Ecclesiastes 7:2
Ecclesiastes 7:2 in Multiple Translations
It is better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting, since death is the end of every man, and the living should take this to heart.
¶ It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
It is better to go to the house of weeping, than to go to the house of feasting; because that is the end of every man, and the living will take it to their hearts.
It's better to go to a funeral than to a party. In the end, everyone dies, and those who are still alive should think about it.
For who knoweth what is good for man in the life and in the nomber of the dayes of the life of his vanitie, seeing he maketh them as a shadowe? For who can shewe vnto man what shall be after him vnder the sunne?
Better to go unto a house of mourning, Than to go unto a house of banqueting, For that is the end of all men, And the living layeth [it] unto his heart.
It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart.
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
A good name is better than precious ointments: and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
It is better to go to a house where people are mourning about someone who has died than to go to a house where people are feasting, because everyone will die some day, and people who are alive should think seriously [IDM] about that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 7:2
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 7:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֞וֹב
לָ/לֶ֣כֶת
אֶל
בֵּֽית
אֵ֗בֶל
מִ/לֶּ֨כֶת֙
אֶל
בֵּ֣ית
מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֕ר
ה֖וּא
ס֣וֹף
כָּל
הָ/אָדָ֑ם
וְ/הַ/חַ֖י
יִתֵּ֥ן
אֶל
לִבּֽ/וֹ
ט֞וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
לָ/לֶ֣כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּֽית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אֵ֗בֶל
ʼêbel
H60
mourning
N-ms
מִ/לֶּ֨כֶת֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה
mishteh
H4960
feast
N-ms
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֕ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
ס֣וֹף
çôwph
H5490
end
N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/חַ֖י
chay
H2416
alive
Conj | Art | N-cs
יִתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
לִבּֽ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
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 7:2
ט֞וֹב
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.
לָ/לֶ֣כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֵּֽית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֵ֗בֶל
ʼêbel
H60
"mourning"
N-ms
Mourning refers to the act of grieving or lamenting, often for someone who has died, like the mourning of the Israelites after the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34.
Definition: 1) mourning 1a) for the dead 1b) for rites of mourning (metaph) 1c) mourning garb 1d) period of mourning
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mourning. See also: Genesis 27:41; Ecclesiastes 7:4; Isaiah 60:20.
מִ/לֶּ֨כֶת֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה
mishteh
H4960
"feast"
N-ms
A mishteh is a feast or banquet, often involving drinking and celebration, like the ones described in Esther and other biblical stories.
Definition: 1) feast, drink, banquet 1a) feast, banquet 1b) drink Aramaic equivalent: mish.teh (מִשְׁתֶּה "feast" H4961)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing). See also: Genesis 19:3; Esther 5:14; Proverbs 15:15.
בַּ/אֲשֶׁ֕ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
ס֣וֹף
çôwph
H5490
"end"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means end or conclusion, and is used to describe the termination of something. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: end, conclusion Aramaic equivalent: soph (סוֹף "end" H5491)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: conclusion, end, hinder participle See also: 2 Chronicles 20:16; Ecclesiastes 7:2; Joel 2:20.
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.
הָ/אָדָ֑ם
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.
וְ/הַ/חַ֖י
chay
H2416
"alive"
Conj | Art | N-cs
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.
יִתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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 7:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 7:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:2
Context — The Value of Wisdom
1A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.
2It is better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting, since death is the end of every man, and the living should take this to heart.
3Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart. 4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 90:12 | So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:29 | If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. |
| 3 | Hebrews 9:27 | Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:46 | he said to them, “Take to heart all these words I testify among you today, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law. |
| 5 | Philippians 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. |
| 6 | Haggai 1:5 | Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 4:3–4 | For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you. |
| 8 | Isaiah 22:12–14 | On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” The LORD of Hosts has revealed in my hearing: “Until your dying day, this sin of yours will never be atoned for,” says the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 9 | Amos 6:3–6 | You dismiss the day of calamity and bring near a reign of violence. You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph. |
| 10 | Job 1:4–5 | Job’s sons would take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And when the days of feasting were over, Job would send for his children to purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice. |
Ecclesiastes 7:2 Summary
[This verse is saying that it's actually good for us to think about death and to consider what's truly important in life, as in Hebrews 9:27, which says that it is appointed for men to die once. By doing so, we can gain a healthier perspective on life and live more intentionally. It's not about being sad all the time, but about being realistic and wise. By remembering that our time on this earth is limited, we can make the most of every day and live in a way that honors God, as in Colossians 3:17, which says that whatever we do, we should do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verse say it's better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting?
This verse is not saying that sadness is better than joy, but rather that facing the reality of death and mourning can be a catalyst for reflection and repentance, as seen in Psalm 90:12, which says to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
What does it mean to 'take this to heart'?
To take something to heart means to consider it deeply and let it affect our actions and decisions, as in Deuteronomy 32:46, where Moses commands the Israelites to set their hearts to all the words he has testified against them.
Is the verse saying that we should always be sad and never celebrate?
No, the verse is not saying that we should never celebrate, but rather that we should have a balanced perspective, recognizing that death is a part of life, and that this reality should motivate us to live wisely, as seen in Psalm 116:15, which says that precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by regularly reflecting on our own mortality and the brevity of life, as in James 4:14, which says that our life is but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes, and letting this reflection motivate us to live with purpose and intentionality.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can 'take to heart' the reality of my own mortality, and how can this motivation help me to live more intentionally?
- In what ways can attending a funeral or visiting someone who is grieving help me to gain a greater appreciation for the value of life?
- How can I balance the need to celebrate and enjoy life with the need to regularly reflect on my own mortality and the brevity of life?
- What are some things that I can do to 'number my days' and make the most of the time that I have been given, as in Psalm 90:12?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:2
[It is] better to go to the house of mourning,.... For deceased relations or friends, who either lie unburied, or have been lately inferred; for the Jews kept their mourning for their dead several
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:2
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
The house of mourning; where mourners meet together to celebrate the funerals of a deceased friend. That, to wit, death, the cause of that mourning, is the end of all men; it brings men to the serious consideration of their last end, which is their greatest wisdom and interest. Will lay it to his heart; will be seriously affected with it, and awakened to prepare for it; whereas feasting is commonly attended with mirth, and levity, and manifold temptations, and indisposeth men’ s minds to spiritual and heavenly thoughts. Hence it is evident that those passages of this book which may seem to favour a sensual and voluptuous life, are not spoken by Solomon in his own name, or as his opinion, but in the person of an epicure.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
Ecclesiastes 7:2 [It is] better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that [is] the end of all men; and the living will lay [it] to his heart.Ver. 2. It is better to go to the house of mourning.] To the terming house, as they term it, where a dead corpse is laid forth for burial, and in that respect weeping and wailing, which is one of the dues of the dead, whose bodies are sown in corruption, and watered usually with tears. It is better therefore to sort with such, to mingle with mourners, to follow the hearse, to weep with those that weep, to visit the heavy hearted, this being a special means of mortification, than to go to the house of feasting, where is nothing but joy and jollity, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine, yea, therefore eating and drinking, because tomorrow they shall die. Ede, bibe, lude, post mortem nulla voluptas. What good can be gotten among such swinish epicures? What sound remedy against life’ s vanity? It is far better therefore to go to the house of mourning, where a man may be moved with compassion, with compunction, with due and deep consideration of his doleful and dying condition; where he may hear dead Abel by a dumb eloquence preaching and pressing this necessary but much neglected lesson, that "this is the end of all men, and the living should lay it to heart"; or, as the Hebrew hath it, "lay it upon his heart," work it upon his affections; inditurus est iliad animo suo, so Tremelius renders it, he will so mind it as to make his best use of it, so as to say with Job, "I know that thou wilt bring me unto death"; and with David, "Behold, thou hast made my days as a span"; and as Moses, who when he saw the people’ s carcases fall so fast in the wilderness, "Lord, teach us," said he, "so to number our days, as to cause our hearts" (of themselves never a whit willing) "to come to wisdom." τανομιζομενα Sardanapali vox belluina.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
(2) Comparing this verse with Ecclesiastes 2:24, it is plain that the Preacher does not in the latter place recommend reckless enjoyment, but enjoyment tempered by the fear of God, and looking to the end.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
Verse 2. It is better to go to the house of mourning] Birthdays were generally kept with great festivity, and to these the wise man most probably refers; but according to his maxim, the miseries of life were so many and so oppressive that the day of a man's death was to be preferred to the day of his birth. But, in dependently of the allusion, it is much more profitable to visit the house of mourning for the dead than the house of festivity. In the former we find occasion for serious and deeply edifying thoughts and reflections; from the latter we seldom return with one profitable thought or one solid impression.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:2
2. It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting] The customs of Jewish mourning must be borne in mind to appreciate the full force of the maxim. The lamentation lasting for seven (Sir 22:10) or even for thirty, days, as in the case of Aaron (Numbers 20:29), and Moses (Deuteronomy 24:8), the loud wailing of the hired mourners (Jeremiah 22:18; Matthew 9:23; Mark 5:38), the visits of consolation (John 11:31), the sad meals of the bread and wine of affliction (Jeremiah 16:7; Hosea 9:4; Job 4:17),—the sight of these things checked the pride of life and called out sympathy, and reminded the visitor of the nearness of his own end, “Sunt lachrymæ rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt.”“We needs must weep the chance and change of life,And mortal sorrows touch a mortal’s heart.”Virg. Æn. i. 462. The words manifestly record a personal experience, and lead us to think of the writer as having learnt to “visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27), and having found that there was some “profit” at least in this.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:2
That - Namely, what is seen in the house of mourning. Lay it to his heart - Consider it attentively.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:2
2. Go to the… mourning — To gain a good name one must cultivate a noble character. First of all is needed a large sympathy with one’s fellow-men.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:2
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Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 7 by Bakht Singh | This sermon reflects on the somber moment of a funeral procession arriving at the cemetery, highlighting the reality of death and the brevity of life. It emphasizes the importance |
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Joshua Miktarian Funeral - Part 2 by Jason Robinson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the state of our souls and the need to prioritize our relationship with God. It addresses the societal shift away from acknow |
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1 Timothy 5:8 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of providing for one's own family, especially those closely related, as a demonstration of faith and care. He highlights the need to prior |
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The Heart That Mourns by Frank W. Boreham | In this sermon by Frank W. Boreham, he delves into the profound meaning behind the words of Jesus, 'Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted' (Matthew 5:4). Boreham |
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Step 6 on Remembrance of Death. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus emphasizes the importance of constantly remembering death as a means to cultivate humility, detachment from worldly desires, and a deep trust in God. He distingui |
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The Sum and Forecast and Great Conclusion. 11:17-12:14 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher reflects on the vanity of life under the sun, emphasizing the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits and the ultimate conclusion that all i |
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The Nine Men Knelt on the Green Meadow by Ausbund | In Ausbund 26, the preacher reflects on a tragic event where nine men were executed, three women were drowned, and all were buried together in one grave, causing much weeping and s |