Ecclesiastes 4:8

KJV

There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he], For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a sore travail.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is {H3426} one {H259} alone, and there is not a second {H8145}; yea, he hath neither child {H1121} nor brother {H251}: yet is there no end {H7093} of all his labour {H5999}; neither is his eye {H5869} satisfied {H7646} with riches {H6239}; neither saith he, For whom do I labour {H6001}, and bereave {H2637} my soul {H5315} of good {H2896}? This is also vanity {H1892}, yea, it is a sore {H7451} travail {H6045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the situation in which a solitary individual without a companion, with neither son nor brother, keeps on working endlessly but never has enough wealth. "For whom" [he should ask], "am I working so hard and denying myself pleasure?"This too is truly pointless, a sorry business.

Berean Standard Bible

There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task.

American Standard Version

There is one that is alone, and he hath not a second; yea, he hath neither son nor brother; yet is there no end of all his labor, neither are his eyes satisfied with riches. For whom then, saith he, do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? This also is vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 4:8 powerfully depicts the tragic futility of a solitary life consumed by ceaseless labor and the relentless pursuit of wealth. The Preacher observes an individual who, despite having no family or heirs to share with or pass on an inheritance to, continues to toil without end, finding no satisfaction in their accumulated riches. This relentless, isolated striving, devoid of relational purpose, is ultimately declared to be "vanity" and a "sore travail," highlighting the inherent meaninglessness and grievous burden of such an existence under the sun.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader section of Ecclesiastes (chapter 4) where the Preacher, Qoheleth, meticulously observes and critiques various aspects of human endeavor and societal structures "under the sun"—a recurring phrase denoting life from a purely earthly perspective, without explicit divine intervention. Immediately preceding [Ecclesiastes 4:7](/ecclesiastes/4-7 "Ecclesiastes 4:7 - The Solitary Man's Toil"), the Preacher notes the "vanity" of a man who is alone, without a "second" or family, yet continues to labor without end. Verse 8 expands upon this observation, delving into the specific characteristics and ultimate emptiness of such a solitary pursuit of wealth. The subsequent verses, [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12](/ecclesiastes/4-9 "Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - The Power of Two"), then offer a stark contrast by extolling the profound benefits and strength found in companionship and community, making the isolation described in verse 8 even more poignant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was the foundational pillar of existence, providing identity, security, and continuity. Having children, especially sons, was considered a profound blessing and a means of ensuring one's legacy and the continuation of the family name and inheritance. To be "alone," without "child nor brother," would signify a profound social and existential void. Wealth accumulation was often tied to the ability to provide for one's family and pass on an inheritance, thus securing future generations. The idea of endless labor without an heir or family to share it with or pass it on to would have been culturally understood as deeply unsatisfying and ultimately purposeless, as the wealth would likely dissipate or fall into the hands of strangers upon the individual's death.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 4:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. The most prominent is **vanity** (Hebrew: _hebel_), a central concept in Ecclesiastes, appearing over 30 times, which describes the fleeting, ephemeral, and ultimately unsatisfying nature of life and human endeavors when detached from a divine perspective. The verse also underscores the theme of **solitude and isolation**, presenting it as a grievous state that negates the potential joy and purpose of labor. Furthermore, it highlights the **futility of wealth accumulation** for its own sake, demonstrating that material riches cannot fill the void of relational emptiness or provide true contentment. This insatiable desire for more, despite having no one to share it with, is a manifestation of the "striving after wind" that Qoheleth frequently laments, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](/ecclesiastes/1-14 "Ecclesiastes 1:14 - All is Vanity and Striving After Wind"). The verse implicitly champions the theme of **community and companionship**, which is then explicitly praised in the verses that immediately follow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **one (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** From the root meaning "united," this numeral here signifies singularity or being alone. In the context of Ecclesiastes 4:8, it emphasizes an individual who is utterly isolated, without a "second" or any family ties. This "oneness" is not a state of blessed solitude but a condition of profound loneliness and lack of relational connection, which renders all their labor ultimately meaningless.
* **vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This pivotal term in Ecclesiastes, derived from a root meaning "to breathe out," conveys emptiness, futility, or something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a vapor or breath. When applied to the solitary laborer's life, it signifies that despite all their effort and accumulation of riches, their existence lacks lasting substance, ultimate purpose, or genuine satisfaction. It is a life that, from an eternal perspective, amounts to nothing.
* **travail (Hebrew, _ʻinyân'_):** This word denotes employment, business, or an affair, but in this context, especially when paired with "sore" (Hebrew, _raʻ_ meaning "bad" or "evil"), it refers to a burdensome, grievous, or oppressive task. The Preacher labels the solitary man's endless labor not just as futile, but as a "sore travail," highlighting the wearisome, painful, and ultimately unsatisfying nature of work pursued without relational purpose or divine perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the profound isolation of the individual. "One alone" underscores their singularity, while "not a second" explicitly states the absence of a companion, partner, or even a close friend. The subsequent declaration, "neither child nor brother," further emphasizes a complete lack of familial ties—no descendants to inherit their wealth, and no siblings to share life's burdens or joys. This paints a picture of utter relational destitution.
* **"yet [is there] no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches;"** Despite this profound loneliness and lack of anyone to benefit from their efforts, the individual's toil is relentless and unending. There is an insatiable drive to accumulate, yet paradoxically, their "eye is not satisfied with riches." This highlights the inherent inability of material possessions to bring true contentment or fill the relational and spiritual void within the human heart. The pursuit itself becomes a treadmill, offering no final resting place or fulfillment.
* **"neither [saith he], For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good?"** This rhetorical question reveals the tragic blindness or denial of the solitary laborer. They do not pause to consider the ultimate purpose of their relentless work. The phrase "bereave my soul of good" implies that in their tireless pursuit of wealth, they are depriving themselves of true "good"—which could include rest, relationships, joy, or spiritual well-being. They are sacrificing genuine life for an unsatisfying accumulation.
* **"This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a sore travail."** The Preacher's definitive conclusion. He reiterates the overarching theme of "vanity," declaring this entire scenario to be utterly meaningless and without lasting value. The addition of "sore travail" further emphasizes the grievous, burdensome, and painful nature of such a life. It is not merely empty but actively oppressive and unsatisfying.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 4:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its somber message. The verse is steeped in **Irony**, as the individual's relentless pursuit of wealth, typically associated with security and happiness, leads instead to profound emptiness and dissatisfaction. The very act of accumulating "riches" fails to "satisfy" the eye, creating a stark contrast between effort and outcome. The phrase "no end of all his labour" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the ceaseless and ultimately futile nature of the work. The **Rhetorical Question**, "For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good?", serves to highlight the absurd lack of purpose in the solitary man's toil, prompting the reader to confront the same question in their own lives. Finally, the repeated declaration of "vanity" (Hebrew: _hebel_) is a form of **Repetition** that functions as a leitmotif throughout Ecclesiastes, underscoring the Preacher's central thesis about the ephemeral and meaningless nature of earthly pursuits when detached from a higher, divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 4:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the inherent limitations and ultimate futility of human endeavor when pursued in isolation and without a transcendent purpose. It underscores the biblical truth that true satisfaction and meaning are not found in material accumulation or endless toil, but in relationships—both with God and with fellow human beings. The Preacher's lament over the solitary laborer highlights humanity's created need for community and shared experience, echoing the divine declaration in [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Genesis 2:18 - It is not good for the man to be alone") that "It is not good that the man should be alone." The "sore travail" described is a consequence of a life misaligned with God's design for human flourishing, which includes fellowship and purpose beyond self-gratification.

* [Proverbs 11:24](/proverbs/11-24 "Proverbs 11:24 - The Generous Prosper")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 Timothy 6:6-10](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6-10 - The Love of Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 4:8 stands as a timeless mirror, reflecting the potential emptiness of a life driven solely by ambition and material gain, especially when it leads to isolation. In a world that often glorifies relentless work and wealth accumulation, this verse challenges us to pause and evaluate our own motivations. Are we pursuing riches for their own sake, or are our labors directed toward a higher purpose that includes God and others? The Preacher's poignant question, "For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good?", forces us to confront whether our striving is truly enriching our lives or merely depleting our souls and relationships. True "good" often lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we share, in the depth of our connections, and in the peace that comes from contentment and a life lived in service to God and neighbor. This verse calls us to prioritize relational wealth over material wealth, to seek satisfaction in God rather than in possessions, and to ensure our efforts contribute to a legacy of love and community, not just personal gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own pursuits of success or security be inadvertently leading to isolation or a lack of true satisfaction?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate relationships and community to counteract the tendency towards solitary striving in my life?**
* **What does it truly mean for my "eye to be satisfied with riches," and how can I reorient my desires towards lasting contentment?**
* **For whom am I truly laboring, and am I "bereaving my soul of good" in the process?**

### FAQ
**What does "vanity" truly mean in Ecclesiastes, and how does it apply to Ecclesiastes 4:8?**

Answer: In Ecclesiastes, the Hebrew word for "vanity" is _hebel_ (H1892), which literally means "breath," "vapor," or "something fleeting." It conveys the idea of emptiness, futility, or meaninglessness. It doesn't necessarily imply evil, but rather that which is ephemeral, unsubstantial, or ultimately unsatisfying when viewed from a purely earthly perspective ("under the sun"). In [Ecclesiastes 4:8](/ecclesiastes/4-8 "Ecclesiastes 4:8 - The Solitary Toiler's Vanity"), the solitary laborer's endless toil and accumulation of wealth are deemed "vanity" because, despite the effort, there is no lasting purpose or fulfillment. Without anyone to share with or pass on an inheritance to, the riches become an empty pursuit, like chasing after wind, offering no true or enduring satisfaction.

**Why is having "no second" or "neither child nor brother" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern culture, family and community were paramount. To be "one alone" without a "second" (a companion, partner, or friend) or "neither child nor brother" (no direct heirs or close family members) signified a profound lack of social and familial support, legacy, and continuity. Children, especially sons, were crucial for carrying on the family name and inheriting property. Without them, an individual's accumulated wealth and labor would have no lasting impact beyond their own lifetime. This relational void makes the endless pursuit of riches utterly meaningless, as there is no one to share life's journey with or to whom the fruits of labor can be bequeathed. The Preacher contrasts this with the benefits of companionship in [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12](/ecclesiastes/4-9 "Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - The Value of Companionship"), emphasizing that "two are better than one."

**How does Ecclesiastes 4:8 relate to modern work culture and the pursuit of wealth?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 4:8 remains profoundly relevant to modern work culture, which often incentivizes relentless labor, long hours, and the accumulation of wealth. The verse serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of becoming so consumed by work and financial gain that one neglects relationships, personal well-being, and a sense of ultimate purpose. Many today can relate to the feeling of "no end of all his labour" or the experience of "eye not satisfied with riches," constantly striving for more without finding true contentment. The verse challenges the notion that material success alone can bring happiness, reminding us that true fulfillment often comes from meaningful connections, shared experiences, and a life lived with purpose beyond mere accumulation, echoing the sentiment found in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 4:8 lays bare the profound emptiness and grievous toil of a life lived in isolation, consumed by endless labor and the pursuit of fleeting riches—a life "under the sun" without ultimate purpose or lasting satisfaction. This lament finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where the solitary laborer finds "no second," Christ offers Himself as the faithful friend who sticks closer than a brother ([Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")). He is the one who gathers those who were "alone" into a new family, the Church, where believers are adopted as sons and daughters of God and become brothers and sisters in Christ ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The "no end of all his labour" and the "eye not satisfied with riches" are directly addressed by Christ, who teaches us to lay up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), and promises a satisfaction that the world cannot give ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). He Himself labored perfectly, not for earthly gain, but to secure an eternal inheritance for His people ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). In Christ, the "vanity" of life's toil is transformed into purposeful service, and the "sore travail" is redeemed by the promise of eternal rest and joy in His presence ([Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord")). He provides the ultimate "good" that the solitary soul bereaves itself of, offering abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Good Shepherd")) and the true satisfaction that only comes from knowing and serving Him.

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 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Proverbs 27:20

¶ Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Ecclesiastes 1:8

All things [are] full of labour; man cannot utter [it]: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1:13

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all [things] that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Isaiah 5:8

¶ Woe unto them that join house to house, [that] lay field to field, till [there be] no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!