All a man's labor
The phrase "All a man's labor" refers to the entirety of human effort and toil. In the Hebrew text, the word for "labor" is "עֲמָל" (amal), which conveys a sense of wearisome toil or hard work. This reflects the human condition post-Fall, where labor became burdensome (Genesis 3:17-19). Historically, this toil encompasses both physical and mental exertion, highlighting the universal struggle of mankind to provide for basic needs.

is for his mouth
The phrase "is for his mouth" indicates that the primary purpose of labor is to satisfy physical needs, particularly hunger. The Hebrew word "פֶּה" (peh) for "mouth" is often used metaphorically to represent consumption or desire. This reflects the basic human drive to sustain life through nourishment. In a broader sense, it underscores the material focus of human endeavors, often at the expense of spiritual fulfillment.

yet his appetite
"Yet his appetite" introduces a contrast between labor and satisfaction. The Hebrew word "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), translated here as "appetite," can also mean "soul" or "life." This suggests a deeper longing within humans that goes beyond physical hunger. Theologically, it points to the innate desire for something greater than material possessions, a yearning for spiritual fulfillment that only God can satisfy (Psalm 42:1-2).

is never satisfied
The phrase "is never satisfied" speaks to the insatiable nature of human desire. The Hebrew word "מָלֵא" (male) means "to be full" or "to be satisfied." Despite all efforts and achievements, true contentment remains elusive. This reflects the theme of vanity and futility found throughout Ecclesiastes, emphasizing that earthly pursuits cannot fulfill the deeper needs of the human soul. It serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of worldly gains and the eternal satisfaction found in a relationship with God (Philippians 4:11-13).

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often explore the meaning and purpose of life.

2. Israel
The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time provides a backdrop for understanding the themes of labor and satisfaction.

3. Labor
Represents human effort and toil, a central theme in Ecclesiastes, reflecting on the futility and temporary nature of earthly pursuits.

4. Appetite
Symbolizes human desires and needs, both physical and metaphorical, which are often insatiable and lead to a cycle of continuous striving.

5. Wisdom Literature
Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes Proverbs and Job, focusing on the complexities of life and the pursuit of understanding.The Futility of Earthly Pursuits
Human labor often focuses on fulfilling immediate needs and desires, yet true satisfaction remains elusive. This reflects the temporary nature of worldly achievements.

The Insatiable Nature of Desire
Just as physical hunger returns, so do our desires for more, whether it be wealth, success, or pleasure. Recognizing this can lead us to seek deeper, spiritual fulfillment.

Contentment in Christ
True contentment is found not in the accumulation of material goods but in a relationship with Christ. This shifts our focus from earthly labor to eternal values.

The Purpose of Work
While labor is necessary, it should not be the ultimate goal. Work can be a means to serve others and glorify God, aligning our efforts with His purposes.

Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us prioritize our efforts and find satisfaction in God's promises rather than in temporary achievements.Verses 7-9. - Section 10. Desire is insatiable; men are always striving after enjoyment, but they never gain their wish completely - which fortifies the old conclusion that man's happiness is not in his own power. Verse 7. - All the labor of man is for his mouth; i.e. for self-preservation and enjoyment, eating and drinking being taken as a type of the proper use of earthly blessings (comp; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:13, etc.; Psalm 128:2). The sentiment is general, and does not refer specially to the particular person described above, though it carries on the idea of the unsatisfactory result of wealth. Luther translates strangely and erroneously, "To every man is work allotted according to his measure. Such an idea is entirely foreign to the context. And yet the appetite is not filled. The word rendered "appetite" is nephesh, "soul," and Zockler contends that "' mouth 'and 'soul' stand in contrast to each other as representatives of the purely sensual and therefore transitory enjoyment (comp. Job 12:11; Proverbs 16:26) as compared with the deeper, more spiritual, and therefore more lasting kind of joy." But no such contrast is intended; the writer would never have uttered such a truism as that deep, spiritual joy is not to be obtained by sensual pleasure; and, as Delitzsch points out, in some passages (e.g., Proverbs 16:26; Isaiah 5:14; Isaiah 29:8) "mouth" in one sentence corresponds to "soul" in another. The soul is considered as the seat of the appetitive faculty - emotions, desires, etc. This is never satisfied (Ecclesiastes 1:8) with what it has, but is always craving for more. So Horace affirms that a man rightly obtains the appellation of king, "avidum domando spiritum," by subduing his spirit's cravings ('Carm.,' 2:2. 9).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

labor
עֲמַ֥ל (‘ă·mal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind

[is] for his mouth,
לְפִ֑יהוּ (lə·p̄î·hū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

yet
וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

his appetite
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ (han·ne·p̄eš)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

is never
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

satisfied.
תִמָּלֵֽא׃ (ṯim·mā·lê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 6:7 All the labor of man (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)