Ecclesiastes 4:6
Ecclesiastes 4:6 in Multiple Translations
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and striving after wind.
One hand full of rest is better than two hands full of trouble and desire for wind.
It's better to earn a little without stress than a lot with too much stress and chasing after the wind.
Better is an handfull with quietnesse, then two handfuls with labour and vexation of spirit.
'Better [is] a handful [with] quietness, than two handfuls [with] labour and vexation of spirit.'
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with toil and vexation of spirit.
Better is a handful with rest, than both hands full with labour, and vexation of mind.
So I say, “It is better to be content with not having much money, than to work very hard and try to get a lot of money, which is as useless as chasing the wind.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 4:6
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 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֕וֹב
מְלֹ֥א
כַ֖ף
נָ֑חַת
מִ/מְּלֹ֥א
חָפְנַ֛יִם
עָמָ֖ל
וּ/רְע֥וּת
רֽוּחַ
ט֕וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
מְלֹ֥א
mᵉlôʼ
H4393
fullness
N-ms
כַ֖ף
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs
נָ֑חַת
Nachath
H5183
quietness
N-fs
מִ/מְּלֹ֥א
mᵉlôʼ
H4393
fullness
Prep | N-ms
חָפְנַ֛יִם
chôphen
H2651
palm
N-md
עָמָ֖ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
N-cs
וּ/רְע֥וּת
rᵉʻûwth
H7469
longing
Conj | N-fs
רֽוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 4:6
ט֕וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
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.
מְלֹ֥א
mᵉlôʼ
H4393
"fullness"
N-ms
Fullness means having everything that is needed, like a full container or a complete amount. It can also mean a large quantity, like a multitude of things.
Definition: 1) fulness, that which fills 1a) fulness, handful 1b) mass, multitude 1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents 1d) full length, full line
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] all along, [idiom] all that is (there-) in, fill, ([idiom] that whereof...was) full, fulness, (hand-) full, multitude. See also: Genesis 48:19; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 24:1.
כַ֖ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
נָ֑חַת
Nachath
H5183
"quietness"
N-fs
This word refers to a descent or a coming down, often in the sense of a punishment or a judgment from God. It can also mean restfulness or quietness, like the stillness after a storm.
Definition: 1) rest, quietness 1a) quietness, quiet attitude 1b) rest (of death)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lighting down, quiet(-ness), to rest, be set on. See also: Job 17:16; Ecclesiastes 6:5; Proverbs 29:9.
מִ/מְּלֹ֥א
mᵉlôʼ
H4393
"fullness"
Prep | N-ms
Fullness means having everything that is needed, like a full container or a complete amount. It can also mean a large quantity, like a multitude of things.
Definition: 1) fulness, that which fills 1a) fulness, handful 1b) mass, multitude 1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents 1d) full length, full line
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] all along, [idiom] all that is (there-) in, fill, ([idiom] that whereof...was) full, fulness, (hand-) full, multitude. See also: Genesis 48:19; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 24:1.
חָפְנַ֛יִם
chôphen
H2651
"palm"
N-md
This word refers to the palm or hollow of the hand, often used to describe handfuls of something. It appears in the Bible when talking about measurements or quantities held in one's hands. The KJV translates it as 'fists', 'hands', or 'handful'.
Definition: handfuls, hollow of the hand
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fists, (both) hands, hand(-ful). See also: Exodus 9:8; Ecclesiastes 4:6; Proverbs 30:4.
עָמָ֖ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
N-cs
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.
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 4:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 4:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:6
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 4:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:6
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:6
Context — The Evil of Oppression
4I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
5The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
6Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
7Again, I saw futility under the sun. 8There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:8 | Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:16–17 | Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil. Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred. |
| 3 | Psalms 37:16 | Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:1 | Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife. |
Ecclesiastes 4:6 Summary
[This verse is saying that it's better to have a little bit of something and be happy and at peace, than to have a lot of something but be stressed and unhappy. It's like what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, 'Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you'. When we prioritize our relationship with God and seek to be content with what we have, we can experience true peace and happiness. This verse is encouraging us to focus on what's truly important, and to not get caught up in chasing after things that don't bring us lasting fulfillment, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6 where it says 'godliness with contentment is great gain'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'one handful with tranquility' in Ecclesiastes 4:6?
It means having a small amount of something, such as wealth or success, but being content and at peace with it, which is better than having more but being anxious and unhappy, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:4 where labor and success come from envy of others.
Is the author of Ecclesiastes saying that having less is always better?
No, the author is saying that having less with peace and contentment is better than having more with stress and unhappiness, which is a theme also seen in Proverbs 15:16 where it says 'Better a little with fear of the Lord than great treasure and turmoil with it'
What does 'pursuit of the wind' mean in this verse?
It means chasing after something that is elusive and unattainable, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:14 where the author says 'I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and behold, all of them are futile and a pursuit of the wind'
How can I apply this verse to my life?
You can apply this verse by prioritizing contentment and peace over the pursuit of wealth or success, and by recognizing that true happiness comes from a relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 37:7 where it says 'Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am chasing after more, but may be losing peace and contentment in the process?
- How can I cultivate a sense of tranquility and peace in my daily life, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties?
- What are some things that I am pursuing that may be 'a pursuit of the wind', and how can I let go of them and focus on what is truly important?
- What does it mean for me to have 'one handful with tranquility', and how can I be content with what I have, rather than always desiring more?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better [is] a handful [with] quietness,.... These are the words of the fool, according to Aben Ezra; and which is the sense of other interpreters, particularly Mr.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. Better (is) an handful (with) quietness, than both the hands full (with) travail.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:6
These are the words, either, 1. Of the sluggard making this apology for his idleness, that his little with ease, is better than great riches got with much trouble. Or, 2. Of Solomon, who elsewhere speaks to the same purpose, as ,17 17:1, and here proposeth it as a good antidote against the vanity of immoderate cares and labours for worldly goods, against which he industriously directs his speeches in divers places of this book; and particularly as a seasonable precaution against the sin of covetousness, of which he speaks in the following passage.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:6
Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better [is] an handful [with] quietness, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit.Ver. 6. Better is an handful with quietness.] This is the sluggard’ s plea, whereby he bolstereth himself up in his wickedness, and would make you believe that he did, non sine ratione insanire, not play the madman without good reason. To what end, saith he, should a man toil and tire out himself with hard labour to compass commodity - making a drudge and a beast of himself for a little pelf, since he knows not who shall have the spending of it, and he is sure to be either squeezed by his superiors, or else envied by his neighbours? Is not a little with ease better? a penny by begging better than twopence by true labour? It is well observed by an interpreter, that this sentence uttered by the sluggard, is, in its true meaning, not much different from that of the wise man in Proverbs 17:1, but ill applied by him. Good words are not always to be trusted, from ill men especially.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:6
Verse 6. Better is a handful with quietness] These may be the words of the slothful man, and spoken in vindication of his idleness; as if he had said, "Every man who labours and amasses property is the object of envy, and is marked by the oppressor as a subject for spoil; better, therefore, to act as I do; gain little, and have little, and enjoy my handful with quietness." Or the words may contain Solomon's reflection on the subject.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 4:6
6. Better is a handful with quietness] The preposition is in both clauses an interpolation, and we should read “a handful of repose, … two handfuls of travail and feeding on wind.” In form the saying presents a parallel to Proverbs 15:17, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith;” but the thought is obviously of a less ethical character. The feeling expressed in Ecclesiastes 4:5-6 (the latter confirming the interpretation just given of the former) is such as we may think of as rising in the mind of an ambitious statesman or artist striving after fame, as he looks on the dolce far niente of a lazzarone at Naples, half-naked, basking in the sun, and revelling in the enjoyment of his water-melon. The one would at such a time, almost change places with the other, but that something after all forbids. The words have almost a verbal parallelism in our common English proverb “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 4:6
Either the fool’s sarcasm on his successful but restless neighbor; or the comment of Solomon recommending contentment with a moderate competence. The former meaning seems preferable.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 4:6
6. Better is a handful, etc. — This verse confirms what has been said to the credit of the lazy man, and really assigns a reason for the statement of Ecc 4:5.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 4:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Tragedies of Life by David Hocking | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the tragedies of life as described in Ecclesiastes chapter 4. He highlights the oppression and lack of comfort experienced by the oppressed, |
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The Ennoblement of a Secular Vocation by David Servant | David Servant emphasizes the sacredness of 'secular' work, highlighting that all professions are a high calling to glorify God. He stresses the importance of integrity, excellence, |
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The Primacy of Self by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon on Fear, the preacher delves into the various uses of 'phobos' in the Bible, highlighting how it can describe both positive and negative senses of fear. While fear c |
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God's People Will Never Be Ashamed by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity. It highlights the need to commit to God's promises, believe in His ability to work mirac |
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God's People Will Never Be Ashamed in the Time of Calamity by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity, highlighting the need to commit to God's promises and believe in His ability to work mir |
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The Great Divide by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the great divide between those who serve God faithfully and those who have forsaken Him, as depicted in Matthew 25. It emphasizes the importance of worshipin |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 45 Psalm 37 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 37, emphasizing David's reflections on the fate of the righteous versus the wicked. He encourages believers not to fret over evildoers, as their prosp |