New International Version So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. New Living Translation So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world. English Standard Version So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, Berean Standard Bible So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. Berean Literal Bible And I turned around my heart to despair over all the toil that I have toiled under the sun. King James Bible Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun. New King James Version Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. New American Standard Bible Therefore I completely despaired over all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. NASB 1995 Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. NASB 1977 Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. Legacy Standard Bible Therefore I turned my heart to despair of all my labor for which I had labored under the sun. Amplified Bible So I turned aside and let my heart despair over all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. Berean Annotated Bible So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. Christian Standard Bible So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work that I had labored at under the sun. Holman Christian Standard Bible So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work that I had labored at under the sun. American Standard Version Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor wherein I had labored under the sun. Contemporary English Version I thought about all my hard work, and I felt depressed. English Revised Version Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour wherein I had laboured under the sun. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then I fell into despair over everything for which I had worked so hard under the sun. Good News Translation So I came to regret that I had worked so hard. International Standard Version So I came to be in despair about everything I had accomplished on earth. NET Bible So I began to despair about all the fruit of my labor for which I worked so hard on earth. New Heart English Bible Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun. Webster's Bible Translation Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor which I took under the sun. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. World English Bible Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I turned around to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor that I labored at under the sun. Berean Literal Bible And I turned around my heart to despair over all the toil that I have toiled under the sun. Young's Literal Translation And I turned round to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour that I laboured at under the sun. Smith's Literal Translation And I turned about to let my heart despair for all the labor I labored under the sun. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore I left off and my heart renounced labouring any more under the sun. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, I ceased, and my heart renounced further laboring under the sun. New American Bible So my heart turned to despair over all the fruits of my toil under the sun. New Revised Standard Version So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labors under the sun, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore I changed my view concerning all the toil in which I had labored under the sun. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I turned to convince my heart about every labor that I labored under the sun OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour wherein I had laboured under the sun. Brenton Septuagint Translation so I went about to dismiss from my heart all my labour wherein I had laboured under the sun. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Futility of Work…19And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. 20So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. 21When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil.… Cross References So my heart began to despair 2 Corinthians 1:8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. over all the labor 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.” Psalm 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved. that I had done 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Romans 14:12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:3 What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? 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. Romans 8:20-21 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. 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. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Job 14:1-2 “Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. Philippians 3:8 More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 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. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Isaiah 55:2 Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. Treasury of Scripture Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor which I took under the sun. Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. Job 17:11-15 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart… Psalm 39:6,7 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them… Jump to Previous Cause Completely Despair Despaired Fruit Grief Heart Labor Laboured Mind Round Sun Toil Trouble Turned Wherein Wherewith WisdomJump to Next Cause Completely Despair Despaired Fruit Grief Heart Labor Laboured Mind Round Sun Toil Trouble Turned Wherein Wherewith WisdomEcclesiastes 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 my heart began to despair Solomon’s accomplishments could not quiet the emptiness he discovered within. His heart, the seat of thought, desire, and resolve, surrendered to discouragement as he considered that death would separate him from everything he had gained. Earthly success cannot secure lasting meaning when it is pursued apart from the fear of God. 2Co 1:8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers,… over all the labor Solomon had devoted himself to wisdom, royal administration, building, wealth, gardens, servants, music, and pleasure. His reign brought Israel unusual prosperity, including the building of the temple in Jerusalem, yet even such great works could not overcome the burden introduced when sin brought toil and death into the world (Genesis 3:17–19). Work is good as God’s gift, but work cannot become a person’s savior. Gen 3:17-19 And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened… that I had done The repeated focus on Solomon’s own effort exposes the limits of human achievement. A king with exceptional resources, authority, and wisdom still could not control the future, preserve his possessions, or guarantee the character of those who would inherit his work. James likewise warns against making plans as though life and its outcomes belonged to man rather than to God (James 4:13–16). 2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,… under the sun. Life viewed only within the boundaries of this fallen world ends in frustration because everything visible is temporary. Solomon’s despair prepares the reader to seek the eternal God who judges every deed and gives lasting purpose to faithful labor. Believers labor with greater hope because their work in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Ecc 1:3 What does a man gain from all his labor,… 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. 2. Jerusalem The central place of Solomon's reign and the location of the Temple, which he built. It serves as the backdrop for much of his labor and achievements. 3. Labor Under the Sun This phrase refers to human efforts and endeavors in the earthly realm, emphasizing the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits. Teaching Points The Futility of Earthly PursuitsSolomon's despair highlights the temporary and unsatisfying nature of labor focused solely on earthly gain. Believers are encouraged to seek purpose beyond material success. The Search for Meaning The quest for meaning "under the sun" often leads to despair. True fulfillment is found in a relationship with God and aligning our work with His eternal purposes. The Role of Wisdom While wisdom is valuable, Solomon's experience shows that it alone cannot provide ultimate satisfaction. Wisdom should lead us to a deeper reliance on God. Contentment in Christ In a world that often values achievement and accumulation, Christians are called to find contentment in Christ, who offers peace and purpose beyond worldly endeavors. Eternal Perspective An eternal perspective transforms how we view our labor and achievements. By focusing on God's kingdom, we invest in what truly lasts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 2:20?2. How does Ecclesiastes 2:20 illustrate the futility of earthly pursuits? 3. What emotions does the phrase "despaired of all the labor" convey? 4. How can Ecclesiastes 2:20 guide us in prioritizing spiritual over material goals? 5. Compare Ecclesiastes 2:20 with Matthew 6:19-21 on storing treasures in heaven. 6. How can we find contentment in God's purpose despite life's perceived futility? 7. What does Ecclesiastes 2:20 reveal about the futility of human efforts and achievements? 8. How does Ecclesiastes 2:20 challenge the pursuit of material wealth and success? 9. In what ways does Ecclesiastes 2:20 reflect on the meaning of life and purpose? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2? What Does Ecclesiastes 2:20 Mean So my heart began to despair- Solomon hits an emotional wall: “my heart began to despair.” The wise king discovers that even the sharpest mind and the fullest wallet cannot protect the soul from hopelessness. Psalm 42:5 voices the same inner dialogue: “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” When a heart detaches from God’s eternal perspective, it sinks. - Proverbs 13:12 notes that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Solomon’s hope was tied to the results of his own effort; when those results felt empty, sickness followed. - 2 Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. Solomon is tasting worldly sorrow—grief with no higher anchor. over all the labor - The despair is “over all the labor.” Every project—palaces, gardens, treasuries—now feels hollow (Ecclesiastes 2:4-9). - Genesis 3:17-19 reminds us toil became burdensome after the fall. Work still matters, but sin has stripped it of automatic joy. - Ecclesiastes 1:3 already asked, “What does a man gain from all his labor?” Verse 20 supplies the lived-out answer: nothing lasting, if God is left out. - Psalm 127:1-2 warns, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Solomon built spectacular houses; without the Lord, they end in vanity. that I had done - “I had done” highlights self-reliance. 1 Kings 10:23 says Solomon surpassed all kings in riches and wisdom, yet even that résumé cannot secure meaning. - Philippians 3:4-8 shows Paul laying down his own impressive achievements as loss compared to Christ. Solomon is on the same road, realizing personal glory is fleeting. - Isaiah 64:6 says our righteous acts are like “filthy rags” when trusted for worth. Solomon’s portfolio, detached from faith, cannot satisfy God or himself. under the sun - The phrase limits the view to earthbound realities. Life assessed only “under the sun” will always appear pointless. - Colossians 3:2 urges believers to “set your minds on things above,” precisely the shift Solomon needs. - 2 Corinthians 4:18 counsels fixing our eyes on the unseen eternal. Solomon is showing what happens when we refuse to do so. - Revelation 21:5 lifts our gaze higher: “Behold, I make all things new.” Only heaven’s horizon can rescue earthly labor from futility. summary Ecclesiastes 2:20 records Solomon’s crisis: heart-level despair when life is measured by human effort alone. His projects, prestige, and productivity cannot fill the void because they remain confined “under the sun.” The verse stands as a sober reminder that apart from the Lord every accomplishment evaporates, while work offered to Him—and viewed through eternity—regains purpose, joy, and lasting value. (20) Went about.—Ecclesiastes 7:25; Ecclesiastes 9:14; Ecclesiastes 12:5.Verse 20. - Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair; Ἐπέστρεψα ἐγὼ (Septuagint). "I turned" in order to examine more closely. So in ver. 12 we had, "I turned myself," though the verbs are not the same in the two passages, and in the former the LXX. has ἐπέβλεψα. I turned from my late course of action to give myself up to despair. I lost all hope in labor; it had no longer any charm or future for me. Septuagint, Τοῦ ἀποτάξασθαι τὴν καρδίαν μου ἐν παντὶ μόχθῳ μου κ.τ.λ.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Soאֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I my heart לִבִּ֑י (lib·bî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre began וְסַבּ֥וֹתִֽי (wə·sab·bō·w·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround to despair לְיַאֵ֣שׁ (lə·ya·’êš) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 2976: To desist, to despond over עַ֚ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the labor הֶ֣עָמָ֔ל (he·‘ā·māl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind that I had done שֶׁעָמַ֖לְתִּי (še·‘ā·mal·tî) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5998: To toil, work severely and with irksomeness under תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun. הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (haš·šā·meš) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement Additonal Resources Ecclesiastes 2:20 Blue Letter BibleEcclesiastes 2:20 Bible Gateway Ecclesiastes 2:20 Bible.com Ecclesiastes 2:20 NIV |
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