Ecclesiastes 2:17

¶ Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun [is] grievous unto me: for all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Therefore I hated {H8130} life {H2416}; because the work {H4639} that is wrought {H6213} under the sun {H8121} is grievous {H7451} unto me: for all is vanity {H1892} and vexation {H7469} of spirit {H7307}.

So I came to hate life, because the activities done under the sun were loathesome to me, since everything is meaningless and feeding on wind.

So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

So I hated life, because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind.

Commentary

Context of Ecclesiastes 2:17

Ecclesiastes 2:17 is a pivotal verse in the Preacher's (Qoheleth's) philosophical exploration of life's meaning. Having exhaustively pursued satisfaction through wisdom, pleasure, wealth, and grand achievements like building projects and acquiring possessions (as detailed in the preceding verses of Ecclesiastes chapter 2), the Preacher reaches a profound conclusion of despair. This verse marks the culmination of his experiments with a life lived solely "under the sun"—that is, from a purely human, earthly perspective, without explicit divine revelation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Disillusionment: The declaration "Therefore I hated life" is a raw expression of the Preacher's deep disappointment. Despite having all the resources and opportunities, he found no lasting joy or purpose in worldly pursuits. This highlights the inherent emptiness of a life detached from eternal significance.
  • The Burden of Toil: The phrase "the work that is wrought under the sun [is] grievous unto me" speaks to the weariness and futility of human labor when it lacks ultimate meaning. All efforts, accomplishments, and even the accumulation of wealth become burdensome rather than fulfilling.
  • Universal Vanity: The verse reiterates the central theme of the entire book: "for all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit." This serves as a summary of his findings, emphasizing that earthly endeavors, when seen in isolation, are ultimately empty and unsatisfying.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms underpinning this verse are crucial for understanding its depth:

  • "Vanity" (hebel): This frequently repeated word in Ecclesiastes (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:2) literally means "breath," "vapor," or "mist." It conveys the idea of something fleeting, insubstantial, empty, or futile. It's not necessarily "meaningless" in the sense of having no purpose at all, but rather being ephemeral and incapable of providing lasting satisfaction or ultimate value.
  • "Vexation of spirit" (ra'ah ruach): This phrase is often translated as "striving after wind" or "chasing the wind." It vividly describes the frustration, futility, and exasperation that comes from pursuing something that can never be grasped or fully possessed. It's an endless, unsatisfying pursuit that leaves one feeling empty and weary.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:17 serves as a powerful warning against placing our ultimate hope and seeking our deepest satisfaction in worldly achievements, material possessions, or even human wisdom alone. The Preacher's journey reminds us that:

  • True fulfillment is not found "under the sun": This verse challenges us to look beyond temporary pleasures and accomplishments for lasting joy and meaning.
  • Our work needs a higher purpose: When our labor is merely for earthly gain or recognition, it can become "grievous." Discovering a divine purpose for our work can transform it from drudgery into meaningful service.
  • The pursuit of "more" often leads to "less": The insatiable desire for wealth, power, or pleasure, without a spiritual anchor, ultimately leads to a sense of emptiness and despair. This verse encourages us to consider what truly lasts and brings enduring peace, pointing towards the book's ultimate conclusion to fear God and keep His commandments.
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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Jonah 4:8

    And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, [It is] better for me to die than to live.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:2

    Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.

  • Jeremiah 20:14

    ¶ Cursed [be] the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.

  • Jeremiah 20:18

    Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

  • Job 14:13

    O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

  • Psalms 89:47

    Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
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