Ecclesiastes 4 8

Ecclesiastes 4:8 kjv

There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 nkjv

There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, "For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?" This also is vanity and a grave misfortune.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 niv

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless? a miserable business!

Ecclesiastes 4:8 esv

one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 nlt

This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.

Ecclesiastes 4 verses

Ecclesiastes 4 8 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 4:8 describes the poignant futility of a solitary person's relentless labor and accumulation of wealth without any beneficiaries, family, or companion. This individual works endlessly, driven by an insatiable desire for riches, yet lacks the motivation or wisdom to enjoy their fruit or share it with anyone. The verse highlights the tragic isolation, purposelessness, and spiritual deprivation that accompany such a materialistic, self-serving, and companionless existence, concluding that this pursuit is ultimately meaningless and a grievous burden.

Ecclesiastes 4 8 Context

Ecclesiastes 4:8 is part of a larger reflection by Qoheleth (the Preacher) on various social injustices and the inherent frustrations of human life "under the sun." Prior to this verse (Ecc 4:4-7), he observes the rivalry and envy that fuel human labor and the futility of an idle life versus a life of excessive toil. Verse 8 zeroes in on a specific tragic scenario: the solitary accumulator. This individual works endlessly without social or familial ties—no partner, child, or brother—who might give purpose or meaning to their efforts. The preceding verses lament oppression, envy-driven work, and the fool's idleness, setting the stage for the ultimate emptiness of a hyper-individualistic pursuit of wealth. Historically, ancient societies placed high value on family lines, progeny, and communal support, making the depicted scenario of utter isolation particularly dire and illustrative of the "vanity" of existence without purpose or companionship.

Ecclesiastes 4 8 Word analysis

• There is one alone: (Hebrew: יָחִיד - yachid) This word profoundly emphasizes uniqueness, solitude, singularity, or being an only child/one. It portrays an individual utterly by themselves, lacking family connections or friends. This isn't merely being unmarried but signifies complete social isolation, contrasting with God's original declaration that "it is not good that the man should be alone" (Gen 2:18).
• and there is not a second: (Hebrew: אֵין שֵׁנִי - ein sheni) This reinforces the extreme isolation implied by yachid. It signifies an absence of any partner, companion, or collaborator, highlighting a fundamental void in the person's life that would otherwise bring balance, joy, or purpose.
• yea, he hath neither child nor brother: This phrase specifies the depth of his familial barrenness. No progeny to inherit, no sibling to share life's burdens or triumphs. This lack directly nullifies one of the primary motivations for accumulation in ancient near-eastern cultures: establishing a legacy and providing for one's descendants or kin.
• yet is there no end of all his labour: This describes relentless, unceasing toil. Despite no one to benefit or share in his achievements, he continues to exert himself without rest. This portrays a life consumed by the mechanics of accumulation rather than a joy in work or its fruits.
• neither is his eye satisfied with riches: This reveals the inner psychological and spiritual state. (Hebrew: עֵינֹו לֹא תִשְׂבַּע עֹשֶׁר - eino lo tisba osher) "Eye satisfied" often indicates contentment or satiety. Here, it implies an insatiable desire, a perpetual longing for more wealth that can never be appeased, a common theme of the Preacher. This illustrates covetousness as an internal emptiness.
• neither saith he, For whom do I labour: This points to a complete lack of external purpose or reflection. The absence of this question signifies a mind utterly focused on the acquisition itself, rather than the "why" or "for whom" behind the toil. It implies a tragic self-deception or unwillingness to confront the purposelessness of his solitary accumulation.
• and bereave my soul of good?: (Hebrew: וּמְקַשֵּׁש מְשֹוּנַי נַפְשִׁי טוֹבָה - u-m'qashshesh m'shunai nafshi tovah) The word for "bereave" or "deprive" (from qishsesh) suggests stripping or cutting away, indicating self-inflicted spiritual or emotional deprivation. "Good" (tovah) here refers to true enjoyment, blessing, pleasure, or happiness. By relentlessly pursuing wealth alone, this person actively denies themselves the true "good" life offers, which includes rest, companionship, enjoyment, and purpose.
• This is also vanity: (Hebrew: הֶבֶל - hevel) This central theme of Ecclesiastes describes emptiness, futility, meaninglessness, a fleeting breath. The Preacher asserts that even with endless wealth, if gained and hoarded in such isolation, the entire endeavor is ultimately without substance or lasting value.
• yea, it is a sore travail: (Hebrew: רָעַת עִנְיָן - ra'at inyan) Literally "an evil business" or "a grievous affliction." This denotes a distressing, burdensome, or miserable task. It signifies that this life of isolated, endless pursuit of wealth isn't just meaningless but actively burdensome and destructive to the soul.

Ecclesiastes 4 8 Bonus section

The concept of yachid (alone) is powerful. In Scripture, it often refers to an only son, cherished but vulnerable (e.g., Isaac in Gen 22:2). Here, its application to an adult's entire life situation amplifies the sense of existential vulnerability and barrenness. The absence of an heir in a patriarchal society meant the cessation of the family line, which was often considered a greater tragedy than personal death. The "satisfied eye" links this person's plight to idolatry—worshipping wealth—as well as the covetousness warned against in both Testaments. This unquenchable desire underscores the fact that true fulfillment cannot come from finite, material possessions. The verse stands as a counter-narrative to societal pressures that equate success solely with material acquisition, offering a bleak alternative of solitary affluence without soul satisfaction.

Ecclesiastes 4 8 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 4:8 is a profound meditation on the emptiness of isolated accumulation. The Preacher paints a sorrowful picture of an individual caught in a ceaseless cycle of labor, devoid of the very relationships that give purpose and joy to wealth. This "alone" person is characterized by an almost pathological dedication to acquiring more, even though they lack anyone—child, brother, or friend—to share it with or leave it to. This negates the common human desire for legacy and companionship, both vital anchors in an ancient, and indeed, modern, society.

The core of the issue isn't the wealth itself but the isolating, unexamined pursuit of it, fueled by an insatiable appetite. The "eye" that is never "satisfied" signifies an internal void that no external gain can fill, demonstrating that true contentment does not lie in possessions. By failing to even question "for whom do I labour," this person misses the most fundamental human questions of purpose and connection. They are literally "depriving their soul of good"—of rest, of enjoyment, of love, of the blessing of giving, and the joy of shared experience.

This verse serves as a potent critique against modern consumerism and workaholism when devoid of deeper meaning and relationships. It is a reminder that ultimate "good" is not found in solitary wealth-building, but in balanced living that prioritizes companionship, generosity, and spiritual well-being, acknowledging that earthly gain is hevel, "vanity," when divorced from these essential aspects of life.

Examples:

• A career-driven individual who sacrifices family life, friendships, and personal well-being for decades, accumulating significant assets but finding themselves isolated and profoundly unhappy in retirement.
• Someone who hoards resources or keeps meticulously accurate ledgers, prioritizing net worth over genuine connection or contribution to their community.