1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

2 Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

3 What profit has a man of all his labor which he takes under the sun?

4 One generation passes away, and another generation comes: but the earth stays for ever.

5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to his place where he arose.

6 The wind goes toward the south, and turns about to the north; it whirls about continually, and the wind returns again according to his circuits.

7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; to the place from where the rivers come, thither they return again.

8 All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

9 The thing that has been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it has been already of old time, which was before us.

11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

12 I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail has God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

16 I communed with my own heart, saying, See, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yes, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increases knowledge increases sorrow.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 1:1-2 1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

1:1 the Preacher There is no Definite Article here, although it does appear in Eccl. 7:27; 12:8. This is a function more than a title. The best translation would be professor or teacher (BDB 875). See Introduction, Name of the Book, C and Authorship, F.

▣ the son of David This verse and verse 12 imply that this is speaking of Solomon, but other references throughout the book do not fit Solomon. I believe that an unknown wisdom teacher(s) used Solomon's wisdom, wealth, power, and position as a literary foil to critique life. See Introduction, Authorship, C.

1:2 vanity of vanities This is a Hebrew superlative (cf. Eccl. 1:2 and 12:8). The word means vapor, breath, or mist (BDB 210 I, cf. James 4:14). Its emphasis is either (1) nothingness or (2) the transitoriness of human life. The context supports the latter (cf. H. C. Leupold, Exposition of Ecclesiastes, p. 41).

This is a key term and recurrent phrase in this book (cf. Eccl. 1:2, 14; 2:1, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26; 3:19; 4:4, 7, 8, 16; 5:7, 10; 6:2, 4, 9, 11, 12; 7:6, 15; 8:10, 14; 9:9; 11:8, 10; 12:8). The term is used sparingly in other wisdom books; Job, 5 times; Psalms, 9 times; and Proverbs, 3 times.

For different theories about how it views the strong statements in this book, see Introduction, Authorship, H. I prefer option #1. This theological presupposition will be the grid through which I interpret the book.

▣ all is vanity Notice the root, vanity (BDB 210 I), is used five times in this one verse! The Handbook on Ecclesiastes by UBS, says the term should be understood as

1. incomprehensible

2. enigmatic

3. mysterious

4. impossible to understand

Therefore, it communicates the reality that life is full of unanswerable questions (p. 4). The person knowledgeable in wisdom will know this, but will continue to trust God and keep His commandments.

This refers to the uncertain and unpredictable activities of life. These are a result of fallen humanity trying to live life in his own strength, independent from God. This is the condition left by the Fall (cf. Genesis 3)!

The Hebrew term all (BDB 481), often translated everything, is a common word, but is used unusually often in Ecclesiastes (cf. Eccl. 9 times in chapter 1; 17 times in chapter 2; 13 times in chapter 3, etc.). Qoheleth uses this inclusive language to express his theological emphasis on

1. God's control and sovereignty

2. human ineffectiveness and transitoriness

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 1:3-11 3What advantage does man have in all his work Which he does under the sun? 4A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever. 5Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; And hastening to its place it rises there again. 6Blowing toward the south, Then turning toward the north, The wind continues swirling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns. 7All the rivers flow into the sea, Yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, There they flow again. 8All things are wearisome; Man is not able to tell it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor is the ear filled with hearing. 9That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. 10Is there anything of which one might say, See this, it is new ? Already it has existed for ages Which were before us. 11There is no remembrance of earlier things; And also of the later things which will occur, There will be for them no remembrance Among those who will come later still.

1:3 what advantage does man have in all his works All human work and all other things are meaningless if there is no God (atheistic humanism). We are the chance result of physical forces. There is no purpose, no meaning, no afterlife, no god, just the physical universe (atheistic naturalism).

NASB advantage NKJV, NJB profit NRSV gain TEV what do you have to show for it

This root (BDB 451-452) has several meanings:

1. I - reminder, excess, pre-eminence

2. II - cord, rope, bowstring

3. III - abundance

The form here is found only in Ecclesiastes (cf. Eccl. 1:3; 2:11, 13[twice]; 3:9; 5:8, 15; 7:12; 10:11, 11; another form of the term is a substantive from the Qal PARTICIPLE, cf. Eccl. 6:11; 7:11, 16; 12:9, 12). It is obviously a key term because it describes the goal of mankind's search! The Handbook on Ecclesiastes by UBS, suggests it refers to eternity or the afterlife, possibly a lasting benefit (pp. 5-6).

The word toil (BDB 765), used twice, has several connotations. The root can mean

1. trouble, sorrow

2. trouble, mischief

3. toil, labor

In this context #3 fits best, but one feels the presence of the other connotations in the root (there are several verses where the root is used twice ( Eccl. 1:3; 2:10, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22; 4:8; 5:18; 9:9).

1:3, 9, 13, 14 under the sun This is the key phrase (Preposition, DBD 1065; Definite Article and Noun, DBD 1039) in interpreting the entire book. It is used twenty-five times. It reflects mankind's efforts without God. Qoheleth examines physical life (by observation, i.e. natural revelation) and comes to the conclusion that it is vanity (cf. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, p. 228).

1:4ff This begins a poetic stanza:

1. NASB - vv. 3-11

2. NKJV - vv. 3-11

3. NRSV - vv. 1-11

4. TEV - prose

5. NJB - prose

6. JPSOA - vv. 2-9

7. NIV - vv. 3-11

8. REB - prose

It is obvious that the genre and structure are not easy to identify and outline.

1:4 The phrase remains forever is used in a relative sense (cf. Exod. 21:6).

This verse is expressing the fleetingness of conscious life (cf. Job 14:2; Ps. 90:5-6; 103:15-16; Isa. 40:6-7) versus the stability of the spiritual creation (as an aspect of YHWH's permanence, cf. Ps. 104:5; 119:90).

SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('OLAM)

1:5 Psalm 19:6 presents this same truth in great poetic majesty, but here the sun's daily task is seen as vain, meaningless, wearisome repetition.

▣ hastening This can mean panting (BDB 983 I, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE), as in weariness or desire (i.e., Ps. 119:131). This is the first in a series of eleven Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLES reflecting nature (cf. Eccl. 1:5-7).

1:6 The Septuagint and Vulgate relate the first part of this verse to the sun, but in context it refers to the wind (a word play with vanity ) as another meaningless activity (as is the flowing of rivers to the sea).

1:8 All things are wearisome Physical creation is in a repetitive, mysterious routine (i.e., Eccl. 1:9):

1. human life, Eccl. 1:4

2. heavenly bodies, Eccl. 1:5

3. wind, Eccl. 1:6

4. rivers, Eccl. 1:7

This premise is the author's first and primary presupposition about earthly existence (i.e., there is nothing new or significant in an endless cycle of physical creation ). The principle is begun in Eccl. 1:8a and followed by three explanatory phrases:

1. man cannot tell it

2. eye is not satisfied in seeing it

3. ear is not filled with hearing it

These describe the generations that come and go (cf. Eccl. 1:4a). They all experience

1. the cycles in nature

2. frustrations at the mysteries of fallen existence

3. seeking answers but not finding them (another cycle)

NASB man is not able to tell it NKJV man cannot express it NRSV more than one can express TEV a weariness too great for words REB no one can describe them all LXX a man will not be able to speak of them

The author's list of meaningless repetition in nature could be multiplied endlessly. The implication is not only fallen human's inability to state clearly the meaninglessness and hopelessness brought about by the cycles of nature, but also the sense of purposelessness it brings to human existence!

Humans cannot tell because they do not know (apart from divine revelation).

1:9 That which has been is that which will be This refers to meaningless repetition with no apparent purpose or attainable goal (this is sarcasm of humanity without God. Compare Isa. 55:6-13!). This describes humanistic atheism and, for that matter, eastern religious philosophy (i.e., wheel of karma).

▣ there is nothing new under the sun This repeated theme is the key to interpreting the book. The author is showing the meaninglessness and hopelessness of life without God; without purpose; without eternity! The readers are forced to contemplate human existence, earthly life, if there is no God!

This is where the modern issue over origins takes on its sharpest focus. Is the universe, in all its size, power, and violence all there was, all there is, and all there will be? Is human life an accident, a passing purposeless evolution of constant change? Is change the only absolute? This is the ultimate question of human worth, dignity, and divine image!

1:10 See this, it is new See (BDB 906, KB 1157, Qal IMPERATIVE) is from a supposed objector. He is answered by his faulty remembrance of history (cf. Eccl. 1:10- 11). The only constant is the empty repetition (both physical and existential).

1:11

NASB earlier things NKJV former things NRSV people of long ago TEV what happened in the past NJB of the past

This MASCULINE PLURAL ADJECTIVE (BDB 911) refers to people, Lev. 26:45; Deut. 19; Ps. 79:8, while the FEMININE PLURAL refers to events, Isa. 41:22; 42:9; 43:9; 46:9; 48:3; and possibly Isa. 61:4. Therefore, the NRSV has the better translation.

This verse is characterized well by Robert Gordis, Koheleth, the Man and His World, a Study of Ecclesiastes, p. 208, as This verse gives the reason for Eccl. 1:10. Things appear new only because the past is forgotten (Levy) - an additional element in the vanity of human existence; not only can nothing be accomplished, but the memory of the effort is wiped out (Hertz).

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 1:12-15 12I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous task which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. 14I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind. 15What is crooked cannot be straightened and what is lacking cannot be counted.

1:12 the preacher See note at Eccl. 1:1.

▣ have been king This is the first of several reasons why Solomon was not the author, but a literary foil (see Introduction, IV. Authorship, C).

The VERB was (BDB 224, KB 243, Qal PERFECT) is used often in the previous paragraph ( Eccl. 1:9 [twice], Eccl. 1:10 [six times]). Time implications in Hebrew VERBS must be determined from the context. The PERFECT TENSE implies a past condition, not a current one. Was there ever a time when Solomon was not king after once becoming king? The rabbis felt this problem and surmised that Solomon experienced a judgment similar to Nebuchadnezzar (cf. Daniel 4) and was removed from active leadership over Israel for a period of time (Targum on Eccl. 1:12; J. Sanhedrin 20c). This is just supposition and imagination trying to explain away the grammatical features of this text.

1:13 mind This is literally heart.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HEART

▣ seek This word means seek with application (BDB 205, KB 233, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT, cf. Ps. 111:2; 119:45).

▣ explore This word means to investigate or to go to the root of a matter (BDB 1064, KB 1707, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT, cf. Eccl. 7:25). It was used often of exploring the land of Canaan (cf. Numbers 13).

▣ wisdom There are two words used in Wisdom Literature related to knowing. A good example is Prov. 1:7:

1. knowledge (BDB 395)

2. wisdom (BDB 315)

They form a complementary pair. One focuses on practical living and the other on academic knowledge. They are both needed to live life well. They should not be contrasted, but sought (cf. Job 28:28; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10; 15:33).

▣ concerning all that has been done under heaven See note at Eccl. 1:3. This is a key concept, crucial for a proper interpretation of the book. It is parallel to the phrase under the sun.

▣ God This is the Hebrew name Elohim. This is the only name used for deity in the book.

SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY

NASB It is a grievous task NKJV this grievous task NRSV it is an unhappy business TEV a miserable fate NJB what a wearisome task LXX an evil trouble

The word task (BDB 775) is used several times in the book (cf. Eccl. 2:26; 3:10; 5:3; 8:16). God has given humans, made in His image (i.e., Gen. 1:26-27), a desire to know and understand their place and purpose in creation, but sin has destroyed our ability to find the answer.

The ADJECTIVE (BDB 948) basically means evil or bad. It is used several times in the book (cf. Eccl. 1:13; 2:17; 4:3, 8; 5:1, 14; 6:2; 8:3, 5, 9, 11, 12; 9:2, 3[twice], 12; 10:13; 12:14) to describe life!

God has given humans who are made in His image an insatiable desire to know, to understand, but it cannot be satisfied in this fallen world. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was a disaster, not a blessing! We know evil and ignorance, but not God or ultimate questions. Life is a mystery!

1:14 under the sun See note at Eccl. 1:3. Notice the number of times this phrase or a parallel phrase is used (cf. Eccl. 1:3, 9, 13, 14; 2:11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22; 3:16; 4:1, 3, 7, 15; 5:13, 18; 6:1, 5, 12; 7:11; 8:15[twice], 17; 9:3, 9[twice], 11, 13; 10:5). This is the key theological phrase to understanding the book!

▣ all is vanity and striving after wind This is another repeated phrase (and parallel) which characterizes this book (cf. Eccl. 1:2, 14; 2:1, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26; 3:19; 4:4, 6, 8, 16; 5:7, 16; 6:2, 4, 9, 11; 7:6, 15; 8:10, 14[twice]; 9:9; 11:8, 10; 12:8). See word study at Eccl. 1:17. It characterizes human's search for meaning, happiness, and purpose without God. Life without God in a fallen world is frustrating and empty! Life with God in a fallen world is mysterious and unexplainable! Our hope is in the unseen God of revelation (Scripture). He has revealed Himself, but we still live in a fallen world and reap its chaos and evil!

1:15 crooked. . .straightened Crooked (BDB 736) and straight (BDB 1075, KB 1784, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) are often used in moral senses. They form the basis for the Hebrew concepts of righteousness and sin. This may be an oft quoted proverb (cf. NIV).

Not only can fallen mankind (even covenant humanity) not know or find, but they cannot fix. Life is a mystery and it cannot be understood or changed by those walking through it. In historical context, this may be a slap at divination or simply a realistic statement of mankind's inability to correct the human condition (but God can, cf. Eccl. 7:13; Job 12:14; Isa. 14:27). Wisdom knows some things cannot be changed and goes on with life, but it also knows some things can be changed by godly living, godly choices. The problem is knowing which is which!

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 1:16-18 16I said to myself, Behold, I have magnified and increased wisdom more than all who were over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. 17And I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I realized that this also is striving after wind. 18Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.

1:16 I said to myself This statement reflects the ego problem in the human search for wisdom and happiness. The essence of the Fall (i.e. Gen. 3) was self-centered independence from God. This characterizes our fallen world. A life turned inward toward me, mine can never find God's wisdom and God's peace (even a Davidic king)!

1:16; 2:7, 12 more than all who were over Jerusalem This is another example of how Solomon will not historically fit as author. Only David preceded him. See Introduction, Authorship, C.

1:17

NASB, NRSV I applied my mind NKJV I set my heart TEV I was determined NJB I have applied myself

This theme of sincere, dedicated, aggressive human effort (cf. Eccl. 1:13, 17; 8:9, 16) is not enough to find wisdom or purpose in an ever-changing, yet always the same, physical creation.

▣ to know This VERB (BDB 393, KB 390) is used three times in this context (two are Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCTS and one is a Qal PERFECT VERB).

SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW (using mostly Deuteronomy as a paradigm)

▣ wisdom. . .madness and folly These contrasting pairs:

1. wisdom - BDB 315

2. madness- BDB 239 (cf. Eccl. 9:3)

3. folly - BDB 698

show the futility of mankind's search for ultimate answers about the mysteries of human existence (cf. Eccl. 2:12). Biblical faith is not a human search, but a divine revelation. God wants His special creatures to know Him, but without faith and revelation, it is impossible (i.e., striving after the wind )!

NASB striving after the wind NKJV grasping for the wind NRSV, NJB chasing after wind TEV chasing the wind

This construct (BDB 946 [KB 1265 II] and 924) can mean:

1. search for pleasure

2. pasturing (i.e., controlling, cf. A Handbook on Ecclesiastes, p. 4), which is an impossible task

From Eccl. 1:14 it is obvious that vanity (BDB 210 I) and wind (BDB 924) are synonymous/parallel.

1:18 in much wisdom there is much grief This, like Eccl. 1:15, may be a well known proverb from the sages. The search for meaning and happiness cannot be accomplished without God (cf. Eccl. 2:23; 12:12; 1 Cor. 13:2). As a matter of fact, it becomes maddening!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Who is the author?

2. What was his purpose in writing this book?

3. Is he a pessimist or cynic?

4. What is the key phrase in interpreting this book? Why?