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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 4:7 Again, I saw futility under the sun.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/21_Ecc_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 4:7 - The Evil of Oppression" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Again, I saw futility under the sun." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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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/4-7.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/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 7</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="/ad7.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/4-6.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 4:6">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 4:7 <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 4:8">►</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/4.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/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Again, I saw vanity under the sun:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Again, I saw futility under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I looked again at futility under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then I looked again at vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then I looked again at vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then I looked again at vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then I looked again at vanity under the sun [in one of its peculiar forms].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Again, I saw futility under the sun:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Again, I saw futility under the sun: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Once again I saw that nothing on earth makes sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Next, I turned to look at something pointless under the sun:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I have noticed something else in life that is useless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I turned to re-examine something else that is pointless on earth: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So I again considered another futile thing on earth: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Again, I saw futility under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I have turned, and I see a vain thing under the sun:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I have turned, and I see a vain thing under the sun:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I turned back, and I shall see vanity under the sun.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Considering I found also another vanity under the sun: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />While considering this, I also discovered another vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Again I saw this vanity under the sun:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Again, I saw vanity under the sun:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then I turned, and I saw vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I turned and I saw futility under the sun<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/4-7.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=712" 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/4.htm">The Evil of Oppression</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·šaḇ·tî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">Again,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wā·’er·’eh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: he·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">futility</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> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—a miserable task.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a></span><br />I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11</a></span><br />Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18-23</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. / 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. / So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:7</a></span><br />All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-20.htm">Proverbs 27:20</a></span><br />Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a></span><br />There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Isaiah 55:2</a></span><br />Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-11.htm">Jeremiah 17:11</a></span><br />Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”<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="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-36.htm">Mark 8:36</a></span><br />What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-33.htm">Psalm 78:33</a></b></br> Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/1-6.htm">Zechariah 1:6</a></b></br> But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Example</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Something</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-3.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Vanity</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">Example</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Something</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Vanity</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">vanity is increased unto men by oppression</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">by envy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">by idleness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">by covetousness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">by solitariness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">by willfulness</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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Again, I saw</b><br>The repetition of "again" indicates the ongoing nature of the observations made by the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon. This suggests a continuous search for meaning and understanding in life. Solomon, known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive experiences, often revisits themes to emphasize their importance. His repeated observations highlight the persistent and universal nature of the issues he addresses.<p><b>futility</b><br>The term "futility" is often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness" in other versions. It reflects the Hebrew word "hevel," which conveys a sense of emptiness or transience. This concept is central to Ecclesiastes, where the author explores the fleeting and often unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits. The idea of futility is echoed in <a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20</a>, where creation is subjected to frustration, pointing to the fallen state of the world and the need for redemption.<p><b>under the sun</b><br>This phrase is a key motif in Ecclesiastes, appearing numerous times throughout the book. It refers to the earthly, temporal realm as opposed to the eternal, divine perspective. The phrase underscores the limitations of human understanding and the often perplexing nature of life when viewed solely from a worldly standpoint. It serves as a reminder of the contrast between earthly experiences and the eternal truths found in God. The phrase "under the sun" also connects to the broader biblical narrative, where the ultimate fulfillment and purpose are found in Christ, who offers eternal life beyond the temporal struggles of this world.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is often attributed to him as a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of Israel serves as the backdrop for Solomon's writings. The societal and cultural context of ancient Israel provides insight into the themes of labor, wealth, and human relationships explored in Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The term "Qoheleth" is often translated as "The Preacher" or "The Teacher." This character is the voice of Ecclesiastes, sharing observations and reflections on life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_isolation.htm">The Futility of Isolation</a></b><br><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7</a> highlights the emptiness of a life lived in isolation. The Hebrew word "hevel" (often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless") suggests a vapor or breath, indicating the fleeting and insubstantial nature of solitary pursuits.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_companionship.htm">The Value of Companionship</a></b><br>The passage implicitly contrasts the futility of isolation with the value of companionship. In a world that often glorifies individual achievement, this serves as a reminder of the biblical call to community and mutual support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_meaning.htm">The Pursuit of Meaning</a></b><br>Solomon's reflections encourage us to seek meaning beyond material success and personal gain. True fulfillment is found in relationships and in living according to God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_work_in_life.htm">The Role of Work in Life</a></b><br>While work is a necessary part of life, Ecclesiastes challenges us to consider the purpose and end of our labor. Are we working for self-glorification, or are we contributing to the well-being of others and the glory of God?<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_7-8_oppose_stewardship.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7–8 emphasizes the vanity in labor for one without an heir—does this conflict with the Bible’s call to stewardship and fruitful living? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_midlife_crisis.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on a midlife crisis?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_2-3_contradict_pro-life.htm">In Ecclesiastes 4:2-3, the speaker says the dead or unborn are more fortunate than the living--does this contradict the Bible's overall respect for life?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">Then I returned.--</span>The vanity of toil is especially apparent in the case of a solitary man. It is possible, as has been suggested (see <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm" title="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.">Ecclesiastes 2:18</a>), that this may have been the writer's own case. The following verses, which speak of the advantages of friendship and unity, are of a more cheerful tone than the rest of the book.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 7-12.</span> - Thirdly, avarice causes isolation and a sense of insecurity, and brings no satisfaction. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then I returned</span>. Another reflection serves to confirm the uselessness of human efforts. The <span class="cmt_word">vanity under the sun</span> is now avarice, with the evils that accompany it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/4-7.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">Again,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשַׁ֧בְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šaḇ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֛י</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">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֶרְאֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’er·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - 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">futility</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֖בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֥חַת</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">הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:7 Then I returned and saw vanity under (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:8" /></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>