Ecclesiastes 4 6

Ecclesiastes 4:6 kjv

Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 nkjv

Better a handful with quietness Than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 niv

Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 esv

Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 nlt

And yet, "Better to have one handful with quietness
than two handfuls with hard work
and chasing the wind."

Ecclesiastes 4 verses

Ecclesiastes 4 6 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 4:6 declares that a modest amount of possessions accompanied by peace and tranquility is superior to vast wealth or material abundance achieved through relentless, burdensome toil and a ceaseless, unfulfilled craving for more, which ultimately proves to be as futile as chasing the wind. It emphasizes the value of contentment and inner peace over insatiable ambition and material accumulation, portraying a balanced and moderate approach to life and work.

Ecclesiastes 4 6 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 4 explores the injustices and anomalies Qoheleth (the Teacher/Preacher) observes "under the sun"—human existence apart from direct divine revelation or eternal perspective. Following his observation of oppression (v. 1-3) and the pervasive nature of envy that fuels endless rivalry (v. 4), the Teacher presents three different responses to life's labor: the foolish idler (v. 5), the balanced moderate (v. 6), and the covetous workaholic (v. 7-8). Verse 6 specifically contrasts the wisdom of contentment and peace with the futility and distress of insatiable toil, serving as a pivotal statement that highlights an ideal way of life amidst the observed "vanity" of striving. Historically, this counsel would resonate in an ancient society where status was often tied to accumulated wealth, yet daily life involved significant physical labor, often for meager returns. It implicitly challenges the prevalent idea that worth and happiness are directly proportional to material accumulation.

Ecclesiastes 4 6 Word analysis

• Better: (ט֛וֹב - tov) More beneficial, preferable, superior. This term is used frequently by Qoheleth to weigh alternatives, indicating a qualitative judgment of what is truly good or advantageous. It suggests a value statement from wisdom, not just an observation.
• is a handful: (קְפֶ֗טֶס - qophets from קפץ meaning 'to close', 'to grasp') A closed hand, a fistful; representing a small, modest, manageable portion. It signifies sufficiency rather than abundance, a measured grip on what is obtained.
• with quietness: (נַ֣חַת - nachath) Rest, repose, tranquility, calm, ease, relief. This word encapsulates the internal and external peace, stability, and lack of anxiety that accompanies the modest portion. It stands in direct contrast to the unrest inherent in grasping and toil. In the Bible, "rest" (often linked to nuakh) is a significant theme, denoting God's intended Sabbath peace.
• than both hands full: (מְלֵא הָאָנָיִם - m’lei hachopnayim) Literally "fullness of two hands" or "two handfuls full." This imagery signifies a large, overwhelming, or excessive amount. It represents the accumulation of abundant possessions or a large harvest, a seemingly desirable outcome by worldly standards.
• with toil: (וַעֲמַ֣ל - va’amal) Toilsome labor, burdensome effort, wearisome exertion, trouble, mischief. This denotes strenuous, difficult, and often frustrating labor. In Ecclesiastes, amal frequently carries the connotation of labor that brings no lasting satisfaction or disproportionate suffering for its fruit. It is labor often fueled by ambition and greed, leading to exhaustion. It contrasts sharply with "quietness."
• and grasping: (וּרְעוּת - u're'ut) And a "feeding," "chasing," or "striving." The root רעה (ra'ah) means to feed, pasture, or associate with. In Ecclesiastes, re'ut ruach consistently signifies a "striving after wind" or a "feeding on wind," implying a futile, unsatisfactory pursuit. It's an internal restlessness or craving that drives the toil.
• for the wind: (ר֣וּחַ - ruach) Wind, breath, spirit. Here, it signifies emptiness, nothingness, something elusive, unsubstantial, and impossible to grasp or hold. It emphasizes the utter futility and lack of lasting value or satisfaction derived from the "toil and grasping."

Ecclesiastes 4 6 Bonus section

The Hebrew word re'ut, often translated "grasping" or "striving," has a more nuanced meaning of "shepherding" or "feeding." When combined with ruach (wind), it literally means "feeding on wind" or "shepherding wind." This imagery deepens the sense of futility, as one cannot sustain oneself by eating wind, nor can one effectively herd an intangible force. This portrays the actions of the workaholic or ambitious person as absurdly irrational, spending immense energy on that which can never satisfy or provide true sustenance. This particular phrase is a unique linguistic signature of Ecclesiastes, appearing seven times throughout the book to describe the pervasive vanity of worldly pursuits. It underscores the Qoheleth's philosophical observation that life "under the sun" often involves great effort expended on trivial or unfulfilling outcomes. The verse stands as a powerful counter-cultural statement in any age that values endless economic growth and material acquisition above all else.

Ecclesiastes 4 6 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 4:6 serves as the Qoheleth's central thesis against the societal value of relentless ambition and accumulation. It presents a vital, balanced alternative to the misery of both idleness (v. 5) and insatiable toil (v. 7-8). The verse counsels that a modest portion obtained with tranquility far surpasses a great abundance achieved through stressful, excessive labor and an unfulfilled longing. The "handful with quietness" signifies contentment, inner peace, and a moderate, sustainable pace of life where one finds satisfaction in sufficiency. This contrasts with "both hands full with toil and grasping for the wind," which paints a vivid picture of the relentless pursuit of more—marked by exhaustion, anxiety, and an insatiable desire for an ever-increasing but ultimately meaningless haul. This pursuit is doomed to futility, like trying to catch wind, leaving one empty-handed despite immense effort. The wisdom here is to prioritize inner peace and measured satisfaction over material striving, recognizing that true wealth is not in quantity but in the quality of life enjoyed. The passage calls for discernment, valuing the Sabbath rest not just as a day but as a posture of heart in daily life.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • Choosing to work reasonable hours and enjoy family time, rather than chasing endless promotions and wealth at the cost of one's well-being and relationships.
  • A student accepting a "good" grade and getting sufficient rest, instead of striving for "perfect" at the expense of mental and physical health.
  • Prioritizing simple pleasures and genuine relationships over the constant acquisition of new possessions.