Ecclesiastes 4:16

Ecclesiastes 4:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

King James Version KJV

There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

American Standard Version ASV

There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was: yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Bible in Basic English BBE

There was no end of all the people, of all those whose head he was, but they who come later will have no delight in him. This again is to no purpose and desire for wind.

Free Bible Version FBV

He is surrounded by crowds of supporters, but the next generation isn't happy with him. This also illustrates the passing nature of life whose meaning is elusive, like pursuing the wind for understanding.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

There is none ende of all the people, nor of all that were before them, and they that come after, shall not reioyce in him: surely this is also vanitie and vexation of spirit.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

there is no end to all the people, to all who were before them; also, the latter rejoice not in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

World English Bible WEB

There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The number of the people, of all that were before him is infinite: and they that shall come afterwards, shall not rejoice in him: but this also is vanity, and vexation of spirit.

Translation for Translators T4T

Large crowds of people crowd around him. But after a few years, they will reject him, too. So it is all senseless, like chasing after the wind.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 4:16

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 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֵֽין קֵ֣ץ לְ/כָל הָ/עָ֗ם לְ/כֹ֤ל אֲשֶׁר הָיָה֙ לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֔ם גַּ֥ם הָ/אַחֲרוֹנִ֖ים לֹ֣א יִשְׂמְחוּ ב֑/וֹ כִּֽי גַם זֶ֥ה הֶ֖בֶל וְ/רַעְי֥וֹן רֽוּחַ

אֵֽין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

קֵ֣ץ qêts H7093 end N-ms

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

הָ/עָ֗ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

לְ/כֹ֤ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הָיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֔ם pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

גַּ֥ם gam H1571 also DirObjM

הָ/אַחֲרוֹנִ֖ים ʼachărôwn H314 last Art | Adj

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִשְׂמְחוּ sâmach H8055 to rejoice V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

ב֑/וֹ Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

גַם gam H1571 also Adv

זֶ֥ה zeh H2088 this Pron

הֶ֖בֶל hebel H1892 vanity N-ms

וְ/רַעְי֥וֹן raʻyôwn H7475 striving Conj | N-ms

רֽוּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 4:16

אֵֽין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

קֵ֣ץ qêts H7093 "end" N-ms

The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.

Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/עָ֗ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לְ/כֹ֤ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

אֲשֶׁר 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.

הָיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֔ם 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.

גַּ֥ם 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.

הָ/אַחֲרוֹנִ֖ים ʼachărôwn H314 "last" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.

Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.

יִשְׂמְחוּ sâmach H8055 "to rejoice" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.

Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad

Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.

ב֑/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

כִּֽי 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.

גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv

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.

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/רַעְי֥וֹן raʻyôwn H7475 "striving" Conj | N-ms

This word describes a strong longing or striving, like a deep desire. It can also mean a state of vexation or distress, like being troubled in one's mind.

Definition: longing, striving Aramaic equivalent: ra.yon (רַעְיוֹן "thought" H7476)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: vexation. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 2:22; Ecclesiastes 4:16.

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 4:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 4:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:16
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:16
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:16
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:16
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:16

Context — The Futility of Power

14For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom. 15I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed this second one, the youth who succeeded the king.

16There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ecclesiastes 1:14	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	1 Kings 1:40	All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound.
3	Ecclesiastes 2:17	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.
4	1 Kings 1:5–7	At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him.
5	2 Samuel 18:7–8	There the people of Israel were defeated by David’s servants, and the slaughter was great that day—twenty thousand men. The battle spread over the whole countryside, and that day the forest devoured more people than the sword.
6	Ecclesiastes 2:11	Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
7	Judges 9:19–20	if you have acted faithfully and honestly toward Jerubbaal and his house this day, then may you rejoice in Abimelech, and he in you. But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.”
8	1 Kings 12:10–16	The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’” After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.” And the king answered the people harshly. He rejected the advice of the elders and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,
9	2 Samuel 15:12–13	While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”
10	2 Samuel 19:9	And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom.

Ecclesiastes 4:16 Summary

This verse is saying that even though there have been countless people who have lived before us, the people who come after us will not remember or celebrate us. This is a reminder that our achievements and accomplishments are temporary and will eventually be forgotten, as noted in Psalm 103:15-16. It's like trying to catch the wind - it's impossible to hold onto. Instead of chasing after fleeting things, we should focus on what truly lasts, like our relationship with God, as mentioned in Matthew 6:20, where Jesus says to store up treasures in heaven, where they will not be destroyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the phrase 'no limit to all the people who were before them' mean in Ecclesiastes 4:16?

This phrase refers to the endless generations that have come before us, emphasizing the vast number of people who have lived and died, as seen in Psalm 90:3, where it says that God turns people back to dust, saying, 'Return, O children of men.'

Why will the successor not be celebrated by those who come later, according to Ecclesiastes 4:16?

The successor will not be celebrated because, as time passes, people tend to forget about their predecessors and focus on their own accomplishments, as stated in Ecclesiastes 1:11, 'There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.'

What does it mean for something to be 'futile and a pursuit of the wind' in Ecclesiastes 4:16?

This phrase, also found in Ecclesiastes 1:14 and 2:17, describes the empty and unfulfilling nature of chasing after things that do not bring lasting satisfaction or meaning, like trying to catch the wind, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 1:18, where it says that 'with much wisdom comes much sorrow.'

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

Ecclesiastes 4:16 serves as a conclusion to the king's observation about the fleeting nature of power and fame, as seen in the preceding verses, Ecclesiastes 4:13-15, where the youth who becomes king is eventually succeeded by another, highlighting the transience of human achievement.

Reflection Questions

What are some things in my life that I am pursuing that may be 'futile and a pursuit of the wind', and how can I redirect my efforts towards more meaningful goals?
How can I cultivate a sense of humility and appreciation for those who have come before me, recognizing the contributions they have made to my life and the world?
In what ways can I use my time and resources to make a positive impact on the world, rather than simply seeking my own fame or recognition?
What does it mean for me to live a life that is not driven by the desire for human praise or admiration, but rather by a desire to please and glorify God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:16

[There is] no end of all the people, [even] of all that have been before them,.... Before the present generation, the living that walked under the sun; a vast number they were that lived before them,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:16

There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:16

There is no end of all the people: the sense is either, 1. The people which have this humour are without end, or innumerable, as this phrase signifies, 9:7. Or, 2. This humour of the common people hath no end, but passeth from one generation to another; they ever were, and are, and will be unstable and restless, and given to change; which sense the following words seem to favour. Before them; either, 1. Before the two kings above mentioned, the father and the son, or the predecessor and successor. All those who stood or desired to stand in their presence, and waited upon them, as this phrase is used, . Or rather, 2. Before the present generation of subjects, who earnestly desired and promoted the change of government here expressed; for these are evidently opposed to them that come after, which all interpreters understand of the people, not of the kings. And so here are three generations of people noted, the authors of the present change, and their parents, and their children, and all are observed to have the same inclinations in these matters. Shall not rejoice in him; they shall be as weary of the successor, though a wise and worthy prince, as their parents were of his foolish predecessor; the reason whereof is partly from that itch of novelty and curiosity which is natural and common to mankind, and partly from their vain and foolish hopes of advantage from such changes.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:16

Ecclesiastes 4:16 [There is] no end of all the people, [even] of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.Ver. 16. There is no end of all the people,] i.e., They are infinitely discontented and restless in their desires after a new and another governor. Aειγαρτοπαρονβαρυ, as Thucydides long since observed, The present government, be it never so good, is always grievous. "O that I were made judge in the land," said Absalom. Oh that thou wert, said the people, who yet soon had enough of him. And so had they of their new king, Saul, whom contra gentes, they would needlessly have, after the manner of all other nations. How soon did the Baptist grow stale to the Jews, that had lately "heard him gladly," and was no more set by than "a reed shaken with the wind!" How suddenly did they change their note concerning Christ from "Hosanna" to Crucify him! The common people are like to children, saith an interpreter, that rest not contented with any schoolmaster, and like to servants that love to change every year their masters. People are desirous to hear new preachers, as feasters to hear new songs and new instruments.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:16

Verse 16. There is no end of all the people] This is supposed to refer to the multitudes of people who hail the advent and accession of a new sovereign; for, as Suetonius remarks, A plerisque adorari solem orientem, "Most people adore the rising sun." But when the new king becomes old, very few regard him; and perhaps he lives long enough to be as much despised by the very persons who before were ready to worship him. This is also a miserable vanity. Thus the blooming heir - "Shall feel the sad reverse: honoured awhile; Then, like his sire, contemn'd, abhorr'd, forgot." C.

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:16

16. There is no end of all the people] The words continue the picture of the crowds who follow the young king. even of all that have been before them] The last words are not of time but position. The people are before their king, or rather, he is before them all, going in and out before them (1 Samuel 18:16; 2 Chronicles 1:10), ruling and guiding. The reference of the words to the Messianic child of Isa 7:14; Isaiah 9:6, falls under the same category as the interpretation which finds the doctrine of the Trinity in the “threefold cord” of Ecclesiastes 4:12. It is true of both that they may be devout applications of the words, but are in no sense explanatory of their meaning. they also that come after] This is added as the crowning stroke of the irony of history. The reign which begins so brightly shares the inevitable doom, and ends in darkness, and murmuring and failure. “Il n’y a pas d’homme necessaire,” and the popular hero of the hour finds himself slighted even in life, and is forgotten by the next generation. The glory of the most popular and successful king shares the common doom and is but as a feeding upon wind. Here again the statement is so wide in its generalization that it is not easy to fix on any historical identification. David, Solomon himself, Jeroboam, Cyrus, Antiochus the Great, Herod have been suggested by the ingenuity of commentators.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:16

16. Of all that have been before them — Really, Of all before whom he was, that is, whose leader he was. His popularity was boundless. Everybody seemed to follow him. Also — Better, yet.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:16

	Sermon	Description
	This Was His Final Verdict! by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true satisfaction can only be found in the love and presence of the Lord, as illustrated by Solomon's reflections on his own pursuits, which he deemed
	Happiness by J.C. Ryle	J.C. Ryle emphasizes that true happiness is found in a relationship with God, as expressed in Psalm 144:15. He recounts a confrontation between an atheist and an old woman who chal
	Vanities Social and Political. 4:1-16 by W.J. Erdman	In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher reflects on the endless cycle of vanity and hopelessness that plagues humanity. He observes the oppression and suffering in the world, l
	Epistle 353 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and the righteousness of His kingdom, emphasizing the need to be heavenly-minded and to believe in the
	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
	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
	Who Is the King by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adonijah from the Bible. Adonijah exalted himself and declared that he would be king, but later realized that King David had ma