Ecclesiastes 1:8

KJV

All things [are] full of labour; man cannot utter [it]: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

KJV (with Strong's)

All things {H1697} are full of labour {H3023}; man {H376} cannot {H3201} utter {H1696} it: the eye {H5869} is not satisfied {H7646} with seeing {H7200}, nor the ear {H241} filled {H4390} with hearing {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everything is wearisome, more than one can express; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, the ear not filled up with hearing.

Berean Standard Bible

All things are wearisome, more than one can describe; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear content with hearing.

American Standard Version

All things are full of weariness; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 1:8 offers a profound and somewhat melancholic observation from Koheleth, the Preacher, on the pervasive futility and ceaseless dissatisfaction inherent in human existence "under the sun." It articulates the overwhelming burden of human endeavor, suggesting that its wearying nature is beyond full comprehension or articulation. The verse then vividly illustrates this insatiable longing through the senses, portraying the eye as perpetually unsatisfied by what it beholds and the ear as never truly filled by what it hears, highlighting humanity's endless craving for more, which ultimately yields no lasting contentment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the opening argument of Ecclesiastes, immediately following Koheleth's foundational declaration that "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Core Theme of Vanity")). The preceding verses ([Ecclesiastes 1:3-7](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3-7 - The Futility of Toil and Nature's Cycles")) establish a relentless, cyclical pattern in the natural world—the sun rises and sets, the wind blows in circles, and rivers flow endlessly to the sea without ever filling it. This natural monotony serves as a powerful backdrop for the human condition described in verse 8. The Preacher transitions from the observation of nature's unfulfilling cycles to directly applying this principle of ceaseless, unrewarding motion to human experience, specifically to the senses and the inherent weariness of life's pursuits.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Ecclesiastes is a work of wisdom literature, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, though many scholars place its final composition much later, during the Persian or Hellenistic periods. Regardless of authorship, the persona of Koheleth (the Preacher or Teacher) is that of a wise and wealthy king who has explored every avenue of human experience—wisdom, pleasure, wealth, labor—to find meaning. This context implies a society with the means and leisure to pursue such endeavors. The "under the sun" motif is central to Ecclesiastes, denoting life as experienced solely from an earthly, human perspective, without direct reference to divine revelation or eternal hope. This perspective contrasts sharply with other biblical wisdom literature that often grounds meaning in covenant fidelity or divine law, making Ecclesiastes a unique and challenging voice within the Old Testament canon.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 1:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **Futility and Vanity**, demonstrating how even sensory experiences, which might seem to offer immediate gratification, ultimately fail to provide lasting satisfaction. The restless nature of the eye and ear mirrors the restless cycles of nature described earlier, reinforcing the idea that all earthly pursuits are ultimately "vanity." Secondly, it introduces and develops the theme of **Human Insatiability**. This verse posits that human desire is an unquenchable thirst; no matter how much one sees or hears, the longing for more persists. This insatiability is a core aspect of the human condition "under the sun," leading to perpetual dissatisfaction. Finally, it underscores the theme of **The Burden of Labor and Existence**. The phrase "full of labour" points to the inherent weariness and toil associated with life, a burden so profound that it cannot be fully articulated, foreshadowing later laments about the oppressive nature of work and the limitations of human effort in chapters like [Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Vanity of Pleasure and Toil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Hebrew, _yâgêaʻ'_):** (H3023) This word signifies weariness, vexation, and burdensome toil. It describes not merely physical exertion but also the mental and emotional exhaustion that results from relentless striving without ultimate purpose or lasting reward. It encapsulates the sense of futility that pervades the Preacher's observations.
* **utter (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** (H1696) While primarily meaning "to speak" or "to declare," in this context, when paired with "cannot," it conveys an inability to fully express or comprehend the vastness and overwhelming nature of this "labour" or weariness. It suggests that the burden of existence is so pervasive and profound that human language is inadequate to describe its full extent.
* **satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** (H7646) This term means to sate, to fill to satisfaction, or to have enough. Its negative application here ("is not satisfied") emphasizes the perpetual hunger of the human spirit and senses. No amount of seeing or hearing can bring a complete or lasting sense of contentment, indicating an inherent spiritual void that cannot be filled by external stimuli.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All things [are] full of labour;":** This opening clause sets the tone for the verse and the book's perspective on human existence. "All things" (H1697, _dâbâr_, meaning "a word," "a matter," or "a thing," here used comprehensively) refers to all human endeavors, experiences, and observations "under the sun." They are characterized by "labour" (H3023, _yâgêaʻ_), implying not just physical work but a profound sense of weariness, vexation, and burdensome toil that pervades every aspect of life. It suggests that existence itself, when viewed from a purely earthly perspective, is inherently exhausting and unfulfilling.
* **"man cannot utter [it]:":** This phrase emphasizes the overwhelming and inexpressible nature of this "labour." The burden of human existence and its inherent dissatisfaction are so immense that humanity (H376, _ʼîysh_, "a man") lacks the capacity to fully articulate or comprehend its true extent. It highlights the profound limitation of human understanding and expression in the face of life's pervasive weariness.
* **"the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.":** This is a powerful illustration of human insatiability. The "eye" (H5869, _ʻayin_) and "ear" (H241, _ʼôzen_) represent the primary avenues through which humans perceive and interact with the world. Despite a constant influx of visual and auditory stimuli, these senses are never truly "satisfied" (H7646, _sâbaʻ_) or "filled" (H4390, _mâlêʼ_). This speaks to a deep-seated human craving that no amount of worldly experience, knowledge, or pleasure can ever fully quench, pointing to a spiritual emptiness that external stimuli cannot fill.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 1:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its somber message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration that "All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it," exaggerating the pervasive nature of toil and the absolute inability to express its magnitude, thereby emphasizing its overwhelming quality. **Parallelism** is a prominent feature in the latter half of the verse: "the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." This structure creates a rhythmic balance while reinforcing the central idea of insatiability through two distinct but related sensory experiences. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is used where "the eye" and "the ear" stand in for human perception, desire, and the entire range of sensory experience, effectively portraying the human condition as one of perpetual, unfulfilled longing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 1:8 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of human fallenness and the inherent limitations of life apart from God. It articulates a universal human experience: the restless heart that searches for ultimate satisfaction in creation rather than the Creator. This insatiable desire, evident in the eye and ear, points to a fundamental void within humanity that no amount of worldly acquisition, experience, or knowledge can truly fill. The Preacher's observation foreshadows the New Testament's teaching that true contentment and rest are found not in earthly pursuits but in a spiritual relationship with God, who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the soul. This verse serves as a stark reminder that attempts to find ultimate meaning "under the sun" will inevitably lead to weariness and dissatisfaction, prompting a search for a transcendent source of fulfillment.

* [Psalm 107:9](/psalms/107-9 "Psalm 107:9 - God Satisfies the Longing Soul")
* [Isaiah 55:2](/isaiah/55-2 "Isaiah 55:2 - Why Spend Money on What Does Not Satisfy?")
* [John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 1:8 remains profoundly relevant in our modern world, which often promotes endless consumption and the relentless pursuit of novelty. In an age of information overload, constant digital stimulation, and a culture that encourages perpetual striving for more—more experiences, more possessions, more knowledge—the Preacher's words serve as a sobering counter-narrative. This verse challenges us to critically examine the sources of our satisfaction. Are we, like the eye and ear of Koheleth's observation, constantly seeking external stimuli to fill an internal void, only to find ourselves perpetually hungry? True contentment does not come from accumulating more, seeing more, or hearing more, but from a reorientation of our desires towards that which is eternal and truly satisfying. It calls us to recognize the inherent limitations of earthly pursuits and to seek a deeper, more lasting peace that transcends the fleeting nature of "under the sun" experiences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself constantly seeking "more" without ever feeling truly satisfied?**
* **How does the modern world's emphasis on consumption and experience contribute to the "insatiable" nature described in this verse?**
* **What might it look like to intentionally re-direct your desires from fleeting earthly pursuits to sources of deeper, more lasting contentment?**

### FAQ

**Is Ecclesiastes 1:8 a pessimistic statement about life?**

Answer: While the tone of Ecclesiastes 1:8, and indeed much of the book, can feel melancholic or pessimistic, it is more accurately described as a brutally honest and realistic assessment of life "under the sun"—that is, life viewed solely from a human, earthly perspective, devoid of divine revelation or eternal hope. The Preacher is not necessarily advocating for despair but is meticulously exploring the limits of human wisdom, labor, and pleasure in providing ultimate meaning. His observations, including this verse, serve to strip away illusions about self-sufficiency and the ability of creation to satisfy the deep longings of the human heart, thereby preparing the reader to look beyond the earthly for true significance, as hinted at in the book's conclusion ([Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")).

**What does "man cannot utter it" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: This phrase implies that the weariness and futility of human existence, when pursued without a higher purpose, are so pervasive and overwhelming that they defy complete articulation or comprehension. It's not just a matter of being tired, but of experiencing a profound, inexpressible burden that permeates all aspects of life. In a practical sense, it means that the human condition, when divorced from its Creator, is characterized by a deep-seated, ineffable dissatisfaction that no amount of intellectual analysis or verbal expression can fully capture. It's a weariness that goes beyond simple fatigue, touching the very core of one's being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 1:8, with its lament over insatiable human desires and the pervasive weariness of life "under the sun," finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The restless eye and ear, never satisfied by the endless influx of worldly stimuli, perfectly illustrate the spiritual hunger that only Christ can truly satiate. He is the living water that quenches the deepest thirst ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), and the bread of life that satisfies the soul's hunger, so that "whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The "labour" that man cannot utter, the weariness of striving for meaning in a fallen world, is addressed by Christ's invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). In Him, the endless cycles of dissatisfaction are broken, and true, lasting contentment is found, not in the fleeting experiences of this world, but in the eternal relationship with God that He offers. He provides the purpose and satisfaction that life "under the sun" inherently lacks, transforming weariness into rest and insatiable longing into profound peace.

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

Proverbs 27:20

¶ Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Ecclesiastes 4:8

There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he], For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a sore travail.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

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 4:1

¶ So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of [such as were] oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors [there was] power; but they had no comforter.

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.