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 offers a stark and poignant reflection on the universal human condition, highlighting the inescapable reality of mortality and the ultimate futility of accumulating material wealth for its own sake. The Preacher, Koheleth, laments the grievous paradox that just as one enters the world devoid of possessions, so too one departs, leaving behind all earthly gains. This verse profoundly questions the lasting "profit" or genuine satisfaction derived from a life consumed by strenuous labor for transient possessions, powerfully likening such an endeavor to the chasing of wind—an insubstantial and ultimately unrewarding pursuit that yields no enduring substance or eternal reward.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Koheleth's broader discourse on the vanity of wealth and the anxieties it often brings, specifically within [Ecclesiastes 5:8-20](/ecclesiastes/5-8-20 "Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 - The Vanity of Riches"). The Preacher has already observed that increasing riches often lead to increasing worries and a larger retinue of dependents who consume the wealth (see [Ecclesiastes 5:10-12](/ecclesiastes/5-10-12 "Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 - The Burden of Wealth")). The "sore evil" introduced in verse 16 builds upon the preceding verses, which describe the tragic loss of wealth through misfortune or the inability to enjoy it (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 5:13-14](/ecclesiastes/5-13-14 "Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 - Riches Lost to Misfortune")). The ultimate "evil" highlighted here is the inescapable reality of death, which indiscriminately strips away all accumulated possessions, rendering a lifetime of toil for material gain ultimately meaningless in an eternal sense. This verse serves as a climactic statement on the profound vanity of earthly pursuits when viewed from the sobering perspective of human mortality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many agrarian societies, wealth was primarily measured in land, livestock, and accumulated produce, signifying security and status. However, Koheleth's observations transcend specific economic systems, addressing universal human tendencies and the inherent limitations of material pursuits. The concept of "profit" (Hebrew: *yithrôwn*) was a common concern in ancient economies, but Koheleth redefines it, questioning what truly constitutes lasting gain in the grand scheme of life. The cultural understanding of death as a return to dust, where one takes nothing with them into the afterlife, was deeply ingrained in the ancient Near East (cf. [Psalm 49:17](/psalms/49-17 "Psalm 49:17 - You Can't Take It With You")). The vivid imagery of "labouring for the wind" would have resonated profoundly in a society where physical labor was the primary means of sustenance and accumulation, underscoring the deep disappointment of effort expended on something insubstantial and fleeting.
* **Key Themes:** [Ecclesiastes 5:16](/ecclesiastes/5-16 "Ecclesiastes 5:16 - The Futility of Earthly Toil") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ecclesiastes. Foremost is the pervasive theme of **_hebel_** (often translated "vanity," "meaningless," or "futility"), which permeates 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 I Came, Naked I Return"). 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** and vexation of spirit 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'_):** From H2470, a primitive root suggesting to be rubbed or worn; hence, figuratively, to be weak, sick, or afflicted. Causatively, it means to grieve or make sick. In this context, it intensifies the sense of "evil," indicating a deep, grievous, or sickening affliction, a profound and distressing reality.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word encompasses a broad range of negative concepts, including badness, calamity, distress, harm, mischief, and wickedness. Here, combined with "sore," it denotes a profound misfortune, a grievous reality that causes deep sorrow, vexation, and a sense of wrongness.
* **profit (Hebrew, _yithrôwn'_):** From H3504, 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, especially those focused on material accumulation.
* **wind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** From H7307, while often meaning "spirit" or "breath," here it primarily signifies "wind"—something insubstantial, fleeting, and impossible to grasp or retain. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the ultimate emptiness and lack of substance in pursuits that lack eternal value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this also [is] a sore evil":** Koheleth introduces a new lament, identifying the observation that follows as a profound and grievous misfortune. The phrase "sore evil" (Hebrew: *raʻ châlâh*) emphasizes the deep distress, calamity, and vexation associated with the inescapable reality he is about to describe, marking it as a truly painful aspect of life "under the sun."
* **"[that] in all points as he came, so shall he go":** This clause highlights the universal and inescapable cycle of human life. It asserts that just as an individual enters the world naked and without possessions (cf. [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Naked I Came, Naked I Return")), so too they depart, unable to take any accumulated wealth, status, or earthly achievements with them. This underscores the ultimate equality of all before death, regardless of their earthly gains or perceived successes.
* **"and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question designed to emphasize the utter futility of such endeavors. "Laboured" (Hebrew: *ʻâmal*, from H5998) implies strenuous, burdensome, and often painful toil. The vivid imagery of "labouring for the wind" portrays effort expended on something insubstantial, fleeting, and ultimately unrewarding, reinforcing the core theme of *hebel* (vanity or meaningless) that pervades the book of Ecclesiastes. The question implies a resounding "none."

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:16 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its somber and profound message. The phrase "as he came, so shall he go" is a powerful example of **parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second part of the phrase reiterates and reinforces the truth of the first, 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 potent **rhetorical question**. This device is not meant to elicit a literal 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, insubstantiality, and ultimate ungraspability of human toil aimed solely at accumulating transient earthly possessions. This metaphor also carries elements of **symbolism**, where "wind" represents emptiness, transience, the ephemeral nature of life, and the inability to grasp or retain anything of true lasting value.

### 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, temporary, and ultimately futile. 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 radical 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, which are inherently unable to provide lasting fulfillment or escape from the grave.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:16 offers a timeless and piercing 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 sobering reality should not lead to despair, cynicism, or idleness, but rather to a radical reorientation of our values, efforts, and aspirations. 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, as Koheleth implies, lies not in accumulating what cannot last, but in living a life of purpose that honors God and blesses humanity, recognizing that genuine and lasting profit is found in spiritual riches that death cannot diminish, and in a contentment that transcends material circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wind" am I currently laboring for in my life—what transient pursuits or possessions—that might ultimately yield no lasting profit or satisfaction?**
* **How does the stark inevitability of death, as presented in this verse, shape my perspective on my current financial goals, material aspirations, and daily priorities?**
* **In what practical ways can I reorient my efforts, resources, and time to invest more deeply 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, recognizing that true joy is not found in accumulation?**

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

Answer: Not necessarily. Ecclesiastes 5:16, like much of the book of Ecclesiastes, is not a condemnation of work or wealth in themselves, but rather a profound 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, ultimate meaning, or escape from the reality of mortality. The Preacher often acknowledges that wealth can be a gift from God, to be enjoyed with gratitude (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 5:19](/ecclesiastes/5-19 "Ecclesiastes 5:19 - Enjoying God's Gifts")). The issue arises when one's entire life is consumed by the relentless pursuit of material gain, leading to an empty and vexing outcome "under the sun" because it lacks an eternal perspective and fails to acknowledge God's sovereignty. The verse encourages a healthy detachment from materialism and a recognition of life's transient nature, prompting us to seek enduring value elsewhere.

### 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 redemptive work of Jesus Christ, offers the ultimate and glorious 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/6-19-21 "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 definitive victory over death through His resurrection (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")) transforms the "sore evil" of mortality into a gateway to eternal life and an imperishable inheritance for those who believe in Him. The "wind" that Koheleth labored for, representing emptiness and transience, is replaced by the enduring reality of God's Kingdom, where true and lasting "profit" is found in knowing Christ, serving His purposes, and participating in His eternal mission—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 solely "under the sun" is filled with the profound hope and eternal substance of a life lived "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.