Ecclesiastes 2:10

KJV

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And whatsoever mine eyes {H5869} desired {H7592} I kept {H680} not from them, I withheld {H4513} not my heart {H3820} from any joy {H8057}; for my heart {H3820} rejoiced {H8056} in all my labour {H5999}: and this was my portion {H2506} of all my labour {H5999}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I denied my eyes nothing they wanted. I withheld no pleasure from myself; for I took pleasure in all my work, and this was my reward for all my work.

Berean Standard Bible

Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.

American Standard Version

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor; and this was my portion from all my labor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:10 encapsulates the Preacher's (Qoheleth's) radical and exhaustive pursuit of worldly pleasure and achievement as a means to find ultimate satisfaction and meaning in life "under the sun." He describes an unreserved indulgence in every desire of his eyes and heart, holding nothing back in his quest for joy, and acknowledges that the only tangible return for this immense labor was the temporary gratification experienced during the process itself, which he identifies as his "portion." This verse sets the stage for his profound conclusion regarding the ultimate futility of such pursuits when disconnected from a divine perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:10 is a pivotal statement within Qoheleth's grand experiment to test various avenues for meaning and happiness. It follows his exploration of pleasure, wine, and folly (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3), and precedes his detailed recounting of massive building projects, acquisition of servants, livestock, silver, gold, and artistic pursuits (Ecclesiastes 2:4-9). This verse serves as a summary declaration of his comprehensive and uninhibited engagement with all these worldly endeavors. It acts as a bridge, concluding the description of his relentless pursuit of earthly gratification and setting up the subsequent declaration of the ultimate "vanity" of it all in [Ecclesiastes 2:11](/ecclesiastes/2-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:11 - The Vanity of Toil"). The entire chapter builds on the foundational declaration of "vanity of vanities" from [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - All is Vanity"), illustrating through personal experience how even the most intense worldly pursuits fail to yield lasting satisfaction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Ecclesiastes is ancient Israel, likely during the period of the monarchy, traditionally attributed to King Solomon due to the descriptions of immense wealth, wisdom, and building projects (cf. [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth")). In this era, kings often engaged in grand construction and amassed vast treasuries as demonstrations of power and prosperity. The pursuit of pleasure, though perhaps not as overtly hedonistic in public life as in some other ancient cultures, was certainly a part of royal privilege. The concept of "labor" (`ʻâmâl`) was central to life, often associated with the curse of toil from [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse of Toil"). Qoheleth's experiment is set against a backdrop where material prosperity and wisdom were highly valued, and the question of life's ultimate purpose, in a world often marked by injustice and impermanence, was a profound philosophical and theological concern.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **human striving and experimentation** "under the sun," where individuals exhaust all earthly possibilities in search of meaning. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **the limits of earthly pleasure and wisdom**, demonstrating that even when pursued without restraint, these cannot ultimately satisfy the human soul. The "joy" experienced is acknowledged as a "portion," implying it is limited and temporal, not ultimate. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine gift and human portion**, as the enjoyment of labor is presented as the only "portion" received, contrasting with later passages where enjoyment of one's labor is presented as a gift from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 3:13](/ecclesiastes/3-13 "Ecclesiastes 3:13 - Enjoyment as God's Gift") and [Ecclesiastes 5:19](/ecclesiastes/5-19 "Ecclesiastes 5:19 - God's Gift of Enjoyment")). This verse, however, focuses on the *self-generated* joy and its inherent limitation within the context of the Preacher's unbridled pursuit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** This word, often meaning the literal organ of sight, is used here figuratively to represent perception, desire, and the objects of visual gratification. Qoheleth's "eyes desired" implies a comprehensive pursuit of everything that appeared appealing or pleasurable, leaving nothing untried. It speaks to the external allurements that draw human attention and longing.
* **withheld (Hebrew, _mânaʻ'_):** This verb signifies to debar, keep back, or restrain. The negative "I withheld not" emphasizes the absolute lack of restraint or self-denial in Qoheleth's pursuit of joy. It conveys a deliberate and thorough commitment to exploring every avenue of pleasure and experience, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for satisfaction.
* **portion (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** This term refers to an allotted share, inheritance, or what one receives from an endeavor. In this context, it signifies the tangible or intangible return that Qoheleth gained from all his intense labor and pursuit of pleasure. The fact that his "portion" was merely the temporary joy *in* the labor itself underscores the limited and non-enduring nature of the gratification derived from worldly pursuits. It implies that nothing more substantial or lasting was acquired.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them":** This clause vividly portrays Qoheleth's unrestrained indulgence in sensory and material desires. He allowed his eyes to covet and then pursued everything they found appealing, demonstrating a complete lack of self-denial in his quest for satisfaction through external means.
* **"I withheld not my heart from any joy":** This parallel clause extends the concept to internal, emotional desires. "My heart" represents his inner being, his will, and his affections. He did not deny himself any form of emotional gratification or pleasure, indicating a comprehensive and deliberate immersion in all experiences that promised happiness or delight.
* **"for my heart rejoiced in all my labour":** This explains the immediate consequence or outcome of his unbridled pursuit. While the ultimate goal was elusive, Qoheleth acknowledges that he did experience a certain level of satisfaction and even delight *in the process* of his immense efforts and achievements. This joy was tied directly to the work itself, not necessarily to its lasting fruit.
* **"and this was my portion of all my labour":** This final statement summarizes the ultimate yield of his exhaustive experiment. The "joy" experienced in the labor was the sum total of what he received. It was his allotted share, his reward, but it was limited to the temporal gratification of the work, highlighting the absence of any deeper, enduring meaning or fulfillment from these worldly endeavors.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:10 employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two opening clauses: "whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them" and "I withheld not my heart from any joy." This structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Qoheleth's pursuit, covering both external sensory desires and internal emotional longings. The use of **hyperbole** ("whatsoever mine eyes desired," "any joy") underscores the extreme and exhaustive nature of his experiment, suggesting a pursuit without limits. The phrase "my heart rejoiced in all my labour" functions as a form of **concession**, acknowledging a temporary, immanent satisfaction, but one that is immediately qualified by the concluding statement. The final declaration, "and this was my portion of all my labour," acts as a **summary statement** and a subtle form of **irony**, as the "portion" is revealed to be merely the fleeting joy of the effort itself, rather than a profound, lasting legacy or ultimate meaning, which the broader context of Ecclesiastes deems "vanity."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:10 offers a profound theological insight into the human condition and the nature of true satisfaction. It demonstrates that even the most privileged and uninhibited pursuit of worldly pleasures, achievements, and knowledge cannot ultimately fill the void in the human heart. This verse sets up the Preacher's recurring theme that all human endeavor "under the sun"—that is, apart from a God-centered perspective—is ultimately *hebel* (vanity, breath, fleeting). While God intends for humanity to enjoy the fruits of their labor and the good things of life, as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - Enjoyment as God's Gift") and [Ecclesiastes 5:18-20](/ecclesiastes/5-18 "Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 - The Goodness of Enjoying Life"), Qoheleth's experiment here highlights the danger of making these temporary joys the *ultimate* source of meaning. His "portion" was limited to the fleeting joy *in* the labor, not a lasting, transcendent fulfillment. This points to a fundamental human longing that only God can satisfy, a truth echoed throughout Scripture.

* [Proverbs 27:20](/proverbs/27-20 "Proverbs 27:20 - The Insatiability of Desire")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Covetousness")
* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:10 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting humanity's perpetual quest for satisfaction in created things. In a consumer-driven, achievement-oriented world, the Preacher's experiment resonates deeply. We are constantly bombarded with messages that promise fulfillment through acquisition, experience, or status. Like Qoheleth, many pursue every desire of their eyes and heart, believing that the next purchase, the next promotion, the next adventure, or the next relationship will finally bring lasting joy. Yet, this verse, and the book of Ecclesiastes as a whole, powerfully reminds us that while there may be temporary pleasure or a sense of accomplishment "in all my labour," this "portion" is inherently limited and ultimately fails to provide ultimate meaning or enduring contentment. It challenges us to critically examine where we are seeking our deepest satisfaction and to recognize that true, lasting joy transcends the temporal and points beyond ourselves. This verse invites us to consider that the human heart is designed for something more profound than what "under the sun" can offer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most prone to pursuing "what your eyes desire" or "any joy" without restraint, hoping for ultimate satisfaction?**
* **What "portion" do you typically receive from your own labor and pursuits, and how does it compare to the lasting fulfillment you truly seek?**
* **How does Qoheleth's experiment challenge the modern cultural narrative that equates happiness with endless consumption and personal gratification?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Qoheleth's "unrestrained pursuit" in this verse?**

Answer: The unrestrained pursuit described in Ecclesiastes 2:10 is highly significant because it demonstrates the Preacher's exhaustive and systematic approach to testing whether worldly pleasures, achievements, and wisdom can truly satisfy the human heart. By holding nothing back ("I kept not from them," "I withheld not my heart"), Qoheleth ensures that his experiment is comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned. This radical commitment to indulgence makes his eventual conclusion of "vanity" (`hebel`) all the more powerful and credible, as it comes from someone who has experienced the zenith of what the world has to offer, rather than someone who has merely speculated from a distance. It highlights that even the most intense worldly gratification is ultimately fleeting and cannot provide lasting meaning "under the sun."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 2:10, with its depiction of the futility of seeking ultimate satisfaction in worldly pursuits, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Qoheleth's exhaustive experiment reveals the human heart's insatiable longing for something more, a longing that no amount of created pleasure, wealth, or achievement can truly satisfy. This inherent emptiness points to the spiritual poverty of humanity apart from God, a condition that Jesus came to address. While Qoheleth found only a temporary "portion" of joy in his labor, Christ offers an eternal and abundant life that truly satisfies the soul (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). Jesus himself declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the true "portion" and inheritance that endures forever, unlike the fleeting joys of this world. The pursuit of "what mine eyes desired" and "any joy" ultimately leads to disappointment, but in Christ, believers find true joy, peace, and purpose that transcends the temporal and is not subject to the vanity of "under the sun" pursuits (cf. [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God") and [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). He is the ultimate treasure, the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")), providing the lasting fulfillment that Qoheleth desperately sought but could not find in his own efforts.

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 3:22

Wherefore I perceive that [there is] nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that [is] his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Ecclesiastes 9:9

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 5:18

¶ Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion.

Psalms 119:37

¶ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.

Psalms 128:2

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.

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?

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.