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This is futile and a grievous affliction.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/21_Ecc_06_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 6:2 - The Futility of Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. 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This is meaningless, a grievous evil. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want, but then he doesn’t give them the chance to enjoy these things. They die, and someone else, even a stranger, ends up enjoying their wealth! This is meaningless—a sickening tragedy. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">King James Bible</a> A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New King James Version</a> A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> a person to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honor, so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God has not given him the opportunity to enjoy these things, but a foreigner enjoys them. This is futility and a severe affliction. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> a man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires; yet God has not empowered him to eat from them, for a foreigner enjoys them. This is vanity and a severe affliction. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> a man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires, but God has not empowered him to eat from them, for a foreigner enjoys them. This is vanity and a severe affliction. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> a man to whom God gives riches and wealth and honor so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires; yet God does not empower him to eat from them, for a foreigner eats from them. This is vanity and a sickening evil. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> a man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God has not given him the power or capacity to enjoy them [all those things which are gifts from God], but a stranger [in whom he has no interest succeeds him and] enjoys them. This is vanity and it is a [cause of] great distress. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> God gives a person riches, wealth, and honor so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself, but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor so that he lacks nothing of all he desires for himself, but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a sickening tragedy. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> a man to whom God giveth riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacketh nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but an alien eateth it; this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> God may give you everything you want--money, property, and wealth. Then God doesn't let you enjoy it, and someone you don't even know gets it all. That's senseless and terribly unfair! <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> a man to whom God giveth riches, wealth, and honour, so that he lacketh nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it; this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> God gives one person riches, wealth, and honor so that he doesn't lack anything he wants. Yet, God doesn't give him the power to enjoy any of them. Instead, a stranger enjoys them. This is pointless and is a painful tragedy. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> God will give us wealth, honor, and property, yes, everything we want, but then will not let us enjoy it. Some stranger will enjoy it instead. It is useless, and it just isn't right. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> a man to whom God gives wealth, riches, and honor, so that he lacks none of his heart's desires—but God does not give him the capability to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger consumes them. This is pointless and a grievous affliction. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/6.htm">NET Bible</a> God gives a man riches, property, and wealth so that he lacks nothing that his heart desires, yet God does not enable him to enjoy the fruit of his labor--instead, someone else enjoys it! This is fruitless and a grave misfortune. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but a foreigner eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honor, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat of it, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/6.htm">World English Bible</a> a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> A man to whom God gives wealth, and riches, and honor, and there is no lack to his soul of all that he desires, and God does not give him power to eat of it, but a stranger eats it; this [is] vanity, and it [is] an evil disease. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> A man to whom God giveth wealth, and riches, and honour, and there is no lack to his soul of all that he desireth, and God giveth him not power to eat of it, but a stranger eateth it; this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> A man which God will give to him wealth and riches and honor, and wanting not to his soul from all which he shall desire, and God will not permit him to eat from it, for a man, a stranger shall eat it. This is vanity and it is an evil disease.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> A man to whom God hath given riches, and substance, and honour, and his soul wanteth nothing of all that he desireth: yet God doth not give him power to eat thereof, but a stranger shall eat it up. This is vanity and a great misery. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> It is a man to whom God has given wealth, and resources, and honor; and out of all that he desires, nothing is lacking to his life; yet God does not grant him the ability to consume these things, but instead a man who is a stranger will devour them. This is emptiness and a great misfortune. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New American Bible</a> There is one to whom God gives riches and property and honor, and who lacks nothing the heart could desire; yet God does not grant the power to partake of them, but a stranger devours them. This is vanity and a dire plague. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> those to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that they lack nothing of all that they desire, yet God does not enable them to enjoy these things, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous ill.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> There is a man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to eat of them; but a stranger eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> A man to whom God will give wealth and goods and honor and his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires and God does not enable him to consume it, but a man who is a stranger will consume it who comes after him; this is futility and a disease<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> a man to whom God giveth riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it; this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> a man to whom God shall give wealth, and substance, and honour, and he wants nothing for his soul of all things that he shall desire, yet God shall not give him power to eat of it, for a stranger shall devour it: this is vanity, and an evil infirmity. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/6-2.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=1037" 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/6.htm">The Futility of Life</a> 1There is another evil I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily upon mankind: 2<a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·ten- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">gives</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6239.htm" title="6239: ‘ō·šer (N-ms) -- Riches. From ashar; wealth.">riches,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5233.htm" title="5233: ū·nə·ḵā·sîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Riches, treasures. From an unused root meaning to accumulate; treasure.">wealth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">and honor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: ḥā·sêr (Adj-ms) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">so that he lacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ê·nen·nū (Conj-w:: Adv:: 3ms) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: lə·nap̄·šōw (Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">his heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kōl (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/183.htm" title="183: yiṯ·’aw·weh (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To incline, desire. A primitive root; to wish for.">desires;</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">but God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7980.htm" title="7980: yaš·lî·ṭen·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- To domineer, be master of. A primitive root; to dominate, i.e. Govern; by implication, to permit.">allow him</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to enjoy them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Instead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a stranger</a> <a href="/hebrew/5237.htm" title="5237: nā·ḵə·rî (Adj-ms) -- Foreign, alien. From neker; strange, in a variety of degrees and applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: yō·ḵă·len·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">will enjoy them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">This</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/2483.htm" title="2483: wā·ḥo·lî (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Sickness. From chalah; malady, anxiety, calamity.">and a grievous</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">affliction.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> 3A man may father a hundred children and live for many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he is unsatisfied with his prosperity and does not even receive a proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.…<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="/luke/12-20.htm">Luke 12:20-21</a> 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?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” <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="/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="/1_timothy/6-7.htm">1 Timothy 6:7-10</a> For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. / 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. ... <a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Proverbs 13:22</a> A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6</a> 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="/job/27-16.htm">Job 27:16-17</a> Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, / what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent. <a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16-17</a> Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. <a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-21</a> Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. <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="/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="/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="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3-12</a> For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. / They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. / They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. ... <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">1 Corinthians 3:12-15</a> If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, / his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>A man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honor, so that he wants nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eats it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.a man<a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:19</a> Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.<a href="/1_kings/3-13.htm">1 Kings 3:13</a> And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-25.htm">1 Chronicles 29:25,28</a> And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel… <a href="/songs/2-4.htm">Song of Solomon 2:4-10</a> He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love… <a href="/deuteronomy/8-7.htm">Deuteronomy 8:7-10</a> For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; … <a href="/judges/18-10.htm">Judges 18:10</a> When ye go, ye shall come unto a people secure, and to a large land: for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of any thing that is in the earth.yet<a href="/deuteronomy/28-33.htm">Deuteronomy 28:33,43</a> The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway: … <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6</a> Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.<a href="/lamentations/5-2.htm">Lamentations 5:2</a> Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.vanity<a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:4,8</a> Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit… <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:16</a> And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-4.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Desireth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Eateth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Eats</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-25.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-28.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Lacks</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Wanteth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/17-10.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/matthew/27-43.htm">Desireth</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-17.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-22.htm">Eateth</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-20.htm">Eats</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Lacks</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-1.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/songs/7-2.htm">Wanteth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 6</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm">the vanity of riches without use</a> 3. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">though a man have many children and a long life</a> 7. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">the vanity of sight and wandering desires</a> 10. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">The conclusion of vanities</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/6.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/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor This phrase highlights the belief that all material blessings originate from God. In the biblical context, riches, wealth, and honor are often seen as signs of God's favor, as seen in the lives of figures like Solomon (<a href="/1_kings/3-13.htm">1 Kings 3:13</a>) and Job (<a href="/job/1.htm">Job 1:1-3</a>). However, the emphasis here is on the divine source of these blessings, reminding readers that human effort alone does not guarantee prosperity. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including material success (<a href="/deuteronomy/8-18.htm">Deuteronomy 8:18</a>).so that he lacks nothing his heart desires This phrase suggests a state of complete satisfaction and fulfillment, reminiscent of the promises found in <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>, where the Lord is described as a shepherd who provides all needs. The heart's desires in biblical terms often refer to deep-seated longings and aspirations. However, the text implies that even when these desires are met, true contentment may still be elusive, pointing to the limitations of material wealth in providing lasting satisfaction.but God does not allow him to enjoy them Here, the text introduces a paradox where, despite having everything, the individual is unable to find joy in their possessions. This reflects the theme of divine sovereignty and the transient nature of earthly pleasures, as echoed in <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:26</a>. It suggests that enjoyment is also a gift from God, not automatically granted with wealth. This can be seen as a warning against placing ultimate trust in material possessions, which can be fleeting and unsatisfying without God's blessing.Instead, a stranger will enjoy them This phrase underscores the futility of accumulating wealth for oneself, as it may ultimately benefit others. This idea is echoed in <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18-19</a>, where the Preacher laments leaving his labor to someone who did not work for it. Historically, this reflects the instability of wealth in ancient times, where political upheaval or personal misfortune could easily transfer wealth to others. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of focusing on eternal rather than temporal treasures (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>).This is futile and a grievous affliction The conclusion of the verse emphasizes the vanity and sorrow associated with misplaced priorities. The term "futile" is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness," highlighting the temporary and unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits. The "grievous affliction" suggests deep emotional and spiritual distress, pointing to the emptiness that can accompany a life focused solely on material gain. This aligns with the broader message of Ecclesiastes, which calls readers to seek fulfillment in God rather than in earthly achievements.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign giver of all things, including riches, wealth, and honor. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_man.htm">The Man</a> Represents any individual who receives material blessings but is unable to enjoy them. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_stranger.htm">The Stranger</a> An unspecified person who ultimately benefits from the man's wealth. 4. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, reflecting on the futility of earthly pursuits. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The broader context of the audience who would have been familiar with the themes of blessing and futility.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_blessings.htm">The Source of Blessings</a> Recognize that all material blessings come from God, and we are stewards of what He provides. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_wealth_without_enjoyment.htm">The Futility of Wealth Without Enjoyment</a> Understand that wealth alone does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment; true joy comes from God. <a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a> Acknowledge God's control over who enjoys wealth and who does not, reminding us of our dependence on Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_misplaced_priorities.htm">The Danger of Misplaced Priorities</a> Reflect on the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_generosity.htm">The Call to Generosity</a> Use material blessings to bless others, aligning with God's purposes and avoiding the futility of hoarding wealth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 6</a> <a href="/q/does_eccl._6_2_conflict_with_god's_justice.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 – Does portraying God as granting riches but withholding enjoyment conflict with the Bible’s depiction of a just and benevolent deity? </a> <a href="/q/why_do_churches_focus_on_wealth.htm">If greed is sinful, why do many Christian churches focus on wealth and prosperity?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_tim_6_9-10_oppose_prosperity_gospel.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns against the love of money, but does this align with interpretations that encourage 'prosperity gospel' teachings in some Christian circles?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_truly_overcome_death.htm">How can worldly wealth secure eternal friendships?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Riches, wealth, and honour.--The three words are used together regarding Solomon (<a href="/2_chronicles/1-11.htm" title="And God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of your enemies, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king:">2Chronicles 1:11</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honor. This is the evil to which reference is made. Two of the words here given, "riches" and "honor," are those used by God in blessing Solomon in the vision at Gibeon (<a href="/1_kings/3-13.htm">1 Kings 3:13</a>); but all three are employed in the parallel passage (<a href="/2_chronicles/1-11.htm">2 Chronicles 1:11</a>). So that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth. "His soul" is the man himself, his personality, as <a href="/psalms/49-19.htm">Psalm 49:19</a>. So in the parable (<a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19</a>) the rich fool says to his soul, "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years." In the supposed case the man is able to procure for himself everything which he wants; has no occasion to deny himself the gratification of any rising desire. All this comes from God's bounty; but something more is wanted to bring happiness. Yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof. "To eat" is used in a metaphorical sense for "to enjoy," take advantage of, make due use of (see on Ecclesiastes 2:24). The ability to enjoy all these good things is wanting, either from discontent, or moroseness, or sickness, or as a punishment for secret sin. But a stranger eateth it. The "stranger" is not the legal heir, but an alien to the possessor's blood, neither relation nor even necessarily a friend. For a childless Oriental to adopt an heir is a common custom at the present day. The wish to continue a family, to leave a name and inheritance to children's children, was very strong among the Hebrews - all the stronger as the life beyond the grave was dimly apprehended. Abraham expressed this feeling when he sadly cried, "I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Dammesek Eliezer" (<a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2</a>). The evils are two - that this great fortune brings no happiness to its possessor, and that it passes to one who is nothing to him. An evil disease; αῥῤωστία πονηρά, Septuagint, an evil as bad as the diseases spoken of in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-27.htm">Deuteronomy 28:27, 28</a>. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>God הָאֱלֹהִ֡ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative gives יִתֶּן־ (yit·ten-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set a man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person riches, עֹשֶׁר֩ (‘ō·šer) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6239.htm">Strong's 6239: </a> Wealth wealth, וּנְכָסִ֨ים (ū·nə·ḵā·sîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5233.htm">Strong's 5233: </a> Riches, treasures and honor, וְכָב֜וֹד (wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> Weight, splendor, copiousness so that he lacks חָסֵ֥ר (ḥā·sêr) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> Needy, lacking, in want of nothing וְֽאֵינֶ֨נּוּ (wə·’ê·nen·nū) Conjunctive waw | Adverb | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle his heart לְנַפְשׁ֣וֹ ׀ (lə·nap̄·šōw) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion desires; יִתְאַוֶּ֗ה (yiṯ·’aw·weh) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_183.htm">Strong's 183: </a> To incline, desire but God הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative does not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no allow יַשְׁלִיטֶ֤נּוּ (yaš·lî·ṭen·nū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7980.htm">Strong's 7980: </a> To dominate, govern, to permit him to enjoy them. לֶאֱכֹ֣ל (le·’ĕ·ḵōl) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat Instead, כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction a stranger אִ֥ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person will enjoy them. יֹֽאכֲלֶ֑נּוּ (yō·ḵă·len·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat This זֶ֥ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that is futile הֶ֛בֶל (he·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory and a grievous וָחֳלִ֥י (wā·ḥo·lî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2483.htm">Strong's 2483: </a> Malady, anxiety, calamity evil. רָ֖ע (rā‘) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 6:2 A man to whom God gives riches (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 6:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 6:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 6:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 6:3" /></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>