Ecclesiastes 3:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And also that every man {H120} should eat {H398} and drink {H8354}, and enjoy {H7200} the good {H2896} of all his labour {H5999}, it is the gift {H4991} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Still, the fact that everyone can eat and drink and enjoy the good that results from all his work, is a gift of God.

Berean Standard Bible

and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.

American Standard Version

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 3:13 offers a profound counterpoint to the often melancholic reflections of Qoheleth, asserting that the simple acts of eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in one's diligent labor are not merely mundane occurrences but are, in fact, direct and gracious gifts from God. This verse pivots from the Preacher's contemplation of life's appointed seasons and inherent limitations, revealing a divine benevolence that infuses everyday existence with purpose and joy, transforming ordinary human effort into an experience of divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 3:13 is nestled within Qoheleth's extended meditation on the cycles of life and the human experience of time, famously introduced by the poetic declaration of "a time for everything" in [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything"). Following a series of antithetical pairs describing life's various seasons (e.g., a time to be born and a time to die), Qoheleth often grapples with the concept of *hebel* (often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless"), highlighting the futility of human striving "under the sun" because humanity cannot fully comprehend or alter God's work ([Ecclesiastes 3:9-11](/ecclesiastes/3-9 "Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 - The Profit of Toil and God's Work")). However, verses 3:12-13 provide a crucial shift, offering a positive conclusion amidst the existential wrestling. This passage, along with similar affirmations in [Ecclesiastes 2:24-25](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 - Enjoyment is from God"), [Ecclesiastes 5:18-20](/ecclesiastes/5-18 "Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 - The Goodness of God's Gift"), and [Ecclesiastes 9:7-9](/ecclesiastes/9-7 "Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 - Enjoy Life with Your Wife"), represents a recurring theme of finding joy and contentment in God's provision, despite life's inherent uncertainties and the limitations of human control. It suggests that true enjoyment is not a result of human achievement but a divine endowment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many agrarian societies, life was characterized by hard physical labor, often under challenging conditions. The concept of "labor" (Hebrew: *ʻâmâl*) frequently carried connotations of toil, weariness, and even sorrow, reflecting the post-fall reality described in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground"). Within this context, the ability to "eat and drink" the fruit of one's labor was not a given but a sign of blessing and prosperity, often contrasted with the lack or oppression experienced by many. Wisdom literature, like Ecclesiastes, often engaged with the practical realities of daily life, offering insights into how to navigate a world that was both divinely ordered and often perplexing. The idea of God as the ultimate provider and source of all good things was foundational to Israelite theology, meaning that even basic sustenance and the satisfaction derived from work were understood as manifestations of divine favor, distinguishing it from purely humanistic perspectives on success or pleasure.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Benevolence and Sovereignty**, asserting that the capacity for genuine enjoyment in life's simple necessities is a direct "gift of God." This underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His desire for humanity's well-being, even amidst the perplexing cycles of life. Secondly, it emphasizes **Contentment in Labor**, offering a counter-narrative to Qoheleth's frequent laments about the futility and weariness of human toil. It suggests that when viewed through the lens of divine gifting, labor can yield profound satisfaction and "good," transforming what might otherwise be seen as burdensome into a source of blessing. This theme resonates with the biblical dignity of work, as seen in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man Placed in the Garden"). Lastly, the verse champions the **Embracing of Simple Pleasures**, encouraging an appreciation for the fundamental aspects of daily existence. It redirects focus from the pursuit of grand, often fleeting, achievements to the profound spiritual significance found in the ordinary, fostering a perspective of gratitude and present-moment enjoyment that is deeply rooted in God's provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** (H120) This term refers to a human being, an individual, or mankind in general. Its use here emphasizes the universal applicability of the Preacher's observation—this divine gift is for "every man," highlighting a common human experience of God's provision, regardless of social standing or specific circumstances. It underscores the shared human condition and the universal nature of God's benevolent design for His creation.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** (H2896) This word is rich in meaning, encompassing pleasantness, prosperity, moral goodness, and that which is beautiful or beneficial. It's the same term used in the Genesis creation account where God repeatedly declares His creation "good." In Ecclesiastes 3:13, "the good of all his labour" implies not just material gain, but a sense of well-being, satisfaction, and fulfillment derived from one's work. It suggests that the enjoyment is not merely superficial pleasure but a deep, inherent goodness that God intends for human experience.
* **gift (Hebrew, _mattâth'_):** (H4991) This feminine noun denotes a present or something freely bestowed. Its inclusion is pivotal, transforming the acts of eating, drinking, and enjoying labor from mere human achievements or natural processes into explicit acts of divine grace. It emphasizes that this capacity for enjoyment is not earned or deserved but is a sovereign act of God's generosity, highlighting His active role in providing for and blessing humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And also that every man should eat and drink":** This clause establishes the foundational human needs and activities. Eating and drinking are universal, fundamental aspects of human existence, representing basic sustenance and the continuation of life. The phrase "every man" universalizes the observation, indicating that this truth applies to all humanity. It sets the stage for the idea that even these most ordinary and necessary acts can be imbued with divine significance.
* **"and enjoy the good of all his labour":** This expands on the previous clause, connecting the basic acts of consumption to the broader context of human work and its outcomes. "Labour" (*ʻâmâl*) often carries connotations of toil and weariness in Ecclesiastes, but here, the emphasis is on "enjoying the good" of it. This suggests a positive outcome—a sense of satisfaction, benefit, or fulfillment derived from one's efforts. It's not just about the product of labor, but the experience of finding something inherently good and pleasurable in the process and its results.
* **"it is the gift of God":** This is the climactic declaration of the verse, providing the theological interpretation for the preceding observations. The ability and capacity to truly enjoy the simple acts of eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in one's work are not accidental, nor are they solely the result of human striving or good fortune. Instead, they are explicitly identified as a direct, gracious bestowal from God. This transforms mundane activities into sacred experiences, rooted in divine benevolence and sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 3:13 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Affirmation**, as Qoheleth shifts from his characteristic questioning and lament about the futility of life "under the sun" to a direct, positive statement about divine provision. This creates a powerful **Contrast** with the preceding themes of human inability to alter God's work or find lasting profit from toil, offering a moment of grace and contentment. The verse also functions as a piece of **Wisdom Literature**, providing practical, divinely-inspired insight into how one ought to live and perceive daily life. It carries a strong **Didactic Tone**, instructing the reader on the true source of joy and satisfaction. Furthermore, the repetition of the concept of "enjoyment" (implied in "eat and drink" and explicit in "enjoy the good") serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the importance of appreciating God's gifts in the present moment, rather than perpetually striving for future, often elusive, gains.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 3:13 offers a profound theological insight into God's character and His relationship with humanity, revealing a benevolent Creator who desires His creatures to experience joy and satisfaction in their daily lives and labor. It underscores the biblical truth that all good things come from God, not as a result of human merit, but as expressions of His grace and sovereignty. This perspective elevates the mundane acts of eating, drinking, and working into spheres of divine blessing, challenging a purely materialistic or humanistic view of prosperity. It reminds us that true contentment is not found in accumulation or control, but in acknowledging God's hand in every provision and finding joy in the simple, yet profound, gifts He bestows. This understanding encourages a posture of gratitude and trust, recognizing God as the ultimate source of all genuine "good" in life.

* [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17 "Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - Do Not Forget the Lord")
* [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - God Richly Provides for Our Enjoyment")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 3:13 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to re-evaluate their perspectives on work, provision, and contentment. In a world often driven by relentless striving, consumerism, and the pursuit of ever-greater achievements, this verse calls us to pause and recognize the divine origin of our most basic blessings. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude for daily sustenance and the satisfaction derived from our labor, understanding these not as mere human accomplishments or entitlements, but as direct manifestations of God's generous hand. This perspective transforms our daily grind into an arena for experiencing God's grace, encouraging us to find joy and meaning in the present moment rather than deferring happiness to some future ideal. It invites us to embrace a theology of "enough," where satisfaction is found in God's provision rather than in endless accumulation, fostering a deep sense of peace and trust in His sovereign care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding eating, drinking, and enjoying labor as "the gift of God" change your perspective on these daily activities?**
* **In what ways do you currently find satisfaction or "good" in your work, and how can you intentionally recognize God's hand in that enjoyment?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of gratitude for God's provision in your life, especially in the mundane?**
* **How might a focus on God's gifts, rather than human striving, impact your approach to financial planning, career goals, or leisure time?**

### FAQ
**How does Ecclesiastes 3:13 reconcile with the often pessimistic tone of "vanity" found elsewhere in the book?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes often grapples with the concept of *hebel* (vanity, meaninglessness, breath), particularly regarding human striving and achievements "under the sun" that lack eternal significance. However, verses like [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - The Goodness of Enjoyment") and similar passages (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoyment from God")) offer a crucial counterpoint. They suggest that while human effort apart from God may be futile, God Himself provides moments of genuine enjoyment and satisfaction. These "good" experiences are not results of human wisdom or toil, but are sovereignly bestowed by God as gifts. Thus, the verse doesn't negate the "vanity" of striving apart from God, but rather points to the true source of lasting contentment: acknowledging and receiving God's gracious provision, even in the ordinary. It's a call to find joy in what God *gives*, rather than despairing over what humanity *cannot achieve* or *control*.

**Does this verse encourage a hedonistic lifestyle focused solely on pleasure?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 3:13 does not advocate for hedonism. Instead, it places the enjoyment of life's basic pleasures and the fruit of one's labor within a theological framework: "it is the gift of God." This divine attribution is key. Hedonism pursues pleasure as an end in itself, often without regard for moral boundaries or ultimate purpose. This verse, however, frames enjoyment as a *received gift* from a sovereign God, implying gratitude, stewardship, and alignment with His design. It's about finding contentment and satisfaction *in* God's provision, recognizing His hand in daily sustenance and the dignity of work, rather than an unbridled pursuit of self-gratification. The context of Ecclesiastes, with its emphasis on accountability to God ([Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - Fear God and Keep His Commandments")), further clarifies that this enjoyment is to be experienced within a life lived in reverence for the Creator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 3:13, with its declaration that the enjoyment of life's simple pleasures and the fruit of one's labor is "the gift of God," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Qoheleth points to a divine benevolence that infuses ordinary life with meaning, the New Testament reveals Christ as the very embodiment of God's ultimate gift to humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). In Him, we receive not only the capacity to enjoy earthly good but also the spiritual life and eternal satisfaction that truly transcends the "vanity" of this world. Christ's redemptive work transforms our labor from a mere struggle under the curse into an act of worship and participation in His ongoing creation, as we are called to do all things "as to the Lord" ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do All in the Name of the Lord")). The true "good" we enjoy is ultimately found in our union with Him, for He is the bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the living water ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Living Water")) who satisfies our deepest longings. The earthly gifts of food, drink, and meaningful labor foreshadow the spiritual sustenance and eternal rest found in Christ, who invites us to cast our anxieties upon Him and seek first His kingdom, knowing that all these things will be added to us ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Thus, the temporary enjoyment of God's gifts in this life points us to the enduring joy and perfect fulfillment found only in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Psalms 128:2

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with thee.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

[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.

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Isaiah 65:21

And they shall build houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

Isaiah 65:23

They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.

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 5:20

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart.