◄ Ecclesiastes 1:3 ►
What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun?
Study Bible
What does a man gain
The Hebrew word for "gain" here is "yithron," which implies profit or advantage. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this term is central to the theme of the book, questioning the ultimate benefit or lasting value of human endeavors. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, is probing the existential purpose of life. From a conservative Christian perspective, this question challenges believers to consider the eternal significance of their actions, reminding them that true gain is found not in earthly achievements but in spiritual fulfillment and alignment with God's will.

from all his labor
The word "labor" is translated from the Hebrew "amal," which conveys the idea of toil, work, or effort. This term reflects the burdensome and often exhausting nature of human work. Historically, labor has been a fundamental aspect of human existence since the fall of man in Genesis, where work became toilsome as a result of sin. In a conservative Christian view, this labor is seen as part of the human condition, a reminder of the fall, yet also an opportunity to serve God and others, finding purpose in the work itself when done for His glory.

at which he toils
The Hebrew word "amal" is repeated here, emphasizing the strenuous and sometimes futile nature of human effort. The repetition underscores the Preacher's contemplation of life's hardships and the seeming lack of lasting reward. For the believer, this phrase serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly struggles and the importance of seeking God's strength and guidance in all endeavors. It encourages Christians to view their toil as a means of spiritual growth and reliance on God's provision.

under the sun
This phrase is a key motif in Ecclesiastes, appearing numerous times throughout the book. It signifies the earthly, temporal realm in contrast to the eternal, divine perspective. "Under the sun" represents life lived from a purely human viewpoint, often characterized by vanity and meaninglessness without God. From a conservative Christian perspective, this phrase challenges believers to lift their eyes beyond the immediate, transient world and focus on the eternal truths and promises found in Christ. It serves as a call to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that true meaning and fulfillment are found in a relationship with God, not in the fleeting pursuits of this world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Jerusalem
- The central place of worship and the political capital during Solomon's reign, representing the heart of Israel's spiritual and cultural life.

3. Under the Sun
- A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe life on earth from a human perspective, emphasizing the temporal and often futile nature of worldly pursuits.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Earthly Pursuits
Ecclesiastes 1:3 challenges us to consider the ultimate value of our work and efforts. From a human perspective, labor can seem futile, as it does not yield eternal gain.

Eternal Perspective
As believers, we are called to view our work through the lens of eternity. While earthly labor may seem meaningless, when done for God's glory, it gains eternal significance.

Contentment in Christ
True contentment and fulfillment are found not in earthly achievements but in a relationship with Christ. Our identity and purpose are rooted in Him, not in our work.

Stewardship of Time and Resources
We are stewards of the time and resources God has given us. This passage encourages us to use them wisely, investing in what has eternal value.

Reflection on Life's Purpose
This verse invites us to reflect on our life's purpose and priorities. Are we seeking fulfillment in temporary achievements, or are we aligning our lives with God's eternal purposes?
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the phrase "under the sun" shape our understanding of the perspective from which Ecclesiastes is written?

2. In what ways does the curse of labor in Genesis 3:17-19 relate to the message of Ecclesiastes 1:3?

3. How can we apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-21 to find meaning in our work and labor?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our labor is not in vain, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 15:58?

5. How can we cultivate contentment in Christ amidst the pressures and demands of our daily work?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3:17-19
This passage describes the curse of toil and labor as a result of the Fall, connecting to the theme of labor's futility in Ecclesiastes.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, echoing the futility of earthly gains highlighted in Ecclesiastes.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Paul encourages believers that their labor in the Lord is not in vain, providing a contrast to the earthly perspective of labor's futility.
Sermons
The Summary of a Life's ExperienceJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
Human Life and Human LaborW. Clarkson Ecclesiastes 1:2, 3
The Vanity of Man's LifeD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 1:3, 4
People
David, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Advantage, Gain, Labor, Laboreth, Labors, Labour, Laboureth, Profit, Profited, Taketh, Toil, Toils, Wherein, Wherewith
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 1:3

     5483   punishment
     5833   diligence

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

     5916   pessimism

Ecclesiastes 1:3-4

     5465   profit

Library
Two views of Life
'This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man, to be exercised therewith.--ECCLES. i. 13. 'He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.'--HEBREWS xii. 10. These two texts set before us human life as it looks to two observers. The former admits that God shapes it; but to him it seems sore travail, the expenditure of much trouble and efforts; the results of which seem to be nothing beyond profitless exercise. There is an immense activity and nothing to show for it at the end …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Past and the Future
'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall he; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.'--ECCLES. i. 9. 'That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles.'--l PETER iv. 2, 3. If you will look at these two passages carefully you will, I think, see that they imply two different, and in some respects …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eusebius' Birth and Training. His Life in Cæsarea Until the Outbreak of the Persecution.
Our author was commonly known among the ancients as Eusebius of Cæsarea or Eusebius Pamphili. The former designation arose from the fact that he was bishop of the church in Cæsarea for many years; the latter from the fact that he was the intimate friend and devoted admirer of Pamphilus, a presbyter of Cæsarea and a martyr. Some such specific appellation was necessary to distinguish him from others of the same name. Smith and Wace's Dictionary of Christian Biography mentions 137 …
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

Introduction to vita S. Antoni.
(Written between 356 and 362) The Life of St. Antony is included in the present collection partly on account of the important influence it has exercised upon the development of the ascetic life in the Church, partly and more especially on the ground of its strong claim to rank as a work of Athanasius. If that claim were undisputed, no apology would be needed for its presence in this volume. If on the other hand its spurious and unhistorical character had been finally demonstrated, its insertion would …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Literature.
In making the following thread to the rich literature on Constantine the plan has been to confine almost wholly to Monographs, since to refer to all histories, encyclopædias, and the like which treat of him would be endless. Only such few analyzed references are introduced as have special reasons. Even with this limit it cannot be at all hoped that the list is exhaustive. Considerable pains has been taken, however, to make it full, as there is no really extended modern list of works on Constantine, …
Eusebius Pamphilius—The Life of Constantine

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
It is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18; and the knowledge of him being life eternal, John xvii. 3, and our measure of knowledge of him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part, it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desirable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. Knowledge must be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christian …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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