Ecclesiastes 2:26

Ecclesiastes 2:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

For to the man that pleaseth him God giveth 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 pleaseth God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Bible in Basic English BBE

To the man with whom he is pleased, God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the sinner he gives the work of getting goods together and storing up wealth, to give to him in whom God has pleasure. This again is to no purpose and desire for wind.

Free Bible Version FBV

To those who are good, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy. But to the sinner God gives the task of gathering and collecting wealth, only to hand it over to someone who pleases God. This also shows how fleeting life is, and hard to understand—like trying to understand how the wind blows.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Surely to a man that is good in his sight, God giueth wisdome, and knowledge, and ioy: but to the sinner he giueth paine, to gather, and to heape to giue to him that is good before God: this is also vanitie, and vexation of the spirit.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For to a man who [is] good before Him, He hath given wisdom, and knowledge, and joy; and to a sinner He hath given travail, to gather and to heap up, to give to the good before God. Even this [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

World English Bible WEB

For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For God giveth to a man who is good in his sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth toil, to gather, and to amass, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

God hath given to a man that is good in his sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he hath given vexation, and superfluous care, to heap up and to gather together, and to give it to him that hath pleased God: but this also is vanity, and a fruitless solicitude of the mind.

Translation for Translators T4T

God enables those who please him to be wise, to know many things, and to enjoy many things. But if sinful people work hard and become rich, God can take their money away from them and give it to those who please him. But that also is something that is difficult for me to understand. Their working hard seems useless, like chasing the wind.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:26

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ecclesiastes 2:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֤י לְ/אָדָם֙ שֶׁ/טּ֣וֹב לְ/פָנָ֔י/ו נָתַ֛ן חָכְמָ֥ה וְ/דַ֖עַת וְ/שִׂמְחָ֑ה וְ/לַ/חוֹטֶא֩ נָתַ֨ן עִנְיָ֜ן לֶ/אֱס֣וֹף וְ/לִ/כְנ֗וֹס לָ/תֵת֙ לְ/טוֹב֙ לִ/פְנֵ֣י הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים גַּם זֶ֥ה הֶ֖בֶל וּ/רְע֥וּת רֽוּחַ

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

לְ/אָדָם֙ ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) Prep | N-ms

שֶׁ/טּ֣וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Rel | Adj

לְ/פָנָ֔י/ו pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

נָתַ֛ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms

חָכְמָ֥ה chokmâh H2451 wisdom N-fs

וְ/דַ֖עַת daʻath H1847 knowledge Conj | N-fs

וְ/שִׂמְחָ֑ה simchâh H8057 joy Conj | N-fs

וְ/לַ/חוֹטֶא֩ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin Conj | Prep | V-Qal

נָתַ֨ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עִנְיָ֜ן ʻinyân H6045 task N-ms

לֶ/אֱס֣וֹף ʼâçaph H622 to gather Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/לִ/כְנ֗וֹס kânaç H3664 to gather Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לָ/תֵת֙ nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לְ/טוֹב֙ ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Prep | Adj

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

זֶ֥ה zeh H2088 this Pron

הֶ֖בֶל hebel H1892 vanity N-ms

וּ/רְע֥וּת rᵉʻûwth H7469 longing Conj | N-fs

רֽוּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:26

כִּ֤י 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.

לְ/אָדָם֙ ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" 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/טּ֣וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Rel | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

לְ/פָנָ֔י/ו pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

נָתַ֛ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

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.

חָכְמָ֥ה chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" 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.

וְ/דַ֖עַת daʻath H1847 "knowledge" Conj | 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.

וְ/שִׂמְחָ֑ה simchâh H8057 "joy" Conj | N-fs

This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.

Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue

Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.

וְ/לַ/חוֹטֶא֩ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" Conj | Prep | V-Qal

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

נָתַ֨ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עִנְיָ֜ן ʻinyân H6045 "task" N-ms

This Hebrew word means a task or job, like a responsibility or employment, and is used to describe hard work or a difficult situation, as seen in the Bible's KJV translations as business or travail.

Definition: occupation, task, job

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: business, travail. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:13; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Ecclesiastes 8:16.

לֶ/אֱס֣וֹף ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves

Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.

וְ/לִ/כְנ֗וֹס kânaç H3664 "to gather" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to gather or collect things, like bringing people together. It's used in the Bible to describe God gathering his people, like in a big harvest or festival, showing his love and care for them.

Definition: 1) to gather, collect, wrap 1a) (Qal) to gather 1b) (Piel) to gather 1c) (Hithpael) to gather together, wrap oneself up Aramaic equivalent: ka.nash (כְּנַשׁ "to gather" H3673)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: gather (together), heap up, wrap self. See also: 1 Chronicles 22:2; Ecclesiastes 2:8; Psalms 33:7.

לָ/תֵת֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לְ/טוֹב֙ ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Prep | Adj

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

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.

וּ/רְע֥וּת rᵉʻûwth H7469 "longing" Conj | N-fs

This Hebrew word describes a strong longing or striving after something, like a deep desire or craving. It is often translated as 'vexation' in the KJV. It conveys a sense of yearning or pursuit.

Definition: longing, striving Aramaic equivalent: re.ut (רְעוּ "pleasure" H7470)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: vexation. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:14; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 6:9.

רֽוּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:26

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Context — The Futility of Work

24Nothing 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. 25For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment?

26To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 13:22	A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.
2	Job 27:16–17	Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent.
3	Proverbs 28:8	He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
4	Isaiah 3:10–11	Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
5	John 16:24	Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
6	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.
7	Colossians 3:16–17	Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
8	Proverbs 3:13–18	Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.
9	Colossians 1:9–12	For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
10	Job 32:8	But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

Ecclesiastes 2:26 Summary

[This verse tells us that God is pleased with people who obey and follow Him, and He rewards them with wisdom, knowledge, and joy, as we see in Ecclesiastes 2:26. On the other hand, those who do not follow God may accumulate wealth, but it will ultimately be given to someone who loves Him. This reminds us that our focus should be on pleasing God, not just on accumulating wealth or material possessions, as we are encouraged to do in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and Matthew 6:19-21. By trusting in God and following His will, we can experience true joy and fulfillment.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be pleasing in God's sight?

To be pleasing in God's sight means to live a life that honors and obeys Him, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:26, and is in line with His will as expressed in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 5:9.

Why does God give wisdom, knowledge, and joy to some, but not others?

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who are pleasing in His sight, as a blessing for their obedience and faithfulness, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:26, similar to the promises in Proverbs 3:13 and Psalm 37:4.

What is the fate of the sinner according to this verse?

According to Ecclesiastes 2:26, the sinner is assigned the task of gathering and accumulating wealth, but ultimately, they will have to hand it over to one who pleases God, highlighting the futility of worldly pursuits without God, as also seen in Proverbs 28:8 and Luke 12:20-21.

How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?

This verse emphasizes the importance of stewardship, as it highlights that everything we have belongs to God, and we are accountable to Him for how we use our resources, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:26 and reinforced in Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Corinthians 4:2.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can ensure I am pleasing in God's sight, and how can I seek wisdom, knowledge, and joy from Him?
How do I balance the desire for worldly success and accumulation of wealth with the knowledge that it can be futile and fleeting?
In what ways can I use my resources and talents to glorify God and bless others, rather than just accumulating wealth for myself?
How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, regardless of my circumstances, and trust in God's sovereignty and provision?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight,.... No man is of himself good, or naturally so, but evil, very evil, as all the descendants of Adam are; there are some that are good in their

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:26

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:26

That is good in his sight; who not only seems to be good to men, as many bad men do, but is really and sincerely good. Or, who pleaseth him, as this phrase is rendered, , and oft elsewhere; whereby he seems to intimate the reason why he found no more comfort in his labours, because his ways had been very displeasing to God, and therefore God justly denied him that gift. Wisdom and knowledge, to direct him how to use his comforts aright, that so they may be blessings, and not snares and curses to him. Joy; a thankful and contented mind with his portion. He giveth travail, to gather and to heap up; he giveth him up to insatiable desires, and wearisome labours, to little or no purpose. That he may give to him that is good before God; that he may have no comfort in them, but leave them to others, yea, to such as he least expected or desired, to good and virtuous men, into whose hands his estate falls by the wise and all-disposing providence of God.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:26

Ecclesiastes 2:26 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.Ver. 26. Wisdom and knowledge.] To get these things rightly, and to use them comfortably. To gather and to heap up.] Converrere et congerrere, to rake and scrape together - the muckworm’ s occupation. That he may give.] As he did the Egyptians’ goods to Israel, Nabal’ s to David, Haman’ s to Mordecai.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:26

(26) On the doctrine that the wicked amass wealth for the righteous, see marginal references.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:26

Verse 26. Giveth - wisdom, and knowledge, and joy] 1. God gives wisdom - the knowledge of himself, light to direct in the way of salvation. 2. Knowledge - understanding to discern the operation of his hand; experimental acquaintance with himself, in the dispensing of his grace and the gifts of his Spirit. 3. Joy; a hundred days of ease for one day of pain; one thousand enjoyments for one privation; and to them that believe, peace of conscience, and JOY in the Holy Ghost. But to the sinner he giveth travail] He has a life of labour, disappointment, and distress; for because he is an enemy to God, he travails in pain all his days; and, as the wise man says elsewhere, the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the just. So he loseth earthly good, because he would not take a heavenly portion with it.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:26

26. For God giveth] The word for God, as the italics shew, is not in the Hebrew, but it is obviously implied, and its non-appearance justifies the change in the text of the previous verse, which preserves the sequence of thought unbroken. What we get here is the recognition of what we have learnt to call the moral government of God in the distribution of happiness. It is found to depend not on outward but inward condition, and the chief inward condition is the character that God approves. The Debater practically confesses that the life of the pleasure-seeker, or the ambitious, or the philosopher seeking wisdom as an end, was not good before God, and therefore failed to bring contentment. wisdom, and knowledge, and joy] The combination forms an emphatic contrast with ch. Ecclesiastes 1:18, and marks a step onward in the seeker’s progress. There is a wisdom which is not grief, an increase of knowledge which is not an increase of sorrow. We are reminded of the parallel thought which belongs to a higher region of the spiritual life, “The Kingdom of God … is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). Here the lesson is that the man who seeks great things fails to find them, that he who is content with a little with God’s blessing on it, finds in that little much. He becomes αὐτάρκης (= self-sufficing)—and has enough. but to the sinner he giveth travail] The words point to a further perception of a moral order in the midst of the seeming disorders of the world. The fruitless labour of the sinner in heaping up his often ill-gotten gains is not altogether wasted. His treasure passes into hands that make a better use of it than he has done. So we find a like thought in Proverbs 28:8, “He that by usury and unjust gains increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor,” and in Job 27:16-17, “Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; he may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver” (comp. Proverbs 13:22). This also is vanity] The question which we have to answer is whether this sentence is passed only on the travail of the sinner, as in Ecclesiastes 2:11, or whether it includes also the measure of joy attainable by him who is “good” in the sight of God. From one point of view the former interpretation gives a preferable meaning, as more in harmony with what immediately precedes. On the other hand, it is characteristic of the cynical pessimism into which the Preacher has, by his own confession, fallen, that he should fall back into his despondency even after a momentary glimpse of a truth that might have raised him from it.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:26

26. God giveth — A final comparison to the advantage of obedience to God, is now drawn. No solid, satisfying good is obtained from worldly pursuits, as thus far tried.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:26

	Sermon	Description
	Living for Generations to Come by Scott Volk	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his failure to address certain topics during his recent services. He shares his personal challenges and confesses that he will change his be
	This Heart Is Too Small - Part 5 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual legacy and the eternal perspective of life. It challenges individuals to consider the spiritual inheritance they are passing on t
	Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther	Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop
	Lend, Expecting Nothing by David Servant	David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:10 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck discusses the contrasting themes of judgment and hope found in the book of Isaiah. He highlights the corruption and oppression of the leaders of Israel
	Say Ye to the Righteous, That It Shall Be Well With Him by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that it is always well with the righteous, regardless of their circumstances, whether in prosperity or persecution. He reassures believers that God's promi
	When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo