Ecclesiastes 10:19

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all [things].

A feast {H3899} is made {H6213} for laughter {H7814}, and wine {H3196} maketh merry {H8055}{H2416}: but money {H3701} answereth {H6030} all things.

Parties are made for having a good time, wine adds cheer to life, and money has an answer for everything.

A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh glad the life; and money answereth all things.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 is a poignant observation from the book of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to King Solomon, known as Qoheleth (the Preacher or Teacher). This verse reflects on the practical realities of life "under the sun", a recurring theme throughout the book.

Context

The book of Ecclesiastes explores the meaning and purpose of human existence, often concluding that much of life's pursuits are "vanity of vanities" (Hebrew: hevel, meaning breath or vapor). Chapter 10, in particular, deals with wisdom and folly, rulers, and the practical challenges of life. Verse 19 stands as a stark, somewhat cynical, yet realistic assessment of worldly affairs, providing a snapshot of the human condition and its immediate concerns regarding material provisions and enjoyment.

Key Themes

  • The Pursuit of Earthly Enjoyment: The first part of the verse, "A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry," acknowledges the natural human inclination towards pleasure, celebration, and social enjoyment. These are seen as legitimate, albeit temporary, sources of happiness in life. Qoheleth often encourages enjoying the good things God provides, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:13 and Ecclesiastes 5:19.
  • The Practical Power of Money: The latter half, "but money answereth all [things]," is a pragmatic observation. It highlights money's practical utility in acquiring necessities, facilitating enjoyment, solving problems, and generally making life easier. From an earthly perspective, money can indeed provide solutions to many material challenges and enable access to the very feasts and wine mentioned.
  • Observation, Not Endorsement: It's crucial to understand that Ecclesiastes often observes life as it is, rather than prescribing how it should be. This statement about money is a realistic assessment of its functional power in the world, not necessarily a theological endorsement of materialism or a declaration that money provides ultimate satisfaction or spiritual fulfillment. The book frequently reminds readers that material wealth alone cannot bring lasting joy or meaning, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes 5:10.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "money answereth all [things]" comes from the Hebrew ha-kesef ya'aneh et ha-kol (הַכֶּסֶף יַעֲנֶה אֶת־הַכֹּל). The word translated "answereth" (עָנָה, 'anah) can mean "to answer," "to respond," but also "to provide," "to furnish," or "to take care of." In this context, it implies that money provides for or takes care of all things, especially in a practical and material sense. The word "things" is implied in the Hebrew, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of money's practical utility in human affairs.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 10:19 serves as a reminder of money's undeniable practical value in daily life. While it can facilitate enjoyment and solve many earthly problems, believers are called to maintain a balanced perspective. Money should not be seen as the ultimate solution or source of security, as true security and lasting joy come from God. The New Testament warns against the dangers of materialism and the love of money, famously stating that "the love of money is the root of all evil". This verse from Ecclesiastes, therefore, encourages a realistic understanding of money's function without elevating it to a position of idolatry, urging us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, knowing that all our needs will be provided (Matthew 6:33).

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.

  • Psalms 104:15

    And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

  • Luke 12:19

    And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

  • Isaiah 24:11

    [There is] a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

  • Psalms 112:9

    He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:11

    ¶ Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance: and [by it there is] profit to them that see the sun.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:12

    For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence: but the excellency of knowledge [is, that] wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

  • Philippians 4:15

    Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

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