◄ Ecclesiastes 3:9 ►
What does the worker gain from his toil?
Study Bible
What does
This phrase introduces a rhetorical question, a common literary device in wisdom literature, which invites the reader to ponder deeply. The Hebrew root here is "mah," often used to provoke thought or reflection. It sets the stage for introspection, urging believers to consider the ultimate purpose and value of their actions and efforts in life.

the worker
The term "worker" translates from the Hebrew word "po'al," which refers to one who labors or toils. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it represents humanity's universal condition of laboring under the sun. Historically, this term would encompass a wide range of activities, from agricultural work to craftsmanship, reflecting the diverse ways people engage with creation. It reminds us of the dignity and value of work as ordained by God, yet also its limitations in providing ultimate fulfillment.

gain
The word "gain" comes from the Hebrew "yitron," which implies profit or advantage. This term is central to the book's exploration of life's meaning. It challenges the reader to consider what lasting benefit or eternal value can be derived from earthly endeavors. In a conservative Christian perspective, this invites reflection on the eternal versus the temporal, encouraging believers to seek treasures in heaven rather than solely on earth.

from his toil
"Toil" is translated from the Hebrew "amal," which conveys a sense of laborious effort, often accompanied by hardship or struggle. This reflects the post-Fall reality of work, as described in Genesis 3:17-19, where labor is marked by sweat and difficulty. The phrase underscores the futility and transient nature of human efforts when disconnected from God's eternal purposes. It serves as a reminder that while toil is part of the human condition, it is through Christ that our labor finds true meaning and redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature attributed to him.

2. Israel
- The nation where Solomon reigned as king. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of labor and purpose in Ecclesiastes.

3. The Worker
- Represents humanity in general, engaging in daily labor and seeking meaning and fulfillment through work.

4. Toil
- Refers to the labor and effort expended by individuals in their daily lives, a central theme in Ecclesiastes as it explores the purpose and value of human endeavors.

5. The Preacher (Qoheleth)
- The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who reflects on the meaning of life and the human condition.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Earthly Toil
Ecclesiastes 3:9 questions the ultimate gain from human labor, highlighting the temporary and often unsatisfying nature of earthly pursuits. This invites reflection on where we seek fulfillment and purpose.

Eternal Perspective on Work
While earthly toil can seem futile, believers are encouraged to view their work through an eternal lens, understanding that true reward and purpose come from serving God and aligning with His will.

Contentment in God's Provision
Recognizing that ultimate satisfaction comes from God, not from the accumulation of wealth or achievements, encourages contentment and trust in His provision.

Purpose Beyond the Present
The passage challenges us to consider how our work contributes to God's kingdom and how we can use our talents and efforts for His glory, rather than solely for personal gain.

Balance Between Work and Rest
Reflecting on the balance between labor and rest, as God designed, can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life that honors Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the question in Ecclesiastes 3:9 challenge our modern understanding of success and achievement?

2. In what ways can we find meaning and purpose in our work, according to biblical principles?

3. How does the concept of toil in Ecclesiastes relate to the curse of labor in Genesis 3, and what hope does the New Testament offer in this context?

4. How can we apply the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21 to our daily work and financial decisions?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure our work aligns with God's purposes and brings glory to Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3:17-19
- The curse of toil and labor as a result of the Fall, providing a backdrop for understanding the struggle and futility often associated with work.

Matthew 6:19-21
- Jesus' teaching on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which aligns with Ecclesiastes' exploration of the temporary nature of earthly gains.

Colossians 3:23-24
- Encouragement to work heartily as for the Lord, offering a perspective on finding purpose and reward in labor through serving God.
Sermons
Opportunity; Opportuneness; OrdinationW. Clarkson Ecclesiastes 3:1-10
Autumn MusingsW. Burkitt Dalby.Ecclesiastes 3:9-11
Desiderium CeternitatisJ. Willcoc Ecclesiastes 3:9-11
The Mystery and the Meaning of LifeD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 3:9-13
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Advantage, Doer, Gain, Laboreth, Labors, Laboureth, Labouring, Profit, Toil, Toils, Wherein, Worker, Worketh, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

     4903   time
     5547   speech, power of

Library
Eternity in the Heart
'He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also He hath set the world in their heart.'--ECCLES. iii. 11. There is considerable difficulty in understanding what precise meaning is to be attached to these words, and what precise bearing they have on the general course of the writer's thoughts; but one or two things are, at any rate, quite clear. The Preacher has been enumerating all the various vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity, of construction and destruction, of society and solitude, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'A Time to Plant'
'A time to plant.'--Eccles. iii. 2. The writer enumerates in this context a number of opposite courses of conduct arranged in pairs, each of which is right at the right time. The view thus presented seems to him to be depressing, and to make life difficult to understand, and aimless. We always appear to be building up with one hand and pulling down with the other. The ship never heads for two miles together in the same direction. The history of human affairs appears to be as purposeless as the play …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

For what Christian Men of Our Time Being Free from the Marriage Bond...
15. For what Christian men of our time being free from the marriage bond, having power to contain from all sexual intercourse, seeing it to be now "a time," as it is written, "not of embracing, but of abstaining from embrace," [1977] would not choose rather to keep virginal or widowed continence, than (now that there is no obligation from duty to human society) to endure tribulation of the flesh, without which marriages cannot be (to pass over in silence other things from which the Apostle spares.) …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

But Thou who Both Hast Sons, and Livest in that End of the World...
11. But thou who both hast sons, and livest in that end of the world, wherein now is the time not of casting stones, but of gathering; not of embracing, but of abstaining from embracing; [2244] when the Apostle cries out, "But this I say, brethren, the time is short; it remains, that both they who have wives be as not having;" [2245] assuredly if thou hadst sought a second marriage, it would have been no obedience of prophecy or law, no carnal desire even of family, but a mark of incontinence alone. …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Conclusion of the Matter
'Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2. While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain; 3. In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4. And the doors shall be shut in …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Of Self-Annihilation
Of Self-Annihilation Supplication and sacrifice are comprehended in prayer, which, according to S. John, is "an incense, the smoke whereof ascendeth unto God;" therefore it is said in the Apocalypse that "unto the Angel was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints'' (Chap. viii. 3). Prayer is the effusion of the heart in the Presence of God: "I have poured out my soul before God" saith the mother of Samuel. (1 Sam. i. 15) The prayer of the wise men at the feet of …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Introductory Note.
[a.d. 145-220.] When our Lord repulsed the woman of Canaan (Matt. xv. 22) with apparent harshness, he applied to her people the epithet dogs, with which the children of Israel had thought it piety to reproach them. When He accepted her faith and caused it to be recorded for our learning, He did something more: He reversed the curse of the Canaanite and showed that the Church was designed "for all people;" Catholic alike for all time and for all sorts and conditions of men. Thus the North-African …
Tertullian—Apology

The Lapse of Time.
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."--Eccles. ix. 10. Solomon's advice that we should do whatever our hand findeth to do with our might, naturally directs our thoughts to that great work in which all others are included, which will outlive all other works, and for which alone we really are placed here below--the salvation of our souls. And the consideration of this great work, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind,"
Rom. viii. s 5, 6.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind," &c. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." There are many differences among men in this world, that, as to outward appearance, are great and wide, and indeed they are so eagerly pursued, and seriously minded by men, as if they were great and momentous. You see what a strife and contention there is among men, how to be extracted out of the dregs of the multitude, and set a little higher …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

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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