Ecclesiastes 1:3

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

What profit {H3504} hath a man {H120} of all his labour {H5999} which he taketh {H5998} under the sun {H8121}?

What does a person gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?

What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun?

What profit hath man of all his labor wherein he laboreth under the sun?

Context

Ecclesiastes 1:3 introduces a foundational question of the book, which delves into the ultimate purpose and value of human existence. This book, traditionally attributed to **King Solomon**, is part of the wisdom literature in the Old Testament. The author, referred to as "the Preacher" (Hebrew: Qoheleth), explores life's meaning from a perspective often described as "under the sun" – that is, life as experienced and observed purely from an earthly, human standpoint, without an explicit consideration of a divine, eternal dimension until the book's conclusion. This verse immediately follows the stark declaration in Ecclesiastes 1:2 that "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity," setting the stage for an inquiry into the practical implications of such a worldview.

Key Themes

  • The Question of Ultimate Gain: The core of this verse is a probing question about "profit" or lasting benefit. It challenges the assumption that hard work and human effort automatically lead to genuine, enduring satisfaction or a meaningful legacy.
  • Futility of Earthly Labor (from a limited perspective): When viewed solely from the "under the sun" perspective, the Preacher suggests that much of human striving and **toil** may ultimately yield no permanent advantage. This theme explores the **transience of life** and the limitations of human achievement.
  • The Human Condition: The verse speaks to the universal human experience of labor and striving, questioning what truly remains after a lifetime of effort. It sets up the Preacher's exploration of various human pursuits—wisdom, pleasure, wealth, and work—to test their ability to provide lasting fulfillment.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "profit" is the Hebrew term yithron (יתרון). This word carries a commercial connotation, referring to an advantage, gain, or surplus. It asks: "What is the net gain, the lasting benefit, after all the expenditure of effort and life?" The Preacher is searching for something that truly endures and provides ultimate value. The recurring phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: tachat hashamesh) is a hallmark of Ecclesiastes, appearing almost 30 times. It signifies the scope of the Preacher's observations – life as it is lived and perceived from an earthly, human-centric viewpoint. This phrase underscores the book's initial focus on what can be seen and experienced in the physical world, often highlighting the limitations and perceived futility of life when detached from a divine perspective.

Related Scriptures

This verse forms the basis for the Preacher's extensive investigation into various earthly pursuits, such as accumulating wealth (Ecclesiastes 2:11), seeking pleasure, and acquiring wisdom, all of which he concludes are ultimately "vanity and vexation of spirit" when viewed solely from an earthly perspective. The book's ultimate answer to this opening question of "profit" is found in its concluding verses, which point to the true purpose of man being fearing God and keeping His commandments. This divine perspective contrasts with the world's pursuit of temporary gains, aligning with Jesus' teaching to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 1:3 prompts us to critically examine the **ultimate purpose** and **lasting value** of our own **labors** and ambitions. Are we investing our time, energy, and resources into things that will truly endure, or merely into transient earthly gains that offer no eternal "profit"? This verse encourages believers to look beyond immediate gratification and worldly success, fostering an **eternal perspective** on life and work. It teaches that true **fulfillment** and ultimate **profit** are not found in accumulating wealth or achievements "under the sun," but in aligning our lives with God's will and seeking His glory, understanding that our labor for the Lord is never in vain.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:9

    What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

  • 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 2:22

    For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

  • Ecclesiastes 5:16

    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?

  • John 6:27

    Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

  • Mark 8:36

    For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

  • Mark 8:37

    Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

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