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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 3:10 I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/21_Ecc_03_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 3:10 - God's Works Remain Forever" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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="/ad10.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/3-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:9">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 3:10 <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:11">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.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/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I have seen the burden God has placed on us all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the task which God has given the sons of mankind with which to occupy themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I have seen the endeavor which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the task which God has given to the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the task that God has given people to keep them occupied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have seen what difficult things God demands of us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have seen mortals weighed down with a burden that God has placed on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I have observed the burdens placed by God on human beings in order to perfect them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I have observed the burden that God has given to people to keep them occupied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I have seen the labor, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I have seen the travail that God has given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have seen the travail that God hath given to the sons of man to be humbled by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I saw the labor which God gave to the sons of man to be humbled in it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the trouble, which God hath given the sons of men to be exercised in it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I have seen the affliction that God has given to the sons of men, in order that they may be occupied by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the business that God has given to mortals to be busied about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I have seen the toil which the LORD has given to the sons of men to be engaged therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have seen the task that LORD JEHOVAH gives the children men in which to be employed<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I have seen the task which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I have seen all the trouble, which God has given to the sons of men to be troubled with.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-10.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=521" 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/3.htm">God's Works Remain Forever</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9</span>What does the worker gain from his toil? <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’î·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I have seen</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6045.htm" title="6045: hā·‘in·yān (Art:: N-ms) -- Occupation, task. From anah; ado, i.e. employment or an affair.">the burden</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: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (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.">has laid</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">upon the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of men</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: la·‘ă·nō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">to occupy</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.…<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="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a></span><br />And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. / Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. / By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20-22</a></span><br />For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/5-29.htm">Genesis 5:29</a></span><br />And he named him Noah, saying, “May this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-7.htm">Job 5:7</a></span><br />Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1</a></span><br />“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></span><br />The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-23.htm">Psalm 104:23</a></span><br />Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/65-23.htm">Isaiah 65:23</a></span><br />They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD—they and their descendants with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/20-18.htm">Jeremiah 20:18</a></span><br />Why did I come out of the womb to see only trouble and sorrow, and to end my days in shame?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a></span><br />I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-4</a></span><br />Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16-18</a></span><br />Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I have seen the travail, which God has given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:3</a></b></br> What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11,22,23</a></b></br> Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all <i>was</i> vanity and vexation of spirit, and <i>there was</i> no profit under the sun… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:16</a></b></br> And this also <i>is</i> a sore evil, <i>that</i> in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">Business</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Busy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Exercised</a> <a href="/psalms/107-39.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/psalms/119-117.htm">Occupy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Task</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-5.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Business</a> <a href="/haggai/1-9.htm">Busy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Exercised</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-9.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Occupy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">Task</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">by the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">is an excellence in God's works</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">as for man, God shall judge his works hereafter, though here he be like a beast</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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I have seen the burden</b><br>The author, traditionally identified as Solomon, speaks from personal experience and observation. The term "burden" suggests a weight or responsibility that humanity carries. This reflects the human condition post-Fall, where labor and toil became part of life (<a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17-19</a>). The burden can also be seen as the quest for meaning and purpose in a world that often seems futile.<p><b>that God has laid</b><br>This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty and the divine origin of life's challenges. It implies that the burdens of life are not random but are part of God's ordained plan. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is in control of all aspects of life (<a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a>, <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>). It also suggests that these burdens serve a purpose in God's greater plan, possibly to draw people closer to Him or to refine their character.<p><b>upon the sons of men</b><br>"Sons of men" is a Hebrew idiom for humanity, emphasizing the universal nature of the human experience. This phrase connects to the biblical understanding that all people, regardless of status or background, are subject to the same existential struggles. It reflects the idea that life's burdens are a common denominator among all people, echoing themes found in Job and Psalms.<p><b>to occupy them</b><br>The purpose of these burdens is to engage or occupy humanity. This suggests that life's challenges are meant to keep people active and perhaps prevent idleness, which can lead to sin (<a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Proverbs 16:27</a>). It also implies that through these burdens, people are driven to seek God and find meaning beyond the temporal world. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that trials can produce perseverance and maturity (<a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</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 writings. He reflects on the human experience and the divine order.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_men.htm">Sons of Men</a></b><br>This phrase refers to humanity in general, emphasizing the universal nature of the human condition and the burdens that all people face.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Creator who has established the order of the world and the tasks that occupy human beings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_burden.htm">The Burden</a></b><br>Represents the tasks, responsibilities, and challenges that God has given to humanity, which are part of the human experience.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a></b><br>The setting in which humans live and experience the burdens and tasks given by God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_human_condition.htm">Understanding the Human Condition</a></b><br>Recognize that burdens and labor are part of the human experience as ordained by God. This understanding can lead to acceptance and reliance on God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purpose_in_labor.htm">Purpose in Labor</a></b><br>While burdens can seem overwhelming, they serve a purpose in God's divine plan. Seek to find meaning and fulfillment in the tasks God has given.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>In the face of life's burdens, turn to God for strength and guidance. Acknowledge that human effort alone is insufficient without divine support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Keep an eternal perspective in mind. The burdens of this life are temporary, and God has a greater plan that transcends our immediate struggles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rest_in_christ.htm">Rest in Christ</a></b><br>Jesus offers rest and relief from the burdens of life. Embrace His invitation to find peace and rest in Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_jesus'_biblical_ancestors.htm">Who are the ancestors of Jesus according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_qoheleth_in_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_questioning_divine_commands_forbidden.htm">Does the narrative of Aaron's silence imply that questioning divine commands is forbidden (Lev 10:3)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_bible_question_answers.htm">What are the answers to Bible questions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 10-15.</span> - There is a plan and system in all the circumstances of man's life; he feels this instinctively, but he cannot comprehend it. His duty is to make the best of the present, and to recognize the immutability of the law that governs all things. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it;</span> <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. <span class="accented">to</span> busy themselves therewith (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:13</a>). This travail, exercise, or business is the work that has to be done under the conditions prescribed of time and season in face of the difficulty of man's free action and God's ordering. We take infinite pains, we entertain ample desires, and strive restlessly to carry them out, but our efforts are controlled by a higher law, and results occur in the way and at the time arranged by Providence. Human labor, though it is appointed by God and is part of man's heritage imposed upon him by the Fall (<a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17</a>, etc.), cannot bring contentment or satisfy the spirit's cravings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I have seen</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאִ֣יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’î·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the burden</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽעִנְיָ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘in·yān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6045.htm">Strong's 6045: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ado, employment, an affair</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֨ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has laid</span><br /><span class="heb">נָתַ֧ן</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṯan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on men</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to occupy them.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲנ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bowed down or afflicted</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:10 I have seen the burden which God (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:11" /></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>