Ecclesiastes 6:9
Ecclesiastes 6:9 in Multiple Translations
Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
¶ Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
What the eyes see is better than the wandering of desire. This is to no purpose and a desire for wind.
Be happy with what you have instead of running after what you don't! But this is also hard to do, like running after the wind.
The sight of ye eye is better then to walke in ye lustes: this also is vanitie, and vexation of spirit.
Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the going of the soul. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Better it is to see what thou mayst desire, than to desire that which thou canst not know. But this also is vanity, and presumption of spirit.
It is better to enjoy the things that we already have [MTY] than to constantly want more things; continually wanting more things is senseless, like chasing the wind.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 6:9
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 6:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֛וֹב
מַרְאֵ֥ה
עֵינַ֖יִם
מֵֽ/הֲלָךְ
נָ֑פֶשׁ
גַּם
זֶ֥ה
הֶ֖בֶל
וּ/רְע֥וּת
רֽוּחַ
ט֛וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
מַרְאֵ֥ה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
N-ms
עֵינַ֖יִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
מֵֽ/הֲלָךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
נָ֑פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הֶ֖בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
וּ/רְע֥וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7469
longing
Conj | N-fs
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
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 6:9
ט֛וֹב
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.
מַרְאֵ֥ה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
עֵינַ֖יִם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מֵֽ/הֲלָךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
נָ֑פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
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.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
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.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
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.
וּ/רְע֥וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7469
"longing"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word describes a strong longing or striving after something, like a deep desire or craving. It is often translated as 'vexation' in the KJV. It conveys a sense of yearning or pursuit.
Definition: longing, striving Aramaic equivalent: re.ut (רְעוּ "pleasure" H7470)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: vexation. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:14; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 6:9.
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
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 6:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 6:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:9
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:9
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:9
Context — The Futility of Life
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.
10Whatever exists was named long ago, and it is known what man is; but he cannot contend with one stronger than he. 11For the more words, the more futility—and how does that profit anyone?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 1:14 | I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. |
| 2 | Job 31:7 | If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands, |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 1:2 | “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 | I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 4:4 | I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 5:18 | 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. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 11:9 | Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. |
| 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 | Ecclesiastes 2:11 | Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. |
| 10 | Proverbs 30:15–16 | The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: Sheol, the barren womb, land never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, ‘Enough!’ |
Ecclesiastes 6:9 Summary
This verse is saying that it's better to be happy with what we have right now than to always be wanting something more. It's like chasing after the wind - we'll never catch it. The Bible teaches us to be content with what we have, like it says in Philippians 4:11, and to enjoy the blessings that God gives us, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 5:18-20. By focusing on what we already have, we can avoid the frustration and disappointment that comes from constantly desiring more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say 'better what the eye can see' in Ecclesiastes 6:9?
This phrase means that it is more satisfying to enjoy what we already have than to constantly desire something more, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:18 where it says to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Is the author of Ecclesiastes saying that desire is always bad?
No, the author is not saying that desire is always bad, but rather that when our desires wander and are not satisfied, it can lead to frustration and futility, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 1:14 and 2:11.
What does 'a pursuit of the wind' mean in this verse?
This phrase is a metaphor that means to chase after something that is elusive and unattainable, similar to how Ecclesiastes 1:17 describes the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge as 'a pursuit of the wind'.
How does this verse relate to the concept of contentment?
This verse highlights the importance of being content with what we have, rather than constantly desiring more, which is also emphasized in Philippians 4:11 and 1 Timothy 6:6-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things that I have been desiring that may be leading me on a 'pursuit of the wind'?
- How can I cultivate a sense of contentment with what I already have, rather than constantly desiring more?
- What are some ways that I can enjoy and appreciate the blessings that God has given me, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 5:18-20?
- How can I balance the desire for more with the need to be content with what I have, and what role does trust in God play in this balance?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:9
Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire,.... By "the sight of the eyes" is not meant the bare beholding outward riches, as in Ecclesiastes 5:11; but the enjoyment of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:9
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:9
The sight of the eyes, i.e. the comfortable enjoyment of what a man hath; for seeing is oft put for enjoying, as 3:13, &c. The wandering of the desire; restless and insatiable desires of what a man hath not, wherewith covetous rich men are perpetually haunted and tormented. This, this wandering of the desire wherein most men indulge themselves, is also vanity and vexation of spirit; is not the way to satisfaction, as they imagine, but to vexation.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:9
Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.Ver. 9. Better is the sight of the eyes, &c., ] i.e., As some sense it, Better it is to overlook dainty dishes than to overcharge the stomach with them; to fill the eyes than the belly; to gratify that than to pamper this: though that is a vanity too in the issue, and may prove a vexation of spirit - may breed inward inquietation; the best that can come of it is repentance and self-revenge, as in Epaminondas. Symmachus reads the words thus, Melius est providere, quam ambulare ut libet: Better it is to provide than to walk at random. The Septuagint thus, Melius est videre quod cupias, quam desiderare quod nescias: Better is it to see what thou desirest, than to desire what thou knowest not. The best expositors make it an answer to an objection: for, whereas the rich man might reply, Better see wealth than be always seeking it, better have it than hawk after it: the Preacher answers that misery may be somewhat mitigated by this means but never fully cured or cashiered.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:9
Verse 9. Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire] This is translated by the Vulgate, as a sort of adage: Melius est videre quod cupias, quam desiderare quod nescias, "It is better to see what one desires than to covet what one knows not." It is better to enjoy the present than to feed one's self with vain desires of the future. What we translate the wandering of desire, מהלך נפש mehaloch nephesh, is the travelling of the soul. What is this? Does it simply mean desire? Or is there any reference here to the state of separate spirits! It however shows the soul to be in a restless state, and consequently to be unhappy. If Christ dwell in the heart by faith, the soul is then at rest, and this is properly the rest of the people of God.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:9
9. Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire] Literally, than the wandering of the soul. The truth is substantially that embodied in the fable of “the dog and his shadow” and in proverbs like “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” To enjoy what we actually see, i.e. present opportunities, however limited, is better than the cravings of a limitless desire, “wandering” at will through all the region of possibilities. In that wandering, there is once more the feeding upon wind. Perhaps, however, that sentence is passed with an intentional ambiguity, characteristic of the writer (see note on Ecclesiastes 6:9), upon the actual present enjoyment, as well as on the unsatisfied desire, or upon the bare fact that the former with its lower aims is better than the latter with its higher ones.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:9
9. This verse is preliminary to the discussion of the value of common sense in human affairs. The sight of the eyes — That is, that which is seen by the eyes, and therefore near at hand.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
This Was His Final Verdict! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true satisfaction can only be found in the love and presence of the Lord, as illustrated by Solomon's reflections on his own pursuits, which he deemed |
|
Happiness by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes that true happiness is found in a relationship with God, as expressed in Psalm 144:15. He recounts a confrontation between an atheist and an old woman who chal |
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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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Epistle 353 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and the righteousness of His kingdom, emphasizing the need to be heavenly-minded and to believe in the |
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A Jug of Water by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a man who had forgotten his purpose in life and became consumed by worldly desires. The man had a happy life with a wealthy wife and |
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The Flow of Materialism by Francis Schaeffer | Francis Schaeffer addresses the pervasive influence of materialism and relativism in both Western and Eastern thought, arguing that these worldviews lead to a lack of meaning and m |
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Living for Your Job by David Hocking | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of true lasting satisfaction and joy. He emphasizes that satisfaction and enjoyment come from the resources of God alone, as stat |