Ecclesiastes 6:1

KJV

¶ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it [is] common among men:

KJV (with Strong's)

There is {H3426} an evil {H7451} which I have seen {H7200} under the sun {H8121}, and it is common {H7227} among men {H120}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on people:

Berean Standard Bible

There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind:

American Standard Version

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy upon men:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 6:1 serves as a poignant introduction to another of Qoheleth's observations concerning the perplexing realities of life "under the sun." This verse highlights a specific "evil"—not necessarily moral wickedness, but a grievous misfortune or frustrating anomaly—that the Preacher has personally witnessed and deems to be distressingly prevalent among humanity. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which will elaborate on this particular form of futility: the inability to genuinely enjoy the blessings and provisions one possesses, rendering material abundance ultimately unsatisfying.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 6:1 immediately follows a section (Ecclesiastes 5:8-20) where Qoheleth discusses the futility of wealth and the oppressive nature of injustice. He notes that while wealth can be a gift from God, it often brings anxieties, and one may not even be able to enjoy it. Verse 1 acts as a transitional statement, introducing a new, yet related, observation about a widespread human predicament. It serves as a thesis statement for the specific "evil" that will be expounded upon in Ecclesiastess 6:2, which describes the tragic scenario of a person receiving great wealth and honor but lacking the capacity or opportunity to enjoy it. The chapter then continues to lament the fleeting nature of human existence and the ultimate meaninglessness of earthly pursuits without divine perspective.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Ecclesiastes is ancient Israel, likely during a period of relative prosperity, often associated with the Solomonic era, though the exact date of composition is debated. The phrase "under the sun" (Hebrew: *tachath ha-shemesh*) is a hallmark of Ecclesiastes, appearing 29 times, and signifies a perspective limited to human experience, observation, and earthly endeavors, without direct reference to divine revelation or eternal hope. This viewpoint often leads to conclusions of *hebel* (vanity, futility, meaninglessness), as seen throughout the book. The "evil" described in this verse is not a specific historical event but a timeless human condition, reflecting the societal observations of a wise leader or sage who saw both immense wealth and profound dissatisfaction coexisting in his world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes central to Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasive nature of human frustration** and dissatisfaction, even amidst apparent success. The "evil" is "common among men," indicating a universal human predicament rather than an isolated incident. Secondly, it highlights the **limitations of earthly wisdom and material accumulation** in providing true contentment. The Preacher's "seeing" of this evil implies an empirical observation that wealth and honor do not guarantee enjoyment or fulfillment, a theme echoed in [Ecclesiastes 2:1-11](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Vanity of Earthly Pursuits"). Thirdly, it contributes to the overarching theme of **vanity (*hebel*) and the lack of ultimate fulfillment** in life when viewed purely from an earthly perspective. This "evil" is another manifestation of the inherent futility and vexation that characterize life "under the sun," emphasizing that true satisfaction is elusive without a divine orientation, as hinted at in [Ecclesiastes 2:24-26](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 - Enjoyment as God's Gift").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From the root *raʻaʻ*, meaning "to be bad or broken." While it can denote moral wickedness, in Ecclesiastes, *raʻ* often refers to misfortune, calamity, distress, or a grievous problem that causes vexation or harm. Here, it signifies a tragic or lamentable state of affairs, a severe anomaly in human experience, rather than a sin. It is an undesirable reality that detracts from well-being.
* **seen (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to see," literally or figuratively. Qoheleth's repeated use of "I have seen" (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:14](/ecclesiastes/1-14 "Ecclesiastes 1:14 - All is Vanity")) emphasizes his empirical, observational approach to life. He is not theorizing but reporting on what he has personally witnessed and discerned through careful consideration of human existence "under the sun." This verb underscores the experiential basis of his philosophical conclusions.
* **common (Hebrew, _rab'_):** By contraction from *rabab*, meaning "abundant" in quantity, size, age, number, rank, or quality. In this context, it emphasizes the widespread nature of the "evil." It is not an isolated incident but something experienced by "many" or "much" among humanity. This highlights the universality of the problem Qoheleth identifies, making it a pervasive human condition rather than a rare misfortune.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is an evil which I have seen under the sun":** This opening clause introduces Qoheleth's personal observation of a significant problem. The phrase "under the sun" immediately establishes the limited, earthly perspective from which this "evil" is perceived. It is a lamentable reality within the confines of human existence, devoid of an explicit divine or eternal framework. The "evil" is not necessarily a moral transgression but a grievous misfortune or a frustrating anomaly that Qoheleth has empirically observed.
* **"and it is common among men":** This second clause emphasizes the widespread and pervasive nature of this observed "evil." It is not an isolated incident affecting only a few, but a condition that is "common" or "abundant" among humanity. This universality underscores the depth of the problem and suggests that it is a fundamental aspect of the human condition when viewed from an earthly vantage point, affecting a significant portion of the population.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 6:1 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Observation**, as Qoheleth explicitly states, "I have seen," framing his commentary as an empirical report on life's realities. This sets a pragmatic and grounded tone for his philosophical inquiry. The recurring phrase "**under the sun**" functions as a **motif** throughout Ecclesiastes, consistently defining the scope of Qoheleth's inquiry as limited to earthly existence, thereby highlighting the futility found when life is viewed apart from divine revelation. The verse also uses **Foreshadowing**, as it introduces a general "evil" that is then specifically elaborated upon in the subsequent verse (Ecclesiastes 6:2), building anticipation for the precise nature of this widespread human predicament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 6:1 introduces a profound theological challenge: the apparent disconnect between material prosperity and genuine enjoyment or fulfillment. It underscores the biblical truth that true satisfaction is not inherently tied to outward circumstances or possessions, but rather to an internal disposition and, ultimately, to God's gracious provision and enablement. The "evil" described here is a symptom of humanity's fallen state, where even blessings can become sources of frustration if the heart is not rightly oriented. It subtly points to the reality that human efforts, even successful ones, are insufficient to secure lasting joy or meaning, reinforcing the book's overarching theme of *hebel* (vanity) when life is lived apart from God. This observation invites a re-evaluation of what constitutes a truly "good" life, suggesting it is more than mere accumulation.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:13](/ecclesiastes/5-13 "Ecclesiastes 5:13 - Riches Kept to the Hurt of the Owner")
* [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoyment as a Gift from God")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Life Does Not Consist in Possessions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 6:1 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting a pervasive human dilemma: the pursuit of success, wealth, or status often fails to deliver the promised satisfaction. We frequently observe individuals who have seemingly "made it" in the world—possessing abundant resources, influence, or recognition—yet remain deeply unfulfilled, anxious, or unable to genuinely enjoy the fruits of their labor. This verse challenges us to critically examine our own definitions of success and happiness. It prompts us to consider whether our pursuits are leading to true contentment or merely perpetuating a cycle of striving that ultimately leaves us empty. The Preacher's observation reminds us that the capacity to enjoy life's blessings is itself a gift, not an automatic byproduct of accumulation. It calls us to cultivate gratitude, contentment, and a perspective that values intrinsic well-being over extrinsic achievements, recognizing that true joy is found in God's provision and presence, not merely in the things we acquire.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "evils" or frustrations have I observed in my own life or among those around me that stem from the inability to enjoy what has been gained?**
* **How might my definition of "success" inadvertently lead to a similar sense of emptiness or lack of fulfillment?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, enabling me to truly enjoy the blessings God has already given me, regardless of their magnitude?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "evil" is Ecclesiastes 6:1 referring to? Is it moral wickedness?**

Answer: In Ecclesiastes 6:1, the Hebrew word for "evil" (*raʻ*) does not primarily refer to moral wickedness or sin. Instead, it denotes a grievous misfortune, a distressing anomaly, or a vexing problem that causes suffering or dissatisfaction. The specific nature of this "evil" is elaborated in [Ecclesiastes 6:2](/ecclesiastes/6-2 "Ecclesiastes 6:2 - The Unenjoyed Riches"), where it describes a person who receives great wealth, honor, and a long life, but whom God does not enable to enjoy these blessings, and a stranger consumes them instead. Thus, the "evil" is the tragedy of unfulfilled potential and the inability to find satisfaction in one's possessions, a common source of frustration "under the sun."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 6:1, with its lament over the common "evil" of unfulfilled life "under the sun," finds its ultimate resolution and reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Preacher's observation that people often possess much but cannot truly enjoy it points to a fundamental brokenness in humanity's relationship with creation and the Creator. Jesus, however, came to address this very predicament. He declared, "I have come that they may have life, and have it [more abundantly](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). Unlike the fleeting and unsatisfying pursuits "under the sun," the life offered by Christ provides true and lasting fulfillment, peace that surpasses understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), and treasures that do not perish ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). In Christ, the capacity to enjoy God's good gifts is restored, not through accumulation, but through a transformed heart that finds its deepest joy and purpose in Him, recognizing Him as the true source of all blessings and the ultimate satisfaction for the human soul. He is the one in whom all things hold together, and through whom we can truly experience the richness of life, even amidst earthly challenges, because our ultimate hope and treasure are found in Him, not in what we possess "under the sun."

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 5:13

There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.