Ecclesiastes 2:18–20
¶ Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
¶ †Yea I hated all my labour which I had taken vnder the Sunne: because I should leaue it vnto the man that shalbe after mee.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- †Hebrew wordingHebr. laboured.
And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
*And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a foole? yet shall he haue rule ouer all my labour, wherein I haue laboured, and wherein I haue shewed my selfe wise vnder the Sunne. This is also vanitie.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referencePsal.49.11. &c.
Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despaire of all the labour which I tooke vnder the Sunne.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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Cross References
15 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 18
- Psalms 39:6Rank 1 from verse 18
- Psalms 49:10Rank 2 from verse 18
- Luke 16:27–28Rank 3 from verse 18
27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
27Then he said, I pray thee therefore father, that thou wouldest send him to my fathers house:
28For I haue fiue brethren, that he may testifie vnto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
- 1 Corinthians 3:10Rank 4 from verse 18
10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
10According to the grace of God which is giuen vnto mee, as a wise master builder I haue laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let euery man take heede how hee buildeth thereupon.
- 1 Kings 11:11–13Rank 5 from verse 18
11Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
12Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.
13Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.
11Wherefore the LORD said vnto Solomon; Forasmuch as this †is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my Couenant, and my Statutes which I haue commanded thee, *I wil surely rend the kingdome from thee, and will giue it to thy seruant.
12Notwithstanding in thy dayes I wil not doe it, for Dauid thy fathers sake: but I wil rend it out of the hand of thy sonne.
13Howbeit, I wil not rend away all the kingdome: but wil giue one tribe to thy sonne, for Dauid my seruants sake, and for Ierusalems sake, which I haue chosen.
- Acts 20:29–30Rank 6 from verse 18
29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
29For I know this, that after my departing shall grieuous wolues enter in among you, not sparing the flocke.
30Also of your owne selues shal men arise, speaking peruerse things, to draw away disciples after them.
- Ecclesiastes 1:13Rank 7 from verse 18
13And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
13And I gaue my heart to seeke and search out by wisedome, concerning all things that are done vnder heauen: this sore trauell hath God giuen to the sonnes of man, ‖to be exercised therewith.
- Ecclesiastes 1:3Rank 8 from verse 18
- Ecclesiastes 2:26Rank 9 from verse 18
26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
26†*For God giueth to a man that is good in his sight, wisedome, and knowledge, and ioy: but to the sinner hee giueth traueile, to gather and to heape vp that he may giue to him that is good before God: This also is vanitie and vexation of spirit.
- Ecclesiastes 2:4–9Rank 10 from verse 18
4I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
5I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
6I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
7I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
8I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
9So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
4I made me great workes, I builded mee houses, I planted mee Uineyards.
5I made mee gardens & orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kinde of fruits.
6I made mee pooles of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth foorth trees:
7†I got me seruants and maydens, and had seruants borne in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattell, aboue all that were in Ierusalem before me.
8*†I gathered mee also siluer and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the prouinces: I gate mee men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sonnes of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
9So I was great, and increased more then all that were before mee in Ierusalem; also my wisedome remained with me.
- Ecclesiastes 4:3Rank 11 from verse 18
- Ecclesiastes 5:13–14Rank 12 from verse 18
13There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
14But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
13There is a sore euill which I haue seene vnder the Sun, namely riches kept for the owners therof to their hurt.
14But those riches perish by euill trauell; and he begetteth a sonne, and there is nothing in his hand.
- Ecclesiastes 5:18Rank 13 from verse 18
18¶ Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
18¶ *††Behold that which I haue seene: It is good and comely for one to eate and to drinke, and to enioy the good of all his labour that he taketh vnder the sunne, all the dayes of his life, which God giueth him: for it is his portion.
- Ecclesiastes 9:9Rank 14 from verse 18
9Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
9†*Liue ioyfully with the wife, whom thou louest, all the dayes of the life of thy vanitie, which he hath giuen thee vnder the Sunne, all the dayes of thy vanitie: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest vnder the Sunne.
- Luke 12:20Rank 15 from verse 18
- Psalms 17:14Rank 16 from verse 18
14From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
14‖‖From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which haue their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: They are full of children, and leaue the rest of their substance to their babes.
From verse 19
- Ecclesiastes 3:22Rank 1 from verse 19
22Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
22*Wherefore I perceiue that there is nothing better, then that a man should reioyce in his owne workes: for that is his portion; for who shall bring him to see what shalbe after him?
- James 3:17Rank 2 from verse 19
17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
17But the wisedome that is from aboue, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easie to be intreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, ‖without partialitie, and without hypocrisie.
- 1 Kings 12:14–20Rank 3 from verse 19
14And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
15Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the Lord, that he might perform his saying, which the Lord spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
16¶ So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.
17But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.
18Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
19So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.
20And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.
14And spake to them after the counsell of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heauy, and I will adde to your yoke; my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
15Wherefore the king hearkened not vnto the people: for the cause was from the LORD, that hee might performe his saying, which the LORD spake by *Ahiiah the Shilonite vnto Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat.
16¶ So when all Israel saw that the king hearkned not vnto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion haue we in Dauid? neither haue we inheritance in the sonne of Iesse: to your tents, O Israel: nowe see to thine owne house, Dauid. So Israel departed vnto their tents.
17But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Iudah, Rehoboam reigned ouer them.
18Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was ouer the tribute, and all Israel stoned him with stones that hee died: therefore king Rehoboam †made speed to get him vp to his charet, to flee to Ierusalem.
19So Israel ‖rebelled against the house of Dauid vnto this day.
20And it came to passe when all Israel heard that Ieroboam was come againe, that they sent and called him vnto the Congregation, and made him king ouer all Israel: there was none that followed the house of Dauid, but the tribe of Iudah *onely.
- 1 Kings 14:25–28Rank 4 from verse 19
25¶ And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:
26And he took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.
27And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed them unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king’s house.
28And it was so, when the king went into the house of the Lord, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.
25¶ And it came to passe in the fift yeere of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came vp against Ierusalem:
26And he tooke away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the kings house, hee euen tooke away all: and he tooke away all the shields of gold *which Solomon had made.
27And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed them vnto the hands of the chiefe of the †guard, which kept the doore of the kings house.
28And it was so, when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them backe into the guard-chamber.
- 2 Chronicles 10:13–16Rank 5 from verse 19
13And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,
14And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
15So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the Lord might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
16¶ And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.
13And the king answered them roughly, and king Rehoboam forsooke the counsell of the old men,
14And answered them after the aduice of the yong men, saying, My father made your yoke heauy, but I will adde thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
15So the king hearkened not vnto the people, for the cause was of God, that the LORD might performe his word, which he spake by the *hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat.
16¶ And when all Israel sawe that the king would not hearken vnto them, the people answered the king saying, What portion haue wee in Dauid? and wee haue none inheritance in the sonne of Iesse: Euery man to your tents, O Israel: and now Dauid, see to thine owne house. So all Israel went to their tents.
- 2 Chronicles 12:9–10Rank 6 from verse 19
9So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.
10Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king’s house.
9So Shishak king of Egypt came vp against Ierusalem, and tooke away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the kings house, hee tooke all: he caried away also the shields of gold, which Solomon had *made.
10In stead of which, king Rehoboam made shields of brasse, and committed them to the hands of the chiefe of the guard, that kept the entrance of the Kings house.
- Ecclesiastes 9:13Rank 7 from verse 19
- James 1:17Rank 8 from verse 19
17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
17Euery good gift, and euery perfect gift is from aboue, & commeth downe from the Father of lights, with whom is no variablenesse, neither shadow of turning.
8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
8And the lord commended the vniust Steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser then the children of light.
From verse 20
- 1 Corinthians 15:19Rank 1 from verse 20
- 1 Thessalonians 3:3–4Rank 2 from verse 20
3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
4For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
3That no man should be mooued by these afflictions: for your selues know that we are appointed therunto.
4For verily when wee were with you, we told you before, that we should suffer tribulation, euen as it came to passe and ye know.
- 2 Corinthians 1:8–10Rank 3 from verse 20
8For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
9But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
10Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
8For we would not, brethren, haue you ignorant of our trouble which came to vs in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, aboue strength, in so much that we dispaired euen of life.
9But we had the ‖sentence of death in our selues, that we should not trust in our selues, but in God which raiseth the dead.
10Who deliuered vs from so great a death, and doeth deliuer: in whom we trust that he will yet deliuer vs:
- Genesis 43:14Rank 4 from verse 20
14And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
14And God Almightie giue you mercie before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Beniamin: ‖If I be bereaued of my children, I am bereaued.
- Job 17:11–15Rank 5 from verse 20
11My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
12They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness.
13If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.
14I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.
15And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?
11My dayes are past, my purposes are broken off, euen †the thoughts of my heart:
12They change the night into day: the light is †short, because of darknes.
13If I waite, the graue is mine house: I haue made my bedde in the darknesse.
14I haue †said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worme, Thou art my mother, and my sister.
15And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?
- Psalms 39:6–7Rank 6 from verse 20
6Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
6†Surely euery man walketh in a vaine shew: surely they are disquieted in vaine: he heapeth vp riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7And now LORD, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
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DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 2:18
1. Indeed, marking confirmation, emphasis, addition, continuation, or heightening of what is said; it may also emphasize a question. 2. Yes, expressing an affirmative answer or declaration.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of hate, meaning to feel strong dislike, aversion, or enmity toward; in comparisons, to love less.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. Work, toil, effort, exertion, service, or the product of work. 2. Weariness or trouble. 3. Travail in childbirth. 4. To work, strive, serve, or exert oneself.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Received, accepted, or chosen. 2. Seized or captured. 3. Carried or laid hold of.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The great light that rules the day and gives light and heat.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. To depart, cease from, abandon, forsake, release, permit, entrust, bequeath, cause or allow to remain, omit, exclude, or not take. 2. As a noun, permission or liberty to act, including permission to depart.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 2:19
Sense 1: Which of two. Sense 2: Introducing alternatives or uncertainty.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: A person lacking wisdom or moral understanding. Sense 2: As a verb, to act foolishly or deceive.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To govern, lead, direct, control, or exercise authority. Sense 2: A standard, principle, prescribed order, measuring line, boundary, or allotted sphere.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Work, toil, effort, exertion, service, or the product of work. 2. Weariness or trouble. 3. Travail in childbirth. 4. To work, strive, serve, or exert oneself.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
In what or which place, thing, time, state, action, respect, or matter.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Past-tense or past-participial form of show (to reveal, declare, display, or make known).
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The great light that rules the day and gives light and heat.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Emptiness, futility, worthlessness, falsehood, unreliability, or transience.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 2:20
1. Around or near in place, position, or movement; on every side, in a circuit, from place to place, or turned from one direction or state toward another. 2. Approximately in number, measure, distance, or time. 3. Concerning, occupied with, or engaged in a matter. 4. On the point of, intending, or attempting an action.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: A reason, ground, matter in dispute, or judicial case. Sense 2: As a verb, to make something happen.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To lose hope; loss of hope.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. Work, toil, effort, exertion, service, or the product of work. 2. Weariness or trouble. 3. Travail in childbirth. 4. To work, strive, serve, or exert oneself.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The great light that rules the day and gives light and heat.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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17Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
17Therefore I hated life, because the worke that is wrought vnder the Sunne is grieuous vnto mee: for all is vanitie, and vexation of spirit.
18¶ Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
18¶ †Yea I hated all my labour which I had taken vnder the Sunne: because I should leaue it vnto the man that shalbe after mee.
Selected passage19And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
19*And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a foole? yet shall he haue rule ouer all my labour, wherein I haue laboured, and wherein I haue shewed my selfe wise vnder the Sunne. This is also vanitie.
Selected passage20Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
20Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despaire of all the labour which I tooke vnder the Sunne.
Selected passage21For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
21†For there is a man whose labour is in wisedome and in knowledge, and in equitie: yet to a man that hath not laboured therein, shall hee leaue it for his portion; This also is vanitie, and a great euill.