Ecclesiastes 5:19

KJV

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every man {H120} also to whom God {H430} hath given {H5414} riches {H6239} and wealth {H5233}, and hath given him power {H7980} to eat {H398} thereof, and to take {H5375} his portion {H2506}, and to rejoice {H8055} in his labour {H5999}; this {H2090} is the gift {H4991} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, along with the power to enjoy it, so that he takes his allotted portion and finds pleasure in his work - this is a gift of God;

Berean Standard Bible

Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.

American Standard Version

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:19 presents a profound theological truth amidst the book's often cynical observations on life "under the sun." It declares that for any individual to whom God has granted material prosperity—riches and wealth—and, crucially, has also bestowed the capacity to genuinely enjoy these provisions, to partake of their portion, and to find satisfaction in their diligent work, this entire experience is unequivocally a direct gift from God. This verse stands as a counterpoint to the futility of mere accumulation, asserting that true contentment and the ability to savor life's blessings are not inherent outcomes of wealth but rather a specific, gracious endowment from the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 5 is a chapter deeply concerned with the vanity and frustrations of human endeavor, particularly in relation to wealth and religious practice. The verses immediately preceding 5:19 (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17) lament the unsatisfying nature of money, highlighting how the love of it never brings contentment (Ecclesiastes 5:10), how increasing wealth often brings increasing worries and dependents (Ecclesiastes 5:11), and how riches can be lost or hoarded, offering no true benefit or even causing harm (Ecclesiastes 5:13-17). Verse 5:18 then introduces a pivotal shift, suggesting that it is "good and fitting" for a person to eat, drink, and enjoy the fruit of their labor. Ecclesiastes 5:19 expands on this, clarifying that this capacity for enjoyment is not a human achievement but a divine bestowal, thus providing a rare moment of affirmation and divine perspective within the book's otherwise melancholic tone, distinguishing divinely-enabled contentment from the inherent vanity of mere acquisition. This thought is further reinforced in Ecclesiastes 5:20, which notes that such a person "will not much remember the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor, but the book of Ecclesiastes challenges simplistic interpretations of prosperity. The prevailing cultural mindset often equated material success with happiness and security, a notion the Preacher consistently deconstructs. However, this verse offers a nuanced perspective. Unlike the common pursuit of wealth for its own sake, which often led to anxiety, oppression, or a lack of true satisfaction, the verse points to a divine enablement that transcends mere possession. It implicitly critiques the cultural tendency to hoard wealth or to derive one's identity solely from it, instead reorienting the source of true enjoyment to God's sovereign hand. The "labour" mentioned (Hebrew: `amâl`) often carries connotations of burdensome toil, yet the verse suggests that even this can be transformed into a source of joy when God grants the capacity to appreciate it, contrasting with the common experience of wearying work without lasting reward.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ecclesiastes and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over all aspects of human life, including prosperity and, more importantly, the capacity for enjoyment. God is the ultimate giver, not only of "riches and wealth" but also of the "power to eat thereof." Secondly, it highlights the theme of **True Enjoyment as a Divine Gift**, challenging the human tendency to believe that happiness is solely a product of circumstances or accumulated possessions. The Preacher repeatedly emphasizes this point, as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoyment as God's Gift") and [Ecclesiastes 3:13](/ecclesiastes/3-13 "Ecclesiastes 3:13 - Eating, Drinking, and Enjoying as God's Gift"), where eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in labor are explicitly stated as gifts from God. Thirdly, it serves as a **Counterpoint to the Vanity of Materialism**, which is a pervasive theme throughout the book. While the Preacher often laments the futility of striving for wealth "under the sun" (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 4:8](/ecclesiastes/4-8 "Ecclesiastes 4:8 - The Futility of Accumulation")), this verse offers a glimpse of how material blessings can be truly beneficial when received and enjoyed as a divine endowment, rather than as an end in themselves.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **riches (Hebrew, _ʻôsher'_):** from עָשַׁר; wealth; [idiom] far (richer), riches. This term refers to material abundance, possessions, or financial prosperity. In Ecclesiastes, `ʻôsher` is often presented as a source of vanity and frustration when pursued as an ultimate goal, as it can be lost or fail to satisfy. However, in this verse, it is framed as something God *gives*, implying that its value is contingent on the divine giver and the accompanying divine enablement to enjoy it, distinguishing it from mere worldly accumulation.
* **power (Hebrew, _shâlaṭ'_):** a primitive root; to dominate, i.e. govern; by implication, to permit; (bear, have) rule, have dominion, give (have) power. This word is crucial. It signifies more than just physical ability; it implies the authority, freedom, and capacity to *rule over* or *make use of* one's possessions for enjoyment. It suggests a mental and spiritual state of contentment and peace that allows one to truly benefit from wealth, rather than being enslaved by it or constantly anxious about it, which is a common problem for the rich in Ecclesiastes (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:12).
* **gift (Hebrew, _mattâth'_):** feminine of מַתָּן abbreviated form; a present; gift. This term explicitly identifies the entire experience—the possession of wealth, the power to enjoy it, the ability to take one's portion, and the joy in labor—as a direct, unmerited bestowal from God. It emphasizes divine initiative and generosity, contrasting with any notion that such contentment is earned or achieved by human effort or wisdom alone. The use of `mattâth` underscores that true satisfaction is not a product of human striving but a grace-filled provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth,"**: This opening clause establishes the recipient of the blessing as "every man" (Hebrew: `ʼâdâm`), indicating a universal principle applicable to humanity. The source of the material prosperity ("riches and wealth," Hebrew: `ʻôsher` and `nekeç`) is unequivocally God (Hebrew: `ʼĕlôhîym`), highlighting divine sovereignty over material provision. It sets the stage by acknowledging that the initial possession of wealth is itself a divine act.
* **"and hath given him power to eat thereof,"**: This is a critical addition. It distinguishes mere possession from the capacity for enjoyment. "Power to eat thereof" (Hebrew: `shâlaṭ leʼâkal mimmennu`) implies not just the physical act of consumption, but the freedom, health, peace of mind, and circumstances necessary to genuinely benefit from and savor one's possessions. Without this divine enablement, wealth can be a burden rather than a blessing, as the Preacher often observes.
* **"and to take his portion,"**: This phrase (Hebrew: `nâsâʼ chêleq`) refers to receiving and appreciating one's allotted share or inheritance. It suggests contentment with what one has, rather than a restless craving for more. It also implies a sense of ownership and rightful enjoyment, free from the anxiety of loss or the burden of hoarding.
* **"and to rejoice in his labour;"**: Even the toil and effort (Hebrew: `ʻâmâl`) expended in acquiring wealth can become a source of joy. This is a profound shift from the book's frequent lament about the wearisome nature of labor. When God grants the capacity, the very process and outcome of one's work can bring genuine satisfaction and gladness (Hebrew: `sâmach`), transforming burden into blessing.
* **"this [is] the gift of God."**: This concluding declaration (Hebrew: `zôh mattâth ʼĕlôhîym`) serves as the emphatic summary and theological punchline. The entire preceding experience—the combination of receiving wealth, the power to enjoy it, the contentment with one's portion, and the joy in one's work—is explicitly identified as a singular, comprehensive "gift" from God. It underscores that true fulfillment and satisfaction in life's material aspects are not human achievements but divine endowments, transcending the vanity of earthly pursuits.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:19 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Most notably, there is a strong **Contrast** at play. The verse stands in stark opposition to the preceding laments about the futility of wealth accumulation and the anxieties it often brings (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17). While the Preacher frequently highlights the vanity of possessions "under the sun," this verse introduces a divinely-enabled scenario where wealth *can* be a source of genuine joy. This creates a powerful juxtaposition between human striving and divine gifting. The phrase "this [is] the gift of God" serves as a climactic **Emphasis** or **Anaphora** (though not strictly a repetition of words, it repeats the *idea* of enjoyment as a gift, echoing Ecclesiastes 2:24 and Ecclesiastes 3:13), underscoring the divine origin of true contentment. The structure of the verse, moving from the initial provision of wealth to the various aspects of its enjoyment, builds a sense of **Progression**, culminating in the definitive statement of divine gift. This progression highlights that the blessing is multifaceted, encompassing not just the material, but also the psychological and spiritual capacity for satisfaction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:19 offers a crucial theological anchor in a book often grappling with existential despair. It asserts that true contentment and the ability to enjoy life's blessings, including material prosperity and the fruits of one's labor, are not inherent outcomes of human effort or accumulation, but rather a direct, gracious endowment from God. This highlights God's sovereign control not only over provision but also over the human heart's capacity for joy. It reframes wealth from a potential source of vanity and vexation into a potential channel of divine blessing when received and experienced through God's enabling grace. The verse challenges the human tendency to seek ultimate satisfaction in possessions, redirecting focus to the Giver as the source of all good things and the true wellspring of contentment. It teaches that while humans can acquire riches, only God can grant the "power to eat thereof" with a joyful heart, transforming mere existence into a truly lived and appreciated life.

* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")
* [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Trust in God, Not Riches")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:19 serves as a profound corrective to our modern materialistic tendencies, reminding us that the mere acquisition of wealth does not guarantee happiness or satisfaction. We often mistakenly equate financial success with a joyful life, yet this verse reveals that true contentment, the ability to genuinely enjoy our possessions, and finding satisfaction in our work are precious gifts from God. This challenges us to shift our focus from relentlessly pursuing more to cultivating gratitude for what God has already provided and seeking His grace to truly savor it. It encourages us to pray not just for provision, but for the "power to eat thereof"—for health, peace of mind, wisdom, and a spirit of contentment that allows us to appreciate our "portion" and find joy in our daily "labour." This perspective frees us from the endless cycle of striving and dissatisfaction, inviting us to live in humble dependence on God for both our material needs and our spiritual capacity for joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I mistakenly believed that more wealth or possessions would automatically bring me greater happiness or satisfaction?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of gratitude for my current "portion" and find more joy in my daily "labour," recognizing them as gifts from God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to seek God's "power to eat thereof"—that is, His enablement to truly enjoy what He has given me, rather than being anxious about it?**
* **How does this verse challenge my cultural assumptions about success and fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**How does this verse reconcile with the often pessimistic tone of Ecclesiastes regarding wealth?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 5:19 provides a crucial counterpoint to the book's general lament about the vanity of wealth when pursued "under the sun" (i.e., from a purely human, earthly perspective). While the Preacher frequently highlights the futility of accumulating riches that cannot truly satisfy (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 5:10-17](/ecclesiastes/5-10 "Ecclesiastes 5:10-17 - The Futility of Riches")), this verse introduces a divinely-enabled exception. It argues that if God *also* grants the capacity to enjoy wealth and labor, then it transforms from a source of vexation into a genuine blessing. It's not the wealth itself that is inherently good or bad, but whether God grants the accompanying "power to eat thereof" and find joy. Thus, it doesn't contradict the pessimism but offers a glimpse of divine grace that transcends earthly limitations, suggesting that true contentment is always a gift from above, not a human achievement.

**Does this verse encourage the pursuit of wealth?**

Answer: This verse does not explicitly encourage or discourage the pursuit of wealth. Instead, it reorients our perspective on wealth. It acknowledges that God *does* give "riches and wealth" to some, but its primary emphasis is on the *divine gift of enjoyment* that must accompany such provision for it to be truly beneficial. The verse shifts the focus from the act of acquiring wealth to the spiritual disposition and divine enablement required to truly appreciate and benefit from it. It implies that possessing wealth without the "power to eat thereof" is ultimately meaningless, aligning with the broader message of Ecclesiastes that true satisfaction is found not in material things themselves, but in God's gracious provision and the ability to receive it with a joyful heart. The emphasis is on gratitude and contentment with God's portion, rather than on the accumulation of more.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:19, with its emphasis on the "gift of God" as the source of true enjoyment and satisfaction in life's provisions, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament saint could recognize God's hand in enabling enjoyment of earthly blessings, Christ reveals the *fullness* of this divine gift. In a world striving for satisfaction through accumulation, Jesus taught that true life and abundant joy are found not in material possessions but in Him (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). He is the ultimate "portion" (cf. [Psalm 16:5](/psalms/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Portion")) for those who trust in Him, offering spiritual riches that never fade or can be lost (cf. [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). The "power to eat thereof" and "rejoice in his labour" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who invites us to find rest from our weary toil (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")) and promises a peace that transcends earthly circumstances (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")). Through His sacrifice, Christ enables us to receive all of life, including our daily bread and the fruit of our labor, as a grace-filled blessing from our Heavenly Father, transforming even mundane existence into an experience of divine favor and joy, a foretaste of the eternal inheritance found in Him (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 8:18

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.

Ecclesiastes 3:13

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it [is] the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 6:2

A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this [is] vanity, and it [is] an evil disease.

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

[There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

1 Kings 3:13

And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.