Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Laughter,” I said, “is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?” New Living Translation So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” English Standard Version I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” Berean Standard Bible I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” King James Bible I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? New King James Version I said of laughter—“Madness!”; and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?” New American Standard Bible I said of laughter, “It is senseless,” and of pleasure, “What does this accomplish?” NASB 1995 I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” NASB 1977 I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” Legacy Standard Bible I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of gladness, “What does it do?” Amplified Bible I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” Christian Standard Bible I said about laughter, “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible I said about laughter, “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish?” American Standard Version I said of laughter, It is mad; and of mirth, What doeth it? Contemporary English Version Laughing and having fun is crazy. What good does it do? English Revised Version I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? GOD'S WORD® Translation I thought, "Laughter doesn't make any sense. What does pleasure accomplish?" Good News Translation I discovered that laughter is foolish, that pleasure does you no good. International Standard Version "Senseless," said I concerning laughter and pleasure, "How practical is this?" Majority Standard Bible I said of laughter, ?It is folly,? and of pleasure, ?What does it accomplish?? NET Bible I said of partying, "It is folly," and of self-indulgent pleasure, "It accomplishes nothing!" New Heart English Bible I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?" Webster's Bible Translation I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? World English Bible I said of laughter, “It is foolishness;” and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOf laughter I said, “Foolish!” And of mirth, “What [is] this it is doing?” Young's Literal Translation Of laughter I said, 'Foolish!' and of mirth, 'What is this it is doing?' Smith's Literal Translation To laughter I said, It is mad: and to gladness, What did this? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLaughter I counted error: and to mirth I said: Why art thou vainly deceived? Catholic Public Domain Version Laughter, I considered an error. And to rejoicing, I said: “Why are you being deceived, to no purpose?” New American Bible Of laughter I said: “Mad!” and of mirth: “What good does this do?” New Revised Standard Version I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI said of laughter, What pleasure is there in it? and of mirth, What do you accomplish? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated I said to laughter: "What are these things?", and to joy", what have you done? ", and I turned that I would quiet my heart OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917I said of laughter: 'It is mad'; and of mirth: 'What doth it accomplish?' Brenton Septuagint Translation I said to laughter, Madness: and to mirth, Why doest thou this: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Futility of Pleasure1I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!” But it proved to be futile. 2I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 3I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.… Cross References Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. Proverbs 21:17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich. Proverbs 10:23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. Isaiah 5:11-12 Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. Isaiah 22:13 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!” Luke 12:19-20 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!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ 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.” James 4:9 Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Proverbs 23:29-30 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Isaiah 56:12 “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” 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. Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 1 Timothy 5:6 But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive. Proverbs 31:4-5 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, / lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice. Treasury of Scripture I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What does it? it is Ecclesiastes 7:2-6 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… Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. Isaiah 22:12,13 And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: … Jump to Previous Accomplish Availeth Foolish Foolishness Joy Laughter Mad Madness Mirth Pleasure UseJump to Next Accomplish Availeth Foolish Foolishness Joy Laughter Mad Madness Mirth Pleasure UseEcclesiastes 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 I said of laughter, “It is folly,” In the context of Ecclesiastes, the author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on the pursuit of worldly pleasures and their ultimate futility. Laughter, often associated with joy and happiness, is here deemed "folly," suggesting that it is superficial and transient. This aligns with the broader theme of Ecclesiastes, which questions the value of earthly pursuits. In biblical terms, folly often contrasts with wisdom, as seen in Proverbs, where wisdom is highly esteemed. The cultural context of ancient Israel valued wisdom and understanding over mere entertainment or frivolity, emphasizing a life lived in accordance with God's commandments. and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 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 culmination of his life experiences and search for meaning. 2. Jerusalem The central place of Solomon's reign and the location where he would have experienced much of the pleasure and laughter he later deemed as folly. 3. The Pursuit of Pleasure This event or theme is central to Ecclesiastes 2, where Solomon explores the value and outcome of seeking pleasure as a means to find fulfillment in life. Teaching Points The Folly of Laughter and PleasureSolomon's declaration that laughter is folly and pleasure accomplishes nothing challenges us to evaluate the pursuits we prioritize in life. Are they truly fulfilling, or are they temporary distractions? The Search for Meaning This verse invites us to consider where we seek meaning and satisfaction. Solomon's exploration suggests that true fulfillment cannot be found in earthly pleasures alone. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Joy Earthly pleasures are fleeting and often leave us wanting more. This realization should lead us to seek joy and contentment in eternal, spiritual matters rather than temporary, worldly ones. Wisdom in Perspective Solomon's wisdom, despite his wealth and experiences, led him to conclude that many pursuits are ultimately meaningless. This perspective encourages us to seek wisdom from God to discern what truly matters. The Call to Reflect on Our Lives This verse serves as a call to introspection. Are we living for temporary pleasures, or are we investing in things of eternal value?-2Proverbs 14:13. Mad.--Psalm 102:9. Verse 2. - I said of laughter, It is mad. Laughter and mirth are personified, hence treated as masculine. He uses the term "mad" in reference to the statement in Ecclesiastes 1:17, "I gave my heart to know madness and folly." Septuagint, "I said to laughter, Error (περιφοράν);" Vulgate, Risum reputavi errorem. Neither of these is as accurate as the Authorized Version. Of mirth, What doeth it? What does it effect towards real happiness and contentment? How does it help to fill the void, to give lasting satisfaction? So we have in Proverbs 14:13, "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of mirth is heaviness;" though the context is different. The Vulgate renders loosely, Quid frustra deeiperis?Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew I saidאָמַ֣רְתִּי (’ā·mar·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 559: To utter, say of laughter, לִשְׂח֖וֹק (liś·ḥō·wq) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7814: Laughter, derision, sport “It is folly,” מְהוֹלָ֑ל (mə·hō·w·lāl) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1984: To shine and of pleasure, וּלְשִׂמְחָ֖ה (ū·lə·śim·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee “What מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what does it זֹּ֥ה (zōh) Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2090: This, that accomplish?” עֹשָֽׂה׃ (‘ō·śāh) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make Links Ecclesiastes 2:2 NIVEcclesiastes 2:2 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:2 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:2 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:2 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:2 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:2 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:2 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:2 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:2 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:2 I said of laughter It is foolishness (Ecclesiast. 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