Ecclesiastes 2:21 meaning
In life's journey, an often overlooked truth is the transient nature of our labor and its fruits. Ecclesiastes offers profound reflections on the futility that accompanies human endeavor. Solomon, grappling with the ultimate question of meaning, reveals that no matter how hard we work, the end result is elusive and ultimately not ours to control after death. This realization can lead to despair if one considers life solely "under the sun."
However, in this specific verse, the wise king emphasizes the joy found in momentary pleasures. Reflecting on the ephemeral rewards of toil, he urges a balance between work and enjoyment. The insistence on treasuring life and its fleeting gifts remains relevant; embracing these joys amid the shadows of life's uncertainties is essential. As it is explained, joy in the present is preferable to consuming oneself with worry over the future. This sentiment echoes through the ages, reminding us that while our labors may seem fruitless, the pursuit of joy should not be neglected. In these moments, we find a taste of the divine in the everyday.
The passage reads: "When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil." (Ecclesiastes 2:21, NASB95)
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 meaning. Solomon examines the destiny of his legacy and the intrinsic value of his hard work, and despairs because he will leave it all to those who will eventually squander it.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 24:29-31 meaning. Jesus finishes the answer to the second question about the sign of His coming. Jesus will gather His elect, shake the powers of the heavens, and come to earth on the clouds of glory. He will be seen by those on the earth, and the tribes of the earth will mourn.
- Matthew 25:35-40 meaning. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: "The Life Choices of the Righteous." The King will explain how the inheritance for the sheep was based on the way they treated Him through various acts of kindness and mercy during their lives on earth. The righteous will ask when they ever served Him. The King will reply that to the extent they served others, it was counted as if they served Him.
- Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 meaning. Solomon turns from the frustration of failing to find meaning through reason and experience. He discovers meaning and purpose through a life of faith and thanksgiving to God.
Set to dark modeSet to dark mode