Ecclesiastes 5:17

KJV

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and [he hath] much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.

KJV (with Strong's)

All his days {H3117} also he eateth {H398} in darkness {H2822}, and he hath much {H7235} sorrow {H3707} and wrath {H7110} with his sickness {H2483}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All his life he eats in darkness, in frustration, in sickness and in anger.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.

American Standard Version

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he is sore vexed, and hath sickness and wrath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:17 offers a somber reflection on the tragic irony of a life devoted to the accumulation of wealth without the capacity or inclination to enjoy it. It vividly portrays an individual whose days are consumed by a joyless existence, marked by profound sorrow, vexation, and even physical ailment, all stemming from their inability to find contentment or peace amidst their material possessions. This verse serves as a stark warning against the vanity of hoarding riches, emphasizing that true well-being transcends mere material abundance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 5:17 is situated within a broader discourse (Ecclesiastes 5:8-20) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, critically examines the inherent futility and vexation associated with wealth and material possessions. The preceding verses, Ecclesiastes 5:13-16, lay the groundwork by illustrating various ways wealth can be detrimental: it can be hoarded to the owner's detriment, lost through misfortune, or simply left behind at death, rendering a lifetime of toil meaningless. Verse 17 then provides a poignant, personalized illustration of this misery, focusing on the internal state of the wealthy individual during their lifetime, even if their riches remain. It stands in stark contrast to the occasional affirmations in Ecclesiastes that enjoying the simple gifts of life, including food and labor, is a blessing from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoying God's Gifts") and [Ecclesiastes 3:12-13](/ecclesiastes/3-12 "Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 - The Goodness of Enjoyment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Israel, was an agrarian society where wealth was primarily measured in land, livestock, and accumulated produce or precious metals. While prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, Qoheleth challenges this simplistic view, exposing the potential for wealth to become a source of profound anxiety and dissatisfaction. The cultural emphasis on legacy and accumulation, often for future generations, could easily lead to a miserly existence where present enjoyment was sacrificed for future security or status. The "darkness" mentioned could also subtly allude to a lack of hospitality or communal feasting, which were significant cultural markers of prosperity and joy, suggesting a lonely, isolated existence despite riches.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. It underscores the **vanity of human striving** "under the sun," particularly when it comes to the relentless pursuit of wealth for its own sake. It highlights the **futility of hoarded wealth**, demonstrating that material abundance, when not enjoyed or used wisely, becomes a burden rather than a blessing, leading to **profound dissatisfaction and vexation**. The imagery of "eating in darkness" vividly portrays a life devoid of joy, peace, and contentment, emphasizing that true satisfaction is not found in possessions but is a gift from God, as hinted at in [Ecclesiastes 5:19](/ecclesiastes/5-19 "Ecclesiastes 5:19 - The Gift of Enjoyment"). Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **holistic well-being**, suggesting a direct link between spiritual and emotional distress and physical sickness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **darkness (Hebrew, _chôshek'_):** From the root meaning "to be dark," this word literally refers to the absence of light. However, as used here and elsewhere in Scripture (H2822), it figuratively denotes misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, or wickedness. In Ecclesiastes 5:17, it powerfully symbolizes a life devoid of joy, peace, or spiritual light, characterized by gloom, anxiety, and a lack of true contentment, even amidst material abundance.
* **sorrow (Hebrew, _kaʻaç'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to trouble," this term (H3707) encompasses a range of negative emotions including grief, rage, indignation, anger, vexation, or bitterness. In this context, it speaks to the deep internal turmoil, frustration, and profound unhappiness that afflicts the individual, a direct consequence of their attachment to and anxiety over their wealth. It's an inner anguish that poisons their existence.
* **sickness (Hebrew, _chŏlîy'_):** From the root "to be sick," this word (H2483) refers to a malady or disease, but can also extend to anxiety or calamity. Here, it suggests that the emotional and spiritual distress (sorrow and wrath) associated with a miserly, joyless life can manifest in actual physical ailments or a general state of ill-health, illustrating a holistic breakdown of well-being under the oppressive weight of their possessions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All his days also he eateth in darkness":** This clause paints a vivid picture of a life utterly devoid of joy and light. "All his days" emphasizes the pervasive and continuous nature of this condition, not merely an occasional hardship. The act of "eating" represents the most basic sustenance and enjoyment of life's provisions. To do so "in darkness" is a powerful metaphor for a joyless, anxious, and perhaps even secretive or isolated existence, where even the fundamental act of nourishment is tainted by gloom and discontent, rather than being a moment of gratitude and pleasure.
* **"and [he hath] much sorrow":** This directly states the emotional consequence of such a life. The "much" (H7235, _râbâh'_, meaning to increase or be abundant) emphasizes the overwhelming and pervasive nature of this sorrow (H3707, _kaʻaç'_). It is not a fleeting sadness but a deep, abiding grief or vexation that defines their experience, stemming from their attachment to and anxiety over their wealth.
* **"and wrath":** This addition further intensifies the emotional distress. "Wrath" (H7110, _qetseph'_) here refers to an inner indignation, bitterness, or rage. It suggests a profound frustration with life, perhaps with circumstances, with others, or even with oneself, for the inability to find peace or satisfaction despite material success. This internal anger contributes to the overall miserable state.
* **"with his sickness":** This final phrase connects the emotional and spiritual turmoil directly to physical consequences. The "sickness" (H2483, _chŏlîy'_) can be literal physical illness brought on by stress and anxiety, or it can be a broader metaphor for a general state of ill-being, a malady of the soul that manifests physically. It underscores the holistic impact of a life lived in constant vexation and discontent.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "eateth in darkness" is a powerful **Metaphor**, symbolizing a life lived without joy, light, or contentment, even in the midst of material abundance. It contrasts sharply with the expectation of feasting and celebration associated with wealth, highlighting the paradox of the miser's existence. The use of "All his days" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the pervasive and unrelenting nature of the individual's misery, suggesting that their entire life is consumed by this state. There is also a strong sense of **Irony** at play: the very wealth that is pursued for security and happiness ultimately brings "much sorrow and wrath with his sickness," turning the supposed blessing into a profound curse. This ironic outcome underscores Qoheleth's central theme of the vanity of earthly pursuits when detached from a proper perspective on God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:17 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that true human flourishing and contentment are not found in the accumulation of material possessions but are gifts from God. The Preacher consistently argues that the pursuit of wealth for its own sake leads to vexation of spirit, highlighting the emptiness of an existence where one gains the world but loses their soul's peace. This verse serves as a stark reminder that anxiety, greed, and a lack of gratitude can corrupt the most basic human experiences, turning even sustenance into a source of gloom. It challenges the notion that material prosperity automatically equates to a blessed life, asserting instead that genuine joy and the ability to enjoy one's labor are divine endowments, not human achievements.

* [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoying God's Gifts")
* [Ecclesiastes 6:2](/ecclesiastes/6-2 "Ecclesiastes 6:2 - The Unenjoyed Blessing")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Covetousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:17 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the potential pitfalls of our own hearts. It challenges us to examine our relationship with material possessions, asking whether our pursuits are leading us toward genuine contentment or toward a life shadowed by anxiety and discontent. The "darkness" described is not merely external but an internal state, a lack of joy that can afflict even the materially prosperous. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for what we have, to find joy in simple provisions, and to recognize that true peace comes from a settled heart, not a bulging bank account. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual and relational richness over mere financial gain, understanding that a life consumed by worry over wealth is a poor exchange for the peace and health of our souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "eating in darkness" in my own life, even if I am materially comfortable?**
* **What anxieties or "sorrow and wrath" do my possessions or financial pursuits bring into my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of contentment and gratitude for God's provisions, rather than constantly striving for more?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that my pursuit of resources serves my well-being and God's purposes, rather than becoming a source of vexation?**

### FAQ
**What does "eateth in darkness" truly signify in this verse?**

Answer: "Eateth in darkness" is a powerful metaphorical expression. It doesn't necessarily mean eating in literal physical darkness. Instead, it symbolizes a life devoid of joy, contentment, or peace, even in the most basic acts of sustenance. It implies a miserly, anxious, or isolated existence where the individual is unable to truly savor or enjoy the fruits of their labor or God's provisions. Their life is overshadowed by gloom, worry, and discontent, a stark contrast to the communal feasting and joy often associated with prosperity in ancient cultures. It highlights that true enjoyment is a matter of the heart and God's blessing, not merely the presence of food or wealth, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoying God's Gifts").

**Is the "sickness" mentioned in Ecclesiastes 5:17 literal or figurative?**

Answer: The "sickness" (Hebrew: _chŏlîy'_) can be understood as both literal and figurative. On a literal level, the immense stress, anxiety, sorrow, and wrath associated with a life consumed by wealth and its worries can indeed manifest in physical ailments and poor health. Chronic emotional distress has well-documented physical consequences. Figuratively, it can represent a spiritual or existential sickness—a profound malady of the soul where the individual's well-being is compromised despite material abundance. Qoheleth often points to the holistic breakdown of a life lived "under the sun" without a proper relationship with God, where internal turmoil leads to a general state of ill-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:17, with its stark portrayal of the futility of earthly wealth and the misery it can bring, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "darkness," "sorrow," and "wrath" described in the verse are precisely the spiritual maladies that Christ came to heal. While the Preacher identifies the problem of a life consumed by vanity, Jesus offers the solution: true life and abundant joy are found not in accumulating earthly treasures, but in seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Jesus taught His disciples to lay up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal, contrasting this with the perishable nature of earthly riches ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). He Himself is the light who dispels the "darkness" of a joyless existence, offering peace that the world cannot give ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"); [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). In Christ, believers are called to find their contentment not in what they possess, but in Him who richly provides all things and is Himself our greatest treasure ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in Christ"); [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). The "sickness" of the soul caused by greed and anxiety is healed by the spiritual health and peace that flow from a relationship with Christ, who bore our sorrows and offers true rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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 127:2

[It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

1 Corinthians 11:30

For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Psalms 90:7

¶ For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.

Psalms 90:11

Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.

1 Kings 17:12

And she said, [As] the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I [am] gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

2 Chronicles 16:10

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.