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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.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/2-19.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:19">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 2:20 <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:21">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I completely despaired over all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore I turned my heart to despair of all my labor for which I had labored under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So I turned aside and let my heart despair over all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work that I had labored at under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work that I had labored at under the sun. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor wherein I had labored under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I thought about all my hard work, and I felt depressed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour wherein I had laboured under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then I fell into despair over everything for which I had worked so hard under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So I came to regret that I had worked so hard. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So I came to be in despair about everything I had accomplished on earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So I began to despair about all the fruit of my labor for which I worked so hard on earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor which I took under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I turned around to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor that I labored at under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I turned round to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour that I laboured at under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I turned about to let my heart despair for all the labor I labored under the sun.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore I left off and my heart renounced labouring any more under the sun. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, I ceased, and my heart renounced further laboring under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So my heart turned to despair over all the fruits of my toil under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labors under the sun,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I changed my view concerning all the toil in which I had labored under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I turned to convince my heart about every labor that I labored under the sun<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour wherein I had laboured under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />so I went about to dismiss from my heart all my labour wherein I had laboured under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=373" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">The Futility of Work</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">So</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">my heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: wə·sab·bō·w·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">began</a> <a href="/hebrew/2976.htm" title="2976: lə·ya·’êš (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To despair. A primitive root; to desist, i.e. to despond.">to despair</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/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: he·‘ā·māl (Art:: N-ms) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">the labor</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.">that I had 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> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5-6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1-2</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Philippians 3:8</a></span><br />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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16-18</a></span><br />Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Isaiah 55:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-13.htm">Proverbs 14:13</a></span><br />Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1-2</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. / In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor which I took under the sun.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-14.htm">Genesis 43:14</a></b></br> And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved <i>of my children</i>, I am bereaved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/17-11.htm">Job 17:11-15</a></b></br> My days are past, my purposes are broken off, <i>even</i> the thoughts of my heart… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6,7</a></b></br> Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up <i>riches</i>, and knoweth not who shall gather them… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/psalms/88-15.htm">Despair</a> <a href="/psalms/27-13.htm">Despaired</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Laboured</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Round</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-7.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-18.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-9.htm">Despair</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">Despaired</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Laboured</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Round</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>So my heart began to despair</b><br>The phrase "my heart began to despair" reflects a deep emotional and spiritual turmoil. In the biblical context, the heart often represents the center of one's being, encompassing emotions, will, and intellect. The author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, expresses a profound sense of hopelessness. This despair is not merely a fleeting feeling but a deep-seated realization of the futility of human efforts. In the broader biblical narrative, despair is often linked to a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and purpose, as seen in the lamentations of the prophets or the cries of Job. Theologically, this can be contrasted with the hope found in Christ, who offers rest for the weary and burdened (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a>).<p><b>over all the labor</b><br>The term "labor" here refers to the extensive work and achievements Solomon undertook, which are detailed earlier in <a href="/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ecclesiastes 2</a>. This includes building projects, wealth accumulation, and the pursuit of wisdom and pleasure. Historically, Solomon's reign was marked by significant construction, including the Temple in Jerusalem, which was a monumental achievement of its time. However, the labor mentioned is not just physical work but encompasses all human endeavors and achievements. Theologically, this reflects the curse of toil from <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a>, where labor becomes burdensome due to sin. It also points to the New Testament teaching that labor without God is ultimately in vain (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a>).<p><b>that I had done</b><br>The personal pronoun "I" emphasizes the individual effort and personal investment Solomon had in his pursuits. This self-focus is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom and effort apart from God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, kings were often seen as the epitome of human achievement and wisdom. Solomon's acknowledgment of the futility of his own efforts serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations. This can be connected to the New Testament teaching in <a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-16</a>, which warns against boasting about one's plans without acknowledging God's will.<p><b>under the sun</b><br>The phrase "under the sun" is a key motif in Ecclesiastes, appearing numerous times throughout the book. It signifies life from a purely earthly perspective, excluding the divine or eternal viewpoint. This phrase captures the essence of the book's exploration of life's meaning when viewed solely through human experience and observation. Geographically, "under the sun" encompasses the entire known world of the time, reflecting the universal nature of the human condition. Theologically, it contrasts with the heavenly perspective offered in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to set their minds on things above (<a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a>). This phrase underscores the temporary and often unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits, pointing to the need for a relationship with God to find true fulfillment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central place of Solomon's reign and the location of the Temple, which he built. It serves as the backdrop for much of his labor and achievements.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/labor_under_the_sun.htm">Labor Under the Sun</a></b><br>This phrase refers to human efforts and endeavors in the earthly realm, emphasizing the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_earthly_pursuits.htm">The Futility of Earthly Pursuits</a></b><br>Solomon's despair highlights the temporary and unsatisfying nature of labor focused solely on earthly gain. Believers are encouraged to seek purpose beyond material success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_search_for_meaning.htm">The Search for Meaning</a></b><br>The quest for meaning "under the sun" often leads to despair. True fulfillment is found in a relationship with God and aligning our work with His eternal purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom.htm">The Role of Wisdom</a></b><br>While wisdom is valuable, Solomon's experience shows that it alone cannot provide ultimate satisfaction. Wisdom should lead us to a deeper reliance on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_christ.htm">Contentment in Christ</a></b><br>In a world that often values achievement and accumulation, Christians are called to find contentment in Christ, who offers peace and purpose beyond worldly endeavors.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>An eternal perspective transforms how we view our labor and achievements. By focusing on God's kingdom, we invest in what truly lasts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_midlife_crisis.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on a midlife crisis?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_discard_your_confidence.htm">What happens if one rejects belief in God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_busyness.htm">What does the Bible say regarding being busy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'give_thanks'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of 'All Is Vanity'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Went about.--</span><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm" title="I applied my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:">Ecclesiastes 7:25</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm" title="There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:">Ecclesiastes 9:14</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-5.htm" title="Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goes to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:">Ecclesiastes 12:5</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair</span>; <span class="greek">Ἐπέστρεψα ἐγὼ</span> (Septuagint). "I turned" in order to examine more closely. So in ver. 12 we had, "I turned myself," though the verbs are not the same in the two passages, and in the former the LXX. has <span class="greek">ἐπέβλεψα</span>. I turned from my late course of action to give myself up to despair. I lost all hope in labor; it had no longer any charm or future for me. Septuagint, <span class="greek">Τοῦ ἀποτάξασθαι τὴν καρδίαν μου ἐν</span> <span class="greek">παντὶ μόχθῳ μου κ.τ.λ.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבִּ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">began</span><br /><span class="heb">וְסַבּ֥וֹתִֽי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·sab·bō·w·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to despair</span><br /><span class="heb">לְיַאֵ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ya·’êš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2976.htm">Strong's 2976: </a> </span><span class="str2">To desist, to despond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֚ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the labor</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֣עָמָ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(he·‘ā·māl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> </span><span class="str2">Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that I had done</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁעָמַ֖לְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(še·‘ā·mal·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5998.htm">Strong's 5998: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toil, work severely and with irksomeness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֥חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sun.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·meš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> </span><span class="str2">The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:20 Therefore I began to cause my heart (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:21" /></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>