Behold 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.
Read it in contextThe Vanity of Riches and the Gift of Enjoyment
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 5:10 (Ecclesiastes 5:10 to Ecclesiastes 5:20).
This section contrasts the futility and sorrow of accumulating wealth with the blessing of enjoying one's labor as a gift from God.
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.
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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 main event or theme? The main theme is the goodness and appropriateness of enjoying the fruit of one's labor as a gift from God, contrasting with the vanity and sorrow associated with the hoarding of riches.
What is God revealing? God is revealing that it is good and comely for a person to enjoy the good of their labor throughout their life, as this enjoyment is a portion given by God.
What is the literary style? Wisdom literature.
When
When was it written? Circa 940 B.C.
When does the event take place? The events described are general observations about life 'under the sun' during the reign of Solomon.
Where
Where did it happen? The observations are about life generally 'under the sun'.
Where was the author located? Jerusalem.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Vanity of Riches and the Gift of Enjoyment (Ecclesiastes 5:10 to Ecclesiastes 5:20).
Start reading at Ecclesiastes 5:10. This section contrasts the futility and sorrow of accumulating wealth with the blessing of enjoying one's labor as a gift from God.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse offers a positive perspective on life and labor, contrasting with the preceding verses (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17) which lament the vanity and sorrow of accumulating riches that bring no satisfaction or lasting benefit. It presents enjoying one's God-given portion as a 'good and and comely' alternative to the 'sore evil' of hoarding wealth. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The passage speaks of God giving a 'portion' and the ability to 'enjoy the good of all his labour' (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). Christ is the one through whom all good things are ultimately given and enjoyed, and He offers true satisfaction and a lasting portion that is not fleeting like earthly riches. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today can apply this by finding contentment and joy in their daily work and the provisions God gives them, recognizing these as gifts from God rather than striving for excessive wealth which often brings sorrow and dissatisfaction. 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.