Ecclesiastes 1:14

KJV

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have seen {H7200} all the works {H4639} that are done {H6213} under the sun {H8121}; and, behold, all is vanity {H1892} and vexation {H7469} of spirit {H7307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have seen all the activities that are done under the sun, and it's all pointless, feeding on wind.

Berean Standard Bible

I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.

American Standard Version

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 1:14 encapsulates Qoheleth's profound and comprehensive observation of all human endeavors and achievements "under the sun," declaring them ultimately "vanity and vexation of spirit." This declaration serves as a foundational premise for the entire book, setting the stage for an extensive philosophical and experiential exploration into the inherent futility and dissatisfaction found in pursuing worldly wisdom, pleasure, and labor as ultimate sources of meaning, apart from a divine, eternal perspective. It is a stark conclusion that challenges humanity's innate tendency to find ultimate purpose in temporal pursuits.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 1:14 appears early in the book, following Qoheleth's initial, sweeping declaration of "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity" in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Theme of Vanity"). The preceding verses (Ecclesiastes 1:4-11) establish the cyclical, repetitive, and ultimately wearisome nature of the natural world and human history, emphasizing that "there is no new thing under the sun," which leads to a sense of exhaustion and lack of lasting impact. Verse 13 introduces Qoheleth's personal, rigorous quest to "seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven," making verse 14 the immediate, sobering, and universal conclusion of his initial empirical investigation. This powerful statement functions as the thesis for the detailed accounts of his experiments in pleasure, wisdom, and labor found in [Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - Qoheleth's Pursuit of Meaning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, "the Preacher" (Hebrew: _Qoheleth_), Ecclesiastes is a unique component of the Old Testament's wisdom literature. The author speaks from a position of unparalleled wealth, power, and wisdom, granting him the unique ability to explore every conceivable avenue of earthly satisfaction without limitation. The recurring phrase "under the sun" (found 29 times in Ecclesiastes, first in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - The Scope of Inquiry")) is crucial; it defines the specific scope of Qoheleth's inquiry as life observed and experienced solely from an earthly, human perspective, divorced from explicit divine revelation or an eternal afterlife until the book's concluding chapters. This limited, immanent perspective is essential for understanding the seemingly pessimistic or cynical tone, as it reflects a search for ultimate meaning within the confines of mortality and the material world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and encapsulates several core themes of Ecclesiastes. The most prominent is the **pervasiveness of vanity (_hebel_)**, signifying the ultimate emptiness, transience, and futility of worldly achievements and pursuits when divorced from an eternal, divine perspective. It is not a moral judgment of inherent evil, but rather a statement about the lack of lasting substance or ultimate purpose, akin to a puff of smoke that appears substantial for a moment but then vanishes without a trace. Closely related is the **futility of human striving**, vividly portrayed by "vexation of spirit," which implies an endless, frustrating, and ultimately unfulfilling cycle of effort, often likened to "chasing after wind." This theme highlights human limitation and the inability to find ultimate contentment through earthly means, a concept explored further in passages like [Ecclesiastes 2:22-23](/ecclesiastes/2-22-23 "Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 - The Toil of Man"). The verse also underscores the **experiential basis of Qoheleth's conclusions**, as his declaration "I have seen all the works" emphasizes that his findings are not mere speculation but the result of extensive, personal observation and rigorous experimentation, validating his authority to speak on these matters.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This word (H7200) signifies far more than casual observation; it denotes a thorough, experiential perception, a deep engagement with, and understanding of the "works that are done under the sun." Qoheleth's declaration "I have seen" implies a comprehensive and intentional investigation, a personal witnessing, discerning, and gaining of experience regarding the nature and outcome of these activities. It encompasses a full intellectual and sensory apprehension of reality.
* **vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** The pivotal term (H1892) in Ecclesiastes, _hebel_ literally means "vapor," "breath," or "smoke." Figuratively, it denotes something ephemeral, insubstantial, fleeting, and ultimately unsatisfactory or meaningless. It is not a moral judgment of "evil" but rather a statement about the lack of lasting substance, ultimate purpose, or enduring value. Like a puff of smoke, it appears substantial for a moment but then vanishes without a trace, leaving nothing permanent behind.
* **vexation (Hebrew, _rᵉʻûwth'_):** This word (H7469), meaning "a feeding upon, i.e. grasping after," when combined with "spirit" (Hebrew, _rûwach_, H7307, meaning "wind" or "breath"), forms the phrase "vexation of spirit." It powerfully conveys the futility and weariness of efforts that yield no lasting gain or satisfaction, akin to trying to "feed upon" or "chase the wind"—an impossible, exhausting, and ultimately unfulfilling endeavor. It describes the frustrating and unsatisfying nature of striving for that which is _hebel_.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun":** This opening clause establishes Qoheleth's empirical methodology and the universal scope of his investigation. He is not merely theorizing but reporting on his extensive, personal, and comprehensive inquiry into every conceivable human activity, achievement, and pursuit within the earthly realm. The phrase "all the works" emphasizes the thoroughness and universality of his inquiry, leaving no stone unturned in his search for meaning.
* **"and, behold, all [is] vanity":** This is the stark, startling, and inescapable conclusion of his exhaustive observations. The interjection "behold" serves to draw immediate attention to the profound and unavoidable nature of this discovery. The word "all" reinforces the universality of his finding: every single endeavor, when viewed solely from the "under the sun" perspective (i.e., apart from God), ultimately lacks substance, permanence, or ultimate meaning. It is fleeting, like vapor.
* **"and vexation of spirit":** This final phrase describes the consequence or experiential outcome of this vanity. It's not just that things are empty in themselves, but that pursuing them as ultimate ends leads to profound frustration, weariness, and a deep sense of dissatisfaction. It vividly portrays the futile and exhausting striving for something that can never truly be grasped or fulfill the human spirit, akin to chasing after wind.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 1:14 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping phrases "all the works that are done under the sun" and "all is vanity," emphasizing the absolute and pervasive nature of Qoheleth's conclusion, leaving no aspect of earthly life untouched by his judgment of futility. The central device is **Metaphor**, particularly in the use of "vanity" (_hebel_). This word, literally meaning "vapor" or "breath," serves as a powerful metaphor for the ephemeral, insubstantial, and fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. Similarly, "vexation of spirit" functions as an **Idiom** or **Simile**, commonly understood as "chasing after wind" or "striving after the wind," which vividly conveys the frustrating, futile, and exhausting nature of attempting to find lasting satisfaction in transient things. The entire book is framed as a **First-Person Narrative**, lending immense personal authority and experiential weight to Qoheleth's observations and conclusions, making his findings relatable and compelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 1:14 stands as a profound theological statement on the limits of human endeavor and the inherent futility of life when lived apart from a God-centered, eternal perspective. It powerfully challenges the common human tendency to seek ultimate meaning, satisfaction, and security in temporal achievements, possessions, or wisdom. The Preacher's conclusion is not an endorsement of nihilism or despair, but rather a necessary dismantling of false hopes and misplaced priorities, preparing the reader to look beyond the "under the sun" realm for true and lasting purpose. This verse sets the stage for the book's ultimate resolution, which points towards fearing God and keeping His commandments as the only enduring source of meaning, satisfaction, and true wisdom. It is a divine argument for reorienting one's life towards the Creator.

* [Ecclesiastes 2:11](/ecclesiastes/2-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:11 - The Vanity of All Labor") – "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun."
* [Psalm 39:5-6](/psalms/39-5-6 "Psalm 39:5-6 - Man's Life as a Breath") – "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them."
* [Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6-8 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - The Fleeting Nature of Humanity") – "The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 1:14 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the universal human condition. In a world relentlessly driven by the pursuit of wealth, status, pleasure, and personal achievement, this verse offers a sobering counter-narrative to the prevailing cultural narratives of success and fulfillment. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate hope and invest our most significant efforts. If our lives are solely consumed by "works done under the sun"—whether career advancement, material accumulation, social validation, intellectual prowess for its own sake, or even the endless pursuit of entertainment—Qoheleth's experience warns us that such pursuits, when made ultimate, will invariably lead to a profound sense of dissatisfaction, emptiness, and weariness. This verse calls us to shift our gaze from the fleeting to the eternal, to re-evaluate our priorities, and to seek that which truly endures and offers genuine, lasting fulfillment beyond the transient nature of earthly existence, finding our purpose in God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "works under the sun" do I find myself pursuing most diligently, and what ultimate satisfaction do I expect from them?**
* **How does the concept of "vanity" (futility, transience) challenge my current understanding of success and happiness in my personal and professional life?**
* **In what areas of my life do I experience "vexation of spirit," and could this be a sign that I'm striving for something ultimately unfulfilling or beyond my grasp?**
* **How might an eternal perspective, grounded in God, change my daily priorities, the way I engage with my work, cultivate relationships, and steward my possessions?**

### FAQ
**What does "vanity" truly mean in Ecclesiastes 1:14?**

Answer: In Ecclesiastes 1:14, "vanity" translates the Hebrew word _hebel_ (H1892). It doesn't primarily mean moral evil or self-admiration, but rather "emptiness," "futility," "transience," or "insubstantiality." It literally means "vapor," "breath," or "smoke." Qoheleth uses it to describe anything that, when pursued as an ultimate end within the earthly realm ("under the sun"), ultimately proves to be fleeting, unsatisfying, and incapable of providing lasting meaning or fulfillment. It's like trying to grasp a puff of smoke—it appears, but then vanishes, leaving nothing substantial behind, highlighting the ephemeral nature of worldly pursuits.

**Is Ecclesiastes a pessimistic book?**

Answer: While Ecclesiastes, particularly in verses like [Ecclesiastes 1:14](/ecclesiastes/1-14 "Ecclesiastes 1:14 - All is Vanity"), presents a stark and often seemingly pessimistic assessment of life "under the sun," its ultimate purpose is not to promote despair or nihilism. Instead, it systematically dismantles false hopes and reveals the futility of seeking ultimate meaning in anything other than God. The "pessimism" is a necessary, diagnostic step to clear the ground for true wisdom and hope. The book's conclusion, found in [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter"), provides the antidote: "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Thus, it's a profoundly realistic book that ultimately points towards a God-centered hope and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 1:14, with its declaration of "vanity and vexation of spirit" for all "works done under the sun," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Qoheleth's exhaustive search for meaning in wisdom, pleasure, and toil ultimately leads to a dead end, highlighting humanity's inherent inability to find lasting satisfaction within the confines of a fallen world. Jesus, however, is presented in the New Testament as the ultimate answer to this existential void. He is not merely a work "under the sun," but the eternal Word through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")), and in whom "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer")). While earthly pursuits are _hebel_ (vapor), Jesus offers true and enduring substance: He is the "bread of life" who satisfies spiritual hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). The "vexation of spirit" that comes from striving after wind is replaced by the peace and rest found in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to "come unto me, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). What was found to be loss and rubbish by Qoheleth's earthly lens, Paul, in light of Christ, also counted as "loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things Loss for Christ")). Thus, Ecclesiastes 1:14 serves as a powerful Old Testament witness to humanity's desperate need for a Savior who transcends the fleeting nature of this world and offers eternal life and true, lasting purpose.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 2:11

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:17

¶ Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun [is] grievous unto me: for all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 6:9

Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 4:4

¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 1:17

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 1:18

For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.