Ecclesiastes 10:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 10:19 offers a pragmatic, albeit somewhat cynical, observation on the realities of life "under the sun," characteristic of Qoheleth's wisdom. It acknowledges the universal human desire for pleasure and celebration, noting that feasts and wine are sources of merriment. However, it quickly pivots to highlight the indispensable role of money, asserting its pervasive power to facilitate these enjoyments and, more broadly, to address and resolve virtually all practical matters and challenges in the material world. The verse encapsulates a stark truth about the human condition and the functional utility of wealth in a fallen world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes, penned by Qoheleth (the Preacher), is a profound exploration of the meaning and purpose of life, often concluding that much of human endeavor "under the sun" is *hevel*—vanity, vapor, or futility. Chapter 10 specifically delves into the practical wisdom and folly encountered in daily life, addressing issues of leadership, diligence, and the consequences of both wise and foolish actions. Verse 19 serves as a pithy, aphoristic statement within this discourse, illustrating a fundamental reality about human pursuits and their material underpinnings. It follows observations about the consequences of idleness and the need for effort, setting the stage for the practical necessity of resources to achieve desired outcomes, whether for enjoyment or necessity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many societies, feasts (banquets, celebrations, religious festivals) and wine were integral to social life, marking joyous occasions, covenants, and community gatherings. Wine was a common beverage, often associated with gladness and celebration (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalm/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine That Makes the Heart Glad")). The economic system was primarily based on bartering and the use of precious metals, particularly silver (*keçeph*), as a medium of exchange. Money, in the form of silver, was essential for commerce, acquiring goods, paying wages, and even influencing legal outcomes or political power. Qoheleth's observation reflects the practical realities of a society where material resources were the gateway to comfort, enjoyment, and problem-solving.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it touches upon the **pursuit of earthly enjoyment**, acknowledging the legitimate human desire for pleasure and celebration. Qoheleth frequently encourages enjoying the good things God provides, as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12-13 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - Enjoying Good in Life") and [Ecclesiastes 5:18-19](/ecclesiastes/5-18-19 "Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 - The Gift of Enjoying Wealth"). Secondly, it highlights the **practical power of money**, emphasizing its undeniable utility in acquiring necessities, facilitating enjoyment, and resolving various material challenges. From a worldly perspective, money indeed provides solutions to many problems, enabling access to the very feasts and wine mentioned. However, it's crucial to understand that Ecclesiastes often presents **observation, not endorsement**. Qoheleth observes life "under the sun" as it is, not necessarily prescribing how it should be. The statement about money is a realistic assessment of its functional power in the world, not a theological endorsement of materialism or a declaration that money provides ultimate satisfaction or spiritual fulfillment, a point further elaborated in [Ecclesiastes 5:10](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10 - The Futility of Loving Money").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** From H3899, this word primarily means "food," especially "bread," but can also refer to a "meal" or "feast." In this context, it signifies a celebratory meal or banquet, emphasizing the physical sustenance and social gathering that accompanies joy and merriment. It represents the material provision necessary for communal celebration.
* **Wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** From H3196, "wine" refers to the fermented grape juice, often associated with joy, celebration, and refreshment in biblical texts. Here, it is presented as a direct catalyst for merriment, highlighting its role in enhancing festive occasions and loosening inhibitions, contributing to a cheerful atmosphere.
* **Money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** From H3701, "silver" (from its pale color) and by implication, "money." In ancient times, silver, often weighed out, served as the primary currency. This word underscores the material wealth or financial resources that are the practical means by which feasts are prepared, wine is procured, and indeed, all worldly "things" are acquired or managed.
* **Answereth (Hebrew, _‘ânâh'_):** From H6030, this root means "to eye," "to heed," "to respond," "to provide," or "to furnish." In the context of "money answereth all [things]," it carries the strong connotation of money being able to *provide for* or *take care of* all practical matters. It implies that money is the practical solution or enabler for a vast array of human needs and desires in the material realm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A feast is made for laughter":** This clause highlights the purpose and outcome of a feast or banquet. Feasts are not merely about sustenance; they are carefully prepared events designed to foster joy, celebration, and social merriment. The "laughter" signifies the atmosphere of lightheartedness, enjoyment, and communal happiness that such gatherings are intended to produce.
* **"and wine maketh merry":** This part elaborates on another key element of celebration. Wine, with its intoxicating and mood-altering properties, is presented as a direct agent in producing a state of cheerfulness and enjoyment. It enhances the festive atmosphere, contributing to the overall sense of gladness and lightheartedness.
* **"but money answereth all [things]":** This is the pivotal statement, shifting from the *experience* of pleasure to its *enabler*. The conjunction "but" introduces a stark reality. While laughter and merriment are the desired outcomes of feasts and wine, money is the fundamental prerequisite. The phrase "answereth all [things]" implies that money provides for, solves, or takes care of all practical matters. It is the universal medium through which one can acquire the feast, the wine, and indeed, nearly every other material necessity or desire in life. The word "things" is implied in the Hebrew, emphasizing the comprehensive scope of money's practical utility.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 10:19 masterfully employs **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the desired outcomes of human pleasure (laughter, merriment from feasts and wine) with the underlying, often unacknowledged, practical necessity (money). This creates a realistic, almost cynical, observation on the human condition. The phrase "feast and wine" functions as a **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, representing all forms of earthly enjoyment and celebration, where two specific items stand for a broader category of pleasures. The concluding statement, "money answereth all [things]," is an **Aphorism**—a concise, pithy statement expressing a general truth or principle, characteristic of wisdom literature. It also contains **Hyperbole** in "all [things]," as money cannot truly answer *all* things (e.g., spiritual needs, ultimate meaning, death), but it powerfully conveys its pervasive practical utility in the material world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while a stark observation of worldly reality, invites profound theological reflection. It highlights the tension between the legitimate enjoyment of God's good gifts (like food and wine for celebration) and the ever-present danger of placing ultimate trust or hope in material resources. While God provides for our needs and intends for us to enjoy life (as seen in [Ecclesiastes 3:13](/ecclesiastes/3-13 "Ecclesiastes 3:13 - Enjoying God's Gifts")), Qoheleth's realism about money's power serves as a subtle warning. It underscores humanity's reliance on tangible means to achieve even simple joys, yet it implicitly points to the limitations of such means. True joy and lasting satisfaction cannot be purchased, nor can money provide ultimate answers to life's deepest questions or solve spiritual dilemmas. The New Testament strongly cautions against the idolatry of wealth, reminding us that while money has practical utility, the love of it is a root of all kinds of evil.

* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money Is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")
* [Proverbs 23:4-5](/proverbs/23-4-5 "Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do Not Toil to Acquire Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 10:19 challenges us to confront the practical realities of our financial lives while maintaining a kingdom perspective. It's a reminder that while money is a necessary tool for navigating the world—enabling us to provide for ourselves and our families, participate in celebrations, and even support good causes—it is not an ultimate solution or source of security. We must acknowledge its functional power without succumbing to materialism or allowing it to become an idol. The verse encourages us to be wise stewards of our resources, understanding that true joy, peace, and fulfillment come not from what money can buy, but from our relationship with God and the eternal riches found in Christ. It calls us to cultivate contentment, generosity, and a recognition that even our most cherished earthly enjoyments are fleeting and dependent on the material means that money provides, which themselves are ultimately from God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance the enjoyment of God's material blessings with the recognition that money is not the ultimate answer to life's challenges?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly placing my trust in money to "answer all things" rather than in God's provision and sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a healthier, more biblical perspective on wealth and possessions in my daily life?**
* **How can I use my financial resources to foster genuine joy and contribute to God's kingdom, rather than merely pursuing fleeting pleasures?**

### FAQ

**Does Ecclesiastes 10:19 endorse materialism or the pursuit of wealth as life's ultimate goal?**

Answer: No, this verse does not endorse materialism. Like many passages in Ecclesiastes, it functions as an observation of life "under the sun," a realistic assessment of how the world operates. Qoheleth, the author, frequently highlights the futility (*hevel*) of seeking ultimate satisfaction in earthly pursuits, including wealth (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities") and [Ecclesiastes 5:10](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10 - The Futility of Loving Money")). The statement about money "answering all [things]" is a pragmatic acknowledgment of its pervasive practical utility in a material world, not a theological endorsement of its power to provide ultimate meaning or spiritual fulfillment.

**How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on money and possessions?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 10:19 provides a realistic counterpoint to idealistic views, grounding us in the practical reality that money *does* facilitate much of life's activities and enjoyments. This aligns with other biblical teachings that acknowledge money's utility (e.g., [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord Brings Wealth")). However, it stands in tension with warnings against the dangers of greed and the love of money, which the New Testament famously calls "a root of all kinds of evil" ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")). The verse reminds us that while money can provide earthly answers, it cannot buy spiritual peace, eternal life, or true contentment. The Bible consistently teaches that our ultimate security and satisfaction must come from God, not from wealth, and that we cannot serve both God and money ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 10:19, with its candid observation about feasts, merriment, and the practical power of money, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reorientation in Christ. The temporary laughter and fleeting joy derived from earthly feasts and wine point to the eternal, unceasing joy and fellowship found in the Kingdom of God, ultimately culminating in the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") where Christ Himself is the host and the source of all delight. While money "answers all things" in a worldly sense, it utterly fails to address humanity's deepest need: reconciliation with God and salvation from sin. It cannot purchase forgiveness, eternal life, or true peace. Christ, however, is the ultimate "answer" to all things that truly matter. He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies spiritual hunger, and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water") who quenches spiritual thirst, providing a joy that the world cannot give or take away ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No One Will Take From You")). In Him, we find true riches that do not fade ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), and He promises to [supply all our needs](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs") according to His glorious riches, far surpassing anything money could ever provide. The wisdom of Ecclesiastes, in highlighting the limitations of earthly solutions, ultimately directs our gaze to the One who is the true and lasting solution for all of life's deepest longings and eternal realities.

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

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.