Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version This too is a grievous evil: As everyone comes, so they depart, and what do they gain, since they toil for the wind? New Living Translation And this, too, is a very serious problem. People leave this world no better off than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing—like working for the wind. English Standard Version This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Berean Standard Bible This too is a grievous affliction: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? King James Bible And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind? New King James Version And this also is a severe evil— Just exactly as he came, so shall he go. And what profit has he who has labored for the wind? New American Standard Bible This also is a sickening evil: exactly as a person is born, so will he die. What then is the advantage for him who labors for the wind? NASB 1995 This also is a grievous evil— exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind? NASB 1977 And this also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So, what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind? Legacy Standard Bible This also is a sickening evil—exactly as a man came, so will he go. So what is the advantage to him who labors for the wind? Amplified Bible This also is a grievous evil—exactly as he was born, so he shall die. So what advantage has he who labors for the wind? Christian Standard Bible This too is a sickening tragedy: exactly as he comes, so he will go. What does the one gain who struggles for the wind? Holman Christian Standard Bible This too is a sickening tragedy: exactly as he comes, so he will go. What does the one gain who struggles for the wind? American Standard Version And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind? Contemporary English Version That's terribly unfair. They leave the world just as they came. They gained nothing from running after the wind. English Revised Version And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboureth for the wind? GOD'S WORD® Translation This also is a painful tragedy: They leave exactly as they came. What advantage do they gain from working so hard for the wind? Good News Translation It isn't right! We go just as we came. We labor, trying to catch the wind, and what do we get? International Standard Version This is also a painful tragedy: However a person comes, he also departs; so what does he gain as he labors after the wind? Majority Standard Bible This too is a grievous affliction: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? NET Bible This is another misfortune: Just as he came, so will he go. What did he gain from toiling for the wind? New Heart English Bible This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind? Webster's Bible Translation And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath labored for the wind? World English Bible This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd this also [is] a painful evil, just as he came, so he goes, and what advantage [is] to him who labors for wind? Young's Literal Translation And this also is a painful evil, just as he came, so he goeth, and what advantage is to him who laboureth for wind? Smith's Literal Translation And also this an evil making sick, wholly as he came so shall he go: and what to him he shall labor for the wind? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA most deplorable evil: as he came, so shall he return. What then doth it profit him that he hath laboured for the wind? Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible This too is a grievous evil, that they go just as they came. What then does it profit them to toil for the wind? New Revised Standard Version This also is a grievous ill: just as they came, so shall they go; and what gain do they have from toiling for the wind? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd this also is a grievous evil; for just as he came, so shall he go; and what profit has he that has labored for the wind? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And this also is an evil disease, for as he comes, so he goes, and what is the profit in all that he labored for the wind? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go; and what profit hath he that he laboureth for the wind? Brenton Septuagint Translation And this is also an evil infirmity: for as he came, so also shall he return: and what is his gain, for which he vainly labours? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Futility of Wealth…15As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands. 16This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? 17Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.… Cross References Job 1:21 saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. Psalm 49:17 For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:20-21 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?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” Proverbs 27:24 for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation. 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. Psalm 39:6 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 Peter 1:24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, Luke 16:22-23 One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. / In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. Psalm 73:18-20 Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. / How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! / Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. 1 Corinthians 7:31 and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away. Isaiah 40:6-8 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Matthew 16:26 What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36 What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Treasury of Scripture And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit has he that has labored for the wind? a sore Ecclesiastes 5:13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. Ecclesiastes 2:22,23 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? … what 1 Samuel 12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. Jeremiah 2:8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? for Ecclesiastes 1:3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? Proverbs 11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. Isaiah 26:18 We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. Jump to Previous Advantage Born Departs Die Evil Gain Great Grievous Labors Laboureth Painful Points Profit Sore Toiled Toils Wind WorkingJump to Next Advantage Born Departs Die Evil Gain Great Grievous Labors Laboureth Painful Points Profit Sore Toiled Toils Wind WorkingEcclesiastes 5 1. vanities in divine service8. in murmuring against oppression 9. and in riches 18. Joy in riches is the gift of God. This too is a grievous affliction: The phrase highlights the deep sorrow and frustration that the Preacher, traditionally understood as Solomon, feels about the futility of human endeavors. The term "grievous affliction" suggests a profound burden or misfortune, echoing the themes of vanity and meaninglessness found throughout Ecclesiastes. This sentiment is consistent with the book's exploration of life's transient nature and the limitations of human wisdom and effort. Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart: What does he gain as he toils for the wind? Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often focus on the meaning and purpose of life. 2. Israel The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth) The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the futility and meaning of life. Teaching Points The Futility of MaterialismThe verse highlights the emptiness of pursuing wealth for its own sake. Material possessions cannot provide lasting fulfillment or security. The Transience of Life Life is temporary, and our earthly achievements and possessions are fleeting. This should encourage us to focus on eternal values. Contentment in God True contentment comes from a relationship with God, not from accumulating wealth or possessions. We should seek satisfaction in Him. Purposeful Living Our efforts should be directed towards meaningful pursuits that align with God's will, rather than chasing after "the wind." Eternal Perspective Keeping an eternal perspective helps us prioritize our lives according to God's kingdom rather than worldly success.Verse 16. - This also is a sore evil. The thought of ver. 15 is emphatically repeated. In all points as he came; i.e. naked, helpless. And what profit hath he that laboreth for the wind? The answer is emphatically "nothing." We have had similar questions in Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 2:22; Ecclesiastes 3:9. To labor for the wind is to toil with no result, like the "feeding on wind, pursuing of vanity," which is the key-note of the book. The wind is the type of all that is empty, delusive, unsubstantial. In Proverbs 11:29 we have the phrase, "to inherit the wind." Job calls futile arguments "words of wind" (Job 16:3; Job 15:2). Thus the Greek proverb Ἀνέμους θ᾿ρᾶν ἐν δικτύος to try to catch the wind:" and the Latin, "Ventos pascere," and "Ventos colere "(see Erasmus, 'Adag.,' s.v. "Inanis opera"). Septuagint, Καὶ τίς ἡ περίσσεια αὐτοῦ η΅ι μοχθεῖ εἰς ἄνεμον; "And what is his gain for which he labors for the wind?" Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thisזֹה֙ (zōh) Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2090: This, that too וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and is a grievous חוֹלָ֔ה (ḥō·w·lāh) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick evil: רָעָ֣ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil Exactly as כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every a man is born, שֶׁבָּ֖א (šeb·bā) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go so כֵּ֣ן (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus he will depart. יֵלֵ֑ךְ (yê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk What וּמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what does he gain יִּתְר֣וֹן (yiṯ·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3504: Preeminence, gain as he toils שֶֽׁיַּעֲמֹ֖ל (še·ya·‘ă·mōl) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5998: To toil, work severely and with irksomeness for the wind? לָרֽוּחַ׃ (lā·rū·aḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit Links Ecclesiastes 5:16 NIVEcclesiastes 5:16 NLT Ecclesiastes 5:16 ESV Ecclesiastes 5:16 NASB Ecclesiastes 5:16 KJV Ecclesiastes 5:16 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 5:16 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 5:16 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 5:16 French Bible Ecclesiastes 5:16 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:16 This also is a grievous evil that (Ecclesiast. 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