Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. New Living Translation But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. English Standard Version Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Berean Standard Bible Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Berean Literal Bible And I turned to all the works that my hands had done, and to the toil that I had toiled to do, and behold—all was vapor and a striving after the wind, and there was no profit under the sun. King James Bible Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. New King James Version Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. New American Standard Bible So I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold, all was futility and striving after wind, and there was no benefit under the sun. NASB 1995 Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun. NASB 1977 Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun. Legacy Standard Bible Thus I turned to all my works which my hands had done and the labor which I had labored to do, and behold, all was vanity and striving after wind, and there was no advantage under the sun. Amplified Bible Then I considered all which my hands had done and labored to do, and behold, all was vanity and chasing after the wind and there was no profit (nothing of lasting value) under the sun. Berean Annotated Bible Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind {ruach}; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Christian Standard Bible When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. Holman Christian Standard Bible When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun. American Standard Version Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do; and, behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. Contemporary English Version Then I thought about everything I had done, including the hard work, and it was simply chasing the wind. Nothing on earth is worth the trouble. English Revised Version Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. GOD'S WORD® Translation But when I turned to look at all that I had accomplished and all the hard work I had put into it, I saw that it was all pointless. [It was like] trying to catch the wind. I gained nothing [from any of my accomplishments] under the sun. Good News Translation Then I thought about all that I had done and how hard I had worked doing it, and I realized that it didn't mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind--of no use at all. International Standard Version Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete—and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth. NET Bible Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it, I concluded: "All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless--like chasing the wind! There is nothing gained from them on earth." New Heart English Bible Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and look, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. Webster's Bible Translation Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. World English Bible Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I have looked on all my works that my hands have done, and on the labor that I have labored to do, and behold, the whole [is] vanity and distress of spirit, and there is no advantage under the sun! Berean Literal Bible And I turned to all the works that my hands had done, and to the toil that I had toiled to do, and behold—all was vapor and a striving after the wind, and there was no profit under the sun. Young's Literal Translation and I have looked on all my works that my hands have done, and on the labour that I have laboured to do, and lo, the whole is vanity and vexation of spirit, and there is no advantage under the sun! Smith's Literal Translation And I looked upon all my works my hands made, and upon the labor I labored to do, and behold, all vanity and striving of the spirit, and no profit under the sun. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when I turned myself to all the works which my hands had wrought, and to the labours wherein I had laboured in vain, I saw in all things vanity, and vexation of mind, and that nothing was lasting under the sun. Catholic Public Domain Version But when I turned myself toward all the works that my hands had made, and to the labors in which I had perspired to no purpose, I saw emptiness and affliction of the soul in all things, and that nothing is permanent under the sun. New American Bible But when I turned to all the works that my hands had wrought, and to the fruit of the toil for which I had toiled so much, see! all was vanity and a chase after wind. There is no profit under the sun. New Revised Standard Version Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought and on the labor that I had labored to do; and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I gazed at all the work that my hands had made and at all the labor that I had labored to make, and behold, everything was futility and agitation of spirit, and there is no profit under the sun OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do; and, behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was no profit under the sun. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I looked on all my works which my hands had wrought, and on my labour which I laboured to perform: and behold, all was vanity and waywardness of spirit, and there is no advantage under the sun. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Futility of Pleasure…10Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. 11Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Cross References Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands! Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations, but borrow from none. Psalm 127:1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. and what I had toiled to achieve, Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Psalm 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved. Proverbs 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. I found everything to be futile, Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. Psalm 39:5 You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah a pursuit of the wind; Ecclesiastes 1:17 So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:4 I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better what the eye can see than the wandering of desire. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:3 What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? Ecclesiastes 5:15-16 As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands. / This too is a grievous affliction: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? Matthew 16:26 What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36 What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Treasury of Scripture Then I looked on all the works that my hands had worked, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. i looked Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Exodus 39:43 And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them. behold Ecclesiastes 1:3,14 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? … Habakkuk 2:13 Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. Jump to Previous Achieve Activities Advantage Chasing Considered Cost Gained Hands Labor Laboured Profit Purpose Pursuit Spent Spirit Striving Sun Surveyed Toil Toiled Vanity Vexation Whole Wind Worked Working Works WroughtJump to Next Achieve Activities Advantage Chasing Considered Cost Gained Hands Labor Laboured Profit Purpose Pursuit Spent Spirit Striving Sun Surveyed Toil Toiled Vanity Vexation Whole Wind Worked Working Works WroughtEcclesiastes 2 1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event 18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom 24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished This phrase reflects the introspective nature of the author, traditionally believed to be King Solomon. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, undertook numerous projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6) and his own palace (1 Kings 7). The phrase suggests a moment of reflection on these grand achievements. In the broader biblical context, this introspection aligns with the wisdom literature's theme of evaluating life's pursuits. The works of one's hands symbolize human effort and creativity, echoing the creation narrative where God worked and saw that it was good (Genesis 1). and what I had toiled to achieve I found everything to be futile a pursuit of the wind there was nothing to be gained under the sun Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences. 2. Jerusalem - The central place of Solomon's reign and the location of the Temple, which he built. It serves as the backdrop for many of his accomplishments and pursuits. 3. The Works of Solomon - Refers to the various projects, achievements, and pleasures Solomon pursued, including building projects, wealth accumulation, and indulgence in pleasures. 4. The Pursuit of the Wind - A metaphor used by Solomon to describe the futility and transient nature of earthly achievements and pleasures. 5. Under the Sun - A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to denote life on earth, emphasizing the temporal and often meaningless nature of worldly pursuits. Teaching Points The Futility of Earthly PursuitsSolomon's reflection teaches us that no matter how much we achieve or accumulate, without a focus on God, it is ultimately meaningless. The Temporary Nature of Worldly Success Earthly accomplishments are fleeting. We should prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. The Importance of Perspective Understanding life "under the sun" versus life in the light of eternity helps us align our priorities with God's will. Contentment in God Alone True satisfaction and purpose are found in a relationship with God, not in material possessions or achievements. Reflecting on Our Own Pursuits We should regularly evaluate our goals and efforts to ensure they align with God's purposes and bring glory to Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 2:11?2. How does Ecclesiastes 2:11 challenge our pursuit of worldly achievements and pleasures? 3. What does "everything was futile" reveal about the ultimate value of earthly pursuits? 4. How can Ecclesiastes 2:11 guide us in prioritizing eternal over temporal goals? 5. Connect Ecclesiastes 2:11 with Matthew 6:19-21 on storing treasures in heaven. 6. How can we apply the lesson of Ecclesiastes 2:11 in daily decision-making? 7. What does Ecclesiastes 2:11 reveal about the futility of human achievements? 8. How does Ecclesiastes 2:11 challenge the pursuit of material wealth? 9. Why does Ecclesiastes 2:11 emphasize the vanity of toil and labor? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2? 11. What gain is there in chasing after the wind? 12. What does "chasing the wind" mean? 13. What is the nature of true happiness and fortune? 14. What gain is there in chasing after the wind? What Does Ecclesiastes 2:11 Mean Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished• Solomon pauses to look back at palaces, vineyards, treasuries, and public works (1 Kings 10:4–7). • The word “considered” shows deliberate reflection; this isn’t a fleeting thought but an honest audit of achievement. • Psalm 90:12 calls us to “number our days” so that we gain wisdom. Solomon is doing just that, counting up his life’s enterprise. • From the outset we are reminded that even the grandest résumé must face God’s evaluation (2 Corinthians 5:10). And what I had toiled to achieve • “Toil” points to back-breaking effort—long days, heavy decisions, sleepless nights. Genesis 3:17–19 teaches that toil became humanity’s norm after the fall. • Solomon’s toil was fueled by unmatched resources (Ecclesiastes 2:4–8), yet the experience of weariness is common to every worker, rich or poor. • Proverbs 23:4–5 warns, “Do not wear yourself out to gain wealth… when you glance at riches, they are gone.” The king’s testimony confirms that warning. I found everything to be futile • The verdict is sweeping: “everything.” Not some, not most—everything apart from God’s purpose is empty (Ecclesiastes 1:2). • Isaiah 55:2 asks, “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” Solomon answers: nothing satisfies without the Lord. • Luke 12:15-21 echoes the futility through Jesus’ parable of the rich fool whose barns were full yet whose soul was bankrupt. A pursuit of the wind • Chasing wind is effort without substance: you feel movement but grasp nothing. Hosea 12:1 uses the same image for Israel’s alliances—busy but barren. • James 4:14 says life is “a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Wind-chasing captures that brevity. • The picture presses us to invest in what the wind cannot scatter—treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). There was nothing to be gained under the sun • “Under the sun” frames Ecclesiastes as an earth-bound viewpoint; remove God from the horizon and profit disappears (Ecclesiastes 1:3). • Mark 8:36 asks, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” True gain lies beyond the sun, in the eternal. • Colossians 3:2 urges, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” When we lift our gaze higher than the sun, meaning and reward return. summary Solomon’s reflective audit teaches that the most impressive achievements, the hardest toil, and the fullest coffers cannot deliver lasting profit when viewed only from an earthly vantage point. Apart from God, every project turns out to be wind-chasing; with Him, our labor “in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The verse invites us to weigh our pursuits, shift our focus from temporary gain to eternal treasure, and find true fulfillment in the One who stands above the sun. Verse 11. - Then I looked on - I turned to contemplate - all the works which my hands had wrought. He examined carefully the effects of the conduct and proceedings mentioned in vers. 1-10, and he now gives his matured judgment concerning them. They had contributed nothing to his anxious inquiry for man's real good. His sorrowful conclusion again is that all was vanity, a hunting of wind; in all the pursuits and labors that men undertake there is no real profit (Ecclesiastes 1:3), no lasting happiness, nothing to satisfy the cravings of the spirit.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Yet when Iאֲנִ֗י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I considered וּפָנִ֣יתִֽי (ū·p̄ā·nî·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look all בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the works מַעֲשַׂי֙ (ma·‘ă·śay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property that my hands יָדַ֔י (yā·ḏay) Noun - fdc | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand had accomplished שֶֽׁעָשׂ֣וּ (še·‘ā·śū) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6213: To do, make and [what] וּבֶֽעָמָ֖ל (ū·ḇe·‘ā·māl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind I had toiled שֶׁעָמַ֣לְתִּי (še·‘ā·mal·tî) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5998: To toil, work severely and with irksomeness to achieve, לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make I found וְהִנֵּ֨ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! everything הַכֹּ֥ל (hak·kōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every to be futile, הֶ֙בֶל֙ (he·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory a pursuit וּרְע֣וּת (ū·rə·‘ūṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 7469: A feeding upon, grasping after of the wind; ר֔וּחַ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit there was nothing וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle to be gained יִתְר֖וֹן (yiṯ·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3504: Preeminence, gain under תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of the sun. הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (haš·šā·meš) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement Links Ecclesiastes 2:11 NIVEcclesiastes 2:11 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:11 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:11 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:11 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:11 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:11 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:11 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:11 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:11 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:11 Then I looked at all the works (Ecclesiast. 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