CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 2:17 So 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/21_Ecc_02_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 2:17 - The Wise and the Foolish" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:16">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 2:17 <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New International Version</a> So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So 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. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was unhappy to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is vanity and striving after wind. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun caused me only great sorrow; because all is futility and chasing after the wind. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> So I hated life, because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This made me hate life. Everything we do is painful; it's just as senseless as chasing the wind. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> So I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me: for all is vanity and a striving after wind. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So I came to hate life because everything done under the sun seemed wrong to me. Everything was pointless. [It was like] trying to catch the wind. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> So life came to mean nothing to me, because everything in it had brought me nothing but trouble. It had all been useless; I had been chasing the wind. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> So I hated life, because whatever is done on earth causes me trouble—it's all pointless, like chasing after the wind. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So 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. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a> So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile--like chasing the wind. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous to me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a> So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I have hated life, for sad to me [is] the work that has been done under the sun, for the whole [is] vanity and distress of spirit. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And I have hated life, for sad to me is the work that hath been done under the sun, for the whole is vanity and vexation of spirit. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I hated life, for evil to me the work done under the sun: for all vanity and striving of the spirit.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And therefore I was weary of my life, when I saw that all things under the sun are evil, and all vanity and vexation of spirit. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And, because of this, my life wearied me, since I saw that everything under the sun is evil, and everything is empty and an affliction of the spirit. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore I detested life, since for me the work that is done under the sun is bad; for all is vanity and a chase after wind. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous to me; for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I hated life because the work that is done under the sun is evil to me, because everything is futility and agitation of spirit<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun was grievous unto me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> So I hated life; because the work that was wrought under the sun was evil before me: for all is vanity and waywardness of spirit. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=340" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">The Wise and the Foolish</a> …16For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! 17<a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: wə·śā·nê·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">So I hated</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ha·ḥay·yîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ham·ma·‘ă·śeh (Art:: N-ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">the work</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: šen·na·‘ă·śāh (Pro-r:: V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">that is done</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: haš·šā·meš (Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">the sun</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: ra‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">was grievous</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: hak·kōl (Art:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">everything</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: he·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">is futile</a> <a href="/hebrew/7469.htm" title="7469: ū·rə·‘ūṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Longing, striving. Probably from ra'ah; a feeding upon, i.e. Grasping after.">and a pursuit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">of the wind.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/job/7-16.htm">Job 7:16</a> I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5-6</a> You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah / Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. <a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13-14</a> Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. / For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. <a href="/job/3-20.htm">Job 3:20-22</a> Why 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? <a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20-22</a> For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. <a href="/philippians/1-21.htm">Philippians 1:21-23</a> For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. / But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. / I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">1 Corinthians 15:32</a> If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” <a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Psalm 49:10-12</a> For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. / Their graves are their eternal homes—their dwellings for endless generations—even though their lands were their namesakes. / But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish. <a href="/isaiah/49-4.htm">Isaiah 49:4</a> But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” <a href="/2_corinthians/5-2.htm">2 Corinthians 5:2-4</a> For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, / because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. / For while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life. <a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a> 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. <a href="/1_john/2-17.htm">1 John 2:17</a> The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. <a href="/romans/7-24.htm">Romans 7:24</a> What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a> And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. / Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. / By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a> You 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore I hated life; because the work that is worked under the sun is grievous to me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.i hated<a href="/numbers/11-15.htm">Numbers 11:15</a> And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.<a href="/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4</a> But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.<a href="/job/3-20.htm">Job 3:20-22</a> Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; … work<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a> I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16</a> And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.<a href="/ezekiel/3-14.htm">Ezekiel 3:14</a> So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.for<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11,22</a> Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun… <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9</a> Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.<a href="/psalms/89-47.htm">Psalm 89:47</a> Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Futility</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-27.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-23.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-12.htm">Life</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Futility</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/isaiah/61-8.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Life</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-20.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 2</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure</a> 12. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event</a> 18. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom</a> 24. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>So I hated life The phrase "hated life" reflects a deep existential despair. The Hebrew word for "hated" is "שָׂנֵא" (sane), which conveys a strong aversion or intense dislike. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this sentiment arises from the Preacher's (traditionally understood as Solomon) realization of the futility of earthly endeavors. Historically, Solomon's reign was marked by unparalleled wisdom and wealth, yet this statement reveals a profound disillusionment with the temporal world. This serves as a cautionary reflection on the limitations of human achievement and the emptiness of life without a divine purpose.because the work that is done under the sun The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the earthly, temporal realm as opposed to the eternal. The Hebrew word for "work" is "מַעֲשֶׂה" (ma'aseh), which encompasses all human activities and endeavors. This phrase suggests that all human efforts, when viewed solely from an earthly perspective, lack ultimate significance. The historical context of Solomon's extensive building projects and administrative achievements underscores the Preacher's point that even the most grandiose human accomplishments are ultimately unsatisfying.was grievous to me The word "grievous" translates from the Hebrew "רַע" (ra), meaning evil, distressing, or troublesome. This reflects the emotional burden and dissatisfaction that accompany the realization of life's transience and the inability of worldly pursuits to provide lasting fulfillment. The Preacher's personal experience serves as a universal lesson on the limitations of human wisdom and labor when disconnected from God's eternal purpose.For everything is futile The term "futile" is derived from the Hebrew "הֶבֶל" (hebel), often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness." This word conveys the idea of something transient, insubstantial, or fleeting, like a vapor. In the broader scriptural context, this futility is contrasted with the eternal nature of God and His purposes. The Preacher's conclusion that "everything is futile" without God challenges readers to seek meaning beyond the material world.and a pursuit of the wind The imagery of "a pursuit of the wind" evokes the futility of chasing something that cannot be caught or held. The Hebrew word "רְעוּת" (re'ut) means striving or chasing, and it underscores the elusive and unattainable nature of worldly satisfaction. This metaphor highlights the transient and elusive nature of human efforts when they are not grounded in a relationship with God. The historical and cultural context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature often used such vivid imagery to convey profound truths about the human condition.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Is grievous.--Rather, was.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Therefore I hated life; et idcirce taeduit me vitae meae. Be a man wise or foolish, his life leads only to one end and is soon forgotten; hence life itself is burdensome and hateful. The bitter complaint of Job (<a href="/job/3-20.htm">Job 3:20</a>, etc.; Job 6:8, 9) is here echoed, though the words do not point to suicide as the solution of the riddle. It is the ennui and unprofitableness of all life and action in view of the inevitable conclusion, which is here lamented. Because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me; literally, for evil unto me (<a href="/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9</a>) is the work which is done under the sun. The toil and exertions of men pressed upon him like a burden too heavy for him to bear. Symmachus, Κακόν μοι ἐφάνη τὸ ἔργον; Septuagint, Πονηρὸν ἐπ ἐμὲ τὸ ποίημα κ.τ.λ.. He repeats the expression, "under the sun," as if to show that he was regarding human labor only in its earthly aspect, undertaken and executed for temporal and selfish considerations alone. The apostle teaches a 'better lesson, and the worker who adopts his rule is saved from this crushing disappointment: "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ" (<a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23, 24</a>). For all is vanity. He comes back to the same miserable refrain; it is all emptiness, striving after wind. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So I hated וְשָׂנֵ֙אתִי֙ (wə·śā·nê·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> To hate life, הַ֣חַיִּ֔ים (ha·ḥay·yîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the work הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה (ham·ma·‘ă·śeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property that is done שֶׁנַּעֲשָׂ֖ה (šen·na·‘ă·śāh) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make under תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ (haš·šā·meš) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement was grievous רַ֤ע (ra‘) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil to me. עָלַי֙ (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction everything הַכֹּ֥ל (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every is futile הֶ֖בֶל (he·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory and a pursuit וּרְע֥וּת (ū·rə·‘ūṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7469.htm">Strong's 7469: </a> A feeding upon, grasping after of the wind. רֽוּחַ׃ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I hated life because the work (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>