Ecclesiastes 2:19

KJV

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This [is] also vanity.

KJV (with Strong's)

And who knoweth {H3045} whether he shall be a wise {H2450} man or a fool {H5530}? yet shall he have rule {H7980} over all my labour {H5999} wherein I have laboured {H5998}, and wherein I have shewed myself wise {H2449} under the sun {H8121}. This is also vanity {H1892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the things I worked for and which demonstrated how wise I am under the sun. This too is pointless.

Berean Standard Bible

And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile.

American Standard Version

And who knoweth whether he will be a wise man or a fool? yet will he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:19 encapsulates Qoheleth's profound disillusionment with earthly achievements, lamenting the uncontrollable destiny of his meticulously acquired wealth and wisdom. He reflects on the unsettling reality that after his death, the fruits of his strenuous labor and sagacious efforts might fall into the hands of an unknown successor, who could be either wise or foolish. This inherent uncertainty regarding one's legacy, coupled with the inevitability of relinquishing control, underscores the Preacher's recurring theme that all human striving "under the sun," when detached from an eternal perspective, ultimately culminates in futility and emptiness, or "vanity."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:19 is situated within Qoheleth's extensive personal experiments to discover meaning and satisfaction in life "under the sun." Having explored the pursuit of pleasure, wealth, and grand architectural projects in [Ecclesiastes 2:1-11](/ecclesiastes/2-1 "Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 - Qoheleth's Pursuit of Pleasure"), he shifts his focus in [Ecclesiastes 2:12-23](/ecclesiastes/2-12 "Ecclesiastes 2:12-23 - The Vanity of Wisdom and Labor") to compare wisdom and folly, and the ultimate futility of labor. This verse specifically articulates his frustration that despite all his diligent effort and wise planning, the outcome of his legacy is entirely out of his hands once death intervenes. It follows his observation that wisdom offers a temporary advantage over folly, but both the wise and the fool face the same ultimate fate of death, rendering their earthly distinctions meaningless in the long run (cf. [Ecclesiastes 2:15-16](/ecclesiastes/2-15 "Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 - The Equalizing Power of Death")). The immediate verses leading up to this one emphasize the shared fate of the wise and the fool, intensifying the Preacher's existential dilemma.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, placing its historical context in ancient Israel during the united monarchy, a period of immense wealth, wisdom, and extensive building projects (e.g., the Temple, royal palaces). In this society, inherited wealth and dynastic succession were paramount. A king's legacy was inextricably linked to the wisdom and capability of his heir. The thought of a lifetime's achievements, particularly those of a ruler who had invested heavily in national infrastructure and wisdom, being squandered by an incompetent successor would have been a profound source of anxiety and frustration. The cultural emphasis on lineage, the perpetuation of family or royal legacies, and the desire for one's efforts to endure makes Qoheleth's lament particularly poignant, as it directly challenges the perceived stability and permanence of human endeavors in a world where control is ultimately fleeting.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes of Ecclesiastes. The overarching theme of **"vanity" (Hebrew: _hebel_)** is explicitly stated, encapsulating the fleeting, elusive, and ultimately unsatisfactory nature of life when viewed solely from an earthly perspective. The **futility of human labor** is central, as Qoheleth's immense efforts are undermined by the uncertainty of their future stewardship. This highlights the **transience of earthly achievements** and the **lack of ultimate control** humans possess over their destinies and legacies. Furthermore, the verse implicitly introduces the **problem of death** as the great equalizer and disruptor, rendering all human striving ultimately meaningless if there is no enduring purpose beyond the grave. This existential dilemma is a hallmark of Qoheleth's philosophical inquiry throughout the book, as seen in his reflections on the common fate of all (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 3:19-20](/ecclesiastes/3-19 "Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 - All Go to One Place")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knoweth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3045) signifies a deep, experiential knowing, not merely intellectual acquaintance. Here, it conveys the profound uncertainty and lack of foresight regarding the future. Qoheleth emphasizes that no human possesses the ability to truly "know" or ascertain the character and competence of their successor, highlighting the inherent limits of human knowledge and control over future events.
* **Fool (Hebrew, _çâkâl'_):** This term (H5530) denotes someone silly, foolish, or sottish. In biblical wisdom literature, a fool is not merely unintelligent but morally and practically inept, often characterized by a disregard for wisdom, consequences, or God's ways. The stark contrast with "wise" underscores the Preacher's deep anxiety over his accumulated legacy falling into utterly irresponsible and destructive hands.
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This pivotal term (H1892), recurring throughout Ecclesiastes, describes emptiness, futility, or something transitory and unsatisfactory, often likened to a breath or vapor. In this verse, it explicitly labels the entire scenario—the uncertainty of legacy and the loss of control over one's labor—as fundamentally meaningless, absurd, and lacking ultimate substance from an earthly perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool?"**: This opening rhetorical question immediately sets the tone of profound uncertainty and powerlessness. Qoheleth, despite his immense wisdom and foresight, acknowledges his complete inability to predict or control the character and competence of his heir. The stark contrast between "wise" and "fool" highlights the dramatic difference in how his legacy might be managed—either preserved and enhanced or squandered and destroyed, a fate entirely outside his purview.
* **"yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun."**: This clause articulates the core frustration. The unknown successor, regardless of their wisdom or folly, will inevitably gain dominion ("have rule") over the entirety of Qoheleth's life's work. The repetition of "my labour wherein I have laboured" and "wherein I have shewed myself wise" emphasizes the immense personal investment, strenuous effort, and intellectual acumen that went into accumulating his wealth and achievements. The phrase "under the sun" again grounds this observation in an earthly, human-centric perspective, where such an outcome is seen as an ultimate injustice and absurdity.
* **"This [is] also vanity."**: This concluding declaration serves as the Preacher's definitive judgment on the preceding observation. The Hebrew term _hebel_ (vanity/futility) encapsulates the sense of emptiness, meaninglessness, and absurdity. It's not just that the situation is undesirable; it is fundamentally without lasting substance or ultimate purpose when viewed from a purely temporal standpoint. This pronouncement reinforces the recurring theme that all human striving, when detached from a divine and eternal perspective, ultimately proves to be fleeting and unsatisfying, like grasping at wind.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:19 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of futility. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool?", which immediately engages the reader and underscores the inherent uncertainty and human lack of control. This question functions as a powerful **Lament**, expressing Qoheleth's deep frustration and sorrow over a reality he cannot change. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** through the stark contrast between "wise [man]" and "fool," highlighting the precariousness of one's legacy. The repeated phrase "my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise" serves as **Emphasis** or **Repetition**, drawing attention to the sheer magnitude of Qoheleth's effort and personal investment, thereby amplifying the tragedy of its uncertain fate. Finally, the concluding declaration, "This [is] also vanity," acts as a powerful **Refrain** or **Thematic Statement**, connecting this specific lament to the overarching philosophical conclusion of the entire book, reinforcing the pervasive sense of _hebel_ (futility) that defines life "under the sun."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:19 addresses a profound theological tension: the human desire for lasting significance and control versus the reality of life's transience and God's sovereignty. Qoheleth's lament over the uncertain destiny of his labor highlights the inherent limitations of human effort and wisdom when detached from an eternal perspective. It challenges the notion that ultimate meaning can be found in accumulation or earthly legacy, pointing instead to the ephemeral nature of all "under the sun" pursuits. This verse implicitly points to the need for a divine framework to imbue life with true purpose, as human striving, left to its own devices, inevitably leads to a sense of futility. It underscores that true wisdom lies not in accumulating wealth or power for an uncertain future, but in recognizing God's ultimate control and finding joy and contentment in His gifts, understanding that our legacy is ultimately in His hands.

* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - A Good Man Leaves an Inheritance")
* [Luke 12:20-21](/luke/12-20 "Luke 12:20-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13 "James 4:13-15 - Boasting About Tomorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:19 serves as a sobering mirror, prompting us to critically examine where we place our ultimate hope and security. In a world that often measures success by accumulation of wealth, status, and power, Qoheleth's lament reminds us that even the most diligently acquired earthly treasures are ultimately beyond our control and subject to the whims of an unknown future. This verse challenges us to consider the true nature of our "labor under the sun." Are we toiling primarily for a legacy that could be squandered, or are we investing in things that possess eternal value? It encourages a shift in perspective from temporal anxiety to spiritual contentment, recognizing that while diligent work is commendable, our ultimate purpose and security are found not in what we accumulate or leave behind, but in our relationship with God. This passage calls us to live with open hands, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all our endeavors and trusting Him with our future and our legacy, rather than being consumed by the fear of loss or the uncertainty of inheritance. It invites us to find joy in the present gifts of God, rather than being enslaved by future anxieties.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "labor under the sun" am I investing most of my time, energy, and resources into?**
* **How does the uncertainty of my earthly legacy impact my sense of purpose and security?**
* **In what ways can I shift my focus from accumulating temporal treasures to investing in eternal ones?**
* **How does trusting God with my future and my legacy free me from the anxieties Qoheleth expresses?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 2:19 discourage hard work or planning for the future?**

Answer: Not at all. Ecclesiastes 2:19 does not discourage hard work or wise planning, but rather challenges the *ultimate hope* placed in them when detached from an eternal perspective. Qoheleth himself "laboured" and "shewed myself wise," indicating diligence. The issue is not the labor itself, but the futility of its outcome when one cannot control its destiny after death. The book ultimately encourages enjoying the fruits of one's labor as a gift from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - Enjoying God's Gifts")). The verse serves as a caution against finding ultimate meaning or security in earthly achievements, which are inherently transient.

**What is the significance of the phrase "under the sun" in this verse and throughout Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: The phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: _tahat ha-shemesh_) is a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes, appearing nearly 30 times. It signifies life and existence viewed strictly from a human, earthly perspective, without reference to divine revelation, eternal hope, or a transcendent God. When Qoheleth evaluates life "under the sun," he consistently concludes that all is "vanity" or "hebel" (futility), because without God, all human striving, wisdom, and accumulation lack ultimate meaning or lasting purpose. The phrase highlights the limited, temporal scope of his philosophical inquiry in these sections, emphasizing that true meaning must come from beyond this earthly realm, as suggested in the book's conclusion (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Whole Duty of Man")).

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of "vanity" in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 2:19 is a quintessential example of the "vanity" (Hebrew: _hebel_) theme that permeates the book. Here, the vanity stems from the profound lack of control over one's legacy. Qoheleth's immense effort and wisdom in accumulating wealth and achievements are rendered meaningless by the unavoidable reality that an unknown, potentially foolish, successor will inherit and possibly squander it. This specific frustration illustrates the broader concept of _hebel_: the fleeting, insubstantial, and ultimately unsatisfying nature of all human endeavors when pursued as ends in themselves, apart from God. It highlights the absurdity and emptiness of striving for earthly permanence in a world characterized by transience and unpredictability, reinforcing the idea that much of what humans chase is like grasping at wind (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:14](/ecclesiastes/1-14 "Ecclesiastes 1:14 - All is Vanity and Vexation of Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 2:19, with its lament over the futility of earthly labor and the uncertainty of legacy, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Christ. Qoheleth's despair arises from a perspective "under the sun," where death severs all human connection to one's accomplishments, leaving them to an unknown fate. However, in Christ, this despair is overcome. Jesus, the ultimate wise man, did not labor for a temporary earthly legacy but for an eternal kingdom. His work on the cross, the ultimate "labour wherein I have laboured," ensures a legacy that is not subject to decay, moth, rust, or foolish heirs (cf. [Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Unlike the earthly ruler who fears a foolish successor, Christ's inheritance is eternal life for all who believe, secured by His resurrection and administered by the Holy Spirit (cf. [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Life in Christ") and [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Our labor "in the Lord" is never in vain, for it is part of a divine plan that transcends earthly uncertainties and culminates in His glorious return (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfast in the Lord")). Thus, the Christian is called not to amass a perishable earthly legacy, but to invest in the imperishable kingdom of God, where Christ Himself is the faithful steward and ultimate reward, ensuring that our true treasures are eternally secure in Him (cf. [Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")).

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

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

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?

1 Kings 14:25

And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, [that] Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:

1 Kings 14:28

And it was [so], when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.

1 Kings 12:14

And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father [also] chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

1 Kings 12:20

And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

Ecclesiastes 9:13

¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me: