Ecclesiastes 2:22

Modern

For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?

Traditional

For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

Literal

For what has been for the man for all his toil and for the striving of his heart, with which he toils under the sun?

Latin

Quid enim proderit homini de universo labore suo, et afflictione spiritus, qua sub sole cruciatus est?

Hebrew

English

For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?

The Teacher now examines the value of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 2:12–17) and hard work (2:18–23). These, too, are futile (Ecclesiastes 2:17).

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

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 127:2
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.
Ecclesiastes 1:3
What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun?
Ecclesiastes 3:9
What does the worker gain from his toil?
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
1 Timothy 6:8
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.
Ecclesiastes 6:7–8
All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
Ecclesiastes 8:15
So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 4:8
There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task.