New International VersionAll their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger.
New Living TranslationThroughout their lives, they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged, and angry.
English Standard VersionMoreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.
Berean Standard BibleMoreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.
King James BibleAll his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
New King James VersionAll his days he also eats in darkness, And he has much sorrow and sickness and anger.
New American Standard BibleAll his life he also eats in darkness with great irritation, sickness, and anger.
NASB 1995Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger.
NASB 1977Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger.
Legacy Standard BibleAlso, all his days he eats in darkness with much vexation, and his sickness and anger.
Amplified BibleAll of his life he also eats in darkness [cheerlessly, without sweetness and light], with great frustration, sickness, and anger.
Christian Standard BibleWhat is more, he eats in darkness all his days, with much frustration, sickness, and anger.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhat is more, he eats in darkness all his days, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.
American Standard VersionAll his days also he eateth in darkness, and he is sore vexed, and hath sickness and wrath.
Contemporary English VersionBesides all this, they are always gloomy at mealtime, and they are troubled, sick, and bitter.
English Revised VersionAll his days also he eateth in darkness, and he is sore vexed and hath sickness and wrath.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey spend their entire lives in darkness, in constant frustration, sickness, and resentment.
Good News TranslationWe get to live our lives in darkness and grief, worried, angry, and sick.
International Standard VersionFurthermore, all his days he lives in darkness with great sorrow, anger, and affliction.
NET BibleSurely, he ate in darkness every day of his life, and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger.
New Heart English BibleAll his days are in darkness and mourning, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.
Webster's Bible TranslationAll his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMoreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.
World English BibleAll his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe also consumes all his days in darkness, and sadness, and wrath, and sickness abound.
Young's Literal Translation Also all his days in darkness he consumeth, and sadness, and wrath, and sickness abound.
Smith's Literal TranslationAlso all his days in darkness shall he eat, and much vexation and his sickness and his anger. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAll the days of his life he eateth in darkness, and in many cares, and in misery, and sorrow.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAll the days of his life he consumes: in darkness, and with many worries, and in distress as well as sadness.
New American Bible
All their days they eat in gloom with great vexation, sickness and resentment.
New Revised Standard Version
Besides, all their days they eat in darkness, in much vexation and sickness and resentment.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
All his days also he eats in darkness, in much anger and wrath, in mourning and in sickness.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And also because he consumes his days in darkness and in much anger and in rage and in mourning and in disease and in rageOT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much vexation and sickness and wrath.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
Yea, all his days are in darkness, and in mourning, and much sorrow, and infirmity, and wrath.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Futility of Wealth… 16This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? 17Moreover,allhis dayshe eatsin darkness,with muchsorrow,sickness,and anger.18Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot.…
Cross References Job 21:25Yet another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, having never tasted prosperity.
Proverbs 14:13Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.
Psalm 39:6Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.
Psalm 90:9-10For all our days decline in Your fury; we finish our years with a sigh. / The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Isaiah 65:14My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit.
Job 15:20A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless.
Psalm 73:19How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
Isaiah 57:21“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
Job 3:20-22Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul, / who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure, / who rejoice and greatly exult when they reach the grave?
Psalm 102:3-4For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. / My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread.
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:19-20Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’
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 Timothy 6:9-10Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
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.
Treasury of Scripture All his days also he eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and wrath with his sickness. he eateth Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursedis the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eatof it all the days of thy life; 1 Kings 17:12 And she said,As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, Iam gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. Job 21:25 And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. much 2 Kings 1:2,6 And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber thatwas in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease… 2 Kings 5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leperas white as snow. 2 Chronicles 16:10-12 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; forhe was in a rage with him because of thisthing. And Asa oppressedsome of the people the same time… Jump to Previous AboundAfflictionAngerConsumethDarkDarknessDiseaseEatethEatsFrustratedFrustrationGreatGriefIrritationLifePainResentmentSadnessSicknessSoreSorrowSpentThroughoutTroubleVexationVexedWrathJump to Next AboundAfflictionAngerConsumethDarkDarknessDiseaseEatethEatsFrustratedFrustrationGreatGriefIrritationLifePainResentmentSadnessSicknessSoreSorrowSpentThroughoutTroubleVexationVexedWrathEcclesiastes 5 1.vanities in divine service8.in murmuring against oppression9.and in riches18.Joy in riches is the gift of God.Moreover, all his daysThis phrase emphasizes the continuous and unrelenting nature of the experience described. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it reflects the ongoing struggle and toil of human life under the sun. The phrase "all his days" suggests a lifetime of experience, echoing the theme of life's fleeting and often burdensome nature as seen throughout the book. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of human life being marked by labor and toil since the fall in Genesis 3:17-19. he eats in darkness
Eating in darkness symbolizes a life devoid of joy and understanding. In biblical times, darkness often represented ignorance, evil, or despair (John 3:19-20). The act of eating, a basic necessity, done in darkness suggests a lack of fulfillment and enlightenment. This can be contrasted with the imagery of light in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), offering hope and clarity. with much sorrow
Sorrow here indicates deep emotional pain and dissatisfaction. The Hebrew word used can also imply grief or vexation. This reflects the Preacher's observation of life's vanity and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. The theme of sorrow is prevalent in Ecclesiastes, as the pursuit of worldly pleasures and achievements often leads to disappointment (Ecclesiastes 1:14). sickness
Sickness can be understood both physically and metaphorically. It may refer to the physical ailments that accompany a life of hard labor and stress, or it could symbolize spiritual and emotional malaise. In the ancient Near East, sickness was often seen as a consequence of sin or divine displeasure, though the book of Job challenges this simplistic view. The presence of sickness underscores the frailty and imperfection of human existence. and anger
Anger here may refer to frustration with life's injustices and the seeming futility of human efforts. It reflects the emotional response to the perceived inequities and unpredictability of life. This anger can be seen as a natural reaction to the vanity and fleeting nature of worldly pursuits, as discussed throughout Ecclesiastes. The Bible elsewhere advises against letting anger lead to sin (Ephesians 4:26), suggesting a need for divine perspective and patience. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is often seen as a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment. 2. IsraelThe nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the vanity of life and the pursuit of meaning. Teaching Points The Futility of Labor Without GodEcclesiastes 5:17 highlights the emptiness and sorrow that accompany a life focused solely on material gain. The Hebrew word for "darkness" (choshekh) suggests a life devoid of divine light and purpose. The Consequences of DiscontentThe verse describes a life filled with "vexation, sickness, and anger." This serves as a warning against allowing dissatisfaction to dominate our lives, leading to spiritual and emotional turmoil. The Importance of Spiritual PrioritiesAligning our lives with God's will and finding contentment in Him can transform our perspective on work and possessions, leading to true joy and peace. The Call to Reflect on Life's PurposeThis passage encourages believers to examine their lives and priorities, ensuring that their pursuits align with eternal values rather than temporary gains. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5
What defines spiritual sickness?
What does 'outer darkness' mean in the Bible?
In Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, how does the encouragement to enjoy life reconcile with passages elsewhere that emphasize self-denial or suffering?
Does 1 John 5:4's claim that 'everyone born of God overcomes the world' contradict observable reality of suffering among believers?(17) We pass without notice some variations of translation in this verse, which do not materially affect the sense. Verse 17. - The misery that accompanies the rich man's whole life is summed up here, where one has to think chiefly of his distress after his loss of fortune. All his days also he eateth in darkness; i. e. passes his life in gloom and cheerlessness. כָּל־יָמָיו, "all his days," is the accusative of time, not the object of the verb. To eat in darkness is not a common metaphor for spending a gloomy life, but it is a very natural one, and has analogies in this book ( e.g., Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:13, etc.), and in such phrases as to "sit in darkness" ( Micah 7:8), and to " walk in darkness" ( Isaiah 1:10). The Septuagint, reading differently, translates, Καί γε πᾶσαιαἱ ἡμέραι αὐτοῦ ἐν σκότει ἐν πένθει, "Yea, and all his days are in darkness and in mourning." But the other versions reject this alteration, and few modern commentators adopt it. And he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness; literally, and much vexation, and sickness, and wrath; Revised Version, he is sore vexed, and hath sickness and wrath. Delitzsch takes the last words as an exclamation, "And oh for his sorrow and hatred!" The man experiences all kinds of vexation when his plans fail or involve him in trouble and privation; or he is morbid and diseased in mind and body; or he is angry and envious when others succeed better than himself. The sentiment is expressed by St. Paul ( 1 Timothy 6:9), "They that desire ( βουλόμενοι) to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men ( βυθίουσι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους) in destruction and perdition." "For," he proceeds, "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through ( ἑαυτοὺς περιέπειραν) with many sorrows." The Septuagint continues its version, "And in much passion ( θυμῷ) and in infirmity and wrath." The anger may be directed against himself, as he thinks of his folly in taking all this trouble for nothing.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Moreover,גַּ֥ם(gam)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhis daysיָמָ֖יו(yā·māw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayhe eatsיֹאכֵ֑ל(yō·ḵêl)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eatin darkness,בַּחֹ֣שֶׁךְ(ba·ḥō·šeḵ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2822:The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickednesswith muchהַרְבֵּ֖ה(har·bêh)Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatsorrow,וְכָעַ֥ס(wə·ḵā·‘as)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3708:Vexation, angersickness,וְחָלְי֥וֹ(wə·ḥā·lə·yōw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2483:Malady, anxiety, calamityand anger.וָקָֽצֶף׃(wā·qā·ṣep̄)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7110:A splinter, rage, strife
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:17 All his days he also eats (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
