New International VersionI have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
New Living TranslationI observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.
English Standard VersionI have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Berean Standard BibleI have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.
King James BibleI have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
New King James VersionI have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.
New American Standard BibleI have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is futility and striving after wind.
NASB 1995I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.
NASB 1977I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.
Legacy Standard BibleI have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.
Amplified BibleI have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity, a futile grasping and chasing after the wind.
Christian Standard BibleI have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.
Holman Christian Standard BibleI have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.
American Standard VersionI have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Contemporary English VersionI have seen it all, and everything is just as senseless as chasing the wind.
English Revised VersionI have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI have seen everything that is done under the sun. Look at it! It's all pointless. [It's like] trying to catch the wind.
Good News TranslationI have seen everything done in this world, and I tell you, it is all useless. It is like chasing the wind.
International Standard VersionI observed every activity done on earth. My conclusion: all of it is pointless—like chasing after the wind.
NET BibleI reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile--like chasing the wind!
New Heart English BibleI have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and look, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Webster's Bible TranslationI have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.
World English BibleI have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI have seen all the works that have been done under the sun, and behold, the whole [is] vanity and distress of spirit!
Young's Literal Translation I have seen all the works that have been done under the sun, and lo, the whole is vanity and vexation of spirit!
Smith's Literal TranslationI saw all the works they did under the sun; and behold, all vanity and striving of the spirit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold all is vanity, and vexation of spirit.
Catholic Public Domain VersionI have seen all that is done under the sun, and behold: all is emptiness and an affliction of the spirit.
New American BibleI have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a chase after wind.
New Revised Standard VersionI saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedI have seen all the work that is done under the sun, and behold, everything is futility and agitation of spirit OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationI beheld all the works that were wrought under the sun; and, beheld, all were vanity and waywardness of spirit.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context With Wisdom Comes Sorrow… 13And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them! 14I have seenallthe thingsthat are doneunderthe sun,and have found themallto be futile,a pursuitof the wind.15What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.…
Cross References Ecclesiastes 2:11Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 4:4I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Ecclesiastes 6:9Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:17So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:26To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:16There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
Ecclesiastes 5:10He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 7:6For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 8:10Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 9:9Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.
Romans 8:20For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope
1 John 2:16-17For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
James 4:14You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
1 Corinthians 3:19-20For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
Philippians 3:8More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Treasury of Scripture I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 1:17,18 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit… Ecclesiastes 2:11,17,26 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, allwas vanity and vexation of spirit, andthere was no profit under the sun… 1 Kings 4:30-32 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt… Jump to Previous ChasingDesireMeaninglessPurposePursuitSpiritStrivingSunVanityVexationWholeWindWorksJump to Next ChasingDesireMeaninglessPurposePursuitSpiritStrivingSunVanityVexationWholeWindWorksEcclesiastes 1 1.the preacher shows that all human courses are vain4.because the creatures are restless in their courses9.they bring forth nothing new, and all old things are forgotten12.and because he has found it so in the studies of wisdomI have seen all the things that are done under the sunThis phrase reflects the comprehensive observation of human activity by the author, traditionally understood to be Solomon. The phrase "under the sun" is a key theme in Ecclesiastes, indicating life from a purely earthly perspective, without considering the divine or eternal. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, had the means to explore all aspects of life, from pleasure to work, and his experiences lend authority to his observations. The phrase suggests a thorough examination of human endeavors, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding when disconnected from God. and have found them all to be futile
The term "futile" is often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless" in other versions, capturing the Hebrew word "hevel," which implies something transient or elusive, like vapor. This reflects the temporary and unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits when they are ends in themselves. The futility of human efforts is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom and achievement. This perspective aligns with the biblical teaching that true meaning and fulfillment are found in God alone, as seen in passages likePsalm 39:5-6 andJames 4:14, which also speak to the fleeting nature of life. a pursuit of the wind
This metaphor illustrates the impossibility and frustration of trying to grasp or control something as intangible as the wind. It underscores the idea that human efforts, when focused solely on earthly matters, are ultimately unproductive and unsatisfying. The imagery of chasing the wind conveys a sense of futility and endless striving without achieving lasting results. This concept is echoed in other biblical texts, such asIsaiah 41:29 andHosea 12:1, where the pursuit of idols or false hopes is likened to chasing the wind. The phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the need for a divine perspective to find true purpose and fulfillment. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. JerusalemThe central place of worship and governance during Solomon's reign, representing the height of Israel's power and prosperity. 3. Under the SunA phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth from a human perspective, emphasizing the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits. Teaching Points The Futility of Earthly PursuitsSolomon's observation that "all is vanity" challenges us to evaluate our priorities and the ultimate purpose of our endeavors. Are we investing in things that have eternal significance? The Search for MeaningThe phrase "chasing after the wind" suggests the elusive nature of fulfillment through worldly achievements. True satisfaction is found in a relationship with God, not in material success. Perspective on Life's WorkUnderstanding that our labor "under the sun" is temporary can free us from the pressure to find ultimate meaning in our careers or accomplishments. Instead, we can focus on serving God and others. Wisdom in ContentmentEcclesiastes encourages us to find contentment in the simple pleasures of life, recognizing them as gifts from God rather than ultimate goals. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 1
What does "chasing the wind" mean?
What does the Bible mention about boredom?
What gain is there in chasing after the wind?
What does 'chasing the wind' mean?(14) Vexation.--The word occurs only in this book ( Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 2:17; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Ecclesiastes 4:6; Ecclesiastes 6:9). The A. V. translation, "vexation of spirit," is difficult to justify. Very nearly the same phrase occurs in Hosea 12:1, and is there translated "feeding on wind," for in Hebrew, as in some other languages, the name for "spirit" primarily denotes breath or wind. Accordingly many interpreters understand the phrase of the text "feeding on wind" (see Isaiah 44:20). The same root, however, which means to "feast on a thing," has the secondary meaning to "delight in a thing," and so the corresponding noun in Chaldee comes to mean "pleasure" or "will." (Comp. Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:18.) Accordingly the LXX. and many modern interpreters understand the phrase of the text "effort after wind." . . . Verse 14. - Here is the result of this examination of human actions. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun. In his varied experience nothing had escaped his notice. And behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit; reuth ruach; afflictio spiritus (Vulgate); προαίρεσις πνεύματος, "choice of spirit," or, "wind" (Septuagint); νομὴ ἀνέμου (Aquila and Theodotion); βοσκήσις ἀνέμου, "feeding on wind" (Symmachus). This last translation, or "striving after wind," seems to be most agreeable to the etymology of the word רְעוּת, which, except in this book ( Ecclesiastes 2:11, 17, 26, etc.), occurs elsewhere only in the Chaldee portion of Ezra ( Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:18). Whichever sense is taken, the import is much the same. What is implied is the unsubstantial and unsatisfying nature of human labors and endeavors. Many compare Hosea 12:2, "Ephraim feedeth on wind," and Isaiah 44:20, "He feedeth on ashes." In contrast, perhaps, to this constantly recurring complaint, the author of the Book of Wisdom teaches that murmuring is unprofitable and blasphemous (Wisd. 1:11). Bailey, in 'Festus,' sings - "Of all life's aims, what's worth the thought we waste on't?
How mean, how miserable, seems every care!
How doubtful, too, the system of the mind!
And then the ceaseless, changeless, hopeless round
Of weariness, and heartlessness, and woe,
And vice, and vanity! Yet these make life -
The life, at least, I witness, if not feel
No matter, we are immortal."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew I have seenרָאִ֙יתִי֙(rā·’î·ṯî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200:To seeallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe thingsהַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֔ים(ham·ma·‘ă·śîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4639:An action, a transaction, activity, a product, propertythat are doneשֶֽׁנַּעֲשׂ֖וּ(šen·na·‘ă·śū)Pronoun - relative | Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makeunderתַּ֣חַת(ta·ḥaṯ)Preposition
Strong's 8478:The bottom, below, in lieu ofthe sun,הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ(haš·šā·meš)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121:The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlementand have foundוְהִנֵּ֥ה(wə·hin·nêh)Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!them allהַכֹּ֛ל(hak·kōl)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyto be futile,הֶ֖בֶל(he·ḇel)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1892:Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactorya pursuitוּרְע֥וּת(ū·rə·‘ūṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7469:A feeding upon, grasping afterof the wind.רֽוּחַ׃(rū·aḥ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307:Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit
Links Ecclesiastes 1:14 NIVEcclesiastes 1:14 NLTEcclesiastes 1:14 ESVEcclesiastes 1:14 NASBEcclesiastes 1:14 KJV
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
