All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
Read it in contextThe Futility of Wealth
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 5:8 (Ecclesiastes 5:8 to Ecclesiastes 5:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
5:8If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
5:9Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
5:10He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
5:11When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?
5:12The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
5:13There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
5:14But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
5:15As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
5:16And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
5:17All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
5:18Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
5:19Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
5:20For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the traditional identification of the Preacher. The speaker is described as a son of David and king in Jerusalem, but the personal identification is debated. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 1:1; Ecclesiastes 1:12. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ecclesiastes 1:1–11:10): The Preacher reflects before his hearers on work, pleasure, injustice, mortality, and wisdom. Many observations describe human experience generally rather than a single event with a fixed audience. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? People seeking wisdom about work, mortality, and the fear of God; the closing instruction addresses a son or pupil. The first specific community is unknown. Biblical references: Ecclesiastes 12:9; Ecclesiastes 12:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The Futility of Wealth. Read Ecclesiastes 5:8 through Ecclesiastes 5:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The Preacher reflects on experience and human life without supplying a modern composition date. Identifying the speaker and dating the final book involve questions beyond a single proverb. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The speaker identifies a royal setting in Jerusalem, while the observations range broadly over life under the sun. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Futility of Wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:8 to Ecclesiastes 5:20).
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 5:8. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The book's concern with mortality and judgment can be read alongside the New Testament's teaching about resurrection and accountability through Christ. This is a canonical connection, not a claim that each reflection explicitly names Him. See Ecclesiastes 1:12, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Acts 17:31. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Receive ordinary life with gratitude, act responsibly amid uncertainty, and remember accountability to God. Read bleak observations within the book's larger inquiry and conclusion. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ecclesiastes
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Ecclesiastes identifies its speaker as the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem, without giving the personal name Solomon in its opening. Read observations about life under the sun within the book's questioning movement and final conclusion.
Connection to the wholeThe opening question is tested through experience and reflection, exposing the limits of gain that can be secured under the sun.
Connection to the wholeThe reflections examine work, community, oppression, worship, and wealth while repeatedly confronting mortality and limited knowledge.
Connection to the wholeThe sayings explore what wisdom can and cannot accomplish and call for responsible action without pretending to control every result.
Connection to the wholeThe closing appeal and conclusion direct the reader toward remembering the Creator, fearing God, keeping His commandments, and facing judgment.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.