Ecclesiastes 3:10
Ecclesiastes 3:10 in Multiple Translations
I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.
I saw the work which God has put on the sons of man.
I have examined what God gives us to do.
I haue seene the trauaile that God hath giuen to ye sonnes of men to humble them thereby.
I have seen the travail that God hath given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.
I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.
I have seen the labor, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
I have seen the trouble, which God hath given the sons of men to be exercised in it.
I have seen the work that God has given people to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 3:10
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 3:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָאִ֣יתִי
אֶת
הָֽ/עִנְיָ֗ן
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
נָתַ֧ן
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
לַ/עֲנ֥וֹת
בּֽ/וֹ
רָאִ֣יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָֽ/עִנְיָ֗ן
ʻinyân
H6045
task
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָתַ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
לַ/עֲנ֥וֹת
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בּֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 3:10
רָאִ֣יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָֽ/עִנְיָ֗ן
ʻinyân
H6045
"task"
Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָתַ֧ן
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.
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
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.
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | 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.
לַ/עֲנ֥וֹת
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
בּֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 3:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 3:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:10
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:10
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:10
Context — God’s Works Remain Forever
8a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
9What does the worker gain from his toil?
10I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.
11He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end. 12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 1:13–14 | And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. |
| 2 | Genesis 3:19 | By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 2:26 | 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. |
| 4 | 2 Thessalonians 3:8 | nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 2:9 | Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. |
Ecclesiastes 3:10 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God has given us a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can sometimes feel like a burden. But this burden is not a punishment, rather it is a reminder that our lives have meaning and purpose, and that we are to use our time wisely, as seen in Ephesians 5:16. We can trust God with our burdens and seek to do His will, and in doing so, we can find joy and fulfillment in our lives. By trusting in God and following His commandments, we can occupy ourselves in a way that is pleasing to Him, and live with an eternal perspective, as seen in Psalms 37:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God has laid a burden upon the sons of men?
This verse suggests that God has given humanity a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can sometimes feel like a burden, as seen in Genesis 3:17-19 where Adam's sin leads to toil and labor. This burden is not necessarily a negative thing, but rather a reminder of our dependence on God and our need to trust in Him.
Is this burden a punishment from God?
No, the burden mentioned in this verse is not necessarily a punishment, but rather a natural part of human existence, as seen in Psalms 90:10 which reminds us that our lives are short and filled with labor and sorrow. It is a reminder that our lives have purpose and meaning, and that we are to use our time wisely.
How can we occupy ourselves in a way that is pleasing to God?
We can occupy ourselves in a way that is pleasing to God by seeking to do His will and follow His commandments, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40 where Jesus teaches us to love God and our neighbors. This involves trusting in Him, being obedient to His word, and using our talents and abilities to serve others and bring glory to Him.
What is the relationship between this verse and the concept of eternity in the next verse?
The burden mentioned in this verse is contrasted with the concept of eternity in the next verse, Ecclesiastes 3:11, which reminds us that God has set eternity in our hearts, giving us a sense of longing for something more than this life. This highlights the tension between our earthly existence and our eternal destiny, and encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, as seen in Colossians 3:2 which reminds us to set our minds on things above.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I feel burdened in my life, and how can I trust God with those burdens?
- How can I use my time and talents to occupy myself in a way that is pleasing to God?
- What are some things that I can do to cultivate a sense of trust and dependence on God in my daily life?
- How can I balance my earthly responsibilities with my eternal destiny, and live in a way that reflects my values and priorities?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 3:10
I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men,.... The pains and trouble they are at to get a little wisdom and knowledge, Ecclesiastes 1:13; and so to obtain riches and honour,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:10
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. I have seen the travail ... given to the sons of men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:10
I have seen, I have diligently observed and considered upon this occasion, the travail, or the occupation or business, men’ s various employments, and the differing successes of them, which God hath given to the sons of men; either, 1. Which God hath imposed upon men as their duty; and therefore men must labour, although it brings them no profit, as was now said. Or, 2. Which God hath inflicted upon mankind as a just punishment for their sins; to which therefore men ought quietly to submit. To be exercised in it; that hereby they might have constant matter of exercise for their diligence, and patience, and submission to God’ s will and providence, and for all other graces. Or, that they might be afflicted or humbled therewith, as the same phrase is rendered by divers, .
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:10
Ecclesiastes 3:10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.Ver. 10. I have seen the travail that God, &c.] Not fortune, but Providence ordereth all cross occurrences; "a wheel" there is "within a wheel"; then when men may think things run on wheels, at sixes and sevens, as they say. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God." His holy hand hath a special stroke in all our travails. He both ordaineth and ordereth all, altering the property, and disposing them to good, raising profit from all. Thus men afflicted Job for covetousness, the devil for malice, God, for trial and exercise of his graces. "To be exercised therein," saith the text, or, as the word signifieth, to be "humbled therewith," to "hide pride from man," to tame and take him a link lower. "Their hearts are brought down," saith the prophet; "they speak out of the ground," that erst set their mouths against heaven, and said, "I am, and besides me there is none."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:10
Verse 10. I have seen the travail] Man is a sinner; and, because he is such, he suffers.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 3:10
10. I have seen the travail, which God hath given] Better perhaps, I have seen the labour, or the business. As before, in the preceding verse, the thinker, once back in the old groove of thought, repeats himself, and we have the very words of ch. Ecclesiastes 1:13, but, as before, here also developed by a wider experience. In this feeling after the right “season” for each act, this craving for a harmony between man’s will and the divine order, he recognises a divinely implanted instinct which yet finds no full satisfaction.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:10
10. I have seen the travail — This verse is preliminary to the next. Koheleth states his qualification to form the judgment there given.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 3:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Adam by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the focus is on the book of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the ultimate duty of man to fear God and keep His commandments. The term 'the Adam' is used to |
|
Mixed or Unmixed? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the distinction between God's pure light and the mixed nature of worldly possessions. He explains that while God is entirely free from darkness, earthly pu |
|
Ecclesiastes 1:13 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the theme of emptiness and frustration in life as depicted in Ecclesiastes 1:13, emphasizing humanity's insatiable thirst for meaning through various pursuits |
|
God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 2:15-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He emphasizes that God gave man dominion over nature and placed him in the garden to take c |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 5:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Genesis, specifically chapter 5, which focuses on the generations of Adam. The speaker highlights the significance of the two line |
|
(Genesis #7) Enoch Walked With God by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformative power of walking with God. He uses the example of Zacchaeus, who was changed after spending just an hour with Jesus. The p |