Ecclesiastes 5:15
Ecclesiastes 5:15 in Multiple Translations
As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.
As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
As he came forth from his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
As he came from his mother at birth, so does he go again; he gets from his work no reward which he may take away in his hand.
When we die, we leave just as naked as when we were born, taking nothing with us from all we've worked for.
And this also is an euill sickenes that in all pointes as he came, so shall he goe, and what profit hath he that he hath traueiled for the winde?
As he came out from the belly of his mother, naked he turneth back to go as he came, and he taketh not away anything of his labour, that doth go in his hand.
As he came out of his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
As he came into the world, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
A most deplorable evil: as he came, so shall he return. What then doth it profit him that he hath laboured for the wind?
When we are born, we do not bring anything with us, and when we die, we take nothing with us from all that we have earned by our working hard.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:15
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 5:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַם
זֹה֙
רָעָ֣ה
חוֹלָ֔ה
כָּ/ל
עֻמַּ֥ת
שֶׁ/בָּ֖א
כֵּ֣ן
יֵלֵ֑ךְ
וּ/מַה
יִּתְר֣וֹן
ל֔/וֹ
שֶֽׁ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ל
לָ/רֽוּחַ
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
זֹה֙
zôh
H2090
this
Pron
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
חוֹלָ֔ה
châlâh
H2470
be weak
V-Qal
כָּ/ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | Prep
עֻמַּ֥ת
ʻummâh
H5980
close
N-fs
שֶׁ/בָּ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
יֵלֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
יִּתְר֣וֹן
yithrôwn
H3504
advantage
N-ms
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
שֶֽׁ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ל
ʻâmal
H5998
to toil
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 5:15
וְ/גַם
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.
זֹה֙
zôh
H2090
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, used to point out something specific. It is often translated as it, this, or that in the Bible.
Definition: this
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: as well as another, it, this, that, thus and thus. See also: Judges 18:4; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Psalms 132:12.
רָעָ֣ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
חוֹלָ֔ה
châlâh
H2470
"be weak"
V-Qal
To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.
Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.
כָּ/ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | Prep
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.
עֻמַּ֥ת
ʻummâh
H5980
"close"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
שֶׁ/בָּ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יֵלֵ֑ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | 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.
יִּתְר֣וֹן
yithrôwn
H3504
"advantage"
N-ms
This word means advantage or gain, describing something that is profitable or excellent. It is used to describe preeminence and superiority. In the Bible, it is used to describe the benefits of following God's ways.
Definition: advantage, profit, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: better, excellency(-leth), profit(-able). See also: Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 5:8; Ecclesiastes 10:11.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
שֶֽׁ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ל
ʻâmal
H5998
"to toil"
Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To toil means to work very hard, often with difficulty or annoyance, like the laborers in the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20.
Definition: 1) to labour, toil 1a) (Qal) to labour
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (take) labour (in). See also: Psalms 127:1; Ecclesiastes 2:20; Proverbs 16:26.
לָ/רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 5:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:15
Context — The Futility of Wealth
13There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,
14or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.
15As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.
16This too is a grievous affliction: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? 17Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 49:17 | For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. |
| 2 | Job 1:21 | saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 6:7 | For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. |
| 4 | Luke 12:20 | But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
Ecclesiastes 5:15 Summary
This verse reminds us that we come into the world with nothing and will leave with nothing, emphasizing the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. Our labor and efforts in life can seem meaningless if we are only focused on accumulating wealth or possessions, but when done for the Lord, they can have eternal significance (Colossians 3:23-24). We should prioritize our relationship with God and use our resources to bless others, rather than idolizing wealth or material things (Matthew 6:19-21). By keeping our focus on what truly lasts, we can find purpose and fulfillment in our work and lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'naked' when we arrive and depart from this world?
This phrase emphasizes that we come into the world with nothing and leave with nothing, highlighting the fleeting nature of earthly possessions, as also seen in Psalm 49:17 and 1 Timothy 6:7.
Does this verse suggest that our labor and efforts in life are meaningless?
While Ecclesiastes 5:15 may seem to imply that our labor is in vain, it is essential to consider the context and remember that our work can have eternal significance when done for the Lord, as noted in Colossians 3:23-24.
How should we respond to the reality that we cannot take our wealth or possessions with us when we die?
This truth should motivate us to prioritize eternal investments, such as our relationship with God and service to others, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.
Is it wrong to work hard and accumulate wealth, given the message of this verse?
The Bible does not condemn hard work or wealth itself, but rather the idolization of these things, as warned against in Deuteronomy 8:11-14 and Luke 12:15; our focus should be on using our resources to honor God and bless others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things I am currently accumulating or striving for that will not last beyond my time on this earth?
- How can I shift my focus from earthly treasures to eternal investments, such as my relationship with God and service to others?
- What does it mean for me to 'labor for the Lord' and not just for personal gain, and how can I apply this to my daily work and responsibilities?
- In what ways can I use my resources and possessions to bless others and bring glory to God, rather than simply accumulating wealth for myself?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:15
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came,.... This may be understood either of the covetous rich man, or of his son; and that supposing what is before said should
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:15
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
Return to go into the womb or belly of the earth, the common mother of all mankind. See Poole "", See Poole "". And return to go, is put for return and go; and going is here put for dying, as . This is another vanity: if his estate be neither lost, nor kept to his hurt, but enjoyed by him with safety and comfort all his days, yet when he dies he must leave it behind him, and cannot carry one handful of it with him into another world.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
Ecclesiastes 5:15 As he came forth of his mother’ s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. Ver. 15. As he came forth of his mother’ s womb,] q.d., If riches leave not us while we live, yet we are sure to leave them when we die. Look how a false harlot leaves her lover when arrested for debt, and follows other customers; so is it here. And as dogs, though they go along with us in company, yet at parting they run every one to his own master. So do these to the world, when we come to leave the world. Death, as a porter, stands at the gate, and strips us of all our thick clay wherewith we are laden. To go as he came.] Like an unwelcome guest, or an unprofitable servant, a cipher, and excrement. Oh live, live, live, saith a reverend man, quickly, much, long; so you are welcome to the world: else you are but hissed and kicked off this stage of the world, as Phocas was by Heraclius; nay, many who were buried before half dead, &c. And shall take nothing of hls labour.] Ne obolum quo naulum Charonti solvant.
Some have had great store of gold and silver buried with them, and others would needs be buried in a monk’ s cowl, out of a superstitious conceit of speeding the better in another world; but it hath profited them nothing at all. Haud ullas portabis opes Acherontis ad undas: Nudas ab inferna stulte vehere rate. - Propert. "Abner’ s funeral," by Dr Harris.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
(15) There is a clear use of Job 1:21. (See also Psalms 139:15.) And this passage itself is used in Sir 40:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
Verse 15. As he came forth] However it may be, he himself shall carry nothing with him into the eternal world. If he die worth millions, those millions are dead to him for ever; so he has had no real profit from all his labours, cares, anxieties, and vast property!
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:15
15. As he came forth of his mother’s womb] The words so closely resemble those of Job 1:21 that it is natural to infer that the writer had that history in his mind as an example of a sudden reverse of fortune. In both, earth, as the mother of all living, is thought of as the womb out of which each man comes (Psalms 139:15) and to which he must return at last, carrying none of his earthly possessions with him. Comp. a striking parallel in Sir 40:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:15
15. Nothing of his labour — He never recovers his money thus lost, but dies as destitute as infancy, leaving nothing from the wealth of his father for the possession of his children. In a greedy effort to get more he has lost all.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Rich Toward God by Erlo Stegen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being rich towards God rather than solely focusing on worldly possessions. It highlights the story of the rich farmer who stored up treasur |
|
Motives to Love Jesus by Thomas Doolittle | Thomas Doolittle preaches about the unparalleled excellence, suitability, satisfaction, durability, and necessity of loving Jesus above all else. He emphasizes how Jesus is the mos |
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All Worldly Grandeur by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that worldly riches, honors, and titles are temporary and will not accompany us after death. He illustrates death as a porter who strips individuals of the |
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What Can We Take Into Eternity? by Peter Masters | This sermon emphasizes the reality that we enter and leave this world with nothing material, highlighting the importance of spiritual preparation for eternity. It contrasts the fat |
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The Lord Giveth by E.V. Hill | In this sermon transcript, Dr. Evie Hill delivers a heartfelt message at his wife's funeral. He reflects on the 32 years they spent together and the love and support she gave him. |
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Bearing Fruit - Part 3 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the reality of trials, tribulations, and persecution that believers may face, contrary to the false teachings of prosperity and guaranteed healing. It highli |
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How Much Could You Lose by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the fragility of life and the blessings we often take for granted. He mentions an Englishman arriving in America on the 4th of July and the |