Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. New Living Translation So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind. English Standard Version So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind. Berean Standard Bible So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. King James Bible Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. New King James Version Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind. New American Standard Bible So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was unhappy to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind. NASB 1995 So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind. NASB 1977 So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind. Legacy Standard Bible So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is vanity and striving after wind. Amplified Bible So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun caused me only great sorrow; because all is futility and chasing after the wind. Christian Standard Bible Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. American Standard Version So I hated life, because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind. Contemporary English Version This made me hate life. Everything we do is painful; it's just as senseless as chasing the wind. English Revised Version So I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me: for all is vanity and a striving after wind. GOD'S WORD® Translation So I came to hate life because everything done under the sun seemed wrong to me. Everything was pointless. [It was like] trying to catch the wind. Good News Translation So life came to mean nothing to me, because everything in it had brought me nothing but trouble. It had all been useless; I had been chasing the wind. International Standard Version So I hated life, because whatever is done on earth causes me trouble—it's all pointless, like chasing after the wind. Majority Standard Bible So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. NET Bible So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile--like chasing the wind. New Heart English Bible So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. Webster's Bible Translation Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous to me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. World English Bible So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I have hated life, for sad to me [is] the work that has been done under the sun, for the whole [is] vanity and distress of spirit. Young's Literal Translation And I have hated life, for sad to me is the work that hath been done under the sun, for the whole is vanity and vexation of spirit. Smith's Literal Translation And I hated life, for evil to me the work done under the sun: for all vanity and striving of the spirit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd therefore I was weary of my life, when I saw that all things under the sun are evil, and all vanity and vexation of spirit. Catholic Public Domain Version And, because of this, my life wearied me, since I saw that everything under the sun is evil, and everything is empty and an affliction of the spirit. New American Bible Therefore I detested life, since for me the work that is done under the sun is bad; for all is vanity and a chase after wind. New Revised Standard Version So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous to me; for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I hated life because the work that is done under the sun is evil to me, because everything is futility and agitation of spirit OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind. Brenton Septuagint Translation So I hated life; because the work that was wrought under the sun was evil before me: for all is vanity and waywardness of spirit. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Wise and the Foolish…16For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! 17So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. Cross References Job 7:16 I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. Psalm 39:5-6 You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah / Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. Psalm 73:13-14 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. / For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. Job 3:20-22 Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul, / who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure, / who rejoice and greatly exult when they reach the grave? Romans 8:20-22 For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. Philippians 1:21-23 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. / But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. / I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. 1 Corinthians 15:32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Psalm 49:10-12 For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. / Their graves are their eternal homes—their dwellings for endless generations—even though their lands were their namesakes. / But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. Isaiah 49:4 But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” 2 Corinthians 5:2-4 For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, / because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. / For while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life. Psalm 90:10 The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. 1 John 2:17 The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. Romans 7:24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 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.” James 4:14 You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Treasury of Scripture Therefore I hated life; because the work that is worked under the sun is grievous to me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. i hated Numbers 11:15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. 1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. Job 3:20-22 Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; … work Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 3:16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. Ezekiel 3:14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. for Ecclesiastes 2:11,22 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun… Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Psalm 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? Jump to Previous Chasing Evil Futility Grievous Hated Hating Life Meaningless Purpose Pursuit Sad Spirit Striving Sun Vanity Vexation Whole Wind Work Worked WroughtJump to Next Chasing Evil Futility Grievous Hated Hating Life Meaningless Purpose Pursuit Sad Spirit Striving Sun Vanity Vexation Whole Wind Work Worked WroughtEcclesiastes 2 1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event 18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom 24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift So I hated life This phrase reflects the deep existential despair experienced by the author, traditionally believed to be King Solomon. Despite his immense wisdom, wealth, and accomplishments, he finds life unsatisfying. This sentiment echoes the human condition post-Fall, where sin has marred the original joy and purpose of life (Genesis 3). The feeling of hating life can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament understanding of the need for redemption and the abundant life offered through Christ (John 10:10). because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a philosophical exploration of life's meaning. 2. Jerusalem The central place of Solomon's reign and the location where much of his work and wisdom were displayed. It serves as the backdrop for his reflections on life and labor. 3. Under the Sun A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe the earthly, temporal realm of human activity and experience, as opposed to the eternal or divine perspective. 4. Work/Labor The efforts and achievements of human beings, which Solomon examines and ultimately finds to be futile when considered apart from God. 5. Futility A central theme in Ecclesiastes, referring to the meaningless or transient nature of human endeavors when they are disconnected from a divine purpose. Teaching Points The Limitations of Earthly Wisdom and AchievementsSolomon's wisdom and accomplishments did not bring lasting satisfaction. True fulfillment is found in a relationship with God. The Reality of Life's Transience Recognize the temporary nature of earthly pursuits. This awareness should lead us to invest in eternal values. The Importance of Perspective Viewing life "under the sun" leads to despair. A heavenly perspective, focused on God's eternal purposes, brings hope and meaning. The Role of Work in a Believer's Life While work can seem futile, it gains significance when done for God's glory and in service to others. Finding Contentment in Christ True contentment and purpose are found in Christ, who redeems our efforts and gives eternal significance to our lives.(17) Is grievous.--Rather, was.Verse 17. - Therefore I hated life; et idcirce taeduit me vitae meae. Be a man wise or foolish, his life leads only to one end and is soon forgotten; hence life itself is burdensome and hateful. The bitter complaint of Job (Job 3:20, etc.; Job 6:8, 9) is here echoed, though the words do not point to suicide as the solution of the riddle. It is the ennui and unprofitableness of all life and action in view of the inevitable conclusion, which is here lamented. Because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me; literally, for evil unto me (Esther 3:9) is the work which is done under the sun. The toil and exertions of men pressed upon him like a burden too heavy for him to bear. Symmachus, Κακόν μοι ἐφάνη τὸ ἔργον; Septuagint, Πονηρὸν ἐπ ἐμὲ τὸ ποίημα κ.τ.λ.. He repeats the expression, "under the sun," as if to show that he was regarding human labor only in its earthly aspect, undertaken and executed for temporal and selfish considerations alone. The apostle teaches a 'better lesson, and the worker who adopts his rule is saved from this crushing disappointment: "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23, 24). For all is vanity. He comes back to the same miserable refrain; it is all emptiness, striving after wind. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So I hatedוְשָׂנֵ֙אתִי֙ (wə·śā·nê·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 8130: To hate life, הַ֣חַיִּ֔ים (ha·ḥay·yîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the work הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה (ham·ma·‘ă·śeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property that is done שֶׁנַּעֲשָׂ֖ה (šen·na·‘ă·śāh) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make under תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (haš·šā·meš) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement was grievous רַ֤ע (ra‘) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil to me. עָלַי֙ (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction everything הַכֹּ֥ל (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every is futile הֶ֖בֶל (he·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory and a pursuit וּרְע֥וּת (ū·rə·‘ūṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 7469: A feeding upon, grasping after of the wind. רֽוּחַ׃ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit Links Ecclesiastes 2:17 NIVEcclesiastes 2:17 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:17 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:17 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:17 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:17 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:17 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:17 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:17 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:17 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I hated life because the work (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
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