Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? New Living Translation So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? English Standard Version What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? Berean Standard Bible For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? Berean Literal Bible For what has been for the man for all his toil and for the striving of his heart, with which he toils under the sun? King James Bible For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? New King James Version For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? New American Standard Bible For what does a person get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? NASB 1995 For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? NASB 1977 For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? Legacy Standard Bible For what does a man get in all his labor and in the striving of his heart with which he labors under the sun? Amplified Bible For what does a man get from all his labor and from the striving and sorrow of his heart with which he labors under the sun? Berean Annotated Bible For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? Christian Standard Bible For what does a person get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? Holman Christian Standard Bible For what does a man get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? American Standard Version For what hath a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboreth under the sun? Contemporary English Version What do we really gain from all of our hard work? English Revised Version For what hath a man of all his labour, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboureth under the sun? GOD'S WORD® Translation What do people get from all of their hard work and struggles under the sun? Good News Translation You work and worry your way through life, and what do you have to show for it? International Standard Version For what does a person gain from everything that he accomplishes and from his inner life struggles that he undergoes while working on earth? NET Bible What does a man acquire from all his labor and from the anxiety that accompanies his toil on earth? New Heart English Bible For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun? Webster's Bible Translation For what hath man of all his labor, and of the vexation of his heart, in which he hath labored under the sun? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? World English Bible For what does a man have of all his labor and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor what has been to a man by all his labor, and by the thought of his heart that he labored at under the sun? Berean Literal Bible For what has been for the man for all his toil and for the striving of his heart, with which he toils under the sun? Young's Literal Translation For what hath been to a man by all his labour, and by the thought of his heart that he laboured at under the sun? Smith's Literal Translation For what was to man in all his labor, and in the striving of his heart, he labored under the sun? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor what profit shall a man have of all his labour, and vexation of spirit, with which he bath been tormented under the sun? Catholic Public Domain Version For how can a man benefit from all his labor and affliction of spirit, by which he has been tormented under the sun? New American Bible For what profit comes to mortals from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which they toil under the sun? New Revised Standard Version What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor what profit shall a man have of all his labor and of the desire of his heart wherein he has labored under the sun? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And what does a son of man have in all his labor and in the desire of his heart which he wrought under the sun? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For what hath a man of all his labour, and of the striving of his heart, wherein he laboureth under the sun? Brenton Septuagint Translation For it happens to a man in all his labour, and in the purpose of his heart wherein he labours under the sun. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Futility of Work…21When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil. 22For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? 23Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.… Cross References For what does a man get Ecclesiastes 3:9 What does the worker gain from his toil? Ecclesiastes 5:16 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? Psalm 49:17 For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. for all the toil and striving Ecclesiastes 1:3 What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? Psalm 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved. Psalm 39:6 Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. with which he labors 2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. under the sun? 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. Job 7:1-2 “Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand? / Like a slave he longs for shade; like a hireling he waits for his wages. Psalm 144:4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. Genesis 3:17-19 And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. / Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. / 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 39:5-6 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 / Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. Psalm 90:10 The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Job 5:7 Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. Treasury of Scripture For what has man of all his labor, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he has labored under the sun? hath man Ecclesiastes 1:3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? Ecclesiastes 3:9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? Ecclesiastes 5:10,11,17 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity… and of the Ecclesiastes 4:6,8 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit… Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Matthew 6:11,25,34 Give us this day our daily bread… Jump to Previous Anxious Beneath Care Heart Labor Laboreth Laboured Strain Striving Sun Thought Toil Toils Vexation Wearied Weight Wherein Wherewith WorkJump to Next Anxious Beneath Care Heart Labor Laboreth Laboured Strain Striving Sun Thought Toil Toils Vexation Wearied Weight Wherein Wherewith WorkEcclesiastes 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 For what does a man get This phrase introduces the existential question of the value and reward of human labor. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it reflects the Preacher's exploration of life's meaning and the apparent futility of human efforts. The question echoes the sentiments found in other wisdom literature, such as Job, where the purpose and reward of human endeavors are scrutinized. It invites readers to consider the ultimate gain from their work, beyond material wealth or societal status. for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally 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. Israel The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time provides a backdrop for understanding the themes of labor and toil. 3. Labor and Toil Central themes in this verse, representing human effort and the pursuit of meaning through work and achievements. Teaching Points The Futility of Earthly PursuitsSolomon's question highlights the temporary and often unsatisfying nature of earthly achievements. Believers are encouraged to evaluate their pursuits in light of eternity. The Burden of Toil The Hebrew word for "toil" ('amal) suggests wearisome labor. Recognizing the burden of toil can lead us to seek rest and purpose in Christ. Eternal Perspective While earthly labor can seem futile, work done for God's glory has eternal significance. Christians are called to align their efforts with God's purposes. Contentment in Christ True contentment is found not in the accumulation of wealth or achievements but in a relationship with Christ, who provides ultimate satisfaction. Stewardship of Work Believers are called to be good stewards of their work, using their talents and resources to serve God and others, reflecting His kingdom values. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 2:22?2. How does Ecclesiastes 2:22 challenge our view of earthly labor's value? 3. What does "all the labor and striving" reveal about human pursuits? 4. How can Ecclesiastes 2:22 guide us in prioritizing spiritual over material goals? 5. Connect Ecclesiastes 2:22 with Matthew 6:19-21 on storing treasures in heaven. 6. How can we find contentment in work, according to Ecclesiastes 2:22? 7. What does Ecclesiastes 2:22 reveal about the futility of human labor and achievement? 8. How does Ecclesiastes 2:22 challenge the pursuit of material success? 9. In what ways does Ecclesiastes 2:22 question the meaning of life? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2? 11. What does the Bible say regarding being busy? 12. What is the purpose of work in a spiritual context? 13. What does "born to trouble" signify in Job 5:7? 14. Is there work in Heaven? What Does Ecclesiastes 2:22 Mean For what does a man get– Solomon poses a searching question, inviting us to pause and evaluate the outcome of our efforts. – Cross references point to the same reflective tone: • Psalm 39:5, “Indeed, every man at his best exists as but a breath.” • Matthew 16:26, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” – The implied answer is “nothing lasting,” setting the stage for the verse’s sober conclusion. for all his toil and striving – The words highlight restless labor—work driven by ambition, worry, or the need to prove oneself. – Scripture repeatedly warns that such toil, apart from God, cannot satisfy: • Genesis 3:17-19 traces sweaty labor back to the Fall. • Psalm 127:2 notes, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat.” – The phrase also acknowledges legitimate hard work (Proverbs 14:23) while exposing its limits when pursued as life’s chief end. with which he labors – This clause personalizes the struggle: the man is not abstract; he feels the strain in mind and body. – Ecclesiastes has already recounted personal experiments in pleasure, projects, and possessions (2:1-11), showing how even spectacular accomplishments leave the heart empty. – Cross references emphasize the same theme: • Job 7:1-2 pictures life as “hard service.” • Colossians 3:23 reminds believers to shift focus: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” under the sun – Key phrase in Ecclesiastes, signaling an earth-bound viewpoint that leaves eternity out. – Apart from God’s bigger story, all achievements are trapped in a closed system of decay and death (Romans 8:20-21). – By contrast, placing labor “before the Lord” transforms it (1 Corinthians 15:58: “your labor in the Lord is not in vain”). summary Ecclesiastes 2:22 confronts every worker with the futility of self-centered effort. When life is measured only “under the sun,” the net gain of toil is zero—fleeting satisfaction at best. Scripture urges us to re-orient our labor toward God’s eternal purposes, trusting that work done in Him carries significance both now and forever. Verse 22. - What hath man of all his labor? i.e. what is to be the result to man? Γίνεται ἐν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ; (Septuagint); Quidenim proderit homini? (Vulgate). There is, indeed, the pleasure that accompanies the pursuit of objects, and the successful accomplishment of enterprise; but this is poor and unsubstantial and embittered. And of the vexation of his heart; the striving, the effort of his mind to direct his labor to great ends. What does all this produce? The answer intended is," Nothing." This striving, with all its wisdom and knowledge and skill (ver. 21), is for the laborer fruitless.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּ֠י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction what מֶֽה־ (meh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what does a man לָֽאָדָם֙ (lā·’ā·ḏām) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being get הֹוֶ֤ה (hō·weh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1933: To fall for all בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the labor עֲמָל֔וֹ (‘ă·mā·lōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind and endeavors וּבְרַעְי֖וֹן (ū·ḇə·ra‘·yō·wn) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7475: Longing, striving at which שֶׁה֥וּא (še·hū) Pronoun - relative | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are he toils עָמֵ֖ל (‘ā·mêl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6001: Toiling, a laborer, sorrowful 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 2:22 NIVEcclesiastes 2:22 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:22 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:22 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:22 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:22 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:22 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:22 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:22 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:22 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what has a man of all (Ecclesiast. 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