Ecclesiastes 8 15

Ecclesiastes 8:15 kjv

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 nkjv

So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 niv

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 esv

And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 nlt

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8 verses

Ecclesiastes 8 15 Meaning

The verse asserts that finding enjoyment in life's simple pleasures—eating, drinking, and being joyful—is the best course of action for humanity within the earthly realm. This enjoyment is portrayed not as a mere earthly pursuit, but as a divinely provided solace intended to accompany individuals through the inherent hardships and toil of life, all within the span of their God-given days.

Ecclesiastes 8 15 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 8 is a reflection on wisdom, power, justice, and the inexplicable ways of God in the world. The Preacher (Qoheleth) observes that while earthly authority may be wielded with might (8:2-5), there is an appointed time and judgment for everything (8:6-8), yet humanity suffers greatly (8:6). He acknowledges the common human experience of injustice, where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, causing deep perplexity and questioning of traditional wisdom (8:9-14). Amidst this profound struggle to understand the apparent meaninglessness and brokenness ("hevel") of life "under the sun," the Preacher concludes that the best human response is to embrace and appreciate the simple, God-given joys of existence, such as eating, drinking, and finding gladness, because life itself, with its toil, is a divine allocation that passes quickly (8:16-17). Verse 8:15 thus offers a practical and recurring antidote within Ecclesiastes to the pervasive sense of futility, grounding the joy not in hedonism but in God's gift.

Ecclesiastes 8 15 Word analysis

• So I commended: (Heb. shavach - שָׁבַח) This is not merely a suggestion but a strong affirmation, meaning "to praise," "to commend," or "to approve wholeheartedly." After extensive philosophical inquiry and observation of life's vanity and injustices, the Preacher reaches a definite, approved conclusion.
• enjoyment: (Heb. simchah - שִׂמְחָה) This refers to gladness, joy, or mirth. It signifies a state of inner contentment and cheerfulness rather than a fleeting physical sensation. It is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes (e.g., Ecc 2:24, 3:12, 5:18, 9:7) that points to divinely permitted and proper human response.
• for there is nothing better for a person under the sun: This phrase underscores the supreme value of this recommendation from an earthly, human perspective. "Under the sun" is Qoheleth's recurring phrase for human existence on earth, limited by its mortality and observations, often denoting vanity and striving. Here, it suggests that within the boundaries of mortal life, this path offers the greatest well-being.
• than to eat and drink and be joyful: These are basic, universal human activities. The emphasis is on simple, accessible pleasures, not excess. This counsel is repeatedly found in Ecclesiastes, encouraging a sober acceptance and appreciation of daily life's provisions. It counters the futility observed elsewhere by valuing what is directly experienced.
• For this will accompany him in his toil: "Toil" (Heb. amal - עָמָל) frequently signifies burdensome labor, wearisome effort, and the striving often associated with futility and suffering in Ecclesiastes (e.g., Ecc 2:10-11, 4:4). The enjoyment mentioned is not an escape from toil but a God-given solace that walks with a person through their arduous life, providing strength or perspective.
• all the days of his life that God has given him under the sun: This phrase reiterates two crucial points: Firstly, the enjoyment is meant for the entirety of one's existence, not just specific moments, implying a disposition of gratitude. Secondly, it explicitly states that life itself, and the capacity for its simple joys, is a sovereign gift from God. This grounding in divine providence elevates the enjoyment from mere hedonism to a spiritual acceptance of one's lot.

Ecclesiastes 8 15 Bonus section

• Recurring Affirmation: The advice to eat, drink, and be joyful as God's gift appears almost like a refrain throughout Ecclesiastes (e.g., 2:24; 3:12, 22; 5:18; 9:7), suggesting it's not a fleeting thought but a mature and reasoned conclusion by the Preacher, offering practical wisdom in light of life's complexities.
• Counter-Cultural Perspective: In an ancient world that often valued conquest, reputation, or immense wealth above all, Ecclesiastes presents a surprisingly humble yet profound form of blessedness: finding satisfaction in simple, ordinary acts, thereby affirming the sacredness of everyday life when seen as God's gift.
• Balanced Theology: While grappling with suffering and injustice, this verse showcases a balanced theology that acknowledges human toil and limitations ("under the sun") while simultaneously affirming God's benevolence and active provision of good ("God has given him"). It’s a spiritual resilience rooted in grateful acceptance.

Ecclesiastes 8 15 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 8:15 represents a key theme and repeated conclusion throughout the book. After observing the cycles of human endeavor, the pursuit of wisdom, wealth, and pleasure, and repeatedly encountering their inherent "vanity" or "futility" ("hevel"), the Preacher consistently lands on the counsel to embrace the simple joys of life. This isn't a call to nihilistic indulgence but a divinely sanctioned path for living within a complex and often unjust world.

The phrase "nothing better... under the sun" sets a practical standard for earthly existence, suggesting that amidst the mysteries of divine judgment and the realities of toil and injustice, a grateful heart that appreciates the daily provisions of food, drink, and inner joy is the most prudent and beneficial way to navigate life. This joy is portrayed as a sustaining force that "accompanies" the individual through their unavoidable labor, turning a seemingly cursed existence (cf. Gen 3:17-19) into one interspersed with God's blessings. The acknowledgment that "God has given him" explicitly roots this enjoyment in divine providence, making it an act of receiving grace rather than a self-generated pursuit. It provides an essential counterpoint to the darker, more skeptical reflections elsewhere in the book, emphasizing that life's good moments are not accidental but are gifts to be savored in acknowledgment of the Creator. It’s a call to contentedness and quiet faith amidst the unanswerable questions of life.