Ecclesiastes 2 23

Ecclesiastes 2:23 kjv

For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

Ecclesiastes 2:23 nkjv

For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 2:23 niv

All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 2:23 esv

For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 2:23 nlt

Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 2 verses

Ecclesiastes 2 23 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 2:23 asserts that for those who strive and accumulate through human effort alone, life is characterized by ceaseless pain, frustration, and an inability to find true rest, even during the night. The relentless toil and ambition lead only to an inner disquiet and vexation of spirit, ultimately proving to be meaningless and futile, adding to the pervasive "vanity" or emptiness described throughout the book. This verse highlights the deep dissatisfaction that comes from seeking purpose solely in worldly pursuits, especially concerning one's labor and its eventual outcomes.

Ecclesiastes 2 23 Context

Ecclesiastes 2:23 is nestled within a larger section (Ecclesiastes 2:18-26) where the Preacher reflects on the futility of human toil and achievements when viewed "under the sun"—that is, apart from God. Having exhaustively explored and debunked wisdom, pleasure, and immense wealth as sources of lasting satisfaction, he now turns his attention to the very effort (labor) that secures such things. This verse directly follows his lament that he must leave the fruit of his immense labor to an heir who might be foolish. The broader context of the book establishes "hebel" (vanity/futility) as the default state of life without a divine perspective, and this verse powerfully exemplifies that theme in the realm of human work and accumulation. It captures the psychological toll of relentless striving, leading to internal suffering rather than fulfillment, regardless of material success.

Ecclesiastes 2 23 Word analysis

• For all his days: The Hebrew "kol yamav" (כָּל יָמָיו) signifies the entirety of one's life, not just intermittent periods. It conveys a pervasive, enduring state of existence, suggesting that the suffering and lack of peace are not temporary but constant and overwhelming for the individual operating "under the sun" without divine perspective. This underscores the Preacher's point about the comprehensive nature of this dissatisfaction.
• are griefs: The Hebrew word for griefs is "kə'ēvîm" (כְּאֵבִים). This term is rich, often translated as "pains," "sorrows," or "anguish." It suggests not merely transient sadness but deep-seated physical or emotional suffering, hinting at the painful experiences and deep regret inherent in such a life of endless striving.
• and his task: The Hebrew "vəqitsəpō" (וְקִצְפּוֹ) refers to one's labor, business, or preoccupation. The choice of wording emphasizes not just the physical work but the mental and emotional engagement with one's endeavors and responsibilities. This points to the intense, almost obsessive, dedication given to these pursuits.
• vexation: The Hebrew "qaʿas" (קַעַס) here signifies strong irritation, resentment, indignation, or anger, and often refers to an emotional agitation caused by frustration or bitterness. When associated with "his task," it means the very activity or its outcome becomes a source of exasperation, anger, or deep discontent rather than satisfaction or joy.
• even in the night: The Hebrew phrase "gam ballaylah" (גַּם בַּלַּיְלָה) profoundly intensifies the problem. Night is universally associated with rest, peace, and recovery from the day's toil. The Preacher's point is that the internal turmoil caused by relentless human striving is so profound that it intrudes upon and even consumes the natural time for rest, preventing the heart from finding solace.
• his heart does not rest: The Hebrew "lō-shākhaḇ libbō" (לֹא־שָׁכַב לִבּוֹ) literally translates to "his heart does not lie down" or "his heart does not sleep." The "heart" (lēv) in Hebrew thought encompasses the entire inner person—intellect, emotion, will, and conscience. Thus, it's not merely physical wakefulness but a profound lack of inner tranquility, perpetual anxiety, and inability to find mental or emotional repose, even when the body seeks sleep.
• This also is vanity: The Hebrew "gam-zeh heḇel hūʾ" (גַּם־זֶה הָבֶל הוּא) is a recurring refrain in Ecclesiastes. "Hebel" (הֶבֶל) is the central theme of the book, signifying "vapor," "breath," "futility," or "meaninglessness." This concluding phrase reinforces that the unending grief, vexation, and lack of rest arising from toil and accumulation—when approached apart from God—are not isolated issues but fundamentally contribute to the overall emptiness and fleeting nature of existence under the sun. It highlights the ultimate worthlessness of such pursuits in providing lasting fulfillment or purpose.

Ecclesiastes 2 23 Bonus section

The strong contrast drawn between the intense toil and its bitter fruits in Ecclesiastes 2:23 sets the stage for the Preacher's emerging, albeit often cyclical, conclusion later in the book regarding the gift of labor (e.g., Ecc 2:24-26, 3:12-13, 5:18-20). Here, the focus is purely on the negative experience of striving without divine perspective. The profound emotional and psychological exhaustion depicted highlights that the burden is not merely external labor but an internal disposition of the heart. The "griefs" and "vexation" are internal responses, indicating that the problem lies not necessarily in the work itself, but in the ultimate ends for which one labors and the hope one places in the outcomes. The repeated emphasis on "under the sun" implies that without an "over the sun" (heavenly/divine) viewpoint, even seemingly successful worldly endeavors are ultimately soul-wearying and unfulfilling. This prefigures the New Testament invitation to find rest in Christ from all wearying burdens, illustrating that true rest is a spiritual gift rather than an earned cessation from labor.

Ecclesiastes 2 23 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 2:23 presents a poignant snapshot of human existence trapped in a cycle of unending striving. The Preacher, having indulged in and mastered every earthly pleasure, wisdom, and enterprise, now strips away the illusion of satisfaction that human labor might offer when devoid of divine purpose. The verse powerfully articulates that, for those who accumulate and exert themselves for earthly gains "under the sun," their days are a procession of painful experiences and their very endeavors yield deep frustration. Crucially, this internal torment transcends daylight hours, invading even the sanctity of night, robbing the individual of peaceful rest. The "heart," the seat of one's being, is unable to find solace, indicating profound spiritual and psychological unrest rather than just physical fatigue. This unending disquiet underscores the ultimate verdict: "This also is vanity." It is an ultimate futility, emphasizing that all such drivenness, apart from God's hand and gift, amounts to an empty pursuit that never truly satisfies or brings lasting peace. It warns against a life defined by acquisition and worldly success, which, paradoxically, often leads to greater anguish.

• Practical usage: This verse can be a reminder for believers to assess their own motivation for work and achievement.
  • It prompts introspection: "Am I working to acquire, or to honor God?"
  • It cautions against workaholism or striving for control that leads to anxiety rather than peace.
  • It encourages seeking God's rest and perspective amidst life's challenges, rather than allowing earthly pursuits to steal inner tranquility.