CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 2:10 Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/21_Ecc_02_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 2:10 - The Futility of Pleasure" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:9">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 2:10 <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New International Version</a> I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> All that my eyes desired, I did not refuse them. I did not restrain my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor; and this was my reward for all my labor. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And all that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> All that my eyes asked for I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any gladness, for my heart was glad because of all my labor, and this was my reward for all my labor. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Whatever my eyes looked at with desire I did not refuse them. I did not withhold from my heart any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor; and this was my reward for all my labor. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor; and this was my portion from all my labor. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I got whatever I wanted and did whatever made me happy. But most of all, I enjoyed my work. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them: I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour; and this was my portion from all my labour. <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If something appealed to me, I did it. I allowed myself to have any pleasure I wanted, since I found pleasure in my work. This was my reward for all my hard work. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Anything I wanted, I got. I did not deny myself any pleasure. I was proud of everything I had worked for, and all this was my reward. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Whenever I wanted something I had seen, I never refused that desire. Instead, I enjoyed everything I did, and this became the reward in what I had undertaken. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a> I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted; I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure. So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And whatever my eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor. <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And all that my eyes asked I did not keep back from them; I did not withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this has been my portion, from all my labor, <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And all that mine eyes asked I kept not back from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labour, and this hath been my portion, from all my labour, <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And all that mine eyes asked I kept not back from them, and I withheld not my heart from all gladness; for my heart rejoiced from all my labor: and this was my portion from all my labor.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And whatsoever my eyes desired, I refused them not: and I withheld not my heart from enjoying every pleasure, and delighting itself in the things which I had prepared: and esteemed this my portion, to make use of my own labour. <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And all that my eyes desired, I did not refuse them. Neither did I prohibit my heart from enjoying every pleasure, and from amusing itself in the things that I had prepared. And I regarded this as my share, as if I were making use of my own labors. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Nothing that my eyes desired did I deny them, nor did I deprive myself of any joy; rather, my heart rejoiced in the fruit of all my toil. This was my share for all my toil. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them; I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And whatsoever my eyes desired I did not keep from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my portion of all my labor. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And all that my eyes asked I have not withheld from them, and I did not withhold my heart from any joy, because my heart rejoiced in all of my labors, and this has been my portion of all my labor<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy, for my heart had joy of all my labour; and this was my portion from all my labour. <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And whatever mine eyes desired, I withheld not from them, I withheld not my heart from all my mirth: for my heart rejoiced in all my labour; and this was my portion of all my labour. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=252" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">The Futility of Pleasure</a> …9So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me. 10<a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵōl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">Anything</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/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nay (N-cdc:: 1cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">my eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: šā·’ă·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">desired,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/680.htm" title="680: ’ā·ṣal·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to join; used only as a denominative from 'etsel; to separate; hence, to select, refuse, contract.">deny myself.</a> <a href="/hebrew/mê·hem (Prep-m:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4513.htm" title="4513: mā·na‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To withhold, hold back. A primitive root; to debar from benefit or injury.">I refused</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/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">my heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">pleasure.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">my heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/8056.htm" title="8056: śā·mê·aḥ (Adj-ms) -- Glad, joyful, merry. From samach; blithe or gleeful.">took delight</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">in all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ‘ă·mā·lî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">my work,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: wə·zeh- (Conj-w:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">and this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/2506.htm" title="2506: ḥel·qî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Portion, tract, territory. From chalaq; properly, smoothness; also an allotment.">the reward</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">for all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ‘ă·mā·lî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">my labor.</a> 11Yet 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.…<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="/proverbs/14-13.htm">Proverbs 14:13</a> Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. <a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16-17</a> 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="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19-20</a> Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ <a href="/james/4-3.htm">James 4:3</a> And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. <a href="/psalms/73-7.htm">Psalm 73:7</a> From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a> Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. <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="/isaiah/5-11.htm">Isaiah 5:11-12</a> Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. <a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">Philippians 3:7-8</a> But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ <a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Psalm 17:14</a> from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children. <a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">2 Timothy 3:4</a> traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a> This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. <a href="/mark/4-19.htm">Mark 4:19</a> but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. <a href="/psalms/106-14.htm">Psalm 106:14-15</a> They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert. / So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them. <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18</a> I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And whatever my eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor.whatsoever<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a> Wherefore 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?<a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:9</a> Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.<a href="/ecclesiastes/11-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:9</a> Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.my heart rejoiced<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:1,22</a> I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity… <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.<a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:9</a> Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-9.htm">Denied</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-26.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-13.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-28.htm">Found</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-12.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-15.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-25.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/psalms/126-3.htm">Rejoiced</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-31.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/psalms/135-6.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/psalms/77-9.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">Withhold</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Denied</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Found</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Portion</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-20.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-6.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/songs/3-11.htm">Rejoiced</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-15.htm">Withheld</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm">Withhold</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 2</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure</a> 12. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event</a> 18. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom</a> 24. <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Anything my eyes desired The phrase "anything my eyes desired" reflects the Hebrew word "kol," meaning "all" or "everything," and "ayin," meaning "eyes." In the context of ancient Israel, the eyes were often seen as the gateway to desire and temptation. This phrase suggests a pursuit of visual and material satisfaction, echoing the human tendency to seek fulfillment through worldly possessions and experiences. Theologically, it highlights the futility of trying to satisfy the soul's deeper needs with external pleasures, a theme prevalent throughout Ecclesiastes.I did not deny myself The Hebrew root "mana" translates to "withhold" or "deny." This phrase indicates a deliberate choice to indulge in every whim and desire. Historically, King Solomon, traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, was known for his wealth and wisdom, yet he acknowledges the emptiness of unchecked indulgence. This serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of self-indulgence and the importance of self-control, a virtue extolled throughout Scripture.I refused my heart no pleasure The word "heart" in Hebrew, "lev," often represents the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. The phrase underscores a pursuit of emotional and sensual gratification. In biblical times, the heart was seen as the seat of decision-making and moral reflection. This pursuit of pleasure without restraint is a reminder of the transient nature of earthly joys and the ultimate need for spiritual fulfillment.For my heart took delight in all my work The Hebrew word "samach" means "to rejoice" or "to take delight." This phrase suggests a temporary satisfaction derived from accomplishments and labor. In the ancient Near Eastern context, work was both a necessity and a source of identity. However, the Preacher of Ecclesiastes points out that even the joy found in work is fleeting, urging readers to seek lasting joy in God rather than in human endeavors.and this was the reward for all my labor The term "reward" translates from the Hebrew "cheleq," meaning "portion" or "share." This phrase reflects the idea that the only tangible return from labor is the temporary satisfaction it provides. In the broader biblical narrative, true reward and fulfillment are found in a relationship with God, not in earthly achievements. This verse challenges believers to evaluate what they consider their "reward" and to prioritize eternal over temporal gains.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - Whatsoever mine eyes desired. The lust of the eyes (<a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16</a>), all that he saw and desired, he took measures to obtain. He denied himself no gratification, however foolish (ver. 3). For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; i.e. found joy in what my labor procured for it (comp. <a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18</a>). This was the reason why he withheld not his heart from any joy; kept it, as it were, ready to taste any pleasure which his exertions might obtain. This was my portion of all my labor. Such joy was that which he won from his labor, he had his reward, such as it was (<a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Matthew 6:2</a>; <a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Luke 16:25</a>). This term "portion" (cheleq) recurs often (e.g., ver. 21; <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:22</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a>, etc.; so Wisd. 2:9) in the sense of the result obtained by labor or con-duet. And what a meagre and unsatisfying result it was which he gained! Contrast the apostle's teaching, "All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the vain-glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever" (<a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16, 17</a>). <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Anything וְכֹל֙ (wə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every my eyes עֵינַ֔י (‘ê·nay) Noun - cdc | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain desired, שָֽׁאֲל֣וּ (šā·’ă·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand I did not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no deny myself. אָצַ֖לְתִּי (’ā·ṣal·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_680.htm">Strong's 680: </a> To lay aside, reserve, withdraw, withhold I refused מָנַ֨עְתִּי (mā·na‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4513.htm">Strong's 4513: </a> To debar, from benefit, injury my heart לִבִּ֜י (lib·bî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre no לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no pleasure. שִׂמְחָ֗ה (śim·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> Blithesomeness, glee For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction my heart לִבִּ֤י (lib·bî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre took delight שָׂמֵ֙חַ֙ (śā·mê·aḥ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome in all מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every my work, עֲמָלִ֔י (‘ă·mā·lî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind and this וְזֶֽה־ (wə·zeh-) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that was הָיָ֥ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be the reward חֶלְקִ֖י (ḥel·qî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2506.htm">Strong's 2506: </a> Portion, tract, territory for all מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every my labor. עֲמָלִֽי׃ (‘ă·mā·lî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:10 Whatever my eyes desired I didn't keep (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:11" /></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>