Ecclesiastes 2:17

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:17 encapsulates the Preacher's profound disillusionment after his exhaustive quest for meaning and satisfaction through worldly pursuits. Having experimented with wisdom, pleasure, wealth, and grand achievements, he concludes that all human effort and accomplishment "under the sun"—that is, apart from a divine, eternal perspective—is ultimately futile, burdensome, and incapable of providing lasting joy or purpose. This verse serves as a stark declaration of his despair, highlighting the inherent emptiness of a life lived solely for earthly gain and experience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:17 marks a pivotal moment in Qoheleth's (the Preacher's) autobiographical account of his grand "experiments" in life. The preceding verses of [Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Preacher's Experiments") detail his systematic pursuit of satisfaction, beginning with pleasure and folly ([Ecclesiastes 2:1-3](/ecclesiastes/2-1 "Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 - Pursuit of Pleasure")), then moving to monumental building projects, vast possessions, wealth, and even wisdom ([Ecclesiastes 2:4-9](/ecclesiastes/2-4 "Ecclesiastes 2:4-9 - Grand Achievements and Wealth")). Despite achieving unparalleled success and acquiring everything his heart desired ([Ecclesiastes 2:10](/ecclesiastes/2-10 "Ecclesiastes 2:10 - Nothing Withheld")), he found no enduring profit or satisfaction. Verse 17, therefore, functions as a climactic summary of his findings, a raw expression of the despair that results from realizing the ultimate emptiness of all these endeavors when viewed from a purely earthly, "under the sun" perspective. It sets the stage for his further reflections on the common fate of humanity and the limitations of human wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is part of the Old Testament's Wisdom Literature, often attributed to King Solomon due to the description of the Preacher's immense wealth and wisdom, reminiscent of Solomon's reign (e.g., [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth")). Regardless of the precise authorship, the text reflects a philosophical inquiry into the human condition that transcends specific historical periods, yet is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context. Life in the ancient world, like today, involved significant toil and labor, often under harsh conditions. The pursuit of wealth, power, and legacy was a common human endeavor. The phrase "under the sun" ([Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - What Profit Under the Sun?")) is a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes, signifying a perspective limited to the earthly realm, without explicit revelation from God or consideration of eternity. This context is crucial for understanding the Preacher's conclusions: his despair is not necessarily a rejection of God, but a profound lament over the futility of human existence and effort when it is confined to the temporal and material.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 2:17 is a concentrated expression of several core themes that permeate the entire book. Foremost is the theme of **vanity (Hebrew: _hebel_)**, which is reiterated here as "all is vanity." This concept, introduced powerfully in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"), signifies not necessarily meaninglessness, but rather transience, insubstantiality, and ultimate futility—like a vapor or breath that quickly dissipates. Another central theme is the **futility of human labor and achievement** when detached from ultimate purpose. The "work that is wrought under the sun" becomes "grievous," highlighting the weariness and lack of lasting reward in earthly toil. This connects to the broader biblical understanding of the curse on labor after the Fall ([Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground")). The verse also underscores the **limitations of human wisdom and pleasure** to provide ultimate satisfaction, a conclusion the Preacher repeatedly reaches ([Ecclesiastes 1:17-18](/ecclesiastes/1-17 "Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 - The Sorrow of Wisdom")). Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the book's eventual call to "fear God and keep his commandments" ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")), suggesting that true meaning is found only in a God-centered life that transcends the "under the sun" perspective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hated (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** From H8130, this primitive root means "to hate (personally)." In Ecclesiastes 2:17, it conveys a strong, visceral emotional rejection and aversion. It's not merely a dislike but a profound loathing for life as he has experienced it, stripped of ultimate meaning. This intense word choice underscores the depth of the Preacher's despair and disillusionment.
* **Grievous (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, meaning "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, trouble." Here, it describes the "work that is wrought under the sun" as burdensome, troublesome, and inherently unsatisfactory. It implies that the effort and toil expended in earthly pursuits, when lacking eternal significance, become a source of pain and weariness rather than joy or fulfillment.
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** From H1892, meaning "emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory." This is the quintessential word of Ecclesiastes, appearing over 30 times. It describes that which is fleeting, insubstantial, and ultimately futile. It's like a vapor or breath—present for a moment, but quickly gone, leaving nothing tangible behind. In this verse, it summarizes the Preacher's entire conclusion about life's pursuits apart from God.
* **Vexation of spirit (Hebrew, _rᵉʻûwth rûwach'_):** A combination of H7469 (_rᵉʻûwth_), meaning "a feeding upon, i.e. grasping after; vexation," and H7307 (_rûwach_), meaning "wind; breath; spirit." This phrase is often translated as "striving after wind" or "chasing the wind." It vividly portrays the frustrating and exhausting futility of pursuing something that can never be grasped, satisfied, or contained. It's an endless, unsatisfying pursuit that leaves one feeling empty and exasperated in their inner being, or spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I hated life":** This clause reveals the Preacher's emotional climax of despair. Having diligently pursued every avenue for satisfaction—wisdom, pleasure, wealth, and great works—and found them all wanting, his conclusion is a raw, intense aversion to life itself, as experienced "under the sun." This isn't a casual dislike but a profound, existential weariness.
* **"because the work that is wrought under the sun [is] grievous unto me":** Here, the Preacher provides the reason for his hatred of life. The "work" (Hebrew: _maʻăseh_, H4639, meaning "an action...activity...work") refers to all human endeavors, accomplishments, and labor. The phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: _shemesh_, H8121, "the sun") reiterates the limited, earthly perspective. This work, though seemingly productive, becomes "grievous" (Hebrew: _raʻ_, H7451)—troublesome, burdensome, and painful—because it lacks ultimate, lasting significance.
* **"for all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit":** This concluding clause serves as a powerful summary and justification for his preceding statements. The "all" refers to every pursuit and achievement he has detailed. It is declared "vanity" (Hebrew: _hebel_, H1892), meaning empty, fleeting, and insubstantial. It is also "vexation of spirit" (Hebrew: _rᵉʻûwth rûwach_, H7469, H7307), signifying a frustrating, unsatisfying striving after something intangible, like chasing the wind. This phrase encapsulates the deep-seated futility and exasperation that results from a life lived without an eternal, divine anchor.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of existential weariness. The most striking is **Hyperbole**, evident in the declaration "I hated life." While perhaps not a literal, constant state of hatred, it dramatically expresses the Preacher's profound disillusionment and the extreme emotional toll of his fruitless search for meaning. The repeated phrase "under the sun" functions as a **Motif**, consistently reminding the reader of the limited, earthly perspective from which the Preacher's observations are made. The phrase "vexation of spirit" is a powerful **Metaphor** (or idiom), vividly portraying the futility of human striving as an attempt to "chase the wind"—an endless, unsatisfying, and ultimately fruitless pursuit. Finally, the pervasive theme of "vanity" (hebel) acts as a **Leitmotif**, a recurring dominant idea that unifies the Preacher's observations and underscores the transient and insubstantial nature of all earthly endeavors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:17 profoundly articulates the human predicament of seeking ultimate meaning and satisfaction in a world marred by sin and transience. The Preacher's despair highlights a fundamental theological truth: humanity's inherent longing for purpose cannot be fulfilled by anything "under the sun." This verse underscores the limitations of human wisdom, pleasure, and achievement when divorced from their Creator. It serves as a stark reminder that true and lasting joy, purpose, and significance are not found in accumulating earthly treasures or pursuing self-gratification, but only in a relationship with the eternal God. Without God as the ultimate reference point, all human striving, no matter how grand, ultimately leads to a sense of emptiness, weariness, and despair, echoing the fallen state of creation which "groans" under the weight of futility.

* [Psalm 39:5](/psalms/39-5 "Psalm 39:5 - Man is but a breath")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of Earthly Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:17 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for contemporary life, challenging the pervasive cultural narrative that equates success, happiness, and meaning with material accumulation, career achievements, or personal pleasure. The Preacher's journey serves as a powerful warning: if the wisest and wealthiest man in his time, with unlimited resources, could not find lasting satisfaction in these pursuits, neither can we. This verse calls us to examine where we are placing our ultimate hope and investing our deepest energies. Are we tirelessly chasing after "wind"—things that are fleeting, insubstantial, and incapable of delivering true fulfillment? It encourages a radical re-evaluation of priorities, urging us to look beyond the temporary "under the sun" realm for genuine purpose and joy. When our work, relationships, and aspirations are rooted in God's eternal purposes, they are transformed from grievous toil into meaningful service, offering a satisfaction that the world cannot provide or take away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently seeking ultimate satisfaction, and are any of these pursuits proving to be "vanity and vexation of spirit"?**
* **How does my understanding of "work" align with the Preacher's experience? Am I finding my labor "grievous" because it lacks a higher, divine purpose?**
* **What practical steps can I take to shift my focus from "under the sun" pursuits to those that have eternal significance?**
* **How does the Preacher's despair challenge my own assumptions about what constitutes a "good" or "successful" life?**

### FAQ

**Is Ecclesiastes a pessimistic book?**

Answer: While Ecclesiastes, particularly verses like [Ecclesiastes 2:17](/ecclesiastes/2-17 "Ecclesiastes 2:17 - The Preacher's Hatred of Life"), often strikes readers as pessimistic due to its frank assessment of life's futility "under the sun," it is more accurately described as a deeply realistic and ultimately hopeful book. The Preacher systematically dismantles all earthly sources of meaning to demonstrate their inadequacy, thereby clearing the ground for the only true and lasting source of meaning: God Himself. The book's conclusion, to "fear God and keep his commandments" ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")), provides the ultimate answer and shifts the perspective from despair to wisdom and obedience to the Creator.

**What does "under the sun" truly mean in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: The phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: _tahat ha-shemesh_) is a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes, appearing nearly 30 times. It refers to life as observed and experienced from a purely earthly, human perspective, without explicit divine revelation or consideration of eternity. It's a worldview confined to the temporal, material realm, where one assesses life based solely on what can be seen, achieved, and experienced in this world. The Preacher's conclusion that "all is vanity" applies specifically to this "under the sun" perspective, highlighting its inherent limitations and inability to provide ultimate meaning or lasting satisfaction.

**How can work not be "grievous" if all is vanity?**

Answer: The Preacher's lament that "the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous" applies to work pursued solely for earthly gain, recognition, or self-fulfillment, without an eternal perspective. However, the book does not negate the value of work itself. Later in Ecclesiastes, the Preacher encourages enjoying the fruit of one's labor as a gift from God ([Ecclesiastes 3:13](/ecclesiastes/3-13 "Ecclesiastes 3:13 - Enjoying God's Gifts"), [Ecclesiastes 5:18-20](/ecclesiastes/5-18 "Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 - Enjoying Wealth as a Gift")). The key distinction lies in the _purpose_ and _perspective_ of the work. When work is seen as a means to serve God, bless others, and steward creation, it transcends the "under the sun" futility and becomes a meaningful act of worship and obedience, transforming it from grievous toil into joyful service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 2:17, with its raw declaration of life's hatred and the futility of all work "under the sun," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Preacher's despair over the emptiness of earthly pursuits perfectly sets the stage for the one who alone provides ultimate meaning and satisfaction. Where the Preacher found all endeavors to be "vanity and vexation of spirit," Christ offers a life of eternal purpose and true contentment. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), presenting Himself as the very antidote to the Preacher's existential crisis. In Him, all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - All Things Created Through and For Christ")), providing the ultimate meaning and purpose that is absent from a life confined to "under the sun" observations. The "work that is wrought under the sun" becomes grievous because it is disconnected from its Creator; but in Christ, our labor, when done for His glory, gains eternal significance and is no longer in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain")). Jesus offers living water that quenches the deepest thirst, unlike the unsatisfying pursuits of the world ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Living Water")), and teaches us to lay up treasures in heaven, where they are not subject to the vanity of this world ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Thus, the despair of Ecclesiastes 2:17 points directly to the glorious hope and true fulfillment found only in Christ, who transforms the grievousness of life into a joyful pursuit of His kingdom.

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 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?