Ecclesiastes 4:7
Ecclesiastes 4:7 in Multiple Translations
Again, I saw futility under the sun.
¶ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.
Then I came back, and I saw an example of what is to no purpose under the sun.
Then I turned to consider something else here on earth that is also frustratingly hard to understand.
Againe I returned, and sawe vanitie vnder the sunne.
And I have turned, and I see a vain thing under the sun:
Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
Considering I found also another vanity under the sun:
I thought about something else that happens on the earth [MTY] that seems senseless.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 4:7
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 4:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שַׁ֧בְתִּי
אֲנִ֛י
וָ/אֶרְאֶ֥ה
הֶ֖בֶל
תַּ֥חַת
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
וְ/שַׁ֧בְתִּי
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֛י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וָ/אֶרְאֶ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
הֶ֖בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 4:7
וְ/שַׁ֧בְתִּי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֲנִ֛י
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.
וָ/אֶרְאֶ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
הֶ֖בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
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 4:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 4:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:7
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 4:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:7
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:7
Context — The Evil of Oppression
5The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
6Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
7Again, I saw futility under the sun.
8There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task. 9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 4:1 | Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter. |
| 2 | Psalms 78:33 | So He ended their days in futility, and their years in sudden terror. |
| 3 | Zechariah 1:6 | But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’” |
Ecclesiastes 4:7 Summary
This verse is saying that the author saw that many things in life are pointless and don't bring lasting satisfaction, as also noted in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11. He's observing that even with hard work and wealth, people can still feel empty and unfulfilled, as seen in the example of the wealthy man in Ecclesiastes 4:8. The key is to look beyond what the world offers and seek true fulfillment in a relationship with God, as hinted in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26. By recognizing the limitations of life 'under the sun', we can begin to seek a deeper purpose and meaning that goes beyond earthly pursuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'under the sun' mean in Ecclesiastes 4:7?
The phrase 'under the sun' is used throughout the book of Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth, from a human perspective, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:3 and Ecclesiastes 2:11, highlighting the limitations and frustrations of human existence.
Is the author of Ecclesiastes being pessimistic in this verse?
While the author does observe futility, the tone is more observational and philosophical, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:2, inviting the reader to consider the nature of life and the search for meaning, rather than simply being pessimistic.
How does this verse relate to the preceding verses?
Ecclesiastes 4:7 serves as a transitional statement, following the observations about the fool in Ecclesiastes 4:5-6, and preceding the description of the lonely, wealthy man in Ecclesiastes 4:8, highlighting the theme of futility in different aspects of life.
What can we learn from the author's observation of futility?
The author's observation encourages us to look beyond earthly pursuits for true fulfillment, as hinted in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, and to seek a deeper understanding of life's purpose, as expressed in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have experienced futility, and how can I re-evaluate my priorities in light of this verse?
- How does the concept of 'under the sun' help me understand the limitations of human existence and the search for meaning?
- In what ways can I apply the lessons from Ecclesiastes 4:7 to my daily life, and how can I cultivate a sense of purpose that goes beyond earthly pursuits?
- What role does contentment play in avoiding the futility observed in this verse, and how can I cultivate a sense of contentment in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:7
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. Another vanity besides what he had taken notice of, and is as follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:7
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. I saw vanity - a vanity, described in Ecclesiastes 4:8.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:7
Ecclesiastes 4:7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.Ver. 7. Then I returned, and saw vanity, &c., ] i.e., Another extreme of vanity, visible wherever the sun is seen. Dum vitant stulti vitium in contraria currant: Fools while they shun the sands rush upon the rocks, - as Herod would needs prevent perjury by murder. The sluggard here, seeing those that do best to be envied of others, resolves to do just nothing. Again, the covetous miser, seeing the sluggard lie under so much infamy for doing nothing, se laboribus conficit, undoes himself with over doing. Sed nemo ita perplexus tenetur inter duo vitia, quin exitus pateat absque tertio, saith an ancient; but no man is so held hampered between two vices but that he may well get off without falling into a third. What need Eutyches fall into the other extreme of Nestorius? or Stancarus, of Osiander? or Illyricus, of Strigelius? but that they were for their pride justly given up to a spirit of giddiness.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:7
(7) Then I returned.—The vanity of toil is especially apparent in the case of a solitary man. It is possible, as has been suggested (see Ecclesiastes 2:18), that this may have been the writer’s own case. The following verses, which speak of the advantages of friendship and unity, are of a more cheerful tone than the rest of the book.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 4:7
The spectacle of a prosperous man whose condition is rendered vain by his brotherless, childless isolation. Ecclesiastes 4:8 A second - Any one associated or connected with him.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:7
7. I returned, and I saw — That is, again I saw. A case of avarice is now considered; a man giving up all enjoyment of the present, and struggling against the inevitable order of affairs, under the
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Tragedies of Life by David Hocking | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the tragedies of life as described in Ecclesiastes chapter 4. He highlights the oppression and lack of comfort experienced by the oppressed, |
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Vanities Social and Political. 4:1-16 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher reflects on the endless cycle of vanity and hopelessness that plagues humanity. He observes the oppression and suffering in the world, l |
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James Chapter 7 the Practical Hope of the Lord's Coming by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of patience in the face of suffering and injustice, urging believers to hold onto the hope of the Lord's coming as a source of strength and c |
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The Practical Hope of the Lord's Coming by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the practical hope found in the Lord's coming, urging believers to be patient amidst trials and injustices, as the coming of the Lord brings ultimate justic |