Ecclesiastes 9:9

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

Live {H2416} joyfully {H7200} with the wife {H802} whom thou lovest {H157} all the days {H3117} of the life {H2416} of thy vanity {H1892}, which he hath given {H5414} thee under the sun {H8121}, all the days {H3117} of thy vanity {H1892}: for that is thy portion {H2506} in this life {H2416}, and in thy labour {H5999} which thou takest {H6001} under the sun {H8121}.

Enjoy life with the wife you have loved throughout your meaningless life that he has given you under the sun, all the days of your futility; for that is your allotted portion in life and in your labor that you work at under the sun.

Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of thy life of vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all thy days of vanity: for that is thy portion in life, and in thy labor wherein thou laborest under the sun.

Context

Ecclesiastes 9:9 is situated within a section of the book where "the Preacher" (Hebrew: Koheleth), traditionally identified as King Solomon, reflects on the universal realities of life and death. Having just discussed the common fate of all—wise and foolish, righteous and wicked—and the inevitability of death (Ecclesiastes 9:2-3), the Preacher shifts focus to how one should live in light of these truths. The recurring theme of life's brevity and 'vanity of vanities' (hebel hebelim), meaning fleeting or transient, permeates the book, urging the reader to find meaning and joy in the present, within the limits of human existence "under the sun."

Key Themes

  • Embracing Present Joy: Despite the seemingly futile nature of many earthly pursuits, the verse emphatically encourages finding and embracing joy in the present moment. It's a call to seize the good that God provides, rather than despairing over life's uncertainties or chasing after elusive worldly achievements.
  • The Gift of Loving Relationship: The specific counsel to "live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest" highlights the profound value of a loving, committed marital relationship. In a world characterized by "vanity," a devoted spouse is presented as one of life's most precious and enduring blessings, a source of true contentment and happiness.
  • Divine Provision and Earthly Portion: The phrase "which he hath given thee under the sun" underscores that this joy, and specifically the loving spouse, is a direct gift from God. It is described as "thy portion in this life, and in thy labour," suggesting that genuine happiness in relationships is a legitimate and God-ordained reward for one's earthly toil and existence. This counsel to enjoy life's simple pleasures echoes other passages in Ecclesiastes, such as Ecclesiastes 2:24 and Ecclesiastes 5:18-20.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "vanity" is hebel (הֶבֶל), which literally means "breath" or "vapor." It conveys a sense of transience, futility, or something insubstantial and fleeting. It's not necessarily a negative judgment on life itself, but rather an observation about the temporary and often unpredictable nature of earthly endeavors and achievements when viewed apart from God's ultimate purpose. The phrase "under the sun" (תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ, tachat hashamesh) is unique to Ecclesiastes and refers to life as experienced from a purely human, earthly perspective, without explicit consideration of the eternal.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless wisdom for navigating life's challenges and uncertainties. It encourages us to:

  • Cherish Relationships: Prioritize and invest in loving relationships, especially within marriage. A devoted spouse can be a steadfast source of joy and support amidst life's fleeting nature. The emphasis on a loving spouse aligns with wisdom found in Proverbs, such as Proverbs 18:22, which states that finding a good wife is finding favor from the Lord.
  • Find Joy in the Present: Instead of constantly striving for future accomplishments or lamenting past failures, find contentment and joy in the simple, God-given blessings of today. This includes appreciating the fruits of our labor and the people in our lives. The concept of joy as a divine gift is also seen in Ecclesiastes 3:12-13.
  • Recognize Divine Gifts: Understand that true joy and meaningful relationships are not merely accidental but are gifts from God. This perspective fosters gratitude and helps us find purpose even in what seems like "vanity."
  • Live with Intentionality: Acknowledge life's brevity ("all the days of thy vanity") and choose to live intentionally, focusing on what truly matters—God's gifts, loving relationships, and finding joy in our daily existence.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 5:18

    Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

  • Proverbs 5:19

    [Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:10

    And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

  • Malachi 2:15

    And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

  • Ecclesiastes 6:12

    For who knoweth what [is] good for man in [this] life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

  • 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 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back