Ecclesiastes 2:24

KJV

[There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is nothing better {H2896} for a man {H120}, than that he should eat {H398} and drink {H8354}, and that he should make his soul {H5315} enjoy {H7200} good {H2896} in his labour {H5999}. This {H2090} also I saw {H7200}, that it was from the hand {H3027} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So there is nothing better for a man to do than eat, drink and and let himself enjoy the good that results from his work. I also realized that this is from God's hand.

Berean Standard Bible

Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God.

American Standard Version

There is nothing better for a manthanthat he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:24 marks a pivotal shift in Qoheleth's philosophical exploration, moving from a lament over the futility of human endeavors "under the sun" to an affirmation of the simple, God-given joys of life. After exhaustive experiments with pleasure, wisdom, and toil, the Preacher concludes that true satisfaction is not found in the accumulation of wealth or grand achievements, but in the ability to enjoy the basic provisions of food and drink, and to find contentment and purpose in one's daily work. Crucially, this capacity for enjoyment is presented not as a human accomplishment, but as a direct gift and blessing from the sovereign hand of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:24 appears at the conclusion of Qoheleth's intense personal investigation into various sources of human satisfaction, detailed in [Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Futility of Earthly Pursuits"). Having pursued pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3), amassed great wealth and possessions (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8), and engaged in extensive building projects (Ecclesiastes 2:4), he ultimately declares all these pursuits to be "vanity and a striving after wind" (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Even wisdom, though superior to folly, is ultimately subject to the same fate as fools (Ecclesiastes 2:15-16), and the fruit of one's labor is left to another (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23). Against this backdrop of existential weariness and the perceived meaninglessness of toil, verse 24 emerges as a profound, albeit somewhat surprising, counterpoint, offering a practical and divinely sanctioned approach to life within its inherent limitations. It serves as an initial, foundational statement of the "good" that can be found, a theme that reappears throughout the book (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - Enjoying God's Gifts"), [Ecclesiastes 5:18-20](/ecclesiastes/5-18 "Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 - The Gift of Enjoyment"), [Ecclesiastes 9:7-9](/ecclesiastes/9-7 "Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 - Living Joyfully Today")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, placing its setting within the prosperous and influential Solomonic era of ancient Israel (c. 10th century BCE). This was a period of immense wealth, wisdom, and international trade, providing the ideal context for a king to undertake the grand experiments described by Qoheleth. The cultural norms of the ancient Near East, while valuing hard work and the accumulation of resources, also recognized the transient nature of life and the unpredictability of fate. The concept of "labor" (`ʻâmâl`) often carried connotations of burdensome toil and weariness, a consequence of the Fall (cf. [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground")). Against this backdrop, the idea that one could "enjoy good in his labour" was counter-cultural, suggesting a divine intervention in the human experience of work. The "hand of God" (`yâd ʼĕlôhîym`) was a common biblical idiom signifying divine agency, power, and providence, emphasizing that true blessings and the capacity for contentment originate from a transcendent source, not from human effort alone.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it introduces the theme of **divine gift and providence**, shifting the focus from human striving to God's sovereign provision. The ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures and one's work is explicitly stated as coming "from the hand of God," countering the book's pervasive theme of "vanity" (`hevel`) by pointing to moments of genuine, divinely-granted good. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **contentment and present enjoyment**, urging readers to find satisfaction in the ordinary rather than perpetually chasing elusive grand achievements. This stands in stark contrast to the futility detailed earlier in the chapter, where all human efforts, no matter how grand, ultimately lead to dissatisfaction. Thirdly, it subtly redefines **labor** (H5999, `ʻâmâl`), transforming it from a source of weariness and vexation (as described in [Ecclesiastes 2:22-23](/ecclesiastes/2-22 "Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 - The Burden of Toil")) into a potential arena for divine blessing and personal enjoyment. This perspective offers a practical theological response to the problem of suffering and meaninglessness in a fallen world, suggesting that even within the constraints of life "under the sun," God provides opportunities for genuine satisfaction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word encompasses a vast semantic range, including "beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, fair, favor, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, most, pleasant, pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favored)." In Ecclesiastes 2:24, it is used twice: first as "nothing better," signifying the ultimate benefit or most desirable state for humanity, and second as "enjoy good," referring to the positive, beneficial, and pleasant experiences derived from eating, drinking, and labor. The breadth of this term emphasizes that the enjoyment offered is holistic, encompassing well-being, satisfaction, and prosperity in the broadest sense.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this term refers to a "breathing creature," often translated as "life," "person," "self," or "mind." It signifies the totality of a person's inner being, encompassing desires, emotions, and the seat of consciousness. When the text says "make his soul enjoy good," it implies more than mere physical gratification. It points to a deep, internal, and holistic sense of well-being and contentment that permeates the entire person, not just a fleeting external pleasure. This "enjoyment" is therefore profound, engaging one's very essence.
* **labour (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl'_):** From H5999, this word denotes "toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind; grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness." Unlike the more neutral `melakhah` (work), `ʻâmâl` often carries a negative connotation of burdensome, painful, or frustrating effort, particularly in Ecclesiastes where it is frequently linked to "vanity." The instruction to "enjoy good in his labour" is thus remarkably counter-intuitive, suggesting that even within the context of burdensome toil, a divinely-granted capacity for satisfaction can transform the experience from one of weariness to one of blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink,**": Qoheleth, having explored the grandest human pursuits and found them ultimately empty, now posits that the most beneficial and fulfilling human experience lies in the simplest, most fundamental acts of existence: consuming food and drink. This is not a call to hedonism, but an acknowledgment of the basic, tangible provisions necessary for life, which, when received with the right perspective, become sources of genuine satisfaction. The superlative "nothing better" underscores the profound conclusion drawn from his extensive personal research.
* **"and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour."**: This clause extends the sphere of divinely-sanctioned enjoyment beyond mere sustenance to the realm of daily work. The phrase "make his soul enjoy good" emphasizes an internal, holistic contentment that comes from engaging with one's toil. It suggests an active embrace of one's responsibilities and efforts, finding intrinsic value and satisfaction within the work itself, rather than merely enduring it as a means to an end or a source of weariness. This transformation of labor from burden to blessing is a key insight.
* **"This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God."**: This concluding declaration is the theological anchor of the verse, elevating the preceding observations from mere human philosophy to divine revelation. Qoheleth's personal "seeing" (`râʼâh`) signifies a profound realization or insight. The ability to find satisfaction in eating, drinking, and labor is not a product of human ingenuity or striving, but a direct gift from God's sovereign "hand." This attribution to God transforms simple pleasures into sacred blessings, grounding human contentment in divine providence and countering the pervasive sense of futility that otherwise dominates the book.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:24 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as this verse stands in stark opposition to the preceding verses of [Ecclesiastes 2](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Futility of Earthly Pursuits") which detail Qoheleth's exhaustive and ultimately futile search for meaning in pleasure, wisdom, and toil. The declaration "nothing better" serves as an **Irony** or a **Paradox**, as the Preacher, having experienced the height of earthly grandeur, concludes that the greatest good lies in the most mundane activities. The phrase "make his soul enjoy good" uses **Synecdoche**, where "soul" (nephesh) represents the entire person, emphasizing a holistic, internal satisfaction rather than just a physical one. Finally, the concluding statement, "it was from the hand of God," functions as a powerful **Theological Affirmation** and **Divine Attribution**, shifting the source of true enjoyment from human effort to divine grace, thereby imbuing the simple acts of life with profound spiritual significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:24 offers a profound theological insight into God's benevolent design for human flourishing, even within a fallen world. It shifts the paradigm from a relentless pursuit of meaning through human effort and accumulation to a humble reception of joy as a divine gift. This verse teaches that true contentment is not about what we achieve or possess, but about the grace to appreciate what God provides in the ordinary rhythms of life. It underscores the biblical truth that all good things come from God, and that even in the midst of toil and the fleeting nature of existence "under the sun," God desires for humanity to experience moments of genuine satisfaction and blessing. This perspective transforms mundane activities into opportunities for worship and gratitude, recognizing God's active hand in sustaining and delighting His creation.

* [Psalm 104:14-15](/psalms/104-14 "Psalm 104:14-15 - God Provides Food and Wine for Joy")
* [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - God Richly Provides All Things to Enjoy")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift is from Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:24 provides timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life, which often mirrors Qoheleth's relentless striving. In a culture obsessed with achievement, consumption, and the pursuit of an ever-elusive "more," this verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our values. It challenges the notion that true happiness lies in external circumstances, wealth, or status, instead pointing to an internal disposition of gratitude and an appreciation for the simple, foundational blessings of life. To "eat and drink" with joy means to savor the present moment, to find delight in the basic provisions that sustain us, and to recognize them as gifts. To "make his soul enjoy good in his labour" means to cultivate a healthy perspective on work, viewing it not merely as a means to an end or a necessary burden, but as a sphere where God's goodness can be experienced and where we can find purpose and satisfaction, regardless of its perceived prestige or financial reward. Ultimately, this verse invites us to live with open hands and grateful hearts, recognizing that our capacity for true contentment is a divine endowment, freeing us from the endless cycle of striving and dissatisfaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you relentlessly striving for "more" at the expense of enjoying the "good" that is already present?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the simple acts of eating, drinking, and daily work?**
* **What does it mean practically to "make your soul enjoy good in your labour," especially if your work feels mundane or challenging?**
* **How does recognizing that true enjoyment comes "from the hand of God" change your perspective on life's blessings and challenges?**

### FAQ
**Is Ecclesiastes 2:24 advocating for hedonism or a "live for today" philosophy?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 2:24 is not advocating for hedonism. While it encourages enjoying the simple pleasures of eating and drinking, and finding satisfaction in one's work, the crucial qualifier is "This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God." This phrase elevates the enjoyment from mere self-indulgence to a divinely-ordained gift and a proper response to God's provision. It's not about pursuing pleasure for its own sake, but about gratefully receiving and appreciating the good things God provides within the ordinary rhythms of life. It’s a call to contentment and gratitude, not unrestrained indulgence, especially when viewed in the broader context of Qoheleth's conclusions about the futility of life apart from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")).

**How does this verse reconcile with the book's overall message of "vanity" (hevel)?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 2:24 represents a key counterpoint to the pervasive theme of "vanity" (Hebrew: `hevel`, meaning "vapor" or "futility") found throughout the book. While Qoheleth concludes that all human striving and achievements "under the sun" are ultimately futile and meaningless apart from God, this verse offers a practical, divinely-sanctioned way to live *within* that reality. It suggests that even amidst the transient and often frustrating nature of life, God provides moments and capacities for genuine enjoyment. These moments of "good" are not achieved through human effort but are received as gifts from God, thereby transcending the `hevel` of human striving. It's a pragmatic wisdom that allows for joy in a world where ultimate meaning often feels elusive, by anchoring that joy in divine providence (as seen also in [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - God's Gift of Joy and Work")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 2:24, with its emphasis on finding joy as a divine gift, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. While Qoheleth points to the "hand of God" as the source of enjoyment in a world marked by futility, the New Testament reveals that this divine hand is most fully extended in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom "every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights" ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift is from Above")). In Christ, the existential weariness of human striving "under the sun" is overcome, as He invites us to find rest for our souls, declaring, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). The "enjoyment in labour" that Qoheleth dimly perceives becomes a spiritual reality for believers, as our work, whether mundane or significant, can be done "as unto the Lord" ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working Heartily for the Lord")), finding purpose and dignity in His service. Furthermore, the simple acts of eating and drinking are transformed in Christ, most profoundly in the Lord's Supper, where they become sacred reminders of His body broken and blood shed for our salvation, a foretaste of the eternal feast to come ([Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Thus, the fleeting joys of Ecclesiastes are not merely earthly pleasures but pointers to the enduring, abundant life and eternal joy found only in relationship with Jesus, who truly satisfies the deepest longings of the soul ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

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 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?

Ecclesiastes 8:15

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Ecclesiastes 5:18

¶ Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion.

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:12

I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it [is] the gift of God.