8	Ecclesiastes 6:2	God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction.
9	Deuteronomy 28:47–48	Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart in all your abundance, you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 Summary

This verse, Ecclesiastes 3:13, is telling us that it's okay to enjoy the things we work for, and to find happiness in the everyday moments of life. It's a gift from God to be able to eat, drink, and find satisfaction in our labor, as He provides for our needs, as seen in Matthew 6:33. By trusting in God's goodness and provision, we can experience joy and contentment in all aspects of life, and this is a fundamental part of our relationship with Him, as seen in Psalm 37:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to find satisfaction in all our labor?

Finding satisfaction in all our labor means that we are content and joyful in the work God has given us to do, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:13, and this is a gift from God, allowing us to trust in His provision and goodness, as promised in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19.

Is it selfish to seek pleasure and enjoyment in life?

According to Ecclesiastes 3:13, it is not selfish to seek pleasure and enjoyment in life, but rather it is a gift from God, and as seen in Psalm 16:11, God desires for us to experience joy and pleasure in His presence.

How can we balance the idea of enjoying life with the reality of suffering and hardship?

While Ecclesiastes 3:13 encourages us to enjoy life, other scriptures like Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4 remind us that suffering and hardship can be a natural part of life, and it is in these times that we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalm 138:8.

What role does gratitude play in finding satisfaction in our labor?

Gratitude plays a significant role in finding satisfaction in our labor, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where we are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances, and in Ecclesiastes 3:13, where we see that finding satisfaction is a gift from God, and expressing gratitude helps us to acknowledge and receive this gift.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can cultivate a sense of satisfaction and joy in my daily work and activities?
How can I trust that God is providing for me and giving me the gift of satisfaction, even in difficult or challenging circumstances?
What are some things that I can do to express gratitude to God for the gift of satisfaction and enjoyment in my life?
In what ways can I use my work and daily activities to glorify God and bring joy to others?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink,.... Not to excess, but in moderation; and yet freely, plentifully, and cheerfully; and not alone, but giving the poor a portion with him; and in all

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:13

That every man should eat and drink, i.e. hath power or a heart to use what God hath given him, as it is expressed, . It is the gift of God; of which See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:13

Ecclesiastes 3:13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it [is] the gift of God.Ver. 13. And enjoy the good of all his labour.] "They that will not labour must not eat," saith the apostle. As they that do shall enjoy the good of all their labour, eat the labour of their hands, and be thrice happy. Jabal and Jubal, frugality and music, good husbandry and good content, dwell together; and yet not always, but where God gives the gift. He gives strength to labour, and health to enjoy the good of our labour. This the rich fool in the gospel either knew not or considered not. "Eat, drink, and be merry," said he to himself; but God was not in all his thoughts. How much better David! "Hope in the Lord," saith he to himself and others, "and be doing good; dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Valeat possessor oportet, si comportatis rebus bene cogitat uti. - Horat.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:13

(13, 14) Sir 11:17; Sir 18:6.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:13

13. And also that every man] The addition of this clause confirms the interpretation just given of the “doing good” of the preceding verse. Had that meant simply enjoyment, this clause would have been an idle repetition. As it is, “doing good” takes its place, as it did with the nobler Epicureans, among the elements of happiness. So Epicurus himself taught that “it is not possible to live happily without also living wisely, and nobly, and justly” (Diog. Laert. x. 1, § 140).

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:13

13. Eat and drink — Nearly a repetition of the previous verse. Every form of present enjoyment is from the hand of God.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:13

	Sermon	Description
	Fit or Misfit? (Part 1) by Richard Sipley	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the problem of being a misfit in one's work and emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose. He shares his personal experience of not b
	Spiritual Sowing by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of spiritual sowing, explaining that while it may seem like a loss to invest in the Spirit, the true reward is everlasting life. He encour
	That Magnificent Gift of Thought by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the unique position of human beings in God's creation, created in His image and endowed with the magnificent gift of thought. He argues that humanity's abilit
	De Vitis Patrum, Book Iii by Heribert Rosweyde	Rufinus of Aquileia, Presbyter, in De Vitis Patrum, Book III, emphasizes the importance of asceticism and spiritual discipline as demonstrated by the lives of the desert fathers. T
	The Message of Ecclesiastes by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound message of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the folly of living life without a true relationship with God. He highlights the misconceptions about
	Take Up Your Cross and Follow Him (Part 1) by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the contrast between worldly pleasure and true fulfillment, drawing from the teachings of King Solomon and the life of Moses. While Epicureanism promotes a
	Analysis of Ecclesiastes by W.J. Erdman	W.J. Erdman preaches on the search for the Chief Good sought by the natural man through experience and observation of all things done 'Under the Sun.' The sermon is divided into tw