Ecclesiastes 1:8 kjv

All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1:8 nkjv

All things are full of labor; Man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1:8 niv

All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1:8 esv

All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1:8 nlt

Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.

Ecclesiastes 1 verses

Ecclesiastes 1 8 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 1:8 describes the universal weariness inherent in all human endeavors and sensory experiences. It asserts that everything is exhausting, and humanity's ability to articulate the full extent of this toil is limited. The verse particularly highlights the insatiable nature of human perception: the eye is never fully content with what it sees, nor the ear with what it hears, pointing to a deep-seated lack of ultimate fulfillment in worldly pursuits.

Ecclesiastes 1 8 Context

Ecclesiastes 1:8 sits within the opening argument of Qoheleth (the Preacher), where he systematically builds his case for the "vanity" of life under the sun. The preceding verses (1:4-7) establish a powerful metaphor from the natural world: the sun rises and sets, winds blow in cycles, rivers flow to the sea yet the sea is never full – all showing relentless, repetitive motion that yields no ultimate advancement or satisfaction. Verse 8 applies this same principle to human experience, transitioning from cosmic futility to the immediate reality of human effort and perception. It introduces the profound weariness of existence and the endless, unsatisfying quest for sensory gratification that defines much of human endeavor, thus laying the groundwork for Qoheleth's explorations of wisdom, pleasure, toil, and wealth throughout the book.

Ecclesiastes 1 8 Word analysis

• All things: The Hebrew word is הַכְּלֵּה (ha'kolleh), meaning "the whole," "everything," or "all." This emphasizes the universality of the statement – it applies to every aspect of human life and experience, not just specific tasks or individuals. It signifies that the vanity is comprehensive.
• are full of labor: The Hebrew phrase is יְגֵעוֹת (yəḡēʿôt), derived from the root יגע (yāgaʿ), which means to toil, grow weary, or be fatigued. It implies arduous effort, continuous struggle, and the exhaustion that results from such activity. This isn't merely busyness, but tiresome and wearing effort.
• man cannot utter it: The Hebrew reads לֹא יוּכַל אִישׁ לְדַבֵּר (lō yūḵal ʾîš lədabbēr), literally "a man is not able to speak." This points to the inexpressible depth and pervasive nature of this weariness. It's so profound and encompassing that human language or thought struggles to fully articulate its extent or implications. It suggests a weariness that transcends simple tiredness.
• the eye is not satisfied with seeing: The Hebrew uses לֹא תִשְׂבַּע הָעַיִן לִרְאוֹת (lōʾ tiśbaʿ hāʿayin lirʾôṯ). "תִשְׂבַּע" (tiśbaʿ) comes from the root שׂבע (śābaʿ), meaning "to be satisfied," "be sated," "have enough." The negative particle "lōʾ" renders it "not satisfied." This highlights the unending craving of human desire through the sense of sight. No matter how much is seen, a new desire emerges, a new object of fascination, never reaching a point of ultimate contentment. This concept counters pagan desires for sensory pleasure as ultimate good.
• nor the ear filled with hearing: The Hebrew phrase is וְלֹא תִמָּלֵא הָאֹזֶן מִשְּׁמוֹעַ (wəlōʾ timmālēʾ hāʾōzen miššəmôaʿ). "תִמָּלֵא" (timmālēʾ) from the root מלא (māleʾ), meaning "to fill," "be full." Again, the negative "lōʾ" emphasizes lack of fulfillment. This parallels the eye's insatiability, applying it to the sense of hearing. No amount of information, stories, or sounds can truly satisfy the craving ear, always seeking more, always leaving a void.
• "All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it": This opening segment describes the external reality of existence under the sun – everything involves strenuous, often futile effort, which is so immense it's beyond comprehension. It paints a picture of pervasive weariness and ultimate inarticulation of the human condition.
• "the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing": This second part shifts focus to internal human experience and desire. It illustrates the endless, unquenchable nature of human appetite for sensory input. It’s a pursuit without resolution, a state of perpetual want regardless of consumption. This speaks to the inherent deficiency within creation when true satisfaction is not sought from the Creator.

Ecclesiastes 1 8 Bonus section

The pervasive nature of the "labor" or "weariness" in this verse, stemming from the Hebrew yaga', is directly tied to the curse in Genesis 3:17-19, where toil and futility became humanity's lot in a fallen world. This verse therefore does not speak merely of human experience but points to a cosmic reality of the effects of sin on creation (Rom 8:20-22). Qoheleth's observation that "man cannot utter it" suggests the inherent inability of human reason or philosophy alone to fully comprehend or resolve the dilemma of existence without divine revelation. The insatiable eye and ear imply an attempt to fill an infinite void with finite means, contrasting sharply with the divine nature where desires are fulfilled in the person of God, who alone provides ultimate knowledge and spiritual nourishment. The repeated pattern of striving without satisfaction in human history often manifests as societies perpetually seeking the next innovation, entertainment, or political ideology to solve existential problems, only to find the underlying sense of emptiness persists, reinforcing Qoheleth's timeless observation.

Ecclesiastes 1 8 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 1:8 succinctly captures Qoheleth's central thesis on the human predicament without God: life "under the sun" is characterized by ceaseless toil and fundamental dissatisfaction. The statement "all things are full of labor" underscores a pervasive weariness, a relentless exertion that permeates every aspect of existence, from intellectual pursuits to daily chores. This toil is so profound that "man cannot utter it," suggesting its incomprehensible scope and depth, going beyond simple physical fatigue to a spiritual and existential exhaustion. This deep weariness implies an inherent deficiency in worldly endeavors.

The verse then points to the senses – sight and hearing – as prime examples of this futility, proclaiming they are "not satisfied" and "not filled." This highlights the insatiable nature of human desire. No matter how much one experiences, sees, or hears, contentment remains elusive. This is not just about lack of information or visual input, but about the inherent inability of sensory gratification or intellectual accumulation to provide lasting peace or fulfillment. This resonates with the biblical truth that ultimate satisfaction is found only in God, the Giver of all good things (Ps 17:15; John 4:14), and that earthly pursuits apart from Him are inherently limited and ultimately empty. The pursuit of wisdom, wealth, or pleasure, divorced from a vertical relationship with God, becomes a cyclical endeavor destined to return to the starting point of weariness and unfulfilled desire. It serves as a stark reminder that true contentment transcends what is acquired or perceived by the natural senses.