Ecclesiastes 6:7
Ecclesiastes 6:7 in Multiple Translations
All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
All the work of man is for his mouth, and still he has a desire for food.
Everyone works so they can live , but they're never satisfied.
All the labour of man is for his mouth: yet the soule is not filled.
All the labour of man [is] for his mouth, and yet the soul is not filled.
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
All the labour of man is for his mouth, but his soul shall not be filled.
People work hard to earn enough money to buy food to eat [MTY], but often they never get enough to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 6:7
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 6:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
עֲמַ֥ל
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
לְ/פִ֑י/הוּ
וְ/גַם
הַ/נֶּ֖פֶשׁ
לֹ֥א
תִמָּלֵֽא
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עֲמַ֥ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
N-cs
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
לְ/פִ֑י/הוּ
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/נֶּ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Art | N-cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִמָּלֵֽא
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
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 6:7
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.
עֲמַ֥ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
N-cs
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.
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
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.
לְ/פִ֑י/הוּ
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
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.
הַ/נֶּ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לֹ֥א
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.
תִמָּלֵֽא
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 6:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 6:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:7
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:7
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:7
Context — The Futility of Life
5The child, though neither seeing the sun nor knowing anything, has more rest than that man,
6even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?
7All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
8What advantage, then, has the wise man over the fool? What gain comes to the poor man who knows how to conduct himself before others? 9Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 6:27 | Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:26 | A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 6:6–8 | Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. |
| 4 | Matthew 6:25 | Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? |
| 5 | Luke 12:19 | Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 6:3 | A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 5:10 | He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. |
| 8 | Genesis 3:17–19 | And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
Ecclesiastes 6:7 Summary
This verse means that people work hard to earn money and provide for themselves, but no matter how much they have, they are never fully satisfied. This is because our desires and appetites are never fully met by worldly things, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:8. True satisfaction and fulfillment come from a relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 107:9. We can find contentment and peace when we prioritize our spiritual needs and trust in God's provision, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that all a man's labor is for his mouth?
This phrase suggests that people work hard to provide for their physical needs, but as Ecclesiastes 6:7 says, their appetite is never satisfied, which is also reflected in Ecclesiastes 1:8 where it says that the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
Is it wrong to work hard and earn a lot of money?
No, the Bible does not condemn hard work or earning a living, as seen in Proverbs 10:4, but Ecclesiastes 6:7 highlights the limitation of worldly pursuits in bringing lasting satisfaction, a theme also explored in 1 Timothy 6:10
How can I find satisfaction in life if my appetite is never satisfied?
The Bible teaches that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from a relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 107:9, and not just from worldly pursuits or material possessions, which is a theme also discussed in Matthew 6:33
What is the significance of the mouth in this verse?
The mouth represents the physical needs and desires of a person, and the fact that it is never satisfied highlights the insatiable nature of human desires, as also seen in Ecclesiastes 1:15 and Romans 6:12
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I try to satisfy my own appetite or desires, and are they truly fulfilling?
- How can I balance my physical needs with my spiritual needs, and prioritize what is truly important?
- What are some things that I am dissatisfied with in my life, and how can I find contentment in God despite them?
- In what ways can I use my labor and resources to serve others and bring glory to God, rather than just pursuing my own desires?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:7
All the labour of man [is] for his mouth,.... For the food of his mouth, as the Targum; for the sustenance of his body, for food and clothing, part being put for the whole: all that a man labours for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:7
All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. All the labour of man (is) for his mouth - rather, 'of the man,' namely, the miser (Ecclesiastes 6:3-6).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:7
For his mouth; for meat to put into his mouth, that he may get food; and as bread is oft put for all food, so food is put for all necessary provisions for this life, as , and elsewhere; whereof this is the chief, for which a man will sell his house and lands, yea, the very garments upon his back. Is not filled: although all that a man can go: by his labours is but necessary food, which the meanest sort of men commonly enjoy, as is observed in the next verse; yet such is the vanity of this world, and the folly of mankind, that men are insatiable in their desires, and restless in their endeavours, after more and more, and never say they have enough.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:7
Ecclesiastes 6:7 All the labour of man [is] for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.Ver. 7. All the labour of man is for his mouth.] That is, For food and raiment, a little whereof will content nature, which hath therefore given us a little mouth and stomach, to teach us moderation, as Chrysostom well observeth; to the shame of those beastly belly gods, that glut themselves, and devour the creatures, as if they were of kin to that Pope that was called Os porci, Mouth of a pig, fattening themselves like boars, till they be brawned, and having, as Eliphaz speaketh, collops in their flank. A man would think, by their greedy and great eating, that their throats were whirlpools, and their bellies bottomless; that they were like locusts, which have but one gut, the ass fish, that hath his heart in his belly, or the dolphin, that hath his mouth in his maw, as Solinus saith. And yet the appetite is not filled.] And yet what birds soever fly, what fishes soever swim, what beasts soever run about, are all buried in our bellies, saith Seneca. Heliogabalus was served at one supper with seven thousand fishes and five thousand fowls. He had also six hundred harlots following him in chariots, and yet gave great rewards to him that could invent any new pleasure. His thirst was unquenchable, his appetite like the hill Aetna, ever on fire, after more. Now, as "in water face answereth to face," so doth the appetite of a man to man; we are all as irregular, if God suffer us to range. Dii boni. quantum hominum unus exercet venter! - Seneca. Deus homini angustum ventrem, &c. - Sergius PP.
Aristot. Quicquid avium volitat, quicquid piscium natat, quicquid ferarum discurrit, nostris sepelitur ventribus
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:7
Verse 7. All the labour of man] This is the grand primary object of all human labour; merely to provide for the support of life by procuring things necessary. And life only exists for the sake of the soul; because man puts these things in place of spiritual good, the appetite - the intense desire after the supreme good - is not satisfied. When man learns to provide as distinctly for his soul as he does for his body, then he will begin to be happy, and may soon attain his end.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:7
7. All the labour of man is for his mouth] i.e. for self-preservation and enjoyment. That is assumed to be the universal aim, and yet even that is not satisfied. The “appetite,” literally soul (not the higher, but the sensuous, element in man’s nature), still craves for more. Desire is progressive, and insatiable.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:7
Connect these verses with Ecclesiastes 6:2-3 : “All labor is undertaken with a view to some profit, but as a rule the people who labor are never satisfied.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:7
7. The man spoken of in the preceding verse is still the subject, as contrasted with the perished embryo. All the labour of man is for his mouth — That is, for present enjoyment.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Step 14 on the Clamorous , Yet Wicked Master-the Stomach. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus delivers a sermon on the dangers of gluttony, highlighting how it leads to hypocrisy, excess, and a lack of self-control. He emphasizes the importance of mortifyi |
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(John - Part 27): The Material Kingdom and the Spiritual Kingdom by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the similarities between the physical world we live in and the spiritual world of God's presence. He uses the example of the four living crea |
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(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 3 - Sermon That Cost a Preacher His Head by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the ministry of John the Baptist and the sermon that ultimately cost him his head. The sermon was about holiness, righteousness, and God's h |
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What Shall We Do That We Might Work the Works of God? by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of interest among Christians in attending meetings where the Word of God is taught. He suggests that many Christians are only interes |
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A Bridal Relationship - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deep connection with God rather than seeking material blessings or temporary things. It highlights the significance of seeking Go |
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Costless Christianity by Derek Melton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting the affairs of this life distract or disqualify believers from serving God. He encourages the audience to prio |
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The Essence of the Church & the Work by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the ultimate goal of our work and service as Christians, which is to manifest God and bring Him glory. He reminds us that this is not a small |