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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So I hated all the fruit (gain) of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will succeed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the one who comes after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And I hated all my labor wherein I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it unto the man that shall be after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Suddenly I realized that others would someday get everything I had worked for so hard, then I started hating it all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And I hated all my labour wherein I laboured under the sun: seeing that I must leave it unto the man that shall be after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I came to hate everything for which I had worked so hard under the sun, because I will have to leave it to the person who replaces me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Nothing that I had worked for and earned meant a thing to me, because I knew that I would have to leave it to my successor, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I despised everything I had worked for on earth, that is, the things that I will leave to the person who will succeed me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So I loathed all the fruit of my effort, for which I worked so hard on earth, because I must leave it behind in the hands of my successor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who comes after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Yes, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it to the man that shall be after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I have hated all my labor that I labor at under the sun, because I leave it to a man who is after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I have hated all my labour that I labour at under the sun, because I leave it to a man who is after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I hated all my labor I laboring under the sun: leaving it to the man who shall come after me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Again I hated all my application wherewith I had earnestly laboured under the sun, being like to have an heir after me, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Again, I detested all my efforts, by which I had earnestly labored under the sun, to be taken up by an heir after me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And I detested all the fruits of my toil under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who is to come after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Yea, I hated all my labor with which I had labored under the sun because I must leave it to the man who shall come after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I hated all my labor that I have labored under the sun, because I leave it to a man who comes after me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And I hated all my labour wherein I laboured under the sun, seeing that I must leave it unto the man that shall be after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I hated the whole of my labour which I took under the sun; because I must leave it to the man who will come after me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-18.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=352" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">The Futility of Work</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">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/8130.htm" title="8130: wə·śā·nê·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">hated</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/589.htm" title="589: še·’ă·nî (Pro-r:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">for which</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.">I had toiled</a> <a href="/hebrew/6001.htm" title="6001: ‘ā·mêl (N-ms) -- Toiling, a laborer, sorrowful. From amal; toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively, sorrowful."></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/5117.htm" title="5117: še·’an·nî·ḥen·nū (Pro-r:: V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs:: 3mse) -- To rest, i.e. settle down">because I must leave it</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.">to the man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: še·yih·yeh (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">who comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">after me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile.…<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="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6</a></span><br />Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Psalm 49:10</a></span><br />For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1-2</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. / In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Proverbs 13:22</a></span><br />A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/27-16.htm">Job 27:16-17</a></span><br />Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, / what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-7.htm">1 Timothy 6:7</a></span><br />For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Luke 12:20-21</a></span><br />But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-14</a></span><br />Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">1 Corinthians 3:12-15</a></span><br />If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, / his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-12.htm">Psalm 73:12-14</a></span><br />Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth. / Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. / For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-1.htm">Luke 16:1-2</a></span><br />Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. / So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Yes, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it to the man that shall be after me.</p><p class="hdg">i hated</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:4-9</a></b></br> I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:13</a></b></br> And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all <i>things</i> that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:3</a></b></br> Yea, better <i>is he</i> than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.</p><p class="hdg">taken</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:26</a></b></br> For <i>God</i> giveth to a man that <i>is</i> good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to <i>him that is</i> good before God. This also <i>is</i> vanity and vexation of spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:13,14</a></b></br> There is a sore evil <i>which</i> I have seen under the sun, <i>namely</i>, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-13</a></b></br> But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, <i>and</i> Hittites; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-5.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-5.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Toiling</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/songs/4-13.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-8.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-14.htm">Hated</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Toiling</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun</b><br>The phrase "I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun" reflects the deep sense of futility and dissatisfaction experienced by the author, traditionally understood to be King Solomon. This sentiment is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, where the phrase "under the sun" signifies the earthly, temporal realm as opposed to the eternal. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, had achieved great success and prosperity, yet he found these accomplishments ultimately unfulfilling. This reflects the biblical teaching that earthly achievements and material wealth cannot satisfy the deeper spiritual needs of the human soul (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>). The phrase also echoes the curse of labor from <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a>, where toil is a result of the fall, highlighting the transient nature of worldly endeavors.<p><b>because I must leave it to the man who comes after me</b><br>The inevitability of leaving one's possessions to a successor underscores the transient nature of earthly life and achievements. This reflects the biblical principle that material wealth is temporary and cannot be taken beyond this life (<a href="/1_timothy/6-7.htm">1 Timothy 6:7</a>). Historically, Solomon's successor, Rehoboam, failed to maintain the kingdom's unity, leading to its division (1 Kings 12). This serves as a cautionary tale about the uncertainty of legacy and the potential for one's life's work to be squandered by future generations. Theologically, this points to the importance of investing in eternal treasures and spiritual legacy, as emphasized in the teachings of Jesus Christ (<a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Luke 12:33-34</a>). The phrase also invites reflection on the stewardship of resources and the responsibility to use one's blessings for God's purposes, aligning with the parable of the talents (<a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which Solomon reigned. During his reign, Israel experienced a period of peace and prosperity, which allowed Solomon to undertake significant projects and accumulate wealth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_successor.htm">The Successor</a></b><br>Although not named in this verse, the successor refers to the person who will inherit Solomon's work and wealth. This reflects the uncertainty and lack of control over what happens to one's legacy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_earthly_labor.htm">The Futility of Earthly Labor</a></b><br>Solomon's lament highlights the temporary nature of earthly achievements. As Christians, we are reminded to focus on eternal values rather than solely on material success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_uncertainty_of_legacy.htm">The Uncertainty of Legacy</a></b><br>The uncertainty of who will inherit our work should prompt us to consider the impact and purpose of our labor. Are we working for God's glory or merely for personal gain?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_of_resources.htm">Stewardship of Resources</a></b><br>While we may not control who inherits our work, we can be wise stewards of our resources, using them to further God's kingdom and bless others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_god's_provision.htm">Contentment in God's Provision</a></b><br>Recognizing the limitations of our labor should lead us to find contentment in God's provision and trust in His plan for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>By keeping an eternal perspective, we can find meaning and purpose in our work, knowing that our ultimate reward is in heaven.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/order_of_jesus'_disciples'_calling.htm">What does 'travail' mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_boast_about_your_own_achievements.htm">What gain is there in chasing after the wind?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_wisdom_futile_in_ecclesiastes_2_15-16.htm">Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/nain's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What does 'Two are better than one' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Eccles. 9:19. There seems to be no special reference to Rehoboam, but only the assertion of the general principle that the wisest of men must leave all that his labour has gained to be enjoyed by another who may be destitute of wisdom. The thought is not so much that it is a hardship for the wise man to leave what he has gained, as that it is that he should have no advantage over the fool who enjoys the same without any merit.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - Such had been his general view of men's actions; he now brings the thought home to his own case, which makes his distress more poignant. <span class="cmt_word">Yea</span> (<span class="accented">and</span>), <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun.</span> He is disgusted to reflect upon all the trouble he has taken in life, when he thinks of what will become of the productions of his genius and the treasures which he has amassed. <span class="cmt_word">Because I should leave it</span> (my labor, <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. <span class="accented">its</span> results) <span class="cmt_word">unto the man that shall be after me</span>. It is impossible that Solomon could thus have spoken of Rehoboam; and to suppose that he wrote thus after Jeroboam's attempt (<a href="/1_kings/2-26.htm">1 Kings 2:26</a>, etc.), and in contemplation of a possible usurper, is not warranted by any historical statement, the absolute security of the succession being all along expected, and the growing discontent being perfectly unknown to, or contemptuously disregarded by, the king. The sentiment is general, and recurs more than once; <span class="accented">e.g.</span>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:8</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:14</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2</a>. Thus Horace, 'Epist.,' 2:2. 175 - <p><span class="foreign">"Sic quia perpetuus nulli datur usus, et heres<br />Heredem alterius velut unda supervenit undam,<br />Quid vici prosunt aut horrea?"</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-18.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</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hated</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׂנֵ֤אתִֽי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śā·nê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hate</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">for which</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁאֲנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(še·’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I had toiled</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲמָלִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·mā·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> </span><span class="str2">Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">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">because I must leave it</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֣אַנִּיחֶ֔נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(še·’an·nî·ḥen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3240.htm">Strong's 3240: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the man</span><br /><span class="heb">לָאָדָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who comes</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁיִּהְיֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(še·yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">after me.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:18 I hated all my labor in which (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:19" /></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>