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?

For what hath {H1933} man {H120} of all his labour {H5999}, and of the vexation {H7475} of his heart {H3820}, wherein {H1931} he hath laboured {H6001} under the sun {H8121}?

For what does a person get from all his efforts and ambitions permeating the work he does under the sun?

For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?

For what hath a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboreth under the sun?

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 2:22 poses a profound question about the ultimate value and lasting satisfaction derived from human effort and anxiety when life is viewed purely from an earthly perspective. It encapsulates the Preacher's (King Solomon's) cynical conclusion regarding the futility of striving for worldly gains alone.

Context

This verse is part of King Solomon's extensive personal experiment detailed in Ecclesiastes Chapter 2, where he systematically explored various avenues for finding meaning and satisfaction apart from God. He pursued pleasure, accumulated great wealth, built magnificent projects, and sought wisdom, yet found that all these endeavors ultimately led to emptiness and "vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). In verses 18-21, he laments the inevitable reality of leaving his hard-earned possessions to an heir who may not appreciate them, adding to his frustration. Verse 22 serves as a summary question: what ultimate profit does one gain from all this toil and mental anguish?

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Earthly Labor: The central theme is the transient nature of human achievement and the lack of lasting benefit from labor that is focused solely on material accumulation or personal glory. Solomon concludes that without a divine perspective, all such effort is ultimately meaningless.
  • Vexation of Heart: The phrase "vexation of his heart" highlights the emotional and mental toll of such striving. It speaks to the anxiety, worry, and dissatisfaction that accompany relentless pursuit of worldly success, often leading to spiritual emptiness rather than true contentment.
  • Life "Under the Sun": This iconic phrase, used repeatedly throughout Ecclesiastes, signifies a perspective limited to human experience on earth, detached from God's eternal purposes. From this limited viewpoint, life's endeavors inevitably lead to the conclusion that "all is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

Linguistic Insights

  • Labour (Hebrew: ‘amal): The Hebrew word translated "labour" here often carries the connotation of wearisome toil, painful effort, or even trouble and hardship, rather than just simple work. It underscores the burdensome nature of the activity.
  • Vexation of his heart (Hebrew: ra'ayon lev): This phrase suggests a "striving of spirit" or "longing of heart," often associated with mental distress, grief, or deep anxiety. It emphasizes the inner turmoil and dissatisfaction that earthly pursuits can bring.
  • Under the Sun (Hebrew: tachat hashamesh): This signature phrase of Ecclesiastes consistently frames life from a purely human, secular viewpoint, where God's ultimate sovereignty and eternal purposes are not considered. It's a key indicator of the Preacher's initial, limited perspective.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:22 serves as a powerful reminder for modern individuals. In a world that often measures success by wealth, possessions, and career achievements, this verse challenges us to consider the true and lasting value of our efforts. It prompts introspection:

  • Are our labors leading to genuine fulfillment or merely increasing anxiety and dissatisfaction?
  • Are we pursuing goals that will ultimately pass away, or are we investing in things with eternal significance?
  • The verse encourages us to seek purpose and meaning beyond the temporal, material realm, recognizing that true satisfaction comes from a relationship with God and aligning our lives with His will, a theme further explored as the book concludes (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 1:3 (5 votes)

    What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

  • Psalms 127:2 (5 votes)

    [It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

  • Philippians 4:6 (4 votes)

    Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:6 (4 votes)

    Better [is] an handful [with] quietness, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit.

  • 1 Timothy 6:8 (4 votes)

    And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

  • Matthew 6:34 (4 votes)

    Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

  • 1 Peter 5:7 (4 votes)

    Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.