Ecclesiastes 3:13
New International Version
That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

New Living Translation
And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

English Standard Version
also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

Berean Standard Bible
and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.

King James Bible
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

New King James Version
and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

New American Standard Bible
moreover, that every person who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—this is the gift of God.

NASB 1995
moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor— it is the gift of God.

NASB 1977
moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
moreover, that every man who eats and drinks and sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.

Amplified Bible
and also that every man should eat and drink and see and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

Christian Standard Bible
It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.

American Standard Version
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

Contemporary English Version
because God's gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do.

English Revised Version
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labour, is the gift of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It is a gift from God to be able to eat and drink and experience the good that comes from every kind of hard work.

Good News Translation
All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift.

International Standard Version
moreover, every person should eat, drink, and enjoy the benefits of everything that he undertakes, since it is a gift from God.

Majority Standard Bible
and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor?this is the gift of God.

NET Bible
and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil, for these things are a gift from God.

New Heart English Bible
Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.

World English Bible
Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
indeed, even every man who eats and has drunk and seen good by all his labor, it [is] a gift of God.

Young's Literal Translation
yea, even every man who eateth and hath drunk and seen good by all his labour, it is a gift of God.

Smith's Literal Translation
And also every man shall eat and drink, and see the good in all his labor; it is the gift of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For every man that eateth and drinketh, and seeth good of his labour, this is the gift of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this is a gift from God: when each man eats and drinks, and sees the good results of his labor.

New American Bible
Moreover, that all can eat and drink and enjoy the good of all their toil—this is a gift of God.

New Revised Standard Version
moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor; it is the gift of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And also that every man may eat and drink and see good in all his work, this is the gift of LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy pleasure for all his labour, is the gift of God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Also in the case of every man who shall eat and drink, and see good in all his labour, this is a gift of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Works Remain Forever
12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, 13and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor— this is the gift of God. 14I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.…

Cross References
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

Psalm 128:2
For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God. / For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment?

Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
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. / Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.

Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.

Acts 14:17
Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Psalm 104:14-15
He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: / wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.

Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Isaiah 65:21-22
They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. / No longer will they build houses for others to inhabit, nor plant for others to eat. For as is the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands.

Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.

Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Genesis 1:29-30
Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. / And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

Psalm 37:3-4
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. / Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.


Treasury of Scripture

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:24
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion…

Ecclesiastes 6:2
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

Jump to Previous
Drink Drinks Drunk Eat Eateth Eats Enjoy Find Food Gift God's Good Joy Labor Moreover Pleasure Reward Satisfaction Toil Work
Jump to Next
Drink Drinks Drunk Eat Eateth Eats Enjoy Find Food Gift God's Good Joy Labor Moreover Pleasure Reward Satisfaction Toil Work
Ecclesiastes 3
1. by the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail
11. is an excellence in God's works
16. as for man, God shall judge his works hereafter, though here he be like a beast














and also
This phrase serves as a continuation of the preceding thoughts in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the inclusivity of the message. The Hebrew conjunction "וְגַם" (vegam) suggests an addition or further explanation, indicating that what follows is part of a broader divine principle. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's provision and the holistic approach to life that the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon, is advocating.

that every man
The phrase "every man" (Hebrew: "כָּל־הָאָדָם", kol-ha'adam) is inclusive, suggesting universality. It implies that the message is not limited to a specific group but is applicable to all humanity. This universality reflects the biblical theme that God's gifts and purposes are intended for all people, transcending cultural, social, and temporal boundaries.

should eat and drink
Eating and drinking are basic human activities, yet they are elevated here to a divine purpose. The Hebrew words "לֶאֱכוֹל וְלִשְׁתוֹת" (le'echol velishtot) imply not just the act of consumption but the enjoyment and appreciation of God's provision. In the ancient Near Eastern context, meals were often communal and celebratory, symbolizing fellowship and divine blessing. This phrase suggests that even mundane activities are sanctified when recognized as gifts from God.

and find satisfaction
The Hebrew word for satisfaction, "וְרָאָה טוֹב" (vera'ah tov), literally means "to see good." This implies a deeper perception and appreciation of one's labor and its fruits. Satisfaction is not merely a fleeting pleasure but a profound contentment that comes from recognizing the goodness in one's work and life. It aligns with the biblical principle that true contentment is found in acknowledging God's hand in all aspects of life.

in all his labor
The phrase "in all his labor" (Hebrew: "בְּכָל־עֲמָלוֹ", bechol-amalo) emphasizes the totality of one's efforts. Labor, or "עֲמָל" (amal), often carries connotations of toil and struggle, yet here it is presented as a source of satisfaction. This reflects the biblical view that work is not a curse but a divine calling, and when done with the right heart, it becomes a means of experiencing God's blessing.

this is the gift of God
The concluding phrase, "this is the gift of God" (Hebrew: "מַתַּת אֱלֹהִים הִיא", mattat Elohim hi), encapsulates the central message of the verse. The word "מַתַּת" (mattat) signifies a gift or present, emphasizing that the ability to enjoy life and find satisfaction in work is not earned but graciously given by God. This perspective encourages a posture of gratitude and humility, recognizing that all good things come from the Creator. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God's gifts are abundant and meant to be received with thanksgiving.

(13, 14) Ecclesiasticus 11:17; Ecclesiasticus 18:6.

Verse 13. - And also that every man should eat and drink... it is the gift of God. This enforces and intensifies the statement in the preceding verse; not only the power to "do good," but even to enjoy what comes in his way (see on Ecclesiastes 2:24), man must receive from God. When we pray for our daily bread, we also ask for ability to take, assimilate, and profit by the supports and comforts afforded to us. "It" is better omitted, as "is the gift of God" forms the predicate of the sentence. Ecclesiastes 11:17, "The gift of the Lord remaineth with the godly, and his favor bringeth prosperity for ever."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and also
וְגַ֤ם (wə·ḡam)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

that every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

man
הָאָדָם֙ (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

should eat
שֶׁיֹּאכַ֣ל (še·yō·ḵal)
Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

and drink
וְשָׁתָ֔ה (wə·šā·ṯāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

and find
וְרָאָ֥ה (wə·rā·’āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

satisfaction
ט֖וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

in all
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his labor—
עֲמָל֑וֹ (‘ă·mā·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind

this is
הִֽיא׃ (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

the gift
מַתַּ֥ת (mat·taṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4991: A present

of God.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


Links
Ecclesiastes 3:13 NIV
Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT
Ecclesiastes 3:13 ESV
Ecclesiastes 3:13 NASB
Ecclesiastes 3:13 KJV

Ecclesiastes 3:13 BibleApps.com
Ecclesiastes 3:13 Biblia Paralela
Ecclesiastes 3:13 Chinese Bible
Ecclesiastes 3:13 French Bible
Ecclesiastes 3:13 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:13 Also that every man should eat (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 3:12
Top of Page
Top of Page