9:6 9:6

Ecclesiastes 9:7

9:8 9:8

Bible Versions

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Go thy way {H3212}, eat {H398} thy bread {H3899} with joy {H8057}, and drink {H8354} thy wine {H3196} with a merry {H2896} heart {H3820}; for God {H430} now {H3528} accepteth {H7521} thy works {H4639}.
So go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God has already accepted your deeds.
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works.

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7

Ecclesiastes 9:7, a profound verse from the wisdom literature, offers a liberating exhortation to enjoy life's simple pleasures. It encourages contentment and joy in daily provisions, grounded in the assurance of God's acceptance. This verse stands as a beacon of practical wisdom amidst the Preacher's often somber reflections on the fleeting nature of existence.

Context

The book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon (Qoheleth, "the Preacher"), grapples with the meaning and purpose of life under the sun. It frequently highlights the "vanity of vanities" and the common fate of all, both righteous and wicked, in death. Chapter 9 specifically confronts the mystery of why good and bad things happen to all people, leading to the conclusion that "there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). In light of this sobering reality, the Preacher repeatedly urges the enjoyment of life's simple blessings as a gift from God. This verse follows a discussion about the shared mortality of humanity, emphasizing that the living have the unique opportunity to experience and appreciate life.

Key Themes

  • Enjoyment of God's Blessings: The command to "eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes. It's a call to embrace and appreciate the mundane, yet essential, aspects of life. Bread and wine symbolize sustenance and celebration, representing the totality of daily provisions and simple pleasures. This theme is echoed in other passages like Ecclesiastes 2:24 and Ecclesiastes 5:18, highlighting that genuine happiness comes from God.
  • Divine Acceptance and Favor: The phrase "for God now accepteth thy works" is the foundation for this joyful living. It implies that if one's labor, efforts, and way of life are pleasing to God, there is no need for anxiety or excessive striving. This acceptance is not contingent on future outcomes but on God's present disposition towards one's faithfulness and obedience. It frees individuals to enjoy the fruits of their labor without guilt or endless pursuit of more.
  • Living in the Present: In a book that often meditates on the future (death) and the past (futility), this verse champions living fully in the present moment. Recognizing that life is short and unpredictable, the Preacher advises finding joy and contentment in the "now," trusting in God's current favor.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "accepteth" is ratzah (רָצָה), which carries a strong sense of delight, pleasure, or favor. It implies that God is truly pleased with, or finds satisfaction in, the actions or person of the one being addressed. This is not merely tolerance but active approval. The phrase "merry heart" comes from tov lev (טוֹב לֵב), literally "good heart," signifying a cheerful, contented, and benevolent spirit. It emphasizes an inner state of joy that influences one's outward enjoyment of life.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 9:7 provides a powerful antidote to modern anxieties and endless striving. It teaches us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for the simple, everyday blessings God provides. If we are walking in a manner pleasing to God, diligently performing our "works" (our responsibilities, our callings, our daily tasks), then we are free to enjoy the results of our labor without guilt or constant worry about the future. This verse encourages us to find joy in our meals, our relationships, and our quiet moments, recognizing them as divine gifts. It reminds us that true contentment isn't found in accumulating more, but in appreciating what we have, knowing that our efforts are acceptable to God. This perspective aligns with the New Testament call to "rejoice in the Lord always" and to live with a grateful heart, understanding that God's grace covers our efforts.

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.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:12

    I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 12:7

    And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:19

    A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all [things].

  • Ecclesiastes 8:15

    Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:18

    ¶ Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion.

  • 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.
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