Ecclesiastes 2:10

The Futility of Pleasure · Ecclesiastes 2:1–11
Read Ecclesiastes 2

Translations

Modern
Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Traditional
And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
Literal
And all that my eyes asked, I did not lay aside from them; I did not withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced in all my toil—and this was my portion from all my toil.
Latin
Et omnia quæ desideraverunt oculi mei non negavi eis, nec prohibui cor meum quin omni voluptate frueretur, et oblectaret se in his quæ præparaveram; et hanc ratus sum partem meam si uterer labore meo.

Original

Hebrew
English
Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.

Notes

For my heart took delight in all my work: The Teacher highlights a key theme: Joy comes from wise and diligent work (Ecclesiastes 5:12, 18–20).

The Teacher says seeking pleasure for its own sake is empty. Even great achievements are like smoke.

The Teacher examines how wisdom, work, and pleasure relate to each other.

Theme notes and profiles

Human Sexuality

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes Futility

Topics

Epicureans: Doctrines Propagated By, Familiar to Solomon Industry: General Scriptures Concerning Investigation: General Scriptures Concerning Joy of the Wicked Joy of the Wicked is Derived from Earthly Pleasures Joy: Vanity of Seeking, from Earthly Things Music: Designed to Promote Joy Pleasure: Worldly Self-Indulgence: Solomon Vanity: Worldly Enjoyment Is Vanity: Worldly Possessions Are Wisdom: Worldly Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning