Ecclesiastes 2:21
Ecclesiastes 2:21 in Multiple Translations
When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil.
For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, and with knowledge, and with skilfulness; yet to a man that hath not labored therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
Because there is a man whose work has been done with wisdom, with knowledge, and with an expert hand; but one who has done nothing for it will have it for his heritage. This again is to no purpose and a great evil.
For you can work wisely, knowledgably, and with skill—and who benefits? Someone who hasn't worked for it! This is both frustrating and totally unjust!
For there is a man whose trauaile is in wisdome, and in knowledge and in equitie: yet to a man that hath not trauailed herein, shall he giue his portion: this also is vanitie and a great griefe.
For there is a man whose labour [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity, and to a man who hath not laboured therein he giveth it — his portion! Even this [is] vanity and a great evil.
For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.
For there is a man whose labor is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not labored in it, shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
For when a man laboureth in wisdom, and knowledge, and carefulness, he leaveth what he hath gotten to an idle man: so this also is vanity, and a great evil.
Some people work wisely and skillfully, using the things that they have learned. But when they die, they leave everything, and someone who has not worked hard acquires those things. And that also seemed to be senseless and caused me to be discouraged.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:21
BAB
Word Study
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Ecclesiastes 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
יֵ֣שׁ
אָדָ֗ם
שֶׁ/עֲמָל֛/וֹ
בְּ/חָכְמָ֥ה
וּ/בְ/דַ֖עַת
וּ/בְ/כִשְׁר֑וֹן
וּ/לְ/אָדָ֞ם
שֶׁ/לֹּ֤א
עָֽמַל
בּ/וֹ֙
יִתְּנֶ֣/נּוּ
חֶלְק֔/וֹ
גַּם
זֶ֥ה
הֶ֖בֶל
וְ/רָעָ֥ה
רַבָּֽה
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
שֶׁ/עֲמָל֛/וֹ
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
Rel | N-cs | Suff
בְּ/חָכְמָ֥ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Prep | N-fs
וּ/בְ/דַ֖עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
Conj | Prep | N-fs
וּ/בְ/כִשְׁר֑וֹן
kishrôwn
H3788
skill
Conj | Prep | N-ms
וּ/לְ/אָדָ֞ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Conj | Prep | N-ms
שֶׁ/לֹּ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Rel | Part
עָֽמַל
ʻâmal
H5998
to toil
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בּ/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
יִתְּנֶ֣/נּוּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
חֶלְק֔/וֹ
chêleq
H2506
portion
N-ms | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הֶ֖בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
וְ/רָעָ֥ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Conj | N-fs
רַבָּֽה
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:21
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
שֶׁ/עֲמָל֛/וֹ
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
Rel | N-cs | Suff
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
בְּ/חָכְמָ֥ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Prep | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וּ/בְ/דַ֖עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וּ/בְ/כִשְׁר֑וֹן
kishrôwn
H3788
"skill"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Skill or success, referring to something that is profitable or advantageous. It is used to describe equity, goodness, or what is right. This word is about achieving a good outcome or having a beneficial result.
Definition: 1) success, skill, profit 1a) skill 1b) success, profit
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: equity, good, right. See also: Ecclesiastes 2:21; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Ecclesiastes 5:10.
וּ/לְ/אָדָ֞ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
שֶׁ/לֹּ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Rel | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָֽמַל
ʻâmal
H5998
"to toil"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To toil means to work very hard, often with difficulty or annoyance, like the laborers in the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20.
Definition: 1) to labour, toil 1a) (Qal) to labour
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (take) labour (in). See also: Psalms 127:1; Ecclesiastes 2:20; Proverbs 16:26.
בּ/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
יִתְּנֶ֣/נּוּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
חֶלְק֔/וֹ
chêleq
H2506
"portion"
N-ms | Suff
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
זֶ֥ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הֶ֖בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
וְ/רָעָ֥ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Conj | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
רַבָּֽה
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 2:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:21
Context — The Futility of Work
19And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile.
20So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun.
21When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil.
22For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? 23Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 2:17–18 | So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 31:20–21 | So this is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and upright and true before the LORD his God. He was diligent in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 34:2 | And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:18 | Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 22:15 | Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 33:2–9 | And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had torn down, and he raised up altars for the Baals and made Asherah poles. And he worshiped and served all the host of heaven. Manasseh also built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “My Name will remain in Jerusalem forever.” In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. Manasseh even took the carved image he had made and set it up in the house of God, of which God had said to David and his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will establish My Name forever. I will never again cause the feet of the Israelites to leave the land that I assigned to your fathers, if only they are careful to do all that I have commanded them through Moses—all the laws, statutes, and judgments.” So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 22:17 | “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 35:18 | No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 36:5–10 | Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God. Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jehoiakim and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon some of the articles from the house of the LORD, and he put them in his temple in Babylon. As for the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, the abominations he committed, and all that was found against him, they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. And his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place. Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD. In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar summoned Jehoiachin and brought him to Babylon, along with the articles of value from the house of the LORD. And he made Jehoiachin’s relative Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. |
Ecclesiastes 2:21 Summary
This verse is saying that it's frustrating when someone works really hard and does a great job, but then has to give what they've earned to someone who didn't work for it. This can feel unfair and pointless, like it's not worth all the effort. But as believers, we can remember that our true reward is in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21), and that God is the one who ultimately gives us the ability to work and create (Exodus 31:3-5). We can trust Him with the outcome of our labor and use our talents to serve others and build His kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to labor with wisdom, knowledge, and skill in Ecclesiastes 2:21?
This refers to using one's God-given abilities and talents to work diligently and effectively, as seen in Exodus 31:3-5 where Bezalel is filled with the Spirit of God to create beautiful works.
Why is it considered futile and a great evil for someone to give their portion to someone who has not worked for it?
This is because it goes against the principle of fairness and justice, as stated in Proverbs 28:19, where hard work is rewarded, and in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, where those who do not work should not eat.
How does this verse relate to the concept of inheritance and legacy?
This verse highlights the frustration of working hard to build something, only to have it passed on to someone who may not appreciate or steward it well, which is also seen in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.
What is the spiritual implication of this verse for believers?
It reminds us that our true treasure and inheritance are in heaven, as stated in Matthew 6:19-21, and that we should not put our hope in earthly possessions or legacies, but in God's eternal kingdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have worked hard with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and how can I trust God with the outcome?
- How do I respond when I see others receiving benefits or rewards without putting in the effort, and what can I learn from their experiences?
- In what ways can I use my talents and abilities to serve others and build God's kingdom, rather than just my own legacy?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of diligence and hard work in my own life, and how can I apply this principle in my daily responsibilities?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:21
For there is a man whose labour [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity,.... Who does all he does, in natural, civil, and religious things, in the state, in his family, and the world, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:21
For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
Whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; who useth great industry, and prudence, and justice too, in the management of his affairs, and therefore might as confidently expect God’ s blessing, and the comfort of his labours, as any other man. That hath not laboured therein, so as I have done; who hath spent his days in sloth and folly. A great evil; a great disorder in itself, and a great disgrace to this world, and a great torment to a considering mind.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it [for] his portion. This also [is] vanity and a great evil.Ver. 21. For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom.] This seemed to Solomon - whose own case it was like to be - so unworthy a thing, and such a vexation of spirit, that he can never say enough of it; but could find in his heart to cry out with the poet, Tριςκακοδαιμωνκαιτετρακιςκαιπεντακιςκαιδωδεκακιςκαιμυριακις, I am thrice miserable, nay, ten times, nay, a hundred, nay, a thousand times so, that am born to be a provident and a perfect drudge of an idle drone, or perhaps of a mere stranger. This is also vanity and a great evil.] Not privation of good only, a nothing; but a position of evil, a sad thing; an inconvenience not to be avoided by the most circumspect prudence; for it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, their inward disceptations, their debating the matter with themselves, that they are vain. The rich fool talked to himself, as fools used to do, and set down how everything should be; but it proved somewhat otherwise ere he was a day older. Dρασσομενος. διαλογισμους. Dιελογιζετο.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
(21) Equity.—Rather, skill, success (Ecclesiastes 4:4; Ecclesiastes 5:7). The noun is peculiar to this book. The corresponding verb occurs in Ecclesiastes 10:10; Ecclesiastes 11:6; Esther 8:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
Verse 21. For there is a man] Does he not allude to himself? As if he had said, "I have laboured to cultivate my mind in wisdom and in science, in knowledge of men and things, and have endeavoured to establish equity and dispense justice. And now I find I shall leave all the fruits of my labour to a man that hath not laboured therein, and consequently cannot prize what I have wrought." Does he not refer to his son Rehoboam?
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:21
21. For there is a man] It is characteristic of the Debater that he broods over the same thought, and contemplates it as in a variety of aspects. It is not merely, as in Ecclesiastes 2:19, that another possessed his heaped up riches who may use them quite otherwise than he would have them used, but that the man who by his wisdom has achieved wealth (for “equity” we should rather read here and in chap. Ecclesiastes 4:4, Ecclesiastes 5:11 “skill” or “success,” the moral character of the success not being here in question) has to leave it to one who has not worked at all, it may be to an alien in blood.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:21
21. There is a man — The “man” who has had his labour as stated, is Koheleth himself.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:21
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Of the Being of God. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the foundational importance of the Being of God in his sermon 'Of the Being of God,' arguing that the existence of God is self-evident and universally acknowle |
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The Vanities of the Wise Experimenter. 2:1-26 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher delves into the journey of a Seeker who starts with youthful pleasure and mirth, seeking 'the good' in life's experiences but ultimately |
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An Old Testament Revival - Part 2 by David Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through faith, prayer, and taking action. Hezekiah's lif |
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Hezekiah- Resisting the Enemy by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill preaches on the life of Hezekiah, emphasizing how he resisted the enemy, Sennacherib, through faithfulness and decisive action. Hezekiah's commitment to seeking God |
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Maranathan Fellowship 7-28-85 by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and preparation in the face of adversity, drawing lessons from King Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat. Hez |
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The Day the Devil Almost Won by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Day the Devil Almost Won,' emphasizing the spiritual battles Christians face and the importance of holding onto faith during di |
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Glad Tidings Spring Convention B1 by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of living in victory and resisting the enemy, drawing from the story of King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles. Hezekiah's reforms and faithfulness |