Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. New Living Translation So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. English Standard Version And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. Berean Standard Bible So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. King James Bible Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. New King James Version So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. New American Standard Bible So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a person under the sun except to eat, drink, and be joyful, and this will stand by him in his labor throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. NASB 1995 So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. NASB 1977 So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. Legacy Standard Bible So I laud gladness, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will join with him in his labor throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. Amplified Bible Then I commended pleasure and enjoyment, because a man [without God] has no better thing under the sun than to eat and to drink and to be merry, for this will stand by him in his toil through the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. Christian Standard Bible So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. Holman Christian Standard Bible So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. American Standard Version Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that shall abide with him in his labor all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun. Contemporary English Version So I think we should get as much out of life as we possibly can. There is nothing better than to enjoy our food and drink and have a good time. Then we can make it through this troublesome life that God has given us here on earth. English Revised Version Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him in his labour all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun. GOD'S WORD® Translation So I recommend the enjoyment [of life]. People have nothing better to do under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves. This joy will stay with them while they work hard during their brief lives which God has given them under the sun. Good News Translation So I am convinced that we should enjoy ourselves, because the only pleasure we have in this life is eating and drinking and enjoying ourselves. We can at least do this as we labor during the life that God has given us in this world. International Standard Version So then I recommended enjoyment of life, because it is better on earth for a man to eat, drink, and be happy, since this will stay with him throughout his struggle all the days of his life, which God grants him on earth. Majority Standard Bible So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. NET Bible So I recommend the enjoyment of life, for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life. So joy will accompany him in his toil during the days of his life which God gives him on earth. New Heart English Bible Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. Webster's Bible Translation Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. World English Bible Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I have praised mirth because there is no good to man under the sun except to eat and to drink, and to rejoice, and it remains with him of his labor the days of his life that God has given to him under the sun. Young's Literal Translation And I have praised mirth because there is no good to man under the sun except to eat and to drink, and to rejoice, and it remaineth with him of his labour the days of his life that God hath given to him under the sun. Smith's Literal Translation And I praised joy, because there is no good to man under the sun but to eat and to drink, and to rejoice: for this shall lodge with him in his labor the days of his life which God gave to him under the sun. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore I commended mirth, because there was no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry, and that he should take nothing else with him of his labour in the days of his life, which God hath given him under the sun. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, I praised rejoicing, because there was no good for a man under the sun, except to eat and drink, and to be cheerful, and because he may take nothing with him from his labor in the days of his life, which God has given to him under the sun. New American Bible Therefore I praised joy, because there is nothing better for mortals under the sun than to eat and to drink and to be joyful; this will accompany them in their toil through the limited days of life God gives them under the sun. New Revised Standard Version So I commend enjoyment, for there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat, and drink, and enjoy themselves, for this will go with them in their toil through the days of life that God gives them under the sun. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I commended mirth, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and to drink and to be merry; for that shall accompany him in his labor all the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I praised joy, for there is no good for a son of man under the sun but to eat and to drink and to rejoice, and this accompanies him in his labor all the days of his life that God gives him under the sun OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So I commended mirth, that a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry, and that this should accompany him in his labour all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun. Brenton Septuagint Translation Then I praised mirth, because there is no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry: and this shall attend him in his labour all the days of his life, which God has given him under the sun. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God's Ways are Mysterious14There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. 15So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. 16When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night—… Cross References Ecclesiastes 2:24 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. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, / and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 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. / For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart. Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: / Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. / Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun. Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Isaiah 22:13 But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Isaiah 56:12 “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” Luke 12:19 Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ 1 Corinthians 15:32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Psalm 104:15 wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 128:2 For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours. Nehemiah 8:10 Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” 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? ... Treasury of Scripture Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun. then 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 3:12,13,22 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life… Ecclesiastes 5:18 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. Jump to Previous Abide Accompany Better Commend Commended Drink Eat Enjoy Except Joyful Labor Merry Mirth Pleasure Stand Sun Throughout ToilsJump to Next Abide Accompany Better Commend Commended Drink Eat Enjoy Except Joyful Labor Merry Mirth Pleasure Stand Sun Throughout ToilsEcclesiastes 8 1. true wisdom is modest2. Kings are to be respected 6. Divine providence is to be observed 12. It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity 16. The work of God is unsearchable So I commended the enjoyment of life The author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, acknowledges the value of enjoying life. This perspective is consistent with the wisdom literature's emphasis on finding joy in the present moment. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this commendation is not hedonistic but rather a recognition of life's fleeting nature. The enjoyment of life is seen as a gift from God, aligning with the biblical theme that God desires His creation to experience joy (Psalm 16:11). because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes reflects his reflections on the meaning 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. Under the Sun A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth from a human perspective, often highlighting the temporal and sometimes futile nature of worldly pursuits. Teaching Points The Gift of EnjoymentGod has given us the ability to enjoy life, and it is a gift to be received with gratitude. Recognizing this helps us appreciate the simple pleasures of life as blessings from God. Balance in Life While enjoying life is commended, it should be balanced with a recognition of our ultimate purpose and accountability to God. Our enjoyment should not lead to neglect of spiritual responsibilities. Contentment in Labor Finding joy in our work and daily activities is part of God's design. This perspective can transform mundane tasks into meaningful experiences when done with a heart of gratitude. Temporal vs. Eternal While Ecclesiastes acknowledges the value of enjoying life, it also reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly pleasures. Our ultimate hope and joy should be rooted in our relationship with God.(15) The writer returns to the sentiment expressed already (Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22; Ecclesiastes 5:17). Eat, and to drink, and to be merry.--The three words occur together 1Kings 4:20. . . . Verse 15. - Then (and) I commended mirth. In face of the anomalies which meet us in our view of life, Koheleth recommends the calm enjoyment of such blessings and comforts as we possess, in exact accordance with what has already been said (Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12, 22; Ecclesiastes 5:18), though the road by which he arrives at the conclusion is not identical in both cases. In the earlier chapters the injunction is based on man's inability to be the master of his own fate; in the present passage the inscrutable nature of the law that directs God's moral government leads to the advice to make the best of circumstances. In neither instance need we trace veiled Epicureanism. The result obtained is reached by acute observation supplemented by faith in God. Under the sun. The phrase occurs twice in this verse and again in ver. 17, and implies that the view taken was limited to man's earthly existence. To eat, and to drink, etc. This is not a commendation of a greedy, voluptuous life, but an injunction thankfully to enjoy the good provided by God without disquieting one's self with the mysteries of Providence. So it was said of Israel in its palmy days (1 Kings 4:20), "Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry." For that shall abide with him of his labor; rather, and that this should accompany him in his labor. The Greek Version regards the verb as indicative, not subjunctive, nor, as others, as jussive: "This shall attend (συμπροσέσται) him in his work." But it seems better to consider Koheleth as saying that the happiest thing for a man is to make the best of what he has, and to take with him in all his work a cheerful and contented heart.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Iאֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I commended וְשִׁבַּ֤חְתִּֽי (wə·šib·baḥ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7623: To address in a, loud tone, loud, to pacify the enjoyment of life, הַשִּׂמְחָ֔ה (haś·śim·ḥāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee because אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that there is nothing אֵֽין־ (’ên-) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle better ט֤וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good for a man לָֽאָדָם֙ (lā·’ā·ḏām) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being under תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (haš·še·meš) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement than כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction to eat לֶאֱכ֥וֹל (le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 398: To eat and drink וְלִשְׁתּ֖וֹת (wə·liš·tō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8354: To imbibe and be merry. וְלִשְׂמ֑וֹחַ (wə·liś·mō·w·aḥ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome For this [joy] וְה֞וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are will accompany יִלְוֶ֣נּוּ (yil·wen·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 3867: To twine, to unite, to remain, to borrow, to lend him in his labor בַעֲמָל֗וֹ (ḇa·‘ă·mā·lōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind during the days יְמֵ֥י (yə·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3117: A day of his life חַיָּ֛יו (ḥay·yāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that God הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative gives נָֽתַן־ (nā·ṯan-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set him 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 Links Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIVEcclesiastes 8:15 NLT Ecclesiastes 8:15 ESV Ecclesiastes 8:15 NASB Ecclesiastes 8:15 KJV Ecclesiastes 8:15 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 8:15 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 8:15 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 8:15 French Bible Ecclesiastes 8:15 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth because a man (Ecclesiast. 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