Ecclesiastes 10 19

Ecclesiastes 10:19 kjv

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 nkjv

A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 niv

A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 esv

Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 nlt

A party gives laughter,
wine gives happiness,
and money gives everything!

Ecclesiastes 10 verses

Ecclesiastes 10 19 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 10:19 describes the practical realities of human life "under the sun," highlighting how feasting and wine are used for joy, but ultimately, money is perceived as the practical solution or means to obtain everything in the world. It serves as an observation on the pragmatic power of material wealth in addressing human desires and necessities within the world's functioning, rather than a theological endorsement of materialism.

Ecclesiastes 10 19 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 10 is part of Kohelet's reflections on the challenges and paradoxes of life "under the sun"—life observed purely from a human, earthly perspective, often without explicit reference to divine intervention. The preceding verses (1-18) discuss the pitfalls of folly, the abuse of power by leaders, the wisdom needed for life, and the consequences of laziness versus diligent work. Verse 19 transitions into a practical observation about the things that people pursue or rely on in their daily lives. It encapsulates the pragmatic worldview where joy is sought through tangible pleasures like feasting, and solutions to problems are found through material means. The "money answereth all things" phrase is presented as a cold, realistic observation of how the world often functions, especially for those engrossed in worldly pursuits, providing an important counterpoint to purely moral or spiritual advice.

Ecclesiastes 10 19 Word analysis

• A feast is made for laughter

  • feast (לֶחֶם - lekhem): Literally means "bread" or "food." In this context, it implies a meal, which by extension, can mean a feast or gathering for enjoyment, signifying sustenance and celebration.
  • is made: Implies purpose or function. Meals are prepared with the intent of gathering, consuming, and experiencing positive emotions.
  • laughter (שְׂחוֹק - sakhok): Refers to joy, merriment, or pleasure. It speaks to the human desire for happiness and enjoyment found in social interaction and shared meals.

• and wine maketh merry:

  • wine (יַיִן - yayin): A common beverage in the ancient world, often associated with joy, celebration, and relaxation.
  • maketh merry (יְשַׂמַּח - yesamach): From the root for "to be glad," "to rejoice," "to cheer up." Wine's intoxicating effect can elevate spirits and foster a sense of gaiety. This observation is found elsewhere in Scripture, acknowledging its ability to gladden the heart.

• but money answereth all things.

  • but: A strong adversative conjunction, shifting the focus from pleasurable activities to a more pragmatic, and perhaps cynical, reality.
  • money (כֶּסֶף - kesef): Literally "silver," the common medium of exchange in ancient times, hence "money." It represents wealth, resources, and purchasing power.
  • answereth (יַעֲנֶה - ya'aneh): From the verb "to answer," "to respond," "to provide for," or "to meet." In this context, it signifies that money provides solutions, fulfills needs, resolves problems, and can obtain desires.
  • all things (אֶת-הַכֹּל - et ha'kol): Refers to "the all" or "everything." This phrase suggests a sweeping claim about money's efficacy in the world, implying it can practically address every need, desire, or challenge. This reflects the Kohelet's observed reality that within human societal structures and materialistic pursuits, money appears to be the universal key. It underscores the practical reality of worldly dependency on resources.

Ecclesiastes 10 19 Bonus section

The phrase "money answereth all things" captures a cynical but empirically verifiable truth within the material world, emphasizing the practical power that wealth holds in managing human affairs. It's crucial to understand that Kohelet is reporting on a human reality rather than endorsing a divine principle. From God's perspective, "all things" are answered by His sovereignty, grace, and provision, not by money. However, Kohelet observes how people practically live "under the sun"—where material means frequently appear to be the universal solvent for immediate problems and the pathway to most desires. This perspective can serve as a potent challenge to superficial understandings of worldly happiness or security, compelling the reader to consider what truly "answers all things" in the ultimate sense.

Ecclesiastes 10 19 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 10:19 is a pithy summary of observed human behavior and worldly realities from Kohelet's perspective. It begins with an affirmation that feasts and wine are integral to human joy and social celebration—they are designed to evoke laughter and cheer. This reflects a simple pleasure of life, often seen as a legitimate enjoyment of God's good gifts. However, the conjunction "but" dramatically shifts the emphasis, highlighting a profound truth about human dependency on material resources: money, symbolized by "silver," has the practical power to "answer all things."

This is not a moral statement of endorsement, but rather a keen, realistic, and perhaps lamentable observation of life "under the sun." In the practical realm of human society, money does indeed provide solutions to most problems—it secures food, shelter, healthcare, pleasure, influence, and alleviates many discomforts. While wisdom is superior (as Kohelet affirms elsewhere, 7:12), the verse notes that in the eyes of many, or in the stark realities of worldly transactions, money reigns supreme as the ultimate problem-solver and enabler of pursuits, even seemingly virtuous ones. It describes the common, often misguided, belief that material wealth holds the key to comprehensive well-being and satisfaction, underscoring the pragmatic allure of mammon in a fallen world. This observation stands as a stark reminder of humanity's frequent entanglement with materialism and its perceived practical omnipotence.