Ecclesiastes 5:16 - This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ecclesiastes 5:16" mean?
This verse from Ecclesiastes 5:16 is a poignant reflection on the futility of accumulating wealth without enjoying it. Let's break it down:
"This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go."
Grievous evil: The Preacher (traditionally believed to be King Solomon reflecting on his life) is highlighting something deeply troubling or unfair.
In all points as he came: This refers to a person being born with nothing.
So shall he go: This means that when the person dies, they will leave this world with nothing, just as they entered it. They can't take their possessions or wealth with them.
The core idea here is the ultimate leveling effect of death. No matter how wealthy or successful someone becomes, they cannot escape the fact that they will eventually die and leave everything behind.
"And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?"
What profit does he have: This questions the value or benefit of excessive toil and effort.
Labors for the wind: This is a metaphor for working towards something insubstantial, empty, or ultimately unfulfilling. The wind is something that can't be grasped or held; it's fleeting and without substance.
This part suggests that if someone dedicates their life solely to the accumulation of wealth, neglecting other aspects of life like relationships, experiences, and personal growth, their efforts are ultimately as futile as chasing the wind. All that work leads to nothing of lasting value at the end of life.
In Summary:
The verse is saying that it's a terrible tragedy that a person who comes into the world with nothing, will ultimately leave with nothing, no matter how much they acquire. The Preacher questions the value of a life spent solely on acquiring wealth if the person can't enjoy it and will lose it all in the end. It suggests that such a life is like chasing after the wind – ultimately meaningless and unsatisfying.
Context and Broader Themes:
This verse fits within the larger themes of Ecclesiastes, which explore the vanity and absurdity of life "under the sun" (i.e., life lived only according to earthly, material values). The book doesn't necessarily condemn wealth or hard work, but it cautions against making them the sole focus of one's existence, as they are ultimately temporary and cannot provide lasting satisfaction. Ecclesiastes repeatedly emphasizes the importance of enjoying the simple things in life, fearing God, and recognizing that true meaning and purpose are not found in material possessions or worldly achievements.
Ecclesiastes 5:16 - This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?
What does "Ecclesiastes 5:16" mean?
This verse from Ecclesiastes 5:16 is a poignant reflection on the futility of accumulating wealth without enjoying it. Let's break it down:
"This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go."
Grievous evil: The Preacher (traditionally believed to be King Solomon reflecting on his life) is highlighting something deeply troubling or unfair.
In all points as he came: This refers to a person being born with nothing.
So shall he go: This means that when the person dies, they will leave this world with nothing, just as they entered it. They can't take their possessions or wealth with them.
The core idea here is the ultimate leveling effect of death. No matter how wealthy or successful someone becomes, they cannot escape the fact that they will eventually die and leave everything behind.
"And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?"
What profit does he have: This questions the value or benefit of excessive toil and effort.
Labors for the wind: This is a metaphor for working towards something insubstantial, empty, or ultimately unfulfilling. The wind is something that can't be grasped or held; it's fleeting and without substance.
This part suggests that if someone dedicates their life solely to the accumulation of wealth, neglecting other aspects of life like relationships, experiences, and personal growth, their efforts are ultimately as futile as chasing the wind. All that work leads to nothing of lasting value at the end of life.
In Summary:
The verse is saying that it's a terrible tragedy that a person who comes into the world with nothing, will ultimately leave with nothing, no matter how much they acquire. The Preacher questions the value of a life spent solely on acquiring wealth if the person can't enjoy it and will lose it all in the end. It suggests that such a life is like chasing after the wind – ultimately meaningless and unsatisfying.
Context and Broader Themes:
This verse fits within the larger themes of Ecclesiastes, which explore the vanity and absurdity of life "under the sun" (i.e., life lived only according to earthly, material values). The book doesn't necessarily condemn wealth or hard work, but it cautions against making them the sole focus of one's existence, as they are ultimately temporary and cannot provide lasting satisfaction. Ecclesiastes repeatedly emphasizes the importance of enjoying the simple things in life, fearing God, and recognizing that true meaning and purpose are not found in material possessions or worldly achievements.