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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 1:14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/21_Ecc_01_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 1:14 - With Wisdom Comes Sorrow" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-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'; 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all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all <i>is</i> vanity and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all <i>is</i> vanity and grasping for the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is futility and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity, a futile grasping <i>and</i> chasing after the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have seen it all, and everything is just as senseless as chasing the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have seen everything that is done under the sun. Look at it! It's all pointless. [It's like] trying to catch the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I have seen everything done in this world, and I tell you, it is all useless. It is like chasing the wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I observed every activity done on earth. My conclusion: all of it is pointless—like chasing after the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile--like chasing the wind! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and look, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that have been done under the sun, and behold, the whole [is] vanity and distress of spirit!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have seen all the works that have been done under the sun, and lo, the whole is vanity and vexation of spirit!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I saw all the works they did under the sun; and behold, all vanity and striving of the spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold all is vanity, and vexation of spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I have seen all that is done under the sun, and behold: all is emptiness and an affliction of the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a chase after wind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have seen all the work that is done under the sun, and behold, everything is futility and agitation of spirit<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I beheld all the works that were wrought under the sun; and, beheld, all were vanity and waywardness of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/1-14.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=114" 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/1.htm">With Wisdom Comes Sorrow</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them! <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’î·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I have seen</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/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/4639.htm" title="4639: ham·ma·‘ă·śîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property.">the things</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: šen·na·‘ă·śū (Pro-r:: V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">that are done</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: haš·šā·meš (Art:: N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement.">the sun,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">and have found them</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.">all</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> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.…<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="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:4</a></span><br />I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9</a></span><br />Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17</a></span><br />So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:26</a></span><br />To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:16</a></span><br />There is no limit to all the people who were before them. Yet the successor will not be celebrated by those who come even later. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6</a></span><br />For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:10</a></span><br />Then too, I saw the burial of the wicked who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they had done so. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:9</a></span><br />Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20</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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16-17</a></span><br />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.<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="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a></span><br />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.”<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</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:17,18</a></b></br> And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11,17,26</a></b></br> 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 <i>was</i> vanity and vexation of spirit, and <i>there was</i> no profit under the sun… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30-32</a></b></br> And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/46-10.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-9.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-3.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-31.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Chasing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Striving</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Vexation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-4.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">the preacher shows that all human courses are vain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">because the creatures are restless in their courses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-9.htm">they bring forth nothing new, and all old things are forgotten</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">and because he has found it so in the studies of wisdom</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I have seen all the things that are done under the sun</b><br>This phrase reflects the comprehensive observation of human activity by the author, traditionally understood to be Solomon. The phrase "under the sun" is a key theme in Ecclesiastes, indicating life from a purely earthly perspective, without considering the divine or eternal. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, had the means to explore all aspects of life, from pleasure to work, and his experiences lend authority to his observations. The phrase suggests a thorough examination of human endeavors, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding when disconnected from God.<p><b>and have found them all to be futile</b><br>The term "futile" is often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless" in other versions, capturing the Hebrew word "hevel," which implies something transient or elusive, like vapor. This reflects the temporary and unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits when they are ends in themselves. The futility of human efforts is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom and achievement. This perspective aligns with the biblical teaching that true meaning and fulfillment are found in God alone, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5-6</a> and <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which also speak to the fleeting nature of life.<p><b>a pursuit of the wind</b><br>This metaphor illustrates the impossibility and frustration of trying to grasp or control something as intangible as the wind. It underscores the idea that human efforts, when focused solely on earthly matters, are ultimately unproductive and unsatisfying. The imagery of chasing the wind conveys a sense of futility and endless striving without achieving lasting results. This concept is echoed in other biblical texts, such as <a href="/isaiah/41-29.htm">Isaiah 41:29</a> and <a href="/hosea/12.htm">Hosea 12:1</a>, where the pursuit of idols or false hopes is likened to chasing the wind. The phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the need for a divine perspective to find true purpose and 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 son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central place of worship and governance during Solomon's reign, representing the height of Israel's power and prosperity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/u/under_the_sun.htm">Under the Sun</a></b><br>A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth from a human perspective, 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 observation that "all is vanity" challenges us to evaluate our priorities and the ultimate purpose of our endeavors. Are we investing in things that have eternal significance?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_search_for_meaning.htm">The Search for Meaning</a></b><br>The phrase "chasing after the wind" suggests the elusive nature of fulfillment through worldly achievements. True satisfaction is found in a relationship with God, not in material success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perspective_on_life's_work.htm">Perspective on Life's Work</a></b><br>Understanding that our labor "under the sun" is temporary can free us from the pressure to find ultimate meaning in our careers or accomplishments. Instead, we can focus on serving God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_contentment.htm">Wisdom in Contentment</a></b><br>Ecclesiastes encourages us to find contentment in the simple pleasures of life, recognizing them as gifts from God rather than ultimate goals.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'chasing_the_wind'_mean.htm">What does "chasing the wind" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_boredom.htm">What does the Bible mention about boredom?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_gained_by_chasing_the_wind.htm">What gain is there in chasing after the wind?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_the_mandylion_of_edessa_important.htm">What does 'chasing the wind' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Vexation.</span>--The word occurs only in this book (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm" title="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.">Ecclesiastes 2:11</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm" title="Therefore I hated life; because the work that is worked under the sun is grievous to me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.">Ecclesiastes 2:17</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm" title="For God gives to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.">Ecclesiastes 2:26</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm" title="Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.">Ecclesiastes 4:4</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm" title="Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.">Ecclesiastes 4:6</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm" title="Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.">Ecclesiastes 6:9</a>). The A. V. translation, "vexation of spirit," is difficult to justify. Very nearly the same phrase occurs in <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm" title="Ephraim feeds on wind, and follows after the east wind: he daily increases lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.">Hosea 12:1</a>, and is there translated "feeding on wind," for in Hebrew, as in some other languages, the name for "spirit" primarily denotes breath or wind. Accordingly many interpreters understand the phrase of the text "feeding on wind" (see <a href="/isaiah/44-20.htm" title="He feeds on ashes: a deceived heart has turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?">Isaiah 44:20</a>). The same root, however, which means to "feast on a thing," has the secondary meaning to "delight in a thing," and so the corresponding noun in Chaldee comes to mean "pleasure" or "will." (Comp. <a href="/ezra/5-17.htm" title="Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.">Ezra 5:17</a>; <a href="/ezra/7-18.htm" title="And whatever shall seem good to you, and to your brothers, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.">Ezra 7:18</a>.) Accordingly the LXX. and many modern interpreters understand the phrase of the text "effort after wind." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - Here is the result of this examination of human actions. <span class="cmt_word">I have seen all the works that are done under the sun.</span> In his varied experience nothing had escaped his notice. <span class="cmt_word">And behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit</span>; <span class="accented">reuth ruach</span>; <span class="accented">afflictio spiritus</span> (Vulgate); <span class="greek">προαίρεσις πνεύματος</span>, "choice of spirit," or, "wind" (Septuagint); <span class="greek">νομὴ ἀνέμου</span> (Aquila and Theodotion); <span class="greek">βοσκήσις ἀνέμου</span>, "feeding on wind" (Symmachus). This last translation, or "striving after wind," seems to be most agreeable to the etymology of the word <span class="hebrew">רְעוּת</span>, which, except in this book (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11, 17, 26</a>, etc.), occurs elsewhere only in the Chaldee portion of Ezra (<a href="/ezra/5-17.htm">Ezra 5:17</a>; <a href="/ezra/7-18.htm">Ezra 7:18</a>). Whichever sense is taken, the import is much the same. What is implied is the unsubstantial and unsatisfying nature of human labors and endeavors. Many compare <a href="/hosea/12-2.htm">Hosea 12:2</a>, "Ephraim feedeth on wind," and <a href="/isaiah/44-20.htm">Isaiah 44:20</a>, "He feedeth on ashes." In contrast, perhaps, to this constantly recurring complaint, the author of the Book of Wisdom teaches that murmuring is unprofitable and blasphemous (Wisd. 1:11). Bailey, in 'Festus,' sings - <p><span class="accented">"Of all life's aims, what's worth the thought we waste on't?<br />How mean, how miserable, seems every care!<br />How doubtful, too, the system of the mind!<br />And then the ceaseless, changeless, hopeless round<br />Of weariness, and heartlessness, and woe,<br />And vice, and vanity! Yet these make life -<br />The life, at least, I witness, if not feel<br />No matter, we are immortal."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/1-14.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">I have seen</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאִ֙יתִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’î·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</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 things</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·‘ă·śîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4639.htm">Strong's 4639: </a> </span><span class="str2">An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that are done</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶֽׁנַּעֲשׂ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(šen·na·‘ă·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</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">הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ</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 /><br /><span class="word">and have found</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them all</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּ֛ל</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<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">to be futile,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֖בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a pursuit</span><br /><span class="heb">וּרְע֥וּת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·rə·‘ūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7469.htm">Strong's 7469: </a> </span><span class="str2">A feeding upon, grasping after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wind.</span><br /><span class="heb">רֽוּחַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 1:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 1:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 1:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 1:15" /></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>