Ecclesiastes 2:23

KJV

For all his days [are] sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

KJV (with Strong's)

For all his days {H3117} are sorrows {H4341}, and his travail {H6045} grief {H3708}; yea, his heart {H3820} taketh not rest {H7901} in the night {H3915}. This is also vanity {H1892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His whole life is one of pain, and his work is full of stress; even at night his mind gets no rest. This too is pointless.

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.

American Standard Version

For all his days are but sorrows, and his travail is grief; yea, even in the night his heart taketh no rest. This also is vanity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:23 encapsulates the Preacher's profound and disheartening conclusion regarding the futility of human endeavor when pursued apart from God. After an exhaustive personal experiment encompassing the accumulation of wisdom, pleasure, and vast material wealth, he finds that all such pursuits ultimately yield only relentless sorrow, burdensome toil, and a pervasive lack of inner peace, even during the night. This pervasive unrest and dissatisfaction lead him to declare that such a life, despite its outward achievements, is ultimately "vanity"—insubstantial, fleeting, and devoid of lasting meaning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:23 is situated within Qoheleth's (the Preacher's) detailed account of his "experiment" to discover what is truly good for humanity "under heaven" ([Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Preacher's Experiment")). Having explored the pursuit of pleasure ([Ecclesiastes 2:1-3](/ecclesiastes/2-1 "Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 - Pursuit of Pleasure")), grand building projects and acquisition of wealth ([Ecclesiastes 2:4-8](/ecclesiastes/2-4 "Ecclesiastes 2:4-8 - Grand Accomplishments")), and even the pursuit of wisdom ([Ecclesiastes 2:12-17](/ecclesiastes/2-12 "Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 - Wisdom and Folly")), he consistently arrives at the same bleak conclusion: "all is vanity and a chasing after wind" ([Ecclesiastes 2:17](/ecclesiastes/2-17 "Ecclesiastes 2:17 - All is Vanity")). Verses 18-22 immediately precede verse 23, specifically lamenting the futility of laboring and accumulating possessions only to leave them to an uncertain heir who may not appreciate or manage them wisely. This context emphasizes the Preacher's growing despair over the transient nature of human achievement and the inability to control the future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, a figure renowned for his immense wisdom, wealth, and grand building projects in ancient Israel ([1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth")). This historical backdrop provides the perfect scenario for the Preacher's "experiment," as few individuals in history would have possessed the resources and opportunities to pursue every conceivable earthly pleasure and achievement to their fullest extent. The cultural context of ancient Near Eastern kings often involved monumental construction, vast harems, and the accumulation of riches as symbols of power and divine favor. However, Qoheleth's narrative subverts this expectation, demonstrating that even with unparalleled resources, a life lived "under the sun"—focused solely on earthly realities without an explicit divine reference point—ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and existential weariness.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Ecclesiastes 2:23, and indeed the entire book of Ecclesiastes, is the pervasive concept of **vanity** (Hebrew: *hebel*), signifying emptiness, futility, or transience. The verse highlights the **burden of toil and anxiety**, illustrating that human labor, when devoid of eternal purpose, becomes a source of relentless sorrow rather than satisfaction. It also underscores the **lack of inner rest**, portraying a soul perpetually troubled by its pursuits, unable to find peace even in sleep. This relentless striving and the resulting weariness contribute to the book's overarching exploration of the **meaning of life** and the **limitations of human wisdom and achievement** when detached from a relationship with God, a theme that ultimately points towards the book's concluding exhortation to "fear God and keep his commandments" ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Matter")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorrows (Hebrew, _makʼôb'_):** This word (H4341) denotes anguish, affliction, or pain. It speaks to a deep, internal suffering that is not merely physical discomfort but a profound emotional and spiritual distress. In the context of Ecclesiastes 2:23, it suggests that the very essence of one's days, despite apparent success, is permeated by a painful sense of dissatisfaction and weariness, rather than joy or fulfillment.
* **travail (Hebrew, _ʻinyân'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be occupied," this term (H6045) refers to ado, employment, or business. It encompasses the entirety of one's efforts, preoccupations, and the burdens associated with daily life and work. The verse indicates that even this necessary "travail" or diligent work, instead of bringing satisfaction or reward, becomes a source of "grief," highlighting the inherent futility of labor disconnected from ultimate meaning.
* **vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This crucial term (H1892), appearing over 30 times in Ecclesiastes, literally means "breath," "vapor," or "emptiness." Figuratively, it describes something transitory, insubstantial, and ultimately unsatisfactory. It's not necessarily evil, but rather fleeting and unable to provide lasting meaning or substance. In Ecclesiastes 2:23, its declaration signifies that the sum total of a life consumed by such sorrowful toil and unrest is ultimately a puff of smoke—something that appears real but quickly dissipates, leaving nothing of enduring value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For all his days [are] sorrows":** This clause establishes the pervasive nature of suffering in a life lived "under the sun." It's not just occasional pain, but a constant, defining characteristic of one's existence, suggesting that every day is marked by a deep sense of anguish or dissatisfaction, regardless of external circumstances or achievements.
* **"and his travail grief":** Building on the previous thought, this phrase links one's efforts and daily occupations directly to emotional distress. The "travail" (work, business, preoccupation) that one engages in, rather than being a source of fulfillment or joy, becomes a heavy burden that produces "grief" or vexation, underscoring the unsatisfying nature of earthly striving.
* **"yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night":** This poignant observation highlights the internal, psychological dimension of the Preacher's despair. The lack of rest, even during the hours typically reserved for peace and recuperation, signifies a profound and relentless anxiety that permeates the very core of one's being. It speaks to a soul that is never truly at peace, constantly troubled by worries, plans, and the unsatisfying nature of its pursuits.
* **"This is also vanity":** This concluding declaration serves as the Preacher's ultimate verdict. It reaffirms the central theme of the book, stating that the entire experience of a life characterized by such incessant sorrow, burdensome toil, and sleepless anxiety is nothing more than "vanity"—empty, fleeting, and ultimately meaningless when pursued as an end in itself, apart from God.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of futility. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all his days are sorrows," which, while perhaps not literally every single moment, emphasizes the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the Preacher's despair. This is reinforced by **Parallelism** in "all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief," where two clauses express similar ideas using different but related terms, intensifying the sense of burden. The statement "his heart taketh not rest in the night" is a powerful **Metaphor** for deep, pervasive anxiety that even the natural cycle of sleep cannot alleviate, symbolizing a soul utterly devoid of peace. Finally, the recurring declaration "This is also vanity" acts as a **Refrain** throughout Ecclesiastes, serving as a constant reminder of the book's central theme of the transient and unsatisfying nature of all earthly pursuits. This repetition underscores the Preacher's unwavering conclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:23 offers a stark theological insight into the human condition when disconnected from its Creator. It reveals that even the most successful and diligent efforts "under the sun"—those focused solely on earthly accumulation, achievement, or pleasure—cannot provide lasting satisfaction or inner peace. The relentless sorrow, the burdensome nature of toil, and the inability to find rest, even at night, point to a fundamental spiritual void that no amount of worldly gain can fill. This verse serves as a divine commentary on humanity's inherent longing for meaning and purpose that transcends the temporal, suggesting that true contentment and rest are not found in what we acquire or accomplish, but in something beyond ourselves. It challenges the common human tendency to seek ultimate fulfillment in finite things, exposing their inherent inability to deliver true peace.

* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")
* [Psalm 39:5-6](/psalm/39-5 "Psalm 39:5-6 - Man is but a Breath")
* [Proverbs 15:13](/proverbs/15-13 "Proverbs 15:13 - A Joyful Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:23 resonates powerfully with the modern human experience, often characterized by the "rat race," burnout, and a relentless pursuit of more—more money, more success, more possessions. The Preacher's ancient lament about "sorrows" and "travail" leading to a heart that "taketh not rest in the night" mirrors the pervasive anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness common in contemporary society. This verse serves as a profound warning: if our ultimate purpose is merely to accumulate or achieve "under the sun," we are destined for the same emptiness and unrest that Qoheleth experienced. It compels us to re-evaluate our priorities, challenging the cultural narrative that equates busyness and material gain with fulfillment. True peace and lasting satisfaction cannot be found in external circumstances or achievements, but must spring from a deeper, internal source that transcends the fleeting nature of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "sorrows" and "travail" in my own life that prevent my heart from finding rest?**
* **In what ways might I be pursuing "vanity" by seeking ultimate satisfaction in things that are inherently fleeting or insubstantial?**
* **How does my daily work and striving contribute to, or detract from, my inner peace and sense of purpose?**
* **Where do I truly seek and find lasting rest for my soul, especially when faced with the anxieties of life?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 2:23 imply that all work and effort are inherently bad or meaningless?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The verse, and indeed the book of Ecclesiastes, does not condemn work or enjoyment of life's blessings outright. Instead, it critiques the *ultimate purpose* and *source of meaning* derived from these activities when they are pursued as ends in themselves, apart from God. The "vanity" lies in the expectation that earthly toil and achievement can provide lasting satisfaction or peace. The Preacher's point is that when life's efforts are disconnected from a divine perspective, they become a burdensome source of sorrow and grief, leading to perpetual unrest. The book's ultimate conclusion ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Whole Duty of Man")) points to fearing God and keeping His commandments as the true source of meaning, suggesting that work done in light of this purpose can be good.

**How can one find rest if even the night brings no peace, as the verse suggests?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 2:23 highlights a spiritual and existential unrest that cannot be alleviated by physical rest alone. The Preacher's experience shows that the pursuit of earthly wisdom, pleasure, and wealth, even to their fullest extent, leaves the heart perpetually troubled. True rest, as revealed more fully in the New Testament, is found not in ceasing activity, but in a right relationship with God. Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). This rest is a spiritual peace that transcends circumstances, providing solace even amidst life's challenges and the "travail" of daily existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound despair and pervasive "vanity" expressed in Ecclesiastes 2:23 find their ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Preacher's lament—that "all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night"—perfectly encapsulates the human condition "under the sun," a life burdened by sin, futility, and the relentless pursuit of fleeting satisfaction. This existential weariness is precisely what Christ came to address. Where Qoheleth found no lasting rest, Jesus offers an eternal and abiding peace, inviting all who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him and find "rest for your souls" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). The "vanity" of earthly pursuits, which ultimately lead to death and decay, is overcome by Christ's victory over sin and death, offering true life and an imperishable inheritance ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")). Through His sacrifice, the curse of burdensome toil and sorrow is transformed; work, when done unto the Lord, gains eternal significance ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Work Heartily for the Lord")). Christ is the true "treasure" that does not fade or perish ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), the ultimate wisdom that transcends human understanding ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), and the source of a joy that no circumstance can diminish ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No One Will Take From You")). In Him, the restless heart finds its eternal home and perfect peace, no longer bound by the fleeting "vanity" of life, but anchored in the enduring reality of God's 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

Job 14:1

¶ Man [that is] born of a woman [is] of few days, and full of trouble.

Job 5:7

Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

Psalms 6:6

I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

Psalms 6:7

Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

Psalms 127:2

[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.

Job 7:13

When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint;

Job 7:14

Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions: