Ecclesiastes 6:1
Ecclesiastes 6:1 in Multiple Translations
There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy upon men:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is hard on men;
I have observed another evil here on earth, and it has a great impact on humanity.
There is an euill, which I sawe vnder the sunne, and it is much among men:
There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it [is] great on man:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:
There is also another evil, which I have seen under the sun, and that frequent among men:
I have seen something else here on this earth that troubles people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 6:1
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 6:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵ֣שׁ
רָעָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
רָאִ֖יתִי
תַּ֣חַת
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
וְ/רַבָּ֥ה
הִ֖יא
עַל
הָ/אָדָֽם
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
רָעָ֔ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
רָאִ֖יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
וְ/רַבָּ֥ה
rab
H7227
many
Conj | Adj
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
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 6:1
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
רָעָ֔ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
רָאִ֖יתִי
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.
תַּ֣חַת
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/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ
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.
וְ/רַבָּ֥ה
rab
H7227
"many"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
הִ֖יא
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָדָֽם
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.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 6:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 6:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:1
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:1
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:1
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:1
Context — The Futility of Life
1There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind:
2God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction. 3A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 5:13 | There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, |
Ecclesiastes 6:1 Summary
[This verse is talking about a big problem that people face, which is that even when we get what we want, it doesn't always make us happy. The writer of Ecclesiastes is saying that this is a heavy burden that many people carry, as also seen in Proverbs 27:20 where it talks about the emptiness of wealth. It's like we're always looking for something more, but we can never seem to find it, which is why it's so important to find our fulfillment in God, as stated in Psalm 16:11. By focusing on Him, we can start to find true joy and satisfaction, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28 where it talks about God working all things for our good.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of evil is the writer of Ecclesiastes referring to in this verse?
The writer is highlighting the evil of unfulfilled desires and the lack of satisfaction that can come with wealth and material possessions, as seen in Ecclesiastes 6:2 and also in Jeremiah 2:13 where it talks about broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
Why does the writer say this evil weighs heavily upon mankind?
This evil weighs heavily because it affects everyone, regardless of their social status or wealth, and it can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 2:17 where the writer talks about the futility of life under the sun.
Is the writer saying that having wealth and riches is evil in itself?
No, the writer is not saying that wealth is inherently evil, but rather that the inability to enjoy it or find fulfillment in it is the evil, as seen in Luke 12:15 where Jesus warns against storing up treasure for oneself and forgetting about what is truly important.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Ecclesiastes?
This verse fits into the overall theme of Ecclesiastes, which is to show that life under the sun, apart from God, is meaningless and fleeting, as stated in Ecclesiastes 1:2 and also in Psalm 39:5 where it talks about the brevity of life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I have been seeking fulfillment in, only to find them lacking?
- How do I respond when I feel like I am not getting what I want or deserve, and what does this reveal about my heart?
- In what ways can I cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude, even in the midst of unfulfilled desires, as seen in Philippians 4:11-12 where Paul talks about being content in all circumstances?
- What does this verse say about the human condition, and how can I use this understanding to minister to others who may be struggling with feelings of emptiness or dissatisfaction?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 6:1
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun,.... The Vulgate Latin version reads it, another evil; but wrongly, for the same is considered as before, the evil of covetousness; which is one of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 6:1
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: An evil ... common among men - or else, more literally, great upon man, falls heavily upon man.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:1
Ecclesiastes 6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it [is] common among men:Ver. 1. There is an evil that I have seen under the sun.] This wretched life is so pestered with evils that the Preacher could hardly cast his eye beside one or other of them. A diligent observer he was of human miseries, that he might hang loose to life and the better press upon others the vanity of doting upon it. One would wonder, surely, that our life here being so grievously afflicted, should yet be so inordinately affected; and that even by those that are "in deaths often," that have borne God’ s yoke from their youth, that have suffered troubles without and terrors within, and who, if they had hope in this life only, were, by their own confession, of all men the most unhappy. And yet so it is; God is forced to smoke us out of our clayey cottages, and to make life unto us to be nothing better than a lingering death, that we may grow weary of it, and breathe after a better, where are riches without rust, pleasure without pain, youth without decay, joy without sorrow, Ubi nihil sit quod nolis, et totum sit quod velis, where is all that heart can wish, &c. The skilful surgeon mortifieth with straigtht binding the member that must be cut off; so doth God fit us for our cutting off, by binding us with the cords of afflictions. "He crieth not when God bindeth him," saith Elihu of hypocrites; a generation of men, than the which nothing is more stupid and insensible; till at length, God making forcible entry upon them, doth violently break that cursed covenant that they have made with death and hell, dash the very breath out of their bodies with one plague upon another, turn them out of their earthly tabernacles, with a firma eiectione, and send them packing to their place in hell, from which they would not be stopped by all those crosses that, for that purpose, he cast in their way. And it is common among men.] Proper to men, for beasts are not subject to this evil disease, and common to all sorts of men. One evil may well be common among many, when many evils are so commonly upon one. It happened to be a part of Mithridates’ misery, that he had made himself unpoisonable.
And Cato so felt this miserable life, ut causa moriendi nactum se esse gauderet, that he was glad of an occasion to go out of the world. Aeterna vita vera vita. - August. Bernard. Hypocritis nihil stupidius. - Pareus, Isa. xxviii. Cicero, in Tusc. quaest.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:1
VI. (1) Common among.—Rather, heavy upon. In this section it is remarked how even when riches remain with a man to the end of his life they may fail to bring him any real happiness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:1
CHAPTER VI The vanity of riches without use, 1, 2. Of children and of old age without riches and enjoyment, 3-7. Man does not know what is good for himself, 8-12. NOTES ON CHAP. VI
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 6:1
1. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun] The picture is substantially the same as that of ch. Ecclesiastes 4:7-8. The repetition is characteristic, consciously or unconsciously, of the pessimism from which the writer has not yet emancipated himself. He broods over the same thought, chews, as it were, the “cud of bitter fancies” only, “semper eandem canens cantilenam.” Here the picture is that of a man who has all outward goods in abundance, but he just lacks that capacity for enjoyment which is (as in ch. Ecclesiastes 5:20) the “gift of God,” and he dies childless and a stranger becomes the heir. We are reminded of the aged patriarch’s exclamation, “I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus” (Genesis 15:2).
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 6:1
Common among - Rather, great (heavy) upon people.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6:1
1. It is common among men — More accurately, It is heavy upon men.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God Knows Best by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the common evil of a man who is given riches and wealth by God but is unable to enjoy them. He uses the example of a man who lacks noth |