Ecclesiastes 5:16

KJV

And this also [is] a sore evil, [that] in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

KJV (with Strong's)

And this {H2090} also is a sore {H2470} evil {H7451}, that in all points {H5980} as he came {H935}, so shall he go {H3212}: and what profit {H3504} hath he that hath laboured {H5998} for the wind {H7307}?

Complete Jewish Bible

This too is a gross evil, that in every respect as he came, so will he go; thus what profit does he have after toiling to earn the wind?

Berean Standard Bible

This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind?

American Standard Version

And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that he laboreth for the wind?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:16 presents a stark reflection on the universal human experience of mortality and the ultimate futility of accumulating material wealth. The Preacher, Koheleth, laments the grievous reality that just as one enters the world empty-handed, so too one departs, leaving behind all earthly gains. This verse powerfully questions the ultimate profit or lasting satisfaction derived from a life dedicated solely to strenuous labor for transient possessions, likening such effort to the chasing of wind—an endeavor that yields no enduring substance or eternal reward.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader discourse (Ecclesiastes 5:8-20) where Koheleth critiques the pursuit and accumulation of wealth, particularly its deceptive nature and the anxieties it often brings. He observes the paradox that increasing riches often lead to increasing worries and a larger retinue of dependents (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12). The "sore evil" introduced in verse 16 builds upon the preceding verses (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14), which describe the tragic loss of wealth through misfortune or the inability to enjoy it. The ultimate "evil" highlighted here is the inescapable reality of death, which strips away all accumulated possessions, rendering a lifetime of toil for material gain ultimately meaningless in an eternal sense. The verse serves as a climactic statement on the vanity of earthly pursuits when viewed from the perspective of human mortality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, like many agrarian societies, valued land, livestock, and accumulated produce as signs of wealth and security. However, the Preacher's observations transcend specific economic systems, addressing universal human tendencies. The concept of "profit" (Hebrew: *yithrôwn*) was a common concern in ancient economies, but Koheleth redefines it, questioning what truly constitutes lasting gain. The cultural understanding of death as a return to dust, where one takes nothing with them, was deeply ingrained (cf. [Psalm 49:17](/psalms/49-17 "Psalm 49:17 - You Can't Take It With You")). The imagery of "labouring for the wind" would have resonated deeply in a society where physical labor was the primary means of sustenance and accumulation, highlighting the profound disappointment of effort expended on something insubstantial.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 5:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Foremost is the theme of **_hebel_** (often translated "vanity" or "meaningless"), which pervades Koheleth's reflections, particularly as articulated in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Vanity of All Things"). This verse underscores the **inevitability of death** and its leveling effect, echoing the sentiment found in [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Naked We Come, Naked We Go"). It also highlights the **futility of earthly labor for material gain** as an ultimate end, emphasizing that such pursuits, when disconnected from a divine perspective, yield no lasting "profit." The "sore evil" points to the profound **existential dissatisfaction** that arises when one's hope and security are misplaced in transient things, a recurring lament throughout Koheleth's exploration of life "under the sun."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sore (Hebrew, _châlâh_):** A primitive root suggesting to be rubbed, worn, weak, sick, or afflicted. In a causative sense, it means to grieve or make sick. Here, it intensifies the sense of "evil," indicating a deep, grievous, or sickening affliction.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ_):** This word encompasses a broad range of negative concepts, including badness, calamity, distress, harm, mischief, and wickedness. In this context, combined with "sore," it denotes a profound misfortune, a grievous reality that causes deep sorrow and vexation.
* **profit (Hebrew, _yithrôwn_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be left over" or "to excel," this term refers to preeminence, gain, or advantage. Koheleth repeatedly uses this word to question what lasting benefit or surplus one truly acquires from earthly endeavors.
* **wind (Hebrew, _rûwach_):** While often meaning "spirit" or "breath," here it primarily signifies "wind"—something insubstantial, fleeting, and impossible to grasp or retain. It is a powerful metaphor for the ultimate emptiness of pursuits that lack eternal substance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this also [is] a sore evil":** Koheleth introduces a new lament, identifying the following observation as a profound and grievous misfortune. The phrase "sore evil" (Hebrew: *raʻ châlâh*) emphasizes the deep distress and calamity associated with the reality he is about to describe.
* **"[that] in all points as he came, so shall he go":** This clause highlights the universal and inescapable cycle of human life. Just as an individual enters the world naked and without possessions, so too they depart, unable to take any accumulated wealth or status with them. It underscores the ultimate equality of all before death, regardless of their earthly achievements or material gains.
* **"and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?":** This is a rhetorical question designed to emphasize the futility of such endeavors. "Laboured" (Hebrew: *ʻâmal*) implies strenuous, burdensome toil. The imagery of "labouring for the wind" vividly portrays effort expended on something insubstantial, fleeting, and ultimately unrewarding, reinforcing the core theme of *hebel* (vanity) that pervades Ecclesiastes.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:16 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its somber message. The phrase "as he came, so shall he go" is a powerful example of **parallelism**, emphasizing the cyclical and inescapable nature of life and death. The entire second half of the verse, "and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?", functions as a **rhetorical question**. This device is not meant to elicit an answer but to provoke deep reflection and underscore the self-evident conclusion that there is no lasting profit in such endeavors. The most striking device is the **metaphor** "laboured for the wind," which vividly symbolizes the futility and insubstantiality of human toil aimed solely at accumulating transient earthly possessions. This metaphor also carries elements of **symbolism**, where "wind" represents emptiness, transience, and the inability to grasp or retain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true gain and the transient character of earthly existence. It challenges humanity's innate tendency to find ultimate security and meaning in material accumulation, exposing such pursuits as ultimately unsatisfying and temporary. The verse underscores the biblical teaching that human life is finite and that death is the ultimate equalizer, stripping away all earthly distinctions and possessions. This perspective compels a reevaluation of priorities, urging believers to seek wisdom and contentment in God rather than in the fleeting things of this world. It highlights the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over all things, including wealth and life itself, and finding joy in His gifts rather than in the possessions themselves.

* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Naked I Came, Naked I Return")
* [Psalm 49:16-17](/psalms/49-16 "Psalm 49:16-17 - Do Not Be Afraid of the Rich")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:16 offers a timeless challenge to our modern, often consumer-driven, society. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable truth that despite our relentless pursuit of wealth, comfort, and status, we will ultimately leave everything behind. This reality should not lead to despair or idleness, but rather to a radical reorientation of our values and efforts. It prompts us to consider what truly endures beyond the grave: our relationship with God, our investment in eternal truths, and the love and service we extend to others. True wisdom lies not in accumulating what cannot last, but in living a life of purpose that honors God and blesses humanity, recognizing that genuine profit is found in spiritual riches that death cannot diminish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wind" am I currently laboring for in my life that might ultimately yield no lasting profit?**
* **How does the inevitability of death shape my perspective on my current financial goals and material aspirations?**
* **In what ways can I reorient my efforts and resources to invest in things that have eternal significance, rather than temporal gain?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and gratitude for what I have, rather than constantly striving for more?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse suggest that all labor or wealth accumulation is inherently bad?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Ecclesiastes 5:16, like much of the book, is not a condemnation of work or wealth itself, but rather a critique of the *ultimate hope* placed in them. The "sore evil" is not the labor or the wealth, but the misplaced expectation that these things will provide lasting security, meaning, or escape from mortality. The Preacher often acknowledges that wealth can be a gift from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 5:19](/ecclesiastes/5-19 "Ecclesiastes 5:19 - Enjoying God's Gifts")). The issue is when one's entire life is consumed by the pursuit of material gain, leading to an empty outcome "under the sun" because it lacks eternal perspective. The verse encourages a healthy detachment from materialism and a recognition of life's transient nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ecclesiastes 5:16 starkly presents the futility of earthly toil and the leveling reality of death, the New Testament, through the person and work of Jesus Christ, offers the ultimate answer to Koheleth's existential dilemma. Jesus Himself taught extensively on the danger of misplaced priorities, urging His followers to "lay up for yourselves 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 - Treasures in Heaven")). Unlike the "profit" that vanishes with death, Christ offers an eternal inheritance and a life that transcends the grave. His victory over death through His resurrection (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")) transforms the "sore evil" of mortality into a gateway to eternal life for those who believe. The "wind" that Koheleth labored for is replaced by the enduring reality of God's Kingdom, where true and lasting "profit" is found in knowing Christ and serving His purposes, a labor that is "not in vain in the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Stand Firm in the Lord")). In Christ, the emptiness of a life lived "under the sun" is filled with the hope of a life lived eternally "with the Son."

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 1:3

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

Proverbs 11:29

¶ He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool [shall be] servant to the wise of heart.

Mark 8:36

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

John 6:27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

1 Samuel 12:21

And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain.

Isaiah 26:18

We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

Jeremiah 2:8

The priests said not, Where [is] the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after [things that] do not profit.