Ecclesiastes 6:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

A man {H376} to whom God {H430} hath given {H5414} riches {H6239}, wealth {H5233}, and honour {H3519}, so that he wanteth {H2638} nothing for his soul {H5315} of all that he desireth {H183}, yet God {H430} giveth him not power {H7980} to eat {H398} thereof, but a stranger {H376}{H5237} eateth {H398} it: this is vanity {H1892}, and it is an evil {H7451} disease {H2483}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the case in which God gives someone riches, wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing that he wants; but God does not give him the power to enjoy them, and some stranger gets to enjoy them - this is meaningless, evil, sick.

Berean Standard Bible

God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction.

American Standard Version

a man to whom God giveth riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacketh nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but an alien eateth it; this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 6:2 presents a profound and unsettling paradox: a person divinely endowed with immense riches, wealth, and honor, possessing everything their soul desires, yet tragically denied the capacity to genuinely enjoy these blessings. Instead, a stranger ultimately consumes what was accumulated. Qoheleth, the Preacher, declares this situation to be the epitome of vanity and a grievous affliction, underscoring the inherent futility of material acquisition when true enjoyment and lasting satisfaction are withheld by divine prerogative, thereby highlighting the ephemeral nature of earthly pursuits apart from God's enabling grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 6:2 is strategically placed within Qoheleth's relentless and often melancholic exploration of life "under the sun," a perspective that scrutinizes human existence from a purely earthly vantage point, largely detached from direct divine revelation or eternal hope. This verse directly builds upon the preceding chapter's observations regarding the inherent dissatisfaction and perils associated with wealth. [Ecclesiastes 5:10-17](/ecclesiastes/5-10-17 "Ecclesiastes 5:10-17 - The Futility and Perils of Riches") meticulously details how the love of money never truly satisfies, how increasing possessions only serve to increase the number of those who consume them, and how wealth can be unexpectedly lost through misfortune, leaving nothing for one's children. Verse 6:1 introduces the concept of a "common evil" prevalent among humanity, setting the stage for the specific and poignant example of the rich man who cannot enjoy his wealth, thereby reinforcing the pervasive theme of `hebel` (vanity or futility) that permeates the entire book, as powerfully introduced in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - The Declaration of Vanity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, the accumulation of wealth was not merely a sign of material success but was often perceived as a tangible indicator of divine favor and a crucial means of securing legacy, honor, and stability for one's family and descendants. The ability to acquire substantial riches and successfully pass them on to one's heirs was a paramount cultural value. Therefore, the idea of a "stranger" (Hebrew: `nokrîy`) consuming one's hard-earned wealth would have been particularly distressing and culturally shameful, implying a profound failure to secure one's lineage, a loss of control over one's life's work, or even divine disfavor. Such an unfortunate outcome could arise from various circumstances, including sudden death without heirs, foreign invasion and plunder, poor stewardship, or complex legal disputes. The emphasis on God's active role in granting or withholding the "power to eat" profoundly reflects an ancient worldview where divine sovereignty was acknowledged over all aspects of life, including material prosperity and, crucially, the very capacity for its enjoyment, standing in stark contrast to a purely human-centric view of achievement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to and deepens several overarching themes central to the book of Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the **futility of human endeavor** when disconnected from divine blessing, demonstrating unequivocally that wealth, honor, and the apparent fulfillment of desire are ultimately meaningless without the accompanying capacity to truly enjoy them. Secondly, it highlights **divine sovereignty** over all aspects of human experience, including the often-overlooked gift of enjoyment. God is depicted as not only the ultimate granter of wealth but also the one who bestows or withholds the ability to savor it, revealing that true contentment is a divine gift, not merely a human achievement. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **transience of earthly possessions** and the inevitability of loss, as accumulated wealth can easily pass to others, even "strangers," after one's death or through unforeseen circumstances, a theme powerfully echoed in [Ecclesiastes 2:18-19](/ecclesiastes/2-18-19 "Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 - The Burden of Toil and Its Uncertain Legacy"). Finally, it deepens the understanding of `hebel` (vanity) and introduces the concept of an "evil disease," portraying a profound existential affliction where material abundance coexists with spiritual emptiness and an agonizing inability to find satisfaction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hebel (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This pivotal word, translated as "vanity," is the foundational concept of Ecclesiastes, appearing over thirty times. It literally means "breath," "vapor," or "mere breath," conveying the idea of something fleeting, insubstantial, empty, or absurd. In the context of Ecclesiastes 6:2, the situation described is declared `hebel` because, despite all outward appearances of success and fulfillment, the core purpose of enjoyment is utterly lacking, rendering the entire accumulation meaningless and ultimately without substance or lasting value.
* **chŏlîy (Hebrew, _chŏlîy'_):** Translated as "disease," this term denotes a malady, anxiety, or calamity. While it can certainly refer to physical sickness, here, especially when coupled with `raʻ` ("evil"), it signifies a profound spiritual, existential, or psychological affliction. It is not a literal physical illness but a grievous condition of the soul—a deep, painful irony where the very blessings intended for good become a source of profound distress because the capacity to truly benefit from them is conspicuously absent.
* **shâlaṭ (Hebrew, _shâlaṭ'_):** This primitive root means "to dominate" or "to govern," and by powerful implication, "to permit" or "to have power." In the critical phrase "God giveth him not power to eat thereof," `shâlaṭ` emphasizes God's ultimate dominion and sovereign control. It is not merely that the man *fails* to eat or enjoy, but that God *does not permit* him the power, ability, or inner disposition to experience enjoyment. This highlights that even the seemingly simple act of enjoying one's possessions is entirely subject to divine will and enablement, not merely human desire or acquisition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject as an individual who has been abundantly blessed by God with significant material prosperity and high social standing. It explicitly attributes the source of these blessings to God, underscoring divine providence in the man's acquisition.
* **"so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth":** This describes a state of apparent ultimate fulfillment and complete satisfaction of all earthly desires. From a human perspective, the man's every wish is met; there is no perceived lack in his life, suggesting a pinnacle of worldly success and contentment.
* **"yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof":** This is the pivotal turning point and the core paradox of the verse. Despite possessing everything, God actively and sovereignly withholds the capacity for enjoyment. "Power to eat thereof" signifies the ability to savor, utilize, benefit from, or derive genuine satisfaction from his vast possessions. It implies a divine restriction on the *experience* of wealth, not merely its presence.
* **"but a stranger eateth it":** This clause reveals the tragic and ironic consequence of the divine withholding. The accumulated wealth, which the rightful owner cannot enjoy, ultimately passes into the hands of an outsider—someone unrelated or unknown to the man, or perhaps an enemy. This underscores the profound impermanence of earthly possessions and the ultimate loss of legacy and control.
* **"this [is] vanity, and it [is] an evil disease":** Qoheleth's stark and definitive conclusion. The entire situation is declared `hebel` (empty, futile, meaningless) because the fundamental purpose of wealth (enjoyment and benefit) is unfulfilled. Furthermore, it is described as an "evil disease" (`chŏlîy raʻ`), a grievous and profoundly painful affliction of the soul, representing the deep spiritual and existential distress of possessing everything yet benefiting from absolutely nothing.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 6:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its poignant and unsettling message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the man who possesses everything he desires is paradoxically denied the most fundamental aspect of possession: the ability to enjoy it. This creates a stark and painful contrast between outward appearance of success and inner reality of emptiness. Closely related is **Paradox**, where two seemingly contradictory truths (having everything vs. enjoying nothing) are presented simultaneously, highlighting a deeper, unsettling truth about the human condition and divine sovereignty. The phrase "wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth" could be interpreted as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and comprehensive extent of his material fulfillment to make the subsequent denial of enjoyment even more impactful and tragic. Finally, the concluding phrase "evil disease" uses **Metaphor** to vividly describe a spiritual or existential affliction. It is not a literal physical sickness but a profound, debilitating condition of the soul, symbolizing the deep unhappiness, frustration, and ultimate futility that can accompany immense wealth when divine grace for enjoyment is absent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 6:2 serves as a stark and enduring reminder that true prosperity is not merely the accumulation of material goods, but rather the divine enablement and grace to genuinely enjoy them. This verse profoundly challenges the pervasive human tendency to equate wealth with well-being, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty not only over the granting of riches but also, crucially, over the capacity for human contentment and satisfaction. It highlights that without God's blessing and enabling grace, even the most abundant earthly possessions can become a source of profound frustration, emptiness, and spiritual malady, rather than joy or fulfillment. The Preacher's lament underscores a crucial theological truth: all good gifts ultimately come from God, including the often-overlooked ability to truly appreciate, benefit from, and savor them. This perspective encourages a posture of profound gratitude and humble dependence on God for all things, rather than a self-reliant and ultimately futile pursuit of material gain as the source of happiness.

* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 Timothy 6:6-10](/1_timothy/6-6-10 "1 Timothy 6:6-10 - Godliness with Contentment and the Love of Money")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 6:2 offers a sobering yet profoundly liberating truth for contemporary life, urging us to critically re-evaluate our deeply ingrained definitions of success, prosperity, and fulfillment. In a world often relentlessly driven by acquisition, consumerism, and the relentless pursuit of "more," this verse serves as a powerful reminder that true richness lies not primarily in what we possess, but in the God-given capacity to genuinely enjoy and derive satisfaction from what God has already provided, however much or little that may be. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of profound contentment and abiding gratitude, recognizing that the ability to savor life's blessings—from the simplest joys to the most significant provisions—is a divine gift, not an automatic outcome of accumulation or achievement. This means actively choosing to find joy and peace in the present moment, rather than perpetually chasing future desires or mourning perceived lacks. It also calls us to consider our stewardship of resources, not hoarding them for self-gratification, but using them for God's glory and the good of others, understanding that our ultimate satisfaction and true enjoyment flow from Him, not from our possessions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I define "true enjoyment" in my life, and where do I primarily seek its source?**
* **Am I prone to believing that more possessions, higher status, or greater achievements will automatically lead to deeper happiness or lasting contentment?**
* **In what specific ways does this verse challenge my current perspective on wealth, personal success, and the pursuit of my desires?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for what I currently have, rather than consistently focusing on what I perceive to be lacking?**
* **What practical steps can I take to prioritize the "power to eat thereof"—the ability to genuinely enjoy God's gifts and provisions—over the mere accumulation or outward display of them?**

### FAQ
**What does "God giveth him not power to eat thereof" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase does not necessarily imply a physical inability to consume food or physically use wealth. Rather, it signifies a divine withholding of the *capacity for genuine enjoyment, deep satisfaction, or true benefit* from one's possessions. The man may have all the material goods in the world, but he lacks the inner peace, good health that permits enjoyment, a generous spirit that allows spending, or simply a profound spiritual emptiness that renders all possessions meaningless. It underscores that the ability to truly enjoy and find contentment in one's blessings is a sovereign gift from God, not an inherent right or an automatic outcome of wealth accumulation. It highlights that human desire and effort alone cannot guarantee satisfaction; divine enablement is essential.

**Is this verse suggesting that wealth is inherently evil or that God is against people being rich?**

Answer: No, the verse does not condemn wealth itself, nor does it suggest that God is inherently against people having riches. In fact, it explicitly states that "God hath given riches, wealth, and honour," acknowledging wealth as a divine provision. The problem highlighted is not the possession of wealth, but the *inability to enjoy* it, particularly when that enjoyment is divinely withheld. The "evil disease" is the profound paradox of having everything but benefiting from nothing. The Bible frequently acknowledges wealth as a potential blessing from God ([Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord")), but it consistently warns against the dangers of loving money ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")) and placing one's ultimate hope in uncertain riches rather than in the living God ([1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Do Not Trust in Riches")).

**What is the "evil disease" (chŏlîy raʻ) mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "evil disease" (Hebrew: `chŏlîy raʻ`) is not a literal physical illness, but a profound spiritual, existential, or psychological affliction. It describes the grievous and painful irony of a person who has achieved all worldly success and accumulated vast wealth, yet is denied the very capacity to enjoy or benefit from it. It's a deep inner malady, a state of profound dissatisfaction, emptiness, and futility that renders life's apparent blessings meaningless. This "disease" is the antithesis of true well-being, highlighting the deep unhappiness and spiritual void that can accompany immense material abundance when divine grace for contentment and enjoyment is absent. It's a condition of the soul, illustrating that the greatest earthly gains can become a burden rather than a blessing without God's enabling grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 6:2, with its somber declaration of the vanity of unenjoyed wealth, finds its ultimate resolution and profound counterpoint in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. Qoheleth's lament highlights a fundamental human predicament: the relentless pursuit of earthly treasures often leads to emptiness and frustration, as the "power to eat thereof"—the capacity for true enjoyment and lasting satisfaction—is not within human control. Jesus, however, offers a radical redefinition of true riches and enduring satisfaction. He teaches His followers to store up [treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven"), where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal, directly addressing the transient nature of earthly wealth that can pass to "a stranger." Christ Himself embodies the true "power to eat thereof," not in material abundance, but in spiritual sustenance and eternal life. He declares, "[I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")," offering a satisfaction that transcends fleeting earthly possessions and is never subject to loss or divine withholding. Through His life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Christ provides the "living water" that eternally quenches spiritual thirst ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "John 4:13-14 - Living Water")), granting a profound contentment that is independent of external circumstances. The "evil disease" of unfulfilled desire and existential emptiness is healed in Christ, who enables His followers to find true joy and purpose in Him, rather than in fleeting worldly gains, teaching that "[a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Life is More Than Possessions")." In Him, believers are empowered to truly "eat" and enjoy the blessings of God, not through the accumulation of wealth, but through a vibrant, living relationship with the Giver of all good things, finding their ultimate contentment and lasting fulfillment in His provision and abiding presence ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment 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

Ecclesiastes 5:19

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.

Psalms 17:14

From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.

Psalms 73:7

Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

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.

Luke 12:19

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Job 21:9

Their houses [are] safe from fear, neither [is] the rod of God upon them.