Ecclesiastes 5:15

KJV

As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

As he came forth {H3318} of his mother's {H517} womb {H990}, naked {H6174} shall he return {H7725} to go {H3212} as he came {H935}, and shall take {H5375} nothing {H3972} of his labour {H5999}, which he may carry away {H3212} in his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just as he came from his mother's womb, so he will go back naked as he came, and for his efforts he will take nothing that he can carry away in his hand.

Berean Standard Bible

As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.

American Standard Version

As he came forth from his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:15 offers a profound and sobering reflection on the ephemeral nature of human existence and the ultimate futility of accumulating material wealth. It starkly reminds the reader that just as one enters the world devoid of possessions, so too will one depart, unable to carry away any fruits of their earthly labor. This verse serves as a powerful commentary on mortality, the transience of material possessions, and the inherent vanity of a life solely focused on worldly gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a larger discourse by Qoheleth (the Preacher) concerning the proper perspective on wealth, labor, and life under the sun. Chapters 5 and 6 of Ecclesiastes address various societal observations and wisdom teachings, particularly critiquing the pursuit of riches and the anxieties that often accompany them. The verses immediately preceding Ecclesiastes 5:15 discuss the dangers of loving money, the increased worries that come with increased possessions, and the inability of the wealthy to truly enjoy their abundance (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 5:10-12](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 - The Futility of Wealth")). Qoheleth highlights the common misfortunes that can befall the rich, such as losing their wealth through bad ventures or leaving it to undeserving heirs ([Ecclesiastes 5:13-14](/ecclesiastes/5-13 "Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 - The Misfortune of Riches")). Verse 15 then serves as the ultimate, inescapable conclusion to this line of thought: regardless of one's earthly achievements or accumulations, death levels all, rendering material pursuits ultimately meaningless in the face of eternity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes reflects a wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Israel, often engaging with philosophical questions about life's meaning. While the exact historical setting of Qoheleth is debated, the observations about wealth, labor, and social injustice resonate with many periods in the ancient Near East. In a society where wealth often signified divine blessing and social standing, Qoheleth's radical critique of materialism would have been counter-cultural. The concept of "nakedness" at birth and death was a universal human experience, transcending specific cultural norms, making the imagery immediately relatable. The "labor" mentioned refers to the strenuous effort involved in acquiring and maintaining wealth, a common reality in agrarian and early urban societies. The verse speaks to a universal human condition, emphasizing that despite societal structures and individual efforts, the fundamental realities of birth and death remain unchanged.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 5:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Foremost is the theme of **the impermanence of earthly possessions**, asserting that all material gains are temporary and cannot be retained beyond life. This directly ties into the pervasive theme of **human vulnerability and mortality**, underscored by the vivid imagery of arriving and departing "naked." It highlights the inherent frailty of human existence and the ultimate powerlessness of humanity in the face of death. Furthermore, the verse powerfully reinforces the central theme of **the vanity of materialism** (Hebrew: _hebel_). Qoheleth frequently uses _hebel_ to describe that which is fleeting, meaningless, or ultimately futile, and the inability to carry away one's labor perfectly encapsulates this concept. It challenges the notion that true value or security can be found in wealth, echoing the broader message found throughout [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Vanity of Vanities"). The verse thus serves as a stark reminder that a life solely devoted to accumulating riches is, from an eternal perspective, ultimately empty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_):** This primitive root signifies "to go out" or "to bring out." In this context, it vividly describes the act of birth, emphasizing the emergence from the womb. The word implies a beginning, an entry into existence, setting the stage for the parallel departure.
* **naked (Hebrew, _ʻârôwm_):** This term denotes a state of being nude, either partially or totally. Here, it powerfully symbolizes utter destitution, vulnerability, and the absence of any possessions. It highlights the fundamental equality of all humans at birth and death, stripped of all external trappings.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb_):** A primitive root meaning "to turn back" or "to go back." It conveys the idea of reversal or restoration to a former state. In this verse, it emphasizes the cyclical nature of life – a return to the state of nothingness from which one originated.
* **labour (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl_):** Derived from a root meaning "to toil," this word refers to wearing effort, worry, or burdensome toil. It underscores the strenuous, often painful, exertion involved in acquiring wealth. The futility is magnified by the fact that even the fruits of such grievous effort cannot be retained.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** This word refers to the hand, often used metaphorically to denote power, means, or possession. The phrase "carry away in his hand" emphasizes the physical impossibility of taking material goods beyond the grave, reinforcing the idea that all earthly power and possessions are ultimately relinquished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came":** This opening clause establishes a powerful cyclical imagery. It draws a direct parallel between the moment of birth and the moment of death. Just as a person enters the world utterly vulnerable and without possessions, having nothing but their bare existence, so too will they depart. The repetition of "as he came" underscores the inescapable reality that life's end mirrors its beginning in terms of material state.
* **"and shall take nothing of his labour":** This segment directly addresses the futility of human toil and accumulation. "His labour" refers to all the wealth, possessions, and achievements acquired through diligent effort throughout one's life. The declaration that one "shall take nothing" is an absolute statement, negating any possibility of carrying material goods into the afterlife.
* **"which he may carry away in his hand":** This final phrase reinforces the previous statement with a vivid, concrete image. The "hand" symbolizes the ability to grasp, possess, and transport. By stating that nothing can be carried away "in his hand," the verse emphasizes the physical and ultimate inability to retain earthly gains beyond the grave, making the pursuit of such gains seem ultimately meaningless.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the birth ("came forth of his mother's womb, naked") is directly contrasted with death ("naked shall he return to go as he came"). This creates a striking image of life's cyclical nature and the ultimate leveling effect of mortality. The verse also uses powerful **Imagery**, particularly the repeated image of "nakedness," which symbolizes vulnerability, destitution, and the stripping away of all earthly trappings. This imagery is both literal and metaphorical, representing the ultimate lack of possessions at life's beginning and end. Furthermore, the phrase "take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand" utilizes **Irony** and **Hyperbole**. It is ironic that despite all the toil and accumulation, absolutely nothing can be retained. The hyperbole emphasizes the absolute nature of this loss, making the point forcefully and memorably.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:15 articulates a fundamental theological truth about human existence: our lives are finite, and our material possessions are temporary. This truth challenges the human tendency to find ultimate security and meaning in wealth and accumulation. Qoheleth's stark declaration serves as a divine reminder that true value must lie beyond what can be grasped and lost. It underscores God's sovereignty over life and death, and His ultimate ownership of all things, prompting a re-evaluation of priorities from an earthly to an eternal perspective. The verse implicitly points to the spiritual poverty of a life lived solely for material gain, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of what truly endures.

This truth is echoed throughout Scripture:
* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Naked I Came, Naked I Return") declares, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
* [1 Timothy 6:7](/1_timothy/6-7 "1 Timothy 6:7 - We Brought Nothing Into This World") reinforces, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
* [Psalm 49:16-17](/psalm/49-16 "Psalm 49:16-17 - Do Not Be Afraid When One Becomes Rich") advises, "Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:15 is a profound and liberating truth, though initially sobering. It calls us to confront the reality of our mortality and the transient nature of all earthly endeavors. In a world often consumed by the pursuit of more, this verse acts as a powerful antidote to materialism, urging us to re-evaluate where we place our hope and security. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing our dependence on God and the fleeting nature of our time on earth. Rather than striving to accumulate perishable treasures, we are challenged to invest in things with eternal significance: our relationships, our character, our service to God and others, and our spiritual growth. This perspective frees us from the endless cycle of striving and discontent, allowing us to find contentment and true riches in our relationship with the Creator, who alone is eternal and unchanging.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the stark reality of "nakedness" at birth and death challenge my current priorities and pursuits?**
* **In what ways might I be placing too much trust or finding too much security in my material possessions or professional achievements?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to shift my focus from accumulating earthly treasures to investing in things with lasting, eternal value?**
* **How does understanding the impermanence of wealth influence my generosity and stewardship of resources?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all labor is meaningless?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that all labor is meaningless. Rather, it highlights the ultimate futility of labor *when its sole purpose is the accumulation of material wealth*. Qoheleth elsewhere in Ecclesiastes acknowledges the value of work and enjoyment as gifts from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - There Is Nothing Better Than To Eat And Drink")). The point of [Ecclesiastes 5:15](/ecclesiastes/5-15 "Ecclesiastes 5:15 - Naked We Came, Naked We Return") is that the *outcome* of labor, in terms of material possessions, cannot be carried beyond the grave. Therefore, the meaning of labor must be found in something other than its material fruits – perhaps in the act of creation, service, or as a means to enjoy God's good gifts responsibly.

**Is Ecclesiastes a pessimistic book?**

Answer: While Ecclesiastes often presents a seemingly pessimistic view of life "under the sun," its ultimate purpose is not to promote despair but to guide the reader towards true wisdom and meaning. Qoheleth systematically dismantles all human attempts to find ultimate satisfaction apart from God – whether through wisdom, pleasure, wealth, or toil. The "vanity" (_hebel_) he speaks of refers to the fleeting, insubstantial nature of these things when they become ultimate pursuits. The book ultimately points to revering God and obeying His commands as the only enduring source of meaning and satisfaction ([Ecclesiastes 12:13-14](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - The Whole Duty of Man")). Thus, it is a realistic, not pessimistic, assessment designed to redirect our focus to what truly matters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:15, with its stark declaration of human mortality and the inability to carry earthly possessions beyond the grave, finds its profound fulfillment and ultimate answer in Jesus Christ. The "nakedness" at birth and death, symbolizing utter vulnerability and lack of possession, points to humanity's spiritual destitution and inability to save itself or earn eternal life through its own "labor." We are born into sin, spiritually "naked" before God, unable to bring anything to commend ourselves. However, Christ, though rich, became poor for our sakes, so that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - For Your Sakes He Became Poor")). He entered the world in humility, born in a manger, and ultimately left it, stripped naked on a cross, taking upon Himself the spiritual nakedness of our sin. Through His sacrifice, He offers us a righteousness that is not earned by our labor but freely given, clothing us in His perfect righteousness ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Clothed in Garments of Salvation")). The futility of accumulating earthly treasures, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes, is directly addressed by Jesus' teaching to lay up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Our true inheritance is not found in what we can carry away in our hands, but in the imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance kept in heaven for us through faith in Christ ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Thus, the transient nature of life "under the sun" revealed in Ecclesiastes serves as a crucial backdrop for appreciating the eternal, unshakeable hope and true riches found only in Christ Jesus.

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 49:17

For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

Job 1:21

And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

1 Timothy 6:7

For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.

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?