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Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">King James Bible</a> Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New King James Version</a> So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a person under the sun except to eat, drink, and be joyful, and this will stand by him in his labor throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So I laud gladness, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will join with him in his labor throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then I commended pleasure and enjoyment, because a man [without God] has no better thing under the sun than to eat and to drink and to be merry, for this will stand by him in his toil through the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that shall abide with him in his labor all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So I think we should get as much out of life as we possibly can. There is nothing better than to enjoy our food and drink and have a good time. Then we can make it through this troublesome life that God has given us here on earth. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him in his labour all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So I recommend the enjoyment [of life]. People have nothing better to do under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves. This joy will stay with them while they work hard during their brief lives which God has given them under the sun. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> So I am convinced that we should enjoy ourselves, because the only pleasure we have in this life is eating and drinking and enjoying ourselves. We can at least do this as we labor during the life that God has given us in this world. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> So then I recommended enjoyment of life, because it is better on earth for a man to eat, drink, and be happy, since this will stay with him throughout his struggle all the days of his life, which God grants him on earth. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NET Bible</a> So I recommend the enjoyment of life, for there is nothing better on earth for a person to do except to eat, drink, and enjoy life. So joy will accompany him in his toil during the days of his life which God gives him on earth. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I have praised mirth because there is no good to man under the sun except to eat and to drink, and to rejoice, and it remains with him of his labor the days of his life that God has given to him under the sun. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And I have praised mirth because there is no good to man under the sun except to eat and to drink, and to rejoice, and it remaineth with him of his labour the days of his life that God hath given to him under the sun. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I praised joy, because there is no good to man under the sun but to eat and to drink, and to rejoice: for this shall lodge with him in his labor the days of his life which God gave to him under the sun.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Therefore I commended mirth, because there was no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry, and that he should take nothing else with him of his labour in the days of his life, which God hath given him under the sun. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, I praised rejoicing, because there was no good for a man under the sun, except to eat and drink, and to be cheerful, and because he may take nothing with him from his labor in the days of his life, which God has given to him under the sun. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore I praised joy, because there is nothing better for mortals under the sun than to eat and to drink and to be joyful; this will accompany them in their toil through the limited days of life God gives them under the sun. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So I commend enjoyment, for there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat, and drink, and enjoy themselves, for this will go with them in their toil through the days of life that God gives them under the sun.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then I commended mirth, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and to drink and to be merry; for that shall accompany him in his labor all the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I praised joy, for there is no good for a son of man under the sun but to eat and to drink and to rejoice, and this accompanies him in his labor all the days of his life that God gives him under the sun<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So I commended mirth, that a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry, and that this should accompany him in his labour all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Then I praised mirth, because there is no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry: and this shall attend him in his labour all the days of his life, which God has given him under the sun. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/8-15.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=1567" 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/8.htm">God's Ways are Mysterious</a> 14There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. 15<a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">So I</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/7623.htm" title="7623: wə·šib·baḥ·tî (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e. loud; figuratively, to pacify.">commended</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: haś·śim·ḥāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">the enjoyment of life,</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.">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên- (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">there is nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: lā·’ā·ḏām (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">for a man</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·še·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/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: wə·liš·tō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">and drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: wə·liś·mō·w·aḥ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">and be merry.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">For this joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3867.htm" title="3867: yil·wen·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- A primitive root; properly, to twine, i.e. to unite, to remain; also to borrow or To lend.">will accompany him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ḇa·‘ă·mā·lōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">in his labor</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yə·mê (N-mpc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">during the days</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">of his life</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.">that</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">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯan- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">gives</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</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> 16When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night—…<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="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a> Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God. <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12-13</a> I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, / and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18-20</a> Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot. / Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. / For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7-9</a> Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: / Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. / 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. <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Proverbs 15:13</a> A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a> A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. <a href="/isaiah/22-13.htm">Isaiah 22:13</a> But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” <a href="/isaiah/56-12.htm">Isaiah 56:12</a> “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19</a> Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ <a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">1 Corinthians 15:32</a> If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” <a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a> wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. <a href="/psalms/118-24.htm">Psalm 118:24</a> This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. <a href="/psalms/128-2.htm">Psalm 128:2</a> For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours. <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a> Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a> Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? / Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labor the days of his life, which God gives him under the sun.then<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a> There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12,13,22</a> I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life… <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a> Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/21-16.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/esther/5-12.htm">Accompany</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Better</a> <a href="/psalms/145-4.htm">Commend</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-6.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Except</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Merry</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Toils</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/32-16.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-10.htm">Accompany</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Better</a> <a href="/luke/23-46.htm">Commend</a> <a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-9.htm">Except</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Joyful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Merry</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-1.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-3.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-16.htm">Toils</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 8</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">true wisdom is modest</a> 2. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Kings are to be respected</a> 6. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Divine providence is to be observed</a> 12. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity</a> 16. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">The work of God is unsearchable</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/8.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/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So I commended the enjoyment of life The author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, acknowledges the value of enjoying life. This perspective is consistent with the wisdom literature's emphasis on finding joy in the present moment. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this commendation is not hedonistic but rather a recognition of life's fleeting nature. The enjoyment of life is seen as a gift from God, aligning with the biblical theme that God desires His creation to experience joy (<a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a>).because there is nothing better for a man under the sun The phrase "under the sun" is a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the earthly, temporal perspective. It suggests a focus on the human experience apart from divine revelation. The assertion that there is "nothing better" reflects the book's exploration of life's vanities and the search for meaning. This echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a>, where the enjoyment of simple pleasures is deemed worthwhile amidst life's uncertainties.than to eat and drink and be merry Eating, drinking, and being merry are symbolic of basic human pleasures and contentment. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, communal meals were significant social and religious events, often associated with covenantal fellowship (<a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18:1-8</a>). This phrase also recalls Jesus' parables, where feasting represents the joy of the Kingdom of God (<a href="/luke/14-15.htm">Luke 14:15-24</a>). The emphasis is on a balanced life that appreciates God's provisions.For this joy will accompany him in his labor The connection between joy and labor highlights the biblical principle that work is not merely toil but can be fulfilling and meaningful. This reflects the creation mandate in <a href="/genesis/2-15.htm">Genesis 2:15</a>, where Adam is placed in the garden to work it. The idea that joy accompanies labor suggests a divine blessing on human endeavors, countering the curse of laborious toil from <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a>.during the days of his life that God gives him This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty over human life. The recognition that life is a divine gift is a recurring theme in Scripture (<a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a>). It underscores the importance of gratitude and stewardship of the time allotted to each person. The temporality of life is a reminder to live purposefully and in alignment with God's will.under the sun Reiterating the earthly perspective, "under the sun" serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding. It contrasts with the eternal perspective found in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a>, which encourages believers to set their minds on things above. This phrase encapsulates the tension between the temporal and the eternal, urging readers to seek wisdom that transcends earthly existence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes reflects his reflections on the meaning of life. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes. 3. <a href="/topical/u/under_the_sun.htm">Under the Sun</a> A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth from a human perspective, often highlighting the temporal and sometimes futile nature of worldly pursuits.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_gift_of_enjoyment.htm">The Gift of Enjoyment</a> God has given us the ability to enjoy life, and it is a gift to be received with gratitude. Recognizing this helps us appreciate the simple pleasures of life as blessings from God. <a href="/topical/b/balance_in_life.htm">Balance in Life</a> While enjoying life is commended, it should be balanced with a recognition of our ultimate purpose and accountability to God. Our enjoyment should not lead to neglect of spiritual responsibilities. <a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_labor.htm">Contentment in Labor</a> Finding joy in our work and daily activities is part of God's design. This perspective can transform mundane tasks into meaningful experiences when done with a heart of gratitude. <a href="/topical/t/temporal_vs._eternal.htm">Temporal vs. Eternal</a> While Ecclesiastes acknowledges the value of enjoying life, it also reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly pleasures. Our ultimate hope and joy should be rooted in our relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 8</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'eat,_drink,_and_be_merry'.htm">What does "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_bachelor_parties.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian bachelor parties?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_ecclesiastes_11_7-8_align_with_self-denial.htm">In Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, how does the encouragement to enjoy life reconcile with passages elsewhere that emphasize self-denial or suffering?</a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_7-8_oppose_stewardship.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 emphasizes the vanity in labor for one without an heir--does this conflict with the Bible's call to stewardship and fruitful living?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) The writer returns to the sentiment expressed already (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm" title="There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm" title="I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.">Ecclesiastes 3:12</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm" title="Why I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-17.htm" title="All his days also he eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.">Ecclesiastes 5:17</a>).Eat, and to drink, and to be merry.--The three words occur together <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm" title="Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.">1Kings 4:20</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Then (and) I commended mirth. In face of the anomalies which meet us in our view of life, Koheleth recommends the calm enjoyment of such blessings and comforts as we possess, in exact accordance with what has already been said (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12, 22</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a>), though the road by which he arrives at the conclusion is not identical in both cases. In the earlier chapters the injunction is based on man's inability to be the master of his own fate; in the present passage the inscrutable nature of the law that directs God's moral government leads to the advice to make the best of circumstances. In neither instance need we trace veiled Epicureanism. The result obtained is reached by acute observation supplemented by faith in God. Under the sun. The phrase occurs twice in this verse and again in ver. 17, and implies that the view taken was limited to man's earthly existence. To eat, and to drink, etc. This is not a commendation of a greedy, voluptuous life, but an injunction thankfully to enjoy the good provided by God without disquieting one's self with the mysteries of Providence. So it was said of Israel in its palmy days (<a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20</a>), "Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry." For that shall abide with him of his labor; rather, and that this should accompany him in his labor. The Greek Version regards the verb as indicative, not subjunctive, nor, as others, as jussive: "This shall attend (συμπροσέσται) him in his work." But it seems better to consider Koheleth as saying that the happiest thing for a man is to make the best of what he has, and to take with him in all his work a cheerful and contented heart. <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So I אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I commended וְשִׁבַּ֤חְתִּֽי (wə·šib·baḥ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7623.htm">Strong's 7623: </a> To address in a, loud tone, loud, to pacify the enjoyment of life, הַשִּׂמְחָ֔ה (haś·śim·ḥāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> Blithesomeness, glee because אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that there is nothing אֵֽין־ (’ên-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle better ט֤וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good for a man לָֽאָדָם֙ (lā·’ā·ḏām) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being under תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (haš·še·meš) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement than כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction to eat לֶאֱכ֥וֹל (le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat and drink וְלִשְׁתּ֖וֹת (wə·liš·tō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe and be merry. וְלִשְׂמ֑וֹחַ (wə·liś·mō·w·aḥ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome For this [joy] וְה֞וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are will accompany יִלְוֶ֣נּוּ (yil·wen·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3867.htm">Strong's 3867: </a> To twine, to unite, to remain, to borrow, to lend him in his labor בַעֲמָל֗וֹ (ḇa·‘ă·mā·lōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind during the days יְמֵ֥י (yə·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day of his life חַיָּ֛יו (ḥay·yāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that God הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (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 נָֽתַן־ (nā·ṯan-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set him under תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun. הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (haš·šā·meš) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8121.htm">Strong's 8121: </a> The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth because a man (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:16" /></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>