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Ecclesiastes 5:19

Ecclesiastes 5:19 in Multiple Translations

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.

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.

Every man to whom God has given money and wealth and the power to have pleasure in it and to do his part and have joy in his work: this is given by God.

In addition, everyone to whom God gives wealth and possessions he also gives the ability to enjoy these gifts, to be grateful for what they are given, and to enjoy the work they do. This is also God's gift to us.

Surely hee will not much remember the dayes of his life, because God answereth to the ioy of his heart.

Every man also to whom God hath given wealth and riches, and hath given him power to eat of it, and to accept his portion, and to rejoice in his labour, this is a gift of God.

Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

For he shall not much remember the days of his life, because God entertaineth his heart with delight,

If people are rich and have a lot of possessions, and are able to ◄enjoy/be happy with► the things that they have and to enjoy their work, those things are also gifts from God.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:19

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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 5:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֚י לֹ֣א הַרְבֵּ֔ה יִזְכֹּ֖ר אֶת יְמֵ֣י חַיָּ֑י/ו כִּ֧י הָ/אֱלֹהִ֛ים מַעֲנֶ֖ה בְּ/שִׂמְחַ֥ת לִבּֽ/וֹ
כִּ֚י kîy H3588 for Conj
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
הַרְבֵּ֔ה râbâh H7235 to multiply V-Hiphil-Ptc
יִזְכֹּ֖ר zâkar H2142 to remember V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יְמֵ֣י yôwm H3117 day N-mp
חַיָּ֑י/ו chay H2416 alive N-mp | Suff
כִּ֧י kîy H3588 for Conj
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֛ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
מַעֲנֶ֖ה ʻânâh H6031 be occupied V-Hiphil
בְּ/שִׂמְחַ֥ת simchâh H8057 joy Prep | N-fs
לִבּֽ/וֹ lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 5:19

כִּ֚י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הַרְבֵּ֔ה râbâh H7235 "to multiply" V-Hiphil-Ptc
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
יִזְכֹּ֖ר zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
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.
יְמֵ֣י 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.
חַיָּ֑י/ו 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.
כִּ֧י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֛ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | 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.
מַעֲנֶ֖ה ʻânâh H6031 "be occupied" V-Hiphil
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
בְּ/שִׂמְחַ֥ת simchâh H8057 "joy" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
לִבּֽ/וֹ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:19

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
2 Ecclesiastes 3:13 and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.
3 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.
4 2 Chronicles 1:12 therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”
5 Ecclesiastes 2:24–26 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. For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment? To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
6 1 Kings 3:13 Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 Summary

This verse is saying that God has given each of us the ability to enjoy the things we have, whether that is a lot or a little, and to be content with our circumstances. It's a reminder that everything we have is a gift from God, and we should be thankful and grateful for it, as written in James 1:17. We can find joy and purpose in the work God has given us, and use the things He has given us to bless others and bring glory to Him. By trusting in God's sovereignty and plan for our lives, as seen in Romans 8:28, we can learn to accept our lot in life and rejoice in our labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God has given riches and wealth to every man?

This verse is not saying that every person is financially wealthy, but rather that God has given each person the ability to enjoy the things they have, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:19, and to be content with their circumstances, as written in Philippians 4:11-12.

How can I accept my lot in life and rejoice in my labor?

Accepting your lot in life means trusting that God is sovereign and has a plan for your life, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, and rejoicing in your labor means finding joy and purpose in the work God has given you, as written in Colossians 3:23-24.

Is it wrong to enjoy the riches and wealth that God has given me?

No, it is not wrong to enjoy the riches and wealth that God has given you, as long as you are not idolizing them or using them selfishly, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10, but rather using them to glorify God and bless others, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30.

What does it mean that enjoying riches and wealth is a gift from God?

This means that the ability to enjoy the things God has given us is a gift in and of itself, and we should be thankful and grateful for it, as written in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and use it to bring joy and glory to God, as seen in Psalm 100:2-5.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can rejoice in my labor and find joy in the work God has given me?
  2. How can I cultivate a sense of contentment and acceptance of my circumstances, even when they are difficult?
  3. What are some ways that I can use the riches and wealth God has given me to bless others and bring glory to God?
  4. What does it mean to trust that God is sovereign and has a plan for my life, and how can I apply that to my daily life?
  5. How can I balance enjoying the things God has given me with being mindful of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of eternal things?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:19

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth,.... Which include the whole of a man's substance; all his estate, personal and real; and all his goods and possessions, movable and immovable,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:19

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:19

Hath given him power, Heb. hath given him the dominion; who is the lord and master of his estate, not a slave to it. Of this and the former verse, See Poole ""; See Poole "", See Poole "". To take his portion to his own use, to use what God hath given him.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:19

Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.Ver. 19. This is the gift of God.] A gift of his right hand, donum throni, non scabelli, - Godliness only hath contentedness. The comfort of wealth comes in by no other door than by the assurance of God’ s love in bestowing it, and of his grace in sanctifying it. "God give thee the dew of heaven." Esau likewise had the like, but not with a "God give thee." A carnal heart cares not how, so he may have it; hence his so little comfort and enjoyment. A godly man will have God with it, or else he is all amort. Moses would not be put off with an angel to go along with them. Luther protested, when great gifts were offered him, that he would not be satisfied or quieted with those rattles. Valde protestatus sum me nolle sic satiari. -Luth.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:19

19. this is the gift of God] The words indicate a return to the sense of dependence on the Divine bounty, which we have seen in chs. Ecclesiastes 2:24, Ecclesiastes 3:13. Life itself, and the outward goods of life, few or many, and the power to enjoy these, all are alike God’s gifts.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:19

19. Every man also — In this verse the “also” should be the first word, as this confirms the latter part of Ecc 2:24, and has a logical connexion with the preceding.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:19

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (Basics) 48. Giving Everything to God by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being righteous and faithful in money matters. He encourages the audience to give back what is rightfully owed to others, i
Jack Hibbs Can a Nation Rise Again? by Jack Hibbs In this sermon, the preacher discusses the possibility of a nation rising again. He emphasizes that this concept applies not only to America but to any nation that listens and unde
Rick Bovey Crisis in Abraham's Life 02 by Rick Bovey In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man named Jacob and his attitude towards work and relationships. The preacher acknowledges that Jacob is often seen in a negative light,
Joshua Daniel God's Mercies - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the providence and guidance of God in establishing places of worship, highlighting the importance of seeking God's will and not rushing into decisions based
Brian Guerin How Purity Affects the Pathway of the Spirit by Brian Guerin Brian Guerin emphasizes the critical role of purity in experiencing a powerful move of the Holy Spirit. He shares personal anecdotes from his early evangelism days and highlights t
Zac Poonen Being Faithful With Money by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, explaining that under the new covenant, we are called to give 100% of our resources to God rather than just tithi
Denis Lyle Does God Still Heal? by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches against the 'Name it and claim it' prosperity gospel, comparing it to cargo cults that worship material possessions and promise believers financial prosperity a

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