Translations
Modern
Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God.
Traditional
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
Literal
Nothing is better for the man than to eat and drink, and his soul to see good in his toil. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God;
Latin
Nonne melius est comedere et bibere, et ostendere animæ suæ bona de laboribus suis? et hoc de manu Dei est.
Original
Hebrew
English
Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God.
Notes
this is from the hand of God: Do not overlook God's gifts, like enjoying food and work. Without God, these would not exist. We can be thankful and content.
Even though life under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:3) is like a vapor (2:23, futile), we should enjoy God's gifts of food, work, and wisdom.
The Teacher examines how wisdom, work, and pleasure relate to each other.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Topics
Blessing: Temporal, from God Boredom Contentment: General Scriptures Concerning Enjoying Life Enjoyment Fun God: Providence of Happiness of the Righteous Having Fun Jobs Sensuality: General Scriptures Concerning Wisdom: Worldly