Ecclesiastes 4:4

KJV

¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Again, I considered {H7200} all travail {H5999}, and every right {H3788} work {H4639}, that for this a man {H376} is envied {H7068} of his neighbour {H7453}. This is also vanity {H1892} and vexation {H7469} of spirit {H7307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next I realized that all effort and achievement stem from one person's envy of another. This too is futility and feeding on wind.

Berean Standard Bible

I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

American Standard Version

Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 4:4 presents a profound and unsettling observation on the human condition: even diligent and commendable labor, which should inherently yield satisfaction and respect, frequently results in the bitter consequence of envy from one's neighbors. This paradoxical outcome, where success breeds resentment rather than contentment, leads the Preacher to conclude that such an experience is yet another manifestation of "vanity and vexation of spirit," underscoring the inherent futility and deep frustration that often accompany human endeavors when viewed apart from divine purpose and a fallen world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 4:4 is situated within Qoheleth's broader reflections on the various paradoxes and difficulties of life "under the sun" (chapters 3-5). Immediately preceding this verse, the Preacher laments the pervasive oppression and injustice in the world, concluding that the dead are more fortunate than the living, and those yet unborn are most fortunate of all, for they have not witnessed the evil under the sun [Ecclesiastes 4:1-3](/ecclesiastes/4-1-3 "Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 - The Oppression of the Oppressed"). This somber backdrop sets the stage for the observation in verse 4, where even seemingly positive human attributes—diligence and skillful work—are shown to lead to a similarly disheartening outcome due to human depravity. It transitions from external oppression to internal human failings, specifically envy, as a source of "vanity," further demonstrating that no aspect of life "under the sun" is free from frustration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, as in many traditional societies, one's livelihood and social standing were intimately tied to one's labor and its fruits. Success in agriculture, craftsmanship, or trade would have been highly visible and often a source of communal pride, but also a potential trigger for social tension. Envy was a deeply recognized and destructive force, often associated with malevolent intentions or the "evil eye." The Preacher's observation would resonate profoundly in a society where resources were often perceived as finite, leading to a zero-sum mentality where one person's gain was seen as another's loss. This cultural reality underscores the Preacher's point that even "right work" could not escape the pervasive social friction caused by human sin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it elaborates on the pervasive theme of **Vanity (Hebrew: _hebel_)**, demonstrating that even positive human attributes like diligence and skill can lead to an unsatisfactory outcome due to the fallen nature of humanity. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Earthly Pursuits** when detached from a divine perspective; while work is necessary, its ultimate reward can be undermined by human sinfulness. Thirdly, it underscores the **Destructive Power of Envy**, presenting it as a significant obstacle to human contentment and social harmony, echoing warnings found elsewhere in wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 14:30](/proverbs/14-30 "Proverbs 14:30 - A Sound Heart Is Life to the Body, but Envy Is Rottenness to the Bones") and [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - Wrath Is Cruel, and Anger Is Outrageous; but Who Is Able to Stand Before Envy?"). The Preacher consistently challenges conventional wisdom that equates hard work with guaranteed satisfaction, revealing the deeper complexities of life "under the sun."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Travail (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl'_):** This word signifies laborious toil, wearing effort, or the worry and pain resulting from hard work. It emphasizes the burdensome, often exhausting nature of human labor, suggesting that even "right work" is not without its difficulties and struggles. It speaks to the sweat and strain involved in achieving success, highlighting the effort expended.
* **Envied (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be zealous" or "to be jealous," _qinʼâh_ here specifically denotes the negative emotion of envy or jealousy. It describes the bitter resentment or ill-will felt by a neighbor towards another's success, possessions, or achievements. This word highlights the social friction and relational breakdown that can arise from individual prosperity, turning a positive outcome into a source of relational strife.
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** A central and recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, _hebel_ literally means "breath," "vapor," or "mist." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of something fleeting, insubstantial, futile, or ultimately meaningless when viewed from a purely earthly perspective. In this context, it describes the emptiness or lack of lasting satisfaction that results from success being met with envy, making the effort feel ultimately unrewarding and pointless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, I considered all travail, and every right work,"**: The Preacher (Qoheleth) resumes his contemplative observations, turning his attention to the entirety of human labor. "Travail" (Hebrew: _ʻâmâl_) denotes the arduous, often painful effort involved in work, while "every right work" (Hebrew: _kishrôwn maʻăseh_) refers to skillful, successful, or excellent craftsmanship and achievement. He acknowledges the diligence and competence inherent in such endeavors, encompassing both the effort and the quality of the outcome.
* **"that for this a man is envied of his neighbour."**: This clause reveals the unexpected and disheartening consequence of successful, diligent labor. Instead of unmitigated satisfaction or admiration, the diligent worker's achievements become a source of jealousy and resentment for those around him. The "neighbor" (Hebrew: _rêaʻ_) here represents anyone in close proximity or relationship, emphasizing the personal and relational sting of this envy, which undermines the joy of achievement.
* **"This [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit."**: The Preacher's familiar refrain concludes his observation. The outcome of being envied, despite one's righteous and diligent work, is deemed "vanity" (Hebrew: _hebel_), signifying its fleeting, insubstantial, and ultimately unfulfilling nature. "Vexation of spirit" (Hebrew: _rᵉʻûwth rûwach_), literally "chasing after wind," powerfully depicts the futility, frustration, and deep dissatisfaction that arises when even success is tainted by negative human responses, leaving the achiever with an empty feeling despite their efforts.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 4:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its somber message. **Irony** is central, as the verse presents the paradoxical outcome where diligent, "right work"—which one would expect to yield satisfaction and respect—instead produces the bitter fruit of envy. This unexpected result underscores the Preacher's pessimistic view of life "under the sun." The phrase "all travail, and every right work" uses a form of **Merism** or **Generalization** to emphasize the pervasive nature of this phenomenon, suggesting it's not an isolated incident but a common human experience encompassing all forms of effort and achievement. Finally, the recurring phrase "vanity and vexation of spirit" serves as a powerful **Refrain** or **Leitmotif** throughout Ecclesiastes, reinforcing the Preacher's overarching theme of the ultimate futility and emptiness of earthly pursuits when viewed without a divine, eternal perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 4:4 reveals a deep theological insight into the pervasive nature of sin and its distorting effect on human relationships and achievements. Even commendable human effort and success are not immune to the brokenness of a fallen world, where envy, a manifestation of human depravity, can corrupt the joy of accomplishment. This verse challenges a simplistic view of cause and effect, demonstrating that human merit does not guarantee peace or satisfaction. It points to the inherent limitations of human striving and the need for a perspective that transcends earthly outcomes, reminding us that true value and lasting contentment cannot be found solely in what we achieve or possess, but rather in our relationship with God and His purposes, which alone can redeem the "vanity" of life "under the sun."

* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?")
* [Galatians 5:26](/galatians/5-26 "Galatians 5:26 - Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.")
* [James 3:16](/james/3-16 "James 3:16 - For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 4:4 serves as a profound mirror for contemporary life, urging us to critically examine our motivations for work and success. In a world that often equates achievement with happiness and defines worth by visible accomplishments, this verse reminds us that external validation and material gain are ultimately insufficient to bring lasting peace, especially when they provoke the destructive emotion of envy in others. It challenges us to cultivate humility in success and to guard our hearts against the temptation to resent others' prosperity. True contentment is not found in outperforming our neighbors or accumulating accolades, but in aligning our labor with a higher purpose, finding joy in the work itself as a gift from God, and resting in the knowledge that our ultimate reward comes from God, not from human applause or the absence of envy. This perspective frees us from the "vexation of spirit" that comes from striving for fleeting earthly recognition and allows us to pursue meaningful work with integrity and generosity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Preacher's observation about envy challenge my own motivations for striving and achieving success?**
* **In what ways might I be susceptible to feeling envy towards others, or perhaps inadvertently provoking it in them through my actions or attitudes?**
* **What does "vanity and vexation of spirit" mean for my pursuit of earthly goals, and how can I reorient my focus towards more enduring, God-centered values?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of contentment, gratitude, and generosity that counters the destructive power of envy, both in myself and in my community?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 4:4 imply that hard work is bad or should be avoided?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 4:4 does not suggest that hard work or skillful labor is inherently bad. In fact, other passages in Ecclesiastes commend diligence and the enjoyment of one's labor as a gift from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 3:13](/ecclesiastes/3-13 "Ecclesiastes 3:13 - Every Man Should Eat and Drink and Enjoy the Good of All His Labour") and [Ecclesiastes 5:18-19](/ecclesiastes/5-18-19 "Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 - The Gift of Enjoying One's Labor")). Rather, this verse highlights a specific, often painful, consequence of human achievement "under the sun"—the envy it can provoke in others. The Preacher's point is that even good things, when viewed solely from an earthly perspective and within the context of a fallen world, can lead to frustration and a sense of futility, ultimately becoming "vanity and vexation of spirit." It's a critique of the *outcome* of work in a sinful world, not of the work itself, urging us to find a higher purpose beyond mere earthly recognition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 4:4, with its stark portrayal of the futility of human endeavor when marred by envy, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Christ. The "vanity and vexation of spirit" that arises from success breeding resentment is overcome by the self-giving, humble nature of Jesus. Unlike the one whose "right work" provokes envy, Christ, though possessing all glory and deserving all praise, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He did not strive for earthly recognition or success that would incite jealousy, but rather for the eternal redemption of humanity, enduring the envy and hatred of others (e.g., [Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate Knew They Had Delivered Jesus Out of Envy") and [Mark 15:10](/mark/15-10 "Mark 15:10 - Pilate Knew That the Chief Priests Had Delivered Him Out of Envy")) for our sake. In Christ, the motivation for work shifts from self-aggrandizement to serving God and others ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever You Do, Do It Heartily, as to the Lord")). He teaches us to lay up treasures in heaven, where "neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), thereby transcending the earthly cycle of striving and envy. Through His Spirit, believers are empowered to live free from envy, as it is a work of the flesh ([Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - The Works of the Flesh")), and to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, and goodness ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), finding true, lasting purpose and satisfaction in His kingdom, where all "right work" is done for His glory, not for fleeting human acclaim or to escape the sting of human envy.

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

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Ecclesiastes 1:14

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 2:21

For there is a man whose labour [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it [for] his portion. This also [is] vanity and a great evil.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

1 Samuel 18:29

And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually.

1 Samuel 18:30

Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, [that] David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

1 Samuel 18:14

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD [was] with him.