New International VersionThis is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.
New Living TranslationEven so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.
English Standard VersionBehold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot.
Berean Standard BibleHere 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.
King James BibleBehold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
New King James VersionHere is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.
New American Standard BibleHere is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink, and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he labors under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.
NASB 1995Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.
NASB 1977Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.
Legacy Standard BibleHere is what I have seen to be good, which is beautiful: to eat, to drink, and to see good in all one’s labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.
Amplified BibleBehold, here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God gives him—for this is his [allotted] reward.
Christian Standard BibleHere is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHere is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward.
American Standard VersionBehold, that which I have seen to be good and to be comely is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, wherein he laboreth under the sun, all the days of his life which God hath given him: for this is his portion.
Contemporary English VersionWhat is the best thing to do in the short life God has given us? I think we should enjoy eating, drinking, and working hard. This is what God intends for us to do.
English Revised VersionBehold, that which I have seen to be good and to be comely is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labour, wherein he laboureth under the sun, all the days of his life which God hath given him: for this is his portion.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAt last I have seen what is good and beautiful: It is to eat and drink and to enjoy the good in all our hard work under the sun during the brief lives God gives us. That is our lot [in life].
Good News TranslationHere is what I have found out: the best thing we can do is eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for during the short life that God has given us; this is our fate.
International Standard VersionLook! I observed that it is good and prudent to eat, drink, and enjoy all that is good of a person's work that he does on earth during the limited days of his life, which God gives him, for this is his allotment.
NET BibleI have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth during the few days of their life which God has given them, for this is their reward.
New Heart English BibleLook, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.
Webster's Bible TranslationBehold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHere 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.
World English BibleBehold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBehold, that which I have seen: [It is] good, because beautiful, to eat, and to drink, and to see good in all one’s labor that he labors at under the sun, the number of the days of his life that God has given to him, for it [is] his portion.
Young's Literal Translation Lo, that which I have seen: It is good, because beautiful, to eat, and to drink, and to see good in all one's labour that he laboureth at under the sun, the number of the days of his life that God hath given to him, for it is his portion.
Smith's Literal TranslationBehold, what I saw: good, which is beautiful to eat and to drink, and to see good in all his labor that he will labor under the sun the number of the days of his life, which God gave to him; for this his portion. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThis therefore hath seemed good to me, that a man should eat and drink, and enjoy the fruit of his labour, wherewith he hath laboured under the sun, all the days of his life, which God hath given him: and this is his portion.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, this has seemed good to me: that a person should eat and drink, and should enjoy the fruits of his labor, in which he has toiled under the sun, for the number of the days of his life that God has given him. For this is his portion.
New American Bible
Here is what I see as good: It is appropriate to eat and drink and prosper from all the toil one toils at under the sun during the limited days of life God gives us; for this is our lot.
New Revised Standard Version
This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is our lot.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
This is what I, the Preacher, have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and drink and to enjoy the good of all his labor for which he toils under the sun all the days of his life, which the LORD has given him; for this is his portion.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
This thing I, the Preacher, have seen: it is good and beautiful to eat and to drink and to see good in all his labor that he labored under the sun, the numbers of the days of his life, the days LORD JEHOVAH gives to him, for that is his portionOT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Behold that which I have seen: it is good, yea, it is comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy pleasure for all his labour, wherein he laboureth under the sun, all the days of his life which God hath given him; for this is his portion.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold, I have seen good, that it is a fine thingfor a man to eat and to drink, and to see good in all his labour in which he may labour under the sun,all the number of the days of his life which God has given to him: for it is his portion.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Futility of Wealth… 17Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger. 18Hereis whatIhave seento be goodand fitting:to eatand drink,and to findsatisfactionin allthe laborone doesunderthe sunduring the fewdaysof lifethatGodhas givenhim—forthisis his lot.19Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.…
Cross References 1 Timothy 6:17Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
James 1:17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
Psalm 128:2For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Proverbs 15:16-17Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil. / Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25Nothing 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. / For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment?
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, / and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 9:7-9Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: / Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. / Enjoy 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.
1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
Philippians 4:11-12I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.
Matthew 6:31-33Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ / For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. / But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
Luke 12:15And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
1 Timothy 4:4-5For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Genesis 1:29-31Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. / And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. / And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
Deuteronomy 8:10When you eat and are satisfied, you are to bless the LORD your God for the good land that He has given you.
Psalm 104:14-15He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: / wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.
Treasury of Scripture Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he takes under the sun all the days of his life, which God gives him: for it is his portion. it is good and comely Ecclesiastes 2:24There is nothing better for a man,than that he should eat and drink, andthat he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that itwas from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12,13,22 I know thatthere is no good in them, but fora man to rejoice, and to do good in his life… Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. the days Ecclesiastes 2:10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Ecclesiastes 3:22 Wherefore I perceive thatthere is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for thatis his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Jeremiah 52:34 Andfor his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life. Jump to Previous DrinkEatEnjoyFewFittingGoodLaborLabourOne'sOneselfPleasurePortionProperSunToilsWhereinJump to Next DrinkEatEnjoyFewFittingGoodLaborLabourOne'sOneselfPleasurePortionProperSunToilsWhereinEcclesiastes 5 1.vanities in divine service8.in murmuring against oppression9.and in riches18.Joy in riches is the gift of God.Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting:The author, traditionally believed to be Solomon, shares his observations on life. The phrase "good and fitting" suggests a sense of moral and aesthetic appropriateness. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this reflects a pursuit of wisdom and understanding of life's purpose. The Hebrew concept of "good" (טוֹב, tov) often implies alignment with God's will, suggesting that what is deemed good is also divinely approved. to eat and drink,
Eating and drinking are basic human activities, symbolizing sustenance and enjoyment. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, meals were communal and often associated with fellowship and celebration. This phrase emphasizes the importance of enjoying God's provisions. It echoes the sentiment found in1 Corinthians 10:31, where believers are encouraged to do everything for the glory of God, including eating and drinking. and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun
The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, representing life on earth from a human perspective. The pursuit of satisfaction in labor suggests a divine purpose in work, aligning with the creation mandate inGenesis 2:15, where Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to work it. This satisfaction is not merely in the results but in the process, reflecting a contentment that comes from fulfilling one's God-given role. during the few days of life that God has given him—
This acknowledges the brevity and transience of human life, a theme prevalent throughout Ecclesiastes. The "few days" highlight the temporal nature of earthly existence, reminiscent ofPsalm 90:10, which speaks of the shortness of life. The acknowledgment that life is given by God underscores His sovereignty and the grace inherent in each day. for this is his lot.
The term "lot" refers to one's portion or destiny, suggesting a divinely appointed path. This reflects the biblical understanding that God assigns each person their circumstances and responsibilities. It aligns with the idea inProverbs 16:33, where the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. This phrase encourages acceptance and contentment with one's God-given circumstances, trusting in His wisdom and provision. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. 2. Israel- The nation over which Solomon reigned, providing the cultural and historical context for Ecclesiastes. 3. Labor- Represents the work and toil of human life, a central theme in Ecclesiastes. 4. God- The sovereign Creator who gives life and assigns each person's lot. 5. Under the Sun- A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth, emphasizing the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits. Teaching Points Contentment in God's ProvisionRecognize that satisfaction in life is a gift from God. Embrace contentment in the simple pleasures of eating, drinking, and working. The Temporal Nature of LifeUnderstand the brevity of life "under the sun" and prioritize eternal values over temporary pursuits. The Role of LaborView work as a God-given opportunity to find fulfillment and purpose, rather than a burdensome task. Gratitude for Daily BlessingsCultivate a heart of gratitude for the daily blessings and provisions God grants, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lot. Balancing Enjoyment and ResponsibilityBalance the enjoyment of life's pleasures with the responsibility to live wisely and honor God in all endeavors. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:18?
2.How can we "find enjoyment" in our daily work as Ecclesiastes 5:18 suggests?
3.What does Ecclesiastes 5:18 teach about God's role in our earthly blessings?
4.How does Ecclesiastes 5:18 connect with 1 Timothy 6:17 on contentment?
5.In what ways can we apply Ecclesiastes 5:18 to our modern lives?
6.How does Ecclesiastes 5:18 encourage gratitude for God's provisions in our lives?
7.How does Ecclesiastes 5:18 align with the concept of divine providence and human effort?
8.What historical context influenced the message of Ecclesiastes 5:18?
9.How does Ecclesiastes 5:18 challenge the prosperity gospel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5?
11.What does 'Not Good for Man to Be Alone' mean?
12.What defines marriage in the Bible?
13.Why spend money on non-essential items?
14.What does the Bible say about pleasures and passions?What Does Ecclesiastes 5:18 Mean Here is what I have seen• Solomon—writing as an eyewitness—shares a conclusion formed after “looking with wisdom at all that is done under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 1:13). • His words carry the weight of personal observation, not abstract theory. “I have seen everything that is done under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:14) underscores the legitimacy of this testimony. • Scripture often validates truth through eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:2;2 Peter 1:16). Solomon’s “seeing” invites us to trust what follows as reliable insight.
to be good and fitting• “Good” speaks of what God pronounces beneficial, echoingGenesis 1 where God repeatedly calls creation “good.” • “Fitting” conveys suitability—actions aligned with God’s design, like the “fitting word” that is “like apples of gold” (Proverbs 25:11). • Together they affirm that what Solomon is about to name agrees with God’s moral order (Micah 6:8;Romans 12:2).
to eat and drink• Basic pleasures—food and drink—are portrayed as wholesome gifts. God “fills your hearts with joy and gladness” through these ordinary means (Acts 14:17). • Receiving daily bread gratefully reflects Jesus’ instruction in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:11). • Enjoying meals together strengthens fellowship (Acts 2:46) and mirrors Christ sharing table with His disciples (Luke 22:14–20).
and to find satisfaction• Satisfaction is more than momentary delight; it is settled contentment. Paul echoes this in “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). • True satisfaction flows from recognizing God as the Giver (Psalm 107:9) rather than from possessions themselves (Luke 12:15). • “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) parallels Solomon’s point.
in all the labor one does under the sun• Work is part of God’s original mandate (Genesis 2:15) and remains honorable after the fall (Colossians 3:23–24). • “Under the sun” reminds us that earthly toil is temporary and subject to frustration (Genesis 3:17–19), yet still meaningful when done unto the Lord. • Enjoying the fruit of labor anticipates the promise that “each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8).
during the few days of life that God has given him• Life’s brevity is emphasized: “You have made my days a few handbreadths” (Psalm 39:5). • Each day is a divine gift (James 4:14), calling for gratitude and wise stewardship (Ephesians 5:15–16). • The phrase keeps us humble, reminding us that time, like all things, belongs to God (Job 12:10).
for this is his lot• “Lot” points to God’s sovereign assignment, echoingPsalm 16:5: “You are my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.” • Accepting one’s lot yields peace; resisting it breeds frustration (Proverbs 19:3). • Trusting God’s allocation parallels Paul’s assurance: “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
summaryEcclesiastes 5:18 affirms that enjoying God’s everyday gifts—food, drink, satisfying work—within our brief, God-given lifespan is both good and fitting. Recognizing these blessings as our appointed “lot” frees us to live gratefully and contentedly, honoring the Lord who lovingly bestows them. (18) The Preacher is led back to the conclusion at which he had arrived ( Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22). Verses 18-20. - Section 8. The inconveniences of wealth lead the writer back to his old conclusion, that manshould make the best of life, and enjoy all the good that God gives with moderation and contentment. Verse 18. - Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely, etc. The accentuation is against this rendering, which, however, has the support of the Syriac and the Targum. The Septuagint gives, Ἰδοὺ εϊδονἐγὼ ἀγαθὸν ὅ ἐστι καλόν, " Behold, I have seen a good which is comely;" and it is best to translate, with Delitzsch and others, "Behold, what I have seen as good, what as beautiful, is this." My conclusion holds good. They who seek for traces of Greek influence in Koheleth find Epicureanism in the sentiment, and the familiar combination, καλὸν κἀγαθὸν, in the language. Both ideas are baseless. (For supposed Epicureanism, see on Ecclesiastes 2:24 and Ecclesiastes 3:12.) And the juxtaposition of καλὸς and ἀγαθὸς is only a fortuitous rendering of the Hebrew, upon which no argument for Grecism can be founded. To eat and to drink, etc.; i. e. to use the common blessings which God bestows with thankfulness and contentment. As St. Paul says, "Having food and covering, we shall he therewith content" ( 1 Timothy 6:8). Which God giveth him. This is the point so often insisted upon. These temporal blessings are God's gifts, and are not to be considered as the natural and assured result of man's own exertions. Man, indeed, must labor, but God giveth the increase. For it is his portion ( Ecclesiastes 3:22). This calm enjoyment is allotted to man by God, and nothing more must be expected. Ben-Sira gives similar advice, "Defraud not thyself of a good day, and let not the share in a right pleasure pass by thee Give, and take, and beguile thy soul; for there is no seeking of dainties in Hades" (Ecclus. 14:14. etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Hereהִנֵּ֞ה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!is whatאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatIאָ֗נִי(’ā·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Ihave seenרָאִ֣יתִי(rā·’î·ṯî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200:To seeto be goodט֣וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodand fitting:יָפֶ֣ה(yā·p̄eh)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3303:Fair, beautifulto eatלֶֽאֶכוֹל־(le·’e·ḵō·wl-)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398:To eatand drink,וְ֠לִשְׁתּוֹת(wə·liš·tō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8354:To imbibeand to findוְלִרְא֨וֹת(wə·lir·’ō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200:To seesatisfactionטוֹבָ֜ה(ṭō·w·ḇāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodin allבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe laborעֲמָל֣וֹ ׀(‘ă·mā·lōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5999:Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mindone doesשֶׁיַּעֲמֹ֣ל(še·ya·‘ă·mōl)Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5998:To toil, work severely and with irksomenessunderתַּֽחַת־(ta·ḥaṯ-)Preposition
Strong's 8478:The bottom, below, in lieu ofthe sunהַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ(haš·še·meš)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121:The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlementduring the fewמִסְפַּ֧ר(mis·par)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4557:A number, definite, indefinite, narrationdaysיְמֵי־(yə·mê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof lifeחַיָּ֛יו(ḥay·yāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifethatאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatGodהָאֱלֹהִ֖ים(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativehas given him—נָֽתַן־(nā·ṯan-)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setforכִּי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthisה֥וּא(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areis his lot.חֶלְקֽוֹ׃(ḥel·qōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2506:Portion, tract, territory
Links Ecclesiastes 5:18 NIVEcclesiastes 5:18 NLTEcclesiastes 5:18 ESVEcclesiastes 5:18 NASBEcclesiastes 5:18 KJV
Ecclesiastes 5:18 BibleApps.comEcclesiastes 5:18 Biblia ParalelaEcclesiastes 5:18 Chinese BibleEcclesiastes 5:18 French BibleEcclesiastes 5:18 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |
