Ecclesiastes 5:20
New International Version
They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.

New Living Translation
God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.

English Standard Version
For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Berean Standard Bible
For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

King James Bible
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

New King James Version
For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

New American Standard Bible
For he will not often call to mind the years of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

NASB 1995
For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.

NASB 1977
For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.

Legacy Standard Bible
For he will not remember much the days of his life because God allows him to occupy himself with the gladness of his heart.

Amplified Bible
For he will not often consider the [troubled] days of his life, because God keeps him occupied and focused on the joy of his heart [and the tranquility of God indwells him].

Christian Standard Bible
for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

American Standard Version
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

Contemporary English Version
God will keep you so happy that you won't have time to worry about each day.

English Revised Version
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These people won't give much thought to their brief lives because God keeps them occupied with the joy in their hearts.

Good News Translation
Since God has allowed us to be happy, we will not worry too much about how short life is.

International Standard Version
For he will not brood much over the days of his life, since God will keep him occupied with the joys of his heart.

Majority Standard Bible
For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

NET Bible
For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity.

New Heart English Bible
For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

World English Bible
For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life, because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For he does not much remember the days of his life, for God is answering through the joy of his heart.

Young's Literal Translation
For he doth not much remember the days of his life, for God is answering through the joy of his heart.

Smith's Literal Translation
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; for God humbles him in the gladness of his heart.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For he shall not much remember the days of his life, because God entertaineth his heart with delight,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And then he will not fully remember the days of his life, because God occupies his heart with delights.

New American Bible
For they will hardly dwell on the shortness of life, because God lets them busy themselves with the joy of their heart.

New Revised Standard Version
For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For he shall remember no more the days of his life; because God will keep him busy with the joy of his heart.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because he will not much remember the days of his life, because God occupies him with the joy of his heart
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For let him remember the days of his life that they are not many; for God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For he shall not much remember the days of his life; for God troubles him in the mirth of his heart.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Futility of Wealth
19Furthermore, 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. 20For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

Cross References
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.

1 Timothy 6:6-8
Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

Matthew 6:25-34
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? / Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ...

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.

Psalm 90:14-15
Satisfy us in the morning with Your loving devotion, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. / Make us glad for as many days as You have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen evil.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 4:7-8
You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound. / I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. / Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. / And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

1 Peter 1:8
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Isaiah 65:14
My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit.

John 15:11
I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

Psalm 21:6
For You grant him blessings forever; You cheer him with joy in Your presence.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answers him in the joy of his heart.

for he shall not much remember

Psalm 37:16
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

because

Deuteronomy 28:8-12,47
The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee…

Psalm 4:6,7
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us…

Isaiah 64:5
Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.

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Consider Gladness Heart Joy Keeps Life Occupied Often Reflect Reflects Remember Seldom Thought
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Consider Gladness Heart Joy Keeps Life Occupied Often Reflect Reflects Remember Seldom Thought
Ecclesiastes 5
1. vanities in divine service
8. in murmuring against oppression
9. and in riches
18. Joy in riches is the gift of God.














For a man seldom considers the days of his life
This phrase reflects the transient nature of human life and the tendency to focus on immediate experiences rather than the passage of time. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it underscores the theme of life's fleeting nature and the futility of human endeavors without divine perspective. The Hebrew word for "considers" can also imply deep reflection or contemplation, suggesting that people often live without fully appreciating the brevity of life. This echoes Psalm 90:12, which urges believers to "number our days" to gain wisdom. The cultural context of ancient Israel, where life was often uncertain due to factors like war, famine, and disease, would make this reflection particularly poignant.

because God keeps him occupied
This part of the verse highlights God's active role in human life, providing a sense of purpose and engagement. The word "occupied" suggests a divine intervention that fills a person's life with meaningful activity. This aligns with the biblical view that God is sovereign and intimately involved in the lives of His people, as seen in passages like Proverbs 16:9, which states that "the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Theologically, this can be seen as a form of divine grace, where God provides contentment and purpose amidst life's vanities.

with the joy of his heart
The joy mentioned here is a gift from God, contrasting with the often pessimistic tone of Ecclesiastes. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep-seated contentment that God imparts. In the broader biblical narrative, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often associated with salvation and God's presence (Psalm 16:11). This joy can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of joy for believers, as He promises fullness of joy in Him (John 15:11). The historical context of Ecclesiastes, likely written during Solomon's reign, a time of prosperity and peace, would make this divine joy particularly relevant as a counterbalance to the material wealth and achievements that might otherwise distract from spiritual fulfillment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature attributed to him.

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. God
- The central figure in Ecclesiastes, God is portrayed as the giver of joy and the one who provides meaning in life.

4. The Preacher (Qoheleth)
- The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness.

5. Joy of the Heart
- A key theme in this verse, representing the deep, God-given contentment that transcends life's fleeting nature.
Teaching Points
God as the Source of Joy
True joy is a gift from God, not dependent on external circumstances. Believers are encouraged to seek fulfillment in their relationship with Him.

Contentment in Life's Simplicity
The verse suggests that a life focused on God-given joy leads to contentment, reducing the preoccupation with life's temporal concerns.

The Transience of Life
Recognizing the brevity of life can lead to a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the joy God provides.

Trust in God's Provision
Trusting that God will occupy our hearts with joy allows us to live without constant worry about the future.

Reflecting on God's Blessings
Regular reflection on God's blessings can cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy, aligning with the verse's message.(20) "In the enjoyment of God's gifts he does not think much of the sorrows or brevity of life." This is the usual explanation; and though not satisfied with it, we cannot suggest a better.

Verse 20. - For he shall not much remember the days of his life. The man who has learned the lesson of calm enjoyment does not much concern himself with the shortness, uncertainty, or possible trouble of life. He carries out the counsel of Christ, "Be not anxious for the morrow, for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" (Matthew 6:34). Ginsburg gives an entirely opposite rendering to the clause, "He should remember that the days of his life are not many;" i.e. the thought of the shortness of life should urge us to enjoy it while it lasts. But the Authorized Version is supported by the Septuagint and Vulgate and most modern commentators, and seems most appropriate to the context. The marginal rendering, "Though he give not much, yet he remembereth," etc., which Ginsburg calls a literary curiosity, must have been derived from the version of Junius, which gives, "Quod si non multum (supple, est illud quod dederit Deus, ex versu praec.)," etc. Because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. The man passes a calm and contented life, because God shows that he is pleased with him by the tranquil joy shed over his heart. The verb מַעֲנֶה (the hiph. participle of עָנָה) is variously rendered. The Septuagint gives, Ὁ Θεὸς περισπᾷ αὐτὸν ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ καρδίας αὐτοῦ, "God distracts him in the mirth of his heart;" Vulgate, Eo quod Deus occupet deliciis cot ejus; Ginsburg, "God causeth him to work for the enjoyment of his heart," i.e. God assigns him work that he may thence derive enjoyment; Koster," God makes him sing in the joy of his heart;" Delitzsch, Wright, and Plumptre, "God answers (corresponds with) the joy of his heart," which the latter explains to mean "is felt to approve it as harmonizing, in its calm evenness, with his own blessedness, the tranquility of the wise man mirroring the tranquility of God." But this modified Epicureanism is alien from the teaching of Koheleth. Rather the idea is that God answers him with, imparts to him, joy of heart, makes him sensible of his favorable regard by this inward feeling of satisfaction and content.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

[a man] seldom
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

considers
יִזְכֹּ֖ר (yiz·kōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

the days
יְמֵ֣י (yə·mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of his life,
חַיָּ֑יו (ḥay·yāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

because
כִּ֧י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

God
הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

keeps him occupied
מַעֲנֶ֖ה (ma·‘ă·neh)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted

with the joy
בְּשִׂמְחַ֥ת (bə·śim·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee

of his heart.
לִבּֽוֹ׃ (lib·bōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not often reflect (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
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