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Ecclesiastes 2:24

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[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.

There is nothing better {H2896} for a man {H120}, than that he should eat {H398} and drink {H8354}, and that he should make his soul {H5315} enjoy {H7200} good {H2896} in his labour {H5999}. This {H2090} also I saw {H7200}, that it was from the hand {H3027} of God {H430}.

So there is nothing better for a man to do than eat, drink and and let himself enjoy the good that results from his work. I also realized that this is from God's hand.

Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God.

There is nothing better for a manthanthat he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.

Commentary

Context of Ecclesiastes 2:24

Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon (referred to as "the Preacher" or "Qoheleth"), is a profound meditation on the meaning of life "under the sun." The book often explores the futility and "vanity" (Hebrew: hevel, meaning breath, vapor, or futility) of human endeavors apart from God. Chapter 2 details Qoheleth's extensive personal experiments to find lasting satisfaction in pleasure, wealth, wisdom, and arduous labor. After concluding that all these pursuits ultimately yielded no lasting fulfillment or meaning, Ecclesiastes 2:24 presents a significant shift, offering a practical and divinely-sanctioned way to live within the perceived limitations of life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Enjoyment of Simple Pleasures: This verse highlights that true satisfaction is not found in the accumulation of wealth or grand achievements, but in the simple acts of eating, drinking, and finding joy in one's daily work. It’s a call to appreciate the ordinary blessings of life rather than ceaselessly striving for elusive "more."
  • God as the Giver of Good: Crucially, the verse states that this ability to enjoy life's good things is "from the hand of God." This elevates simple enjoyment from mere hedonism to a divinely ordained gift. It suggests that contentment and satisfaction are not merely human achievements but are granted by divine favor. This recurring theme of finding joy in daily work and simple pleasures is echoed throughout Ecclesiastes, notably in Ecclesiastes 3:13 and Ecclesiastes 5:19.
  • Contentment in Labor: The phrase "make his soul enjoy good in his labour" speaks to finding deep, inner satisfaction and purpose in one's work, rather than viewing it merely as a means to an end. It suggests a healthy perspective on toil, transforming it from a curse into a potential source of blessing.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "vanity" (hevel), which permeates much of Ecclesiastes, provides the backdrop against which this verse shines. While much is hevel, the ability to "eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labour" is presented as the "nothing better" available to humanity. The term "soul" (Hebrew: nephesh) here indicates not just physical pleasure, but a deeper, holistic sense of well-being and satisfaction that comes from within.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:24 offers timeless wisdom for modern life. In a world often driven by ambition, consumption, and the pursuit of endless success, this verse reminds us:

  • Appreciate the Present: Find joy and gratitude in everyday experiences and simple blessings, rather than constantly deferring happiness to future achievements.
  • Redeem Your Work: Seek satisfaction and purpose in your daily tasks. Recognize that meaningful work, even if it feels mundane, can be a source of good and a gift from God.
  • Recognize God's Provision: Understand that true contentment and the capacity for enjoyment are ultimately gifts from God. This perspective fosters humility and gratitude, allowing us to receive life's good things as blessings rather than entitlements. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that every good and perfect gift comes from above.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 3:22 (15 votes)

    Wherefore I perceive that [there is] nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that [is] his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

  • Ecclesiastes 8:15 (12 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17 (12 votes)

    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • Ecclesiastes 5:18 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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 5:19 (9 votes)

    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.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:12 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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