Ecclesiastes 3 13

Ecclesiastes 3:13 kjv

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 nkjv

and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor?it is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 niv

That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil?this is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 esv

also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil ? this is God's gift to man.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 nlt

And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Ecclesiastes 3 verses

Ecclesiastes 3 13 Meaning

The verse conveys that the capacity for every human to partake in the basic sustenance of life (eating and drinking) and to experience satisfaction and goodness within the context of their labor, rather than seeing it as burdensome futility, is not an inherent human achievement but a gracious endowment from God. It posits that the simple joys and a sense of wellbeing found in one’s daily efforts are direct divine gifts, illuminating God's benevolence amidst life's often-perceived futility.

Ecclesiastes 3 13 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 3 begins with the renowned poem on "a time for everything" (verses 1-8), which establishes the predetermined nature of events in life, often beyond human control or comprehension. Following this, the Preacher (Qoheleth) shifts to consider the human condition concerning labor and purpose. He questions the "profit" (advantage) man gains from his toil (v. 9) and acknowledges the "grievous task" God has given humanity (v. 10). Yet, within this framework of toil and divine timing, Qoheleth arrives at a profound realization: God "makes everything beautiful in its time" (v. 11), though humanity cannot fully grasp His eternal work. Verses 12-13 then present a vital conclusion: recognizing that there is nothing truly "better" for humans than to find joy and do good, and that even the simple acts of eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in one's labor are not a result of striving, but a direct, gracious "gift of God." This understanding stands in contrast to the pervasive "vanity" or meaninglessness Qoheleth observes "under the sun," pointing instead to a divine source of present satisfaction.

Ecclesiastes 3 13 Word analysis

• Also (וְגַם - ve'gam): A conjunctive particle meaning "and also," "moreover," or "furthermore." It links this verse as an additional point of observation and conclusion, specifically building upon the assertion in the previous verse (3:12) about finding joy and doing good.
• that every man (כָּל־הָאָדָ֔ם - kol ha'adam):
  • כָּל־ (kol): "All," "every," "the whole." This highlights the universal applicability of the statement; it is not restricted to a specific class or group but applies to all humanity.
  • הָאָדָ֔ם (ha'adam): "The man," "humanity." This emphasizes that the observation pertains to the human race in general.
• should eat (יֹאכַ֥ל - yokhal): From the verb אָכַל (akhal), "to eat." Refers to the fundamental act of consuming food for sustenance. In a broader biblical context, eating often implies fellowship, provision, and life.
• and drink (וְשָׁתָה - ve'shatah): From the verb שָׁתָה (shatah), "to drink." Similar to eating, it represents basic sustenance, and culturally, also part of celebration and communal life.
• and find enjoyment (וְלִרְא֥וֹת ט֖וֹב - ve'lir'ot tov):
  • וְלִרְא֥וֹת (ve'lir'ot): "And to see," derived from the verb רָאָה (ra'ah), "to see, perceive, understand, experience." In this idiomatic usage, "to see good" means "to experience good," "to find good," or "to derive enjoyment/satisfaction." It implies a receptive and appreciative state of being.
  • ט֖וֹב (tov): "Good," "well," "pleasant," "agreeable," "beneficial." This term encapsulates the positive quality of the experience – not just physical sensation, but an internal sense of contentment and well-being.
• in all his toil (בְּכָל־עֲמָל֖וֹ - be'khol-'amalo):
  • בְּכָל־ (be'khol): "In all," "in every." Indicates comprehensive application; it is in all forms of one's laborious effort.
  • עֲמָל֖וֹ ('amalo): From the noun עָמָל (amal), often translated as "toil," "labor," "troublesome effort," or "hard work," which often implies futility or burden within Ecclesiastes. This phrase signifies that the 'good' and enjoyment are to be found within or despite the inherent difficulty or mundane nature of human labor, not just as a reward after it.
• is the gift of God (מַתַּ֥ת אֱלֹהִֽים הִֽיא׃ - mattat 'elohim hi):
  • מַתַּ֥ת (mattat): "Gift," "present," "donation." Explicitly states that this ability to enjoy life and labor is not earned, achieved, or a natural outcome of human striving, but something freely given.
  • אֱלֹהִֽים (Elohim): "God." This divine attribution is paramount, grounding the source of this enjoyment squarely in the sovereignty and benevolence of the Creator, distinct from human effort or chance.
  • הִֽיא (hi): "It is," "she is." An emphatic pronoun that strengthens the assertion, underscoring that this (the aforementioned enjoyment in toil) is indeed the gift from God.

Words-group Analysis

• "every man should eat and drink": This highlights the fundamental and universal nature of these blessings. They are accessible to all people, signifying God's common grace in providing for humanity's most basic needs, which also carry potential for joy beyond mere sustenance.
• "and find enjoyment in all his toil": This phrase represents a transformative aspect of life's daily struggles. "Toil" (amal) often carries a negative connotation in Ecclesiastes, referring to the burdensome and often futile efforts of humanity. However, through God's gift, this very toil can become a source of "good" and satisfaction, elevating the mundane to something blessed.
• "is the gift of God": This climactic statement definitively attributes the capacity for satisfaction and enjoyment in life and work to divine benevolence. It reorients human understanding from a view of life as solely driven by self-effort or random chance, to one where contentment and meaning flow from God’s intentional provision. This emphasizes God’s active role in providing a sense of purpose and joy, even in a world filled with vexation.

Ecclesiastes 3 13 Bonus section

• This verse represents a central recurring theme or "refrain" in Ecclesiastes, appearing in various forms (Eccl 2:24-26; 3:12-13; 5:18-20; 8:15; 9:7-9). This repetition underscores its significance as Qoheleth's primary practical advice for finding meaning and solace in life's mysteries.
• The emphasis on God as the Giver ("mattat Elohim") offers a direct counter-narrative to prevalent ancient Near Eastern polytheistic beliefs where prosperity was often seen as the unpredictable whim of numerous deities or the result of human manipulation through rituals. Qoheleth firmly roots all genuine enjoyment and goodness in the singular, sovereign God.
• The joy mentioned is not about seeking luxury or excess but about appreciating basic provision and the fruit of one's ordinary labor. It encourages finding profound spiritual contentment within the very fabric of common, daily human experience.
• The Hebrew "lir'ot tov" (literally "to see good") suggests a deep, experiential appreciation and realization of goodness, not merely superficial pleasure. It points to a divine enabling that transforms potentially tedious work into a source of inner satisfaction and well-being.

Ecclesiastes 3 13 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 3:13 serves as a pivotal conclusion to the Preacher’s reflection on time and toil. It articulates that the highest human good within the earthly sphere is the divinely granted ability to find simple satisfaction in daily life, specifically in basic acts like eating, drinking, and experiencing goodness from one's hard work. Unlike the endless pursuits and accumulated wealth which Qoheleth deems "vanity," this verse reveals a practical wisdom for living meaningfully: True enjoyment in one’s "toil" is not a reward earned by human effort or wisdom, but a gracious benefaction from God. This perspective encourages contentment and gratitude, steering the seeker away from anxious striving for ultimate answers "under the sun" and towards appreciating God’s immediate blessings. It is a consistent theme throughout Ecclesiastes, reiterating that a joyous heart amidst life's struggles is an act of divine favor.