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<!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 2:11 Yet 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/21_Ecc_02_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 2:11 - The Futility of Pleasure" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Yet 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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/2-11.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/2-11.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 11</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="/ad11.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/2-10.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:10">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 2:11 <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:12">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </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> Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Yet 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. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold, all was futility and striving after wind, and there was no benefit under the sun. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Thus I turned to all my works which my hands had done and the labor which I had labored to do, and behold, all was vanity and striving after wind, and there was no advantage under the sun. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then I considered all which my hands had done and labored to do, and behold, all was vanity and chasing after the wind and there was no profit (nothing of lasting value) under the sun. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do; and, behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then I thought about everything I had done, including the hard work, and it was simply chasing the wind. Nothing on earth is worth the trouble. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</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 a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But when I turned to look at all that I had accomplished and all the hard work I had put into it, I saw that it was all pointless. [It was like] trying to catch the wind. I gained nothing [from any of my accomplishments] under the sun. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then I thought about all that I had done and how hard I had worked doing it, and I realized that it didn't mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind--of no use at all. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete—and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Yet 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. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: "All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless--like chasing the wind! There is nothing gained from them on earth." <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and look, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and I have looked on all my works that my hands have done, and on the labor that I have labored to do, and behold, the whole [is] vanity and distress of spirit, and there is no advantage under the sun! <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and I have looked on all my works that my hands have done, and on the labour that I have laboured to do, and lo, the whole is vanity and vexation of spirit, and there is no advantage under the sun! <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I looked upon all my works my hands made, and upon the labor I labored to do, and behold, all vanity and striving of the spirit, and no profit under the sun.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when I turned myself to all the works which my hands had wrought, and to the labours wherein I had laboured in vain, I saw in all things vanity, and vexation of mind, and that nothing was lasting under the sun. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But when I turned myself toward all the works that my hands had made, and to the labors in which I had perspired to no purpose, I saw emptiness and affliction of the soul in all things, and that nothing is permanent under the sun. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a> But when I turned to all the works that my hands had wrought, and to the fruit of the toil for which I had toiled so much, see! all was vanity and a chase after wind. There is no profit under the sun. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought and on the labor that I had labored to do; and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I gazed at all the work that my hands had made and at all the labor that I had labored to make, and behold, everything was futility and agitation of spirit, and there is no profit under the sun<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</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 a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And I looked on all my works which my hands had wrought, and on my labour which I laboured to perform: and behold, all was vanity and waywardness of spirit, and there is no advantage under the sun. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=267" 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 Futility of Pleasure</a> …10Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. 11<a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">Yet when I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: ū·p̄ā·nî·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">considered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">the works</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏay (N-fdc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">that my hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: še·‘ā·śū (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">had accomplished</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ū·ḇe·‘ā·māl (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">and what</a> <a href="/hebrew/5998.htm" title="5998: še·‘ā·mal·tî (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To labor, toil. A primitive root; to toil, i.e. Work severely and with irksomeness.">I had toiled</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to achieve,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">I found</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.">to be 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.">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> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there was nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3504.htm" title="3504: yiṯ·rō·wn (N-ms) -- Advantage, profit. From yathar; preeminence, gain.">to be gained</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> <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="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a> What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? <a href="/mark/8-36.htm">Mark 8:36</a> What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19-20</a> Then 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?’ <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a> Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For 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. <a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">Philippians 3:7-8</a> But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More 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 <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a> For 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.” <a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-14</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / 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. <a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20</a> For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope <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/73-12.htm">Psalm 73:12-14</a> Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth. / 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="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Isaiah 55:2</a> Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. <a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1-2</a> “Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a> Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a> This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a> Those 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then I looked on all the works that my hands had worked, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.i looked<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:14</a> The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.<a href="/genesis/1-31.htm">Genesis 1:31</a> And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.<a href="/exodus/39-43.htm">Exodus 39:43</a> And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.behold<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:3,14</a> What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? … <a href="/habakkuk/2-13.htm">Habakkuk 2:13</a> Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?<a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6</a> But godliness with contentment is great gain.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/14-21.htm">Achieve</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Activities</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-16.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-7.htm">Cost</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-31.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Laboured</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/job/38-18.htm">Surveyed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/psalms/105-44.htm">Toiled</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/psalms/98-1.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Working</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-4.htm">Works</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Achieve</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Activities</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Considered</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Cost</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-7.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Laboured</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/joshua/18-9.htm">Surveyed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Toiled</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-12.htm">Working</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm">Works</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.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> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished This phrase reflects the introspective nature of the author, traditionally believed to be King Solomon. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, undertook numerous projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6) and his own palace (1 Kings 7). The phrase suggests a moment of reflection on these grand achievements. In the broader biblical context, this introspection aligns with the wisdom literature's theme of evaluating life's pursuits. The works of one's hands symbolize human effort and creativity, echoing the creation narrative where God worked and saw that it was good (Genesis 1).and what I had toiled to achieve The word "toiled" emphasizes the laborious effort and dedication involved in Solomon's pursuits. This reflects the curse of labor from <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a>, where work became toilsome due to the Fall. The historical context of Solomon's reign, marked by extensive building projects and economic prosperity, underscores the magnitude of his toil. Despite his accomplishments, the toil suggests a deeper search for meaning beyond material success, resonating with the human condition's struggle for purpose.I found everything to be futile The term "futile" is central to Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless" in other versions. It conveys the transient and unsatisfying nature of worldly achievements. This futility is a recurring theme in wisdom literature, contrasting with the eternal significance found in a relationship with God. Theologically, it points to the limitations of human endeavors apart from divine purpose, echoing the sentiments of <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5-6</a>, which speaks of the fleeting nature of life.a pursuit of the wind This metaphor illustrates the elusive and ungraspable nature of worldly pursuits. Chasing the wind is an exercise in futility, as it cannot be caught or controlled. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of the impermanence of earthly things, as seen in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which compares life to a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes. The phrase challenges readers to consider the futility of seeking fulfillment in temporal achievements rather than in God.there was nothing to be gained under the sun "Under the sun" is a phrase unique to Ecclesiastes, signifying life from a purely earthly perspective. It underscores the limitations of human understanding and the temporal nature of worldly gains. The phrase "nothing to be gained" suggests that without a divine perspective, earthly accomplishments lack lasting value. This conclusion aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a>, where He questions the profit of gaining the world at the cost of one's soul. The phrase invites readers to seek eternal treasures, as emphasized in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>, where Jesus instructs to store up treasures in heaven.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> - Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> - The central place of Solomon's reign and the location of the Temple, which he built. It serves as the backdrop for many of his accomplishments and pursuits. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_works_of_solomon.htm">The Works of Solomon</a> - Refers to the various projects, achievements, and pleasures Solomon pursued, including building projects, wealth accumulation, and indulgence in pleasures. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_the_wind.htm">The Pursuit of the Wind</a> - A metaphor used by Solomon to describe the futility and transient nature of earthly achievements and pleasures. 5. <a href="/topical/u/under_the_sun.htm">Under the Sun</a> - A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to denote life on earth, emphasizing the temporal and often meaningless nature of worldly pursuits.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_earthly_pursuits.htm">The Futility of Earthly Pursuits</a> Solomon's reflection teaches us that no matter how much we achieve or accumulate, without a focus on God, it is ultimately meaningless. <a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_nature_of_worldly_success.htm">The Temporary Nature of Worldly Success</a> Earthly accomplishments are fleeting. We should prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perspective.htm">The Importance of Perspective</a> Understanding life "under the sun" versus life in the light of eternity helps us align our priorities with God's will. <a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god_alone.htm">Contentment in God Alone</a> True satisfaction and purpose are found in a relationship with God, not in material possessions or achievements. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_our_own_pursuits.htm">Reflecting on Our Own Pursuits</a> We should regularly evaluate our goals and efforts to ensure they align with God's purposes and bring glory to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2</a> <a href="/q/why_boast_about_your_own_achievements.htm">What gain is there in chasing after the wind?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'chasing_the_wind'_mean.htm">What does "chasing the wind" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_true_happiness_and_fortune.htm">What is the nature of true happiness and fortune?</a> <a href="/q/what's_gained_by_chasing_the_wind.htm">What gain is there in chasing after the wind?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 11. - Then I looked on - I turned to contemplate - all the works which my hands had wrought. He examined carefully the effects of the conduct and proceedings mentioned in vers. 1-10, and he now gives his matured judgment concerning them. They had contributed nothing to his anxious inquiry for man's real good. His sorrowful conclusion again is that all was vanity, a hunting of wind; in all the pursuits and labors that men undertake there is no real profit (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:3</a>), no lasting happiness, nothing to satisfy the cravings of the spirit. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Yet when I אֲנִ֗י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I considered וּפָנִ֣יתִֽי (ū·p̄ā·nî·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> To turn, to face, appear, look all בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the works מַעֲשַׂי֙ (ma·‘ă·śay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property that my hands יָדַ֔י (yā·ḏay) Noun - fdc | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand had accomplished שֶֽׁעָשׂ֣וּ (še·‘ā·śū) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make and [what] וּבֶֽעָמָ֖ל (ū·ḇe·‘ā·māl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind I had toiled שֶׁעָמַ֣לְתִּי (še·‘ā·mal·tî) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5998.htm">Strong's 5998: </a> To toil, work severely and with irksomeness to achieve, לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make I found וְהִנֵּ֨ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! everything הַכֹּ֥ל (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every to be futile, הֶ֙בֶל֙ (he·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory a pursuit וּרְע֣וּת (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; ר֔וּחַ (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 there was nothing וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle to be gained יִתְר֖וֹן (yiṯ·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3504.htm">Strong's 3504: </a> Preeminence, gain under תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun. הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (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 <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:11 Then I looked at all the works (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:12" /></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>