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.
Every man {H120} also to whom God {H430} hath given {H5414} riches {H6239} and wealth {H5233}, and hath given him power {H7980} to eat {H398} thereof, and to take {H5375} his portion {H2506}, and to rejoice {H8055} in his labour {H5999}; this {H2090} is the gift {H4991} of God {H430}.
Also, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, along with the power to enjoy it, so that he takes his allotted portion and finds pleasure in his work - this is a gift of God;
Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.
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 labor—this is the gift of God.
Cross-References
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Deuteronomy 8:18 (16 votes)
But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day. -
Ecclesiastes 3:13 (15 votes)
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it [is] the gift of God. -
Ecclesiastes 6:2 (10 votes)
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. -
2 Chronicles 1:12 (10 votes)
Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. -
Ecclesiastes 2:24 (9 votes)
[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. -
Ecclesiastes 2:26 (9 votes)
For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit. -
1 Kings 3:13 (8 votes)
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.
Commentary
Ecclesiastes 5:19 is a key verse in the book, offering a perspective on wealth and labor that contrasts sharply with the more pessimistic views often expressed "under the sun." It highlights that possessing riches is one thing, but the capacity to truly enjoy them and find satisfaction in one's work is a distinct blessing from God.
Context
Chapter 5 of Ecclesiastes explores various forms of vanity and frustration in life, including the emptiness of religious observance without sincerity (verses 1-7), the oppression of the poor (verse 8), and the futility of accumulating wealth (verses 10-17). The author notes how the love of money never satisfies (verse 10), how increased wealth often brings increased worries and expenses (verse 11), and how riches can be lost or hoarded, bringing no real benefit or even harm (verses 13-17). Verse 18 introduces a slightly more positive note, suggesting it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink and enjoy the good of his labour. Verse 19 then expands on this, presenting the ability to do so as a specific divine endowment, standing in contrast to the common inability to enjoy wealth described earlier in the chapter.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "power to eat thereof" (Hebrew: shaliṭ le'ekhol mimmennu) implies more than just physical consumption. It suggests having the freedom, health, peace of mind, and circumstances necessary to genuinely benefit from and enjoy one's possessions. The term "gift of God" (Hebrew: mattath 'ĕlōhîm) is used here and in other places in Ecclesiastes (see Ecclesiastes 2:24, Ecclesiastes 3:13) to emphasize that the capacity for simple enjoyment and satisfaction is not something humanity can achieve on its own, but is a specific grace from the Creator.
Reflection and Application
This verse challenges the common assumption that wealth automatically brings happiness or enjoyment. It teaches us to recognize that true contentment and the ability to enjoy the fruits of our labor and possessions are blessings from God. Instead of solely pursuing accumulation, we should seek God's grace for the wisdom, health, and perspective needed to enjoy what He provides. It encourages gratitude for our "portion" and finding joy in our work, understanding that this capacity is a precious gift from the Father of lights.
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