Ecclesiastes 5:17

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Ecclesiastes 5:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.

King James Version KJV

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.

American Standard Version ASV

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he is sore vexed, and hath sickness and wrath.

Bible in Basic English BBE

All his days are in the dark, and he has much sorrow, pain, disease, and trouble.

Free Bible Version FBV

They live their lives in darkness, very frustrated, sick, and resentful.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Beholde then, what I haue seene good, that it is comely to eate, and to drinke, and to take pleasure in all his labour, wherein he traueileth vnder the sunne, the whole nomber of the dayes of his life, which God giueth him: for this is his portion.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Also all his days in darkness he consumeth, and sadness, and wrath, and sickness abound.

World English Bible WEB

All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

This therefore hath seemed good to me, that a man should eat and drink, and enjoy the fruit of his labour, wherewith he hath laboured under the sun, all the days of his life, which God hath given him: and this is his portion.

Translation for Translators T4T

Furthermore, rich people are always miserable [MET] and sad, and depressed/discouraged and often sick and ◄resentful/thinking that what has happened to them is unfair►.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:17

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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 5:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הִנֵּ֞ה אֲשֶׁר רָאִ֣יתִי אָ֗נִי ט֣וֹב אֲשֶׁר יָפֶ֣ה לֶֽ/אֶכוֹל וְ֠/לִ/שְׁתּוֹת וְ/לִ/רְא֨וֹת טוֹבָ֜ה בְּ/כָל עֲמָל֣/וֹ שֶׁ/יַּעֲמֹ֣ל תַּֽחַת הַ/שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ מִסְפַּ֧ר יְמֵי חי/ו חַיָּ֛י/ו אֲשֶׁר נָֽתַן ל֥/וֹ הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי ה֥וּא חֶלְקֽ/וֹ

הִנֵּ֞ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

רָאִ֣יתִי râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אָ֗נִי ʼănîy H589 I Pron

ט֣וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יָפֶ֣ה yâpheh H3303 beautiful Adj

לֶֽ/אֶכוֹל ʼâkal H398 to eat Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ֠/לִ/שְׁתּוֹת shâthâh H8354 to drink Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/לִ/רְא֨וֹת râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

טוֹבָ֜ה ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

עֲמָל֣/וֹ ʻâmâl H5999 trouble N-cs | Suff

שֶׁ/יַּעֲמֹ֣ל ʻâmal H5998 to toil Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

תַּֽחַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

הַ/שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 sun Art | N-cs

מִסְפַּ֧ר miçpâr H4557 number N-ms

יְמֵי yôwm H3117 day N-mp

חי/ו chay H2416 alive N-mp | Suff

חַיָּ֛י/ו chay H2416 alive N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

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

ל֥/וֹ Prep | Suff

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

חֶלְקֽ/וֹ chêleq H2506 portion N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 5:17

הִנֵּ֞ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

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.

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.

אָ֗נִי ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

ט֣וֹב 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.

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.

יָפֶ֣ה yâpheh H3303 "beautiful" Adj

Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.

Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.

לֶֽ/אֶכוֹל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

וְ֠/לִ/שְׁתּוֹת shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

וְ/לִ/רְא֨וֹת râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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

טוֹבָ֜ה ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj

בְּ/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.

עֲמָל֣/וֹ ʻâmâl H5999 "trouble" N-cs | Suff

This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.

Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.

שֶׁ/יַּעֲמֹ֣ל ʻâmal H5998 "to toil" Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To toil means to work very hard, often with difficulty or annoyance, like the laborers in the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20.

Definition: 1) to labour, toil 1a) (Qal) to labour

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (take) labour (in). See also: Psalms 127:1; Ecclesiastes 2:20; Proverbs 16:26.

תַּֽחַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

הַ/שֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 "sun" Art | N-cs

The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.

Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)

Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.

מִסְפַּ֧ר miçpâr H4557 "number" N-ms

This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.

Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.

יְמֵי yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

חי/ו chay H2416 "alive" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

חַיָּ֛י/ו chay H2416 "alive" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

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.

נָֽתַן 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.

ל֥/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים 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.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

חֶלְקֽ/וֹ chêleq H2506 "portion" N-ms | Suff

Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.

Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.

Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:17

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Context
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Ecclesiastes 5:17 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:17
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:17
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:17

Context — The Futility of Wealth

15As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands. 16This too is a grievous affliction: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind?

17Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.

18Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot. 19Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 127:2	In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved.
2	Ezekiel 4:16–17	Then He told me, “Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure. So they will lack food and water; they will be appalled at the sight of one another wasting away in their iniquity.
3	Psalms 90:7–11	For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath. You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence. For all our days decline in Your fury; we finish our years with a sigh. The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty if we are strong— yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.
4	2 Kings 5:27	Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.
5	Psalms 78:33	So He ended their days in futility, and their years in sudden terror.
6	Psalms 102:9	For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears
7	Proverbs 1:27–29	when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.
8	2 Kings 1:6	They replied, “A man came up to meet us and said, ‘Go back to the king who sent you and tell him that this is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are sending these men to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’”
9	Genesis 3:17	And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.
10	1 Corinthians 11:30–32	That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

Ecclesiastes 5:17 Summary

This verse, Ecclesiastes 5:17, is saying that when we live our lives without God, everything can feel dark and sad, even when we have food to eat and other basic needs met, as seen in Luke 12:15, where Jesus warns against the dangers of materialism and the importance of seeking true riches in God. It's like eating a meal, but not really tasting or enjoying it because our hearts are heavy with troubles and worries, as described in Proverbs 15:15, where a merry heart is said to have a continual feast. The Preacher is highlighting the emptiness and frustration that can come from trying to find happiness in things that don't truly satisfy us, and instead, we should seek to find joy and contentment in our relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 16:11, where David declares that in God's presence is fullness of joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to eat in darkness in Ecclesiastes 5:17?

Eating in darkness refers to a life without true joy or satisfaction, despite having physical provision, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:17, and is reminiscent of the Israelites' experience in Deuteronomy 29:18-19, where they were warned against turning away from God and living in spiritual darkness.

Why is the Preacher emphasizing sorrow, sickness, and anger in this verse?

The Preacher is highlighting the reality of human suffering and the futility of seeking fulfillment in earthly things, as also noted in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, where he describes his own attempts to find happiness in wealth and pleasure, only to conclude that it was all meaningless.

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

Ecclesiastes 5:17 serves as a contrast to the following verses, Ecclesiastes 5:18-19, which describe the good life of enjoying one's labor and finding satisfaction in God's provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4, where trust in God and doing good are linked to a life of delight and provision.

What is the significance of 'all his days' in this verse?

The phrase 'all his days' emphasizes the pervasiveness and longevity of the darkness, sorrow, sickness, and anger, underscoring the idea that a life without God is marked by persistent and profound struggles, as seen in Romans 8:20, where Paul describes the futility of creation apart from God's redemption.

Reflection Questions

How do I find true satisfaction and joy in my daily life, and what role does my relationship with God play in this?
In what ways do I seek to fill the voids in my life with things that ultimately leave me feeling empty and unfulfilled, and how can I instead turn to God for true fulfillment?
What are some areas of my life where I am experiencing 'darkness, sorrow, sickness, and anger', and how can I bring these struggles to God in prayer, seeking His comfort and guidance?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to give His people a future and a hope?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:17

All his days also he eateth in darkness,.... To all that has been said is added another evil, that attends such whose hearts are inordinately set on riches; that all their days, throughout the whole

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:17

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness. Eateth - appropriately put for 'liveth' in general, as connected with Ecclesiastes 5:11-12; Ecclesiastes 5:18.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17

All his days, to wit, of his life, also he eateth in darkness; he hath no comfort in his estate, but even when he eats, when other men relax their minds, and use freedom and cheerfulness, he doth it with anxiety and discontent, as grudging even at his own necessary expenses, and tormenting himself with cares about getting, and disposing, and keeping his estate. He hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness; when he falls sick, and presageth or feareth his death, he is filled with rage, because he is cut off before he hath accomplished his designs, and because he must leave that wealth and world in which all his hopes and happiness lie, and must go to give up a doleful account to his Judge of all his actions and acquisitions.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17

Ecclesiastes 5:17 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and [he hath] much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.Ver. 17. All his days also he eats in darkness,] i.e., He lives besides that he hath, and cannot so much as be merry at meat. Hence is much sorrow, wrath, and sickness, especially if spoiled of his goods, which he made his god; he is no less troubled than Laban was for his teraphim, or Micah for his idol. He is mad almost, and ready to hang himself for woe, having much fretting, foaming, fuming, anger, languor, ready to flee at God and men.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17

(17) We pass without notice some variations of translation in this verse, which do not materially affect the sense.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17

Verse 17. All his days also he eateth in darkness] Even his enjoyments are embittered by uncertainty. He fears for his goods; the possibility of being deprived of them fills his heart with anguish. But instead of יאכל yochel, "he shall eat," ילך yelech, "he shall walk," is the reading of several MSS. He walks in darkness - he has no evidence of salvation. There is no ray of light from God to penetrate the gloom; and all beyond life is darkness impenetrable! And wrath with his sickness.] His last hours are awful; for, "Counting on long years of pleasure here, He's quite unfurnish'd for the world to come." BLAIR. He is full of anguish at the thought of death; but the fear of it is horrible. But if he have a sense of God's wrath in his guilty conscience, what horror can be compared with his horror!

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:17

17. he eateth in darkness] The words are so natural a figure of a cheerless life with no “sweetness and light” in it (comp. Micah 7:8), that there is something almost ludicrous in the prosaic literalism which interprets them, either (1) of the miser as eating in the dark to save candlelight, or (2) working all day and waiting till nightfall before he sits down to a meal. much sorrow and wrath with his sickness] Better, and sickness and wrath. The Hebrew gives a conjunction and not a preposition. The words have been variously taken, (1) “is much disturbed and hath grief and vexation,” (2) “grieveth himself much, and oh! for his sorrow and hatred,” but the general meaning remains the same. Koheleth teaches, as St Paul does, that “they that will be (i.e. set their hearts on being) rich, pierce themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 5:17

Hath much sorrow ... - Rather, is very sad and hath pain and vexation.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:17

17. This latter, too, has had no good of his life. He eateth in darkness — That is, in a miserly way he shuns the cost of society and hospitality. And he hath, etc. — Better, And he is disturbed, and sorrow and vexation are his.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:17

	Sermon	Description
	Jesus Christ Is All in All by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher shares personal experiences and observations about the challenges and responsibilities of being called by God. He mentions the tragic events in Saigon
	(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Awakened Out of Sleep by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher draws a parallel between the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Church and its members in the present day. He emphasizes that both have settled in
	Thou Hast Set My Feet in a Large Place by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 4 and Psalms 42, focusing on the theme of finding hope and help in God's presence. He encourages the congregation to refle
	The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved by C.H. Spurgeon	The sermon transcript discusses the consequences of dying unprepared, unconverted, and unsaved. It emphasizes the fear of judgment and fiery indignation for those who do not have a
	Havner at Moody by Vance Havner	The sermon transcript discusses the idea that God does not reveal all the details of what is to come in order to prevent us from being distracted from our current responsibilities
	Founders Week Conference 1974 - 02 by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God above all else, while still acknowledging the need to fulfill our earthly responsibilities. He references the
	Spiritual Leadership 19.12.84 by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in various aspects of life. He discusses the need for balance between work and recreation, fellowship a