Ecclesiastes 3:9–13
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
*What profite hath hee that worketh, in that wherein he laboureth?
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- *Cross-referenceChap. 1.3.
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
I haue seene the trauaile which God hath giuen to the sonnes of men, to be exercised in it.
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
He hath made euery thing beautifull in his time: also hee hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can finde out the worke that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to reioyce, and to doe good in his life.
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
And also that euery man should eate and drinke, and enioy the good of all his labour: it is the gift of God.
PASSAGE SELECTION
Build from either side
Add or remove verses within this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.
SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
Cross References
All 44 ranked passages are available for comparison.
From verse 9
- Ecclesiastes 1:3Rank 1 from verse 9
- Ecclesiastes 5:16Rank 2 from verse 9
- Proverbs 14:23Rank 3 from verse 9
- Ecclesiastes 2:11Rank 4 from verse 9
11Then 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.
11*Then I looked on all the workes that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to doe: and behold, all was vanitie, and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit vnder the Sunne.
- Ecclesiastes 2:22–23Rank 5 from verse 9
22For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
23For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
22*For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart wherein hee hath laboured vnder the Sunne?
23*For all his dayes are sorrowes, and his traueile, griefe; yea his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanitie.
- Matthew 16:26Rank 6 from verse 9
From verse 10
- Ecclesiastes 1:13–14Rank 1 from verse 10
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.
14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
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.
14I haue seene all the workes that are done vnder the Sunne, and behold, all is vanitie, and vexation of spirit.
- Genesis 3:19Rank 2 from verse 10
19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
19In the sweate of thy face shalt thou eate bread, till thou returne vnto the ground: for out of it wast thou taken, for dust thou art, and vnto dust shalt thou returne.
- Ecclesiastes 2:26Rank 3 from verse 10
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.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9Rank 4 from verse 10
9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
9For yee remember, brethren, our labour and trauaile: for labourng night and day, because wee would not bee chargeable vnto any of you, wee preached vnto you the Gospel of God.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8Rank 5 from verse 10
From verse 11
- Romans 1:19–20Rank 1 from verse 11
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
19Because that which may bee knowen of God, is manifest in ‖them, for God hath shewed it vnto them.
20For the inuisible things of him from the Creation of the world, are clearely seene, being vnderstood by the things that are made, euen his eternall Power and Godhead, ‖so that they are without excuse:
- Romans 11:33Rank 2 from verse 11
- Ecclesiastes 8:17Rank 4 from verse 11
17Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
17Then I behelde all the worke of God, that a man cannot finde out the worke that is done vnder the Sunne: because though a man labour to seeke it out, yea further though a wise man thinke to know it, yet shall hee not be able to finde it.
- Psalms 104:24Rank 7 from verse 11
- Genesis 1:31Rank 8 from verse 11
- Ecclesiastes 7:29Rank 9 from verse 11
- Deuteronomy 32:4Rank 10 from verse 11
- Matthew 13:22Rank 11 from verse 11
22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
22He also that receiued seed among the thorns, is he that heareth the word, and the care of this world, and the deceitfulnesse of riches choke the word, and he becommeth vnfruitfull.
- Romans 1:28Rank 12 from verse 11
28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
28And euen as they did not like to ‖retaine God in their knowledge, God gaue them ouer to ‖a reprobate minde, to doe those things which are not conuenient:
- Matthew 11:27Rank 14 from verse 11
27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
27*All things are deliuered vnto me of my father: and no man knoweth the sonne but the father: *neither knoweth any man the father, saue the sonne, and hee to whomsoeuer the sonne will reueile him.
From verse 12
- Psalms 37:3Rank 1 from verse 12
- Ecclesiastes 3:22Rank 2 from verse 12
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?
- 1 Timothy 6:18Rank 3 from verse 12
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15–16Rank 4 from verse 12
- Acts 20:35Rank 5 from verse 12
35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
35I haue shewed you all things, how that so labouring, yee ought to support the weake, and to remember the words of the Lord Iesus, how he said, It is more blessed to giue, then to receiue.
- Philippians 4:4–9Rank 6 from verse 12
4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
4Reioyce in the Lord alway: and againe I say, Reioyce.
5Let your moderation be knowen vnto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Bee carefull for nothing: but in euery thing by prayer and supplication with thankesgiuing, let your request be made knowen vnto God.
7And the peace of God which passeth all vnderstanding, shall keepe your hearts & minds through Christ Iesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoeuer things are true, whatsoeuer things are ‖honest, whatsoeuer things are iust, whatsoeuer things are pure, whatsoeuer things are louely, whatsoeuer things are of good report: if there bee any vertue, and if there bee any praise, thinke on these things:
9Those things which ye haue both learned and receiued, and heard, and seene in mee, doe: and the God of peace shall be with you.
- Isaiah 64:5Rank 7 from verse 12
5Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
5Thou meetest him that reioyceth, and worketh righteousnesse, those that remember thee in thy wayes: behold, thou art wroth, for we haue sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saued.
- Luke 11:41Rank 8 from verse 12
- Deuteronomy 28:63Rank 9 from verse 12
63And it shall come to pass, that as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
63And it shall come to passe, that as the LORD reioyced ouer you to doe you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will reioyce ouer you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shalbe plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possesse it.
- Ecclesiastes 9:7–9Rank 10 from verse 12
7¶ Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
8Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
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.
7¶ Goe thy way, eate thy bread with ioy, and drinke thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy workes.
8Let thy garments bee alwayes white; and let thy head lacke no oyntment.
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.
From verse 13
- Ecclesiastes 2:24Rank 1 from verse 13
24¶ There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
24¶ *‖ There is nothing better for a man, then that he should eat and drinke, and that he should make his soule enioy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
- Ecclesiastes 9:7Rank 2 from verse 13
- Isaiah 65:21–23Rank 3 from verse 13
21And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
22They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.
21And they shall builde houses, and inhabite them, and they shall plant vineyards, and eate the fruit of them.
22†They shal not build, and another inhabit: they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the daies of a tree, are the dayes of my people, and mine elect shal long enioy the worke of their hands.
23They shall not labour in vaine, nor bring forth for trouble: for they are the seede of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
- Psalms 128:2Rank 4 from verse 13
- Ecclesiastes 5:18–20Rank 5 from verse 13
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.
19Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
20For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
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.
19Euery man also to whom God hath giuen riches and wealth, and hath giuen him power to eate thereof, and to take his portion, and to reioyce in his labour; th is is the gift of God.
20‖For he shall not much remember the dayes of his life: because God answereth him in the ioy of his heart.
- Deuteronomy 28:30–31Rank 6 from verse 13
30Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.
31Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them.
30Thou shalt betrothe a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: *thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not †gather the grapes thereof.
31Thine oxe shall be slaine before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine asse shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and †shal not be restored to thee: thy sheepe shall bee giuen vnto thine enemies, and thou shalt haue none to rescue them.
- Deuteronomy 28:47–48Rank 7 from verse 13
47Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
48Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
47Because thou seruedst not the LORD thy God with ioyfulnesse, and with gladnesse of heart, for the aboundance of all things.
48Therefore shalt thou serue thine enemies, which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakednesse, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron vpon thy necke, vntill he haue destroyed thee.
- Ecclesiastes 6:2Rank 8 from verse 13
2A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
2A man to whom God hath giuen riches, wealth and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soule of all that he desireth, yet God giueth him not power to eate thereof, but a stranger eateth it: Th is is vanitie, and it is an euill disease.
- Judges 6:3–6Rank 9 from verse 13
3And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
4And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
5For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
6And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.
3And so it was when Israel had sowen, that the Midianites came vp, & the Amalekites, & the children of the East, euen they came vp against them,
4And they encamped against them, and destroyed the encrease of the earth, till thou come vnto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither ‖sheepe, nor oxe, nor asse.
5For they came vp with their cattell and their tents, and they came as Grashoppers for multitude, for both they and their camels were without number: and they entred into the land to destroy it.
6And Israel was greatly impouerished, because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cryed vnto the LORD.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
Open a word for its full definition and concordance.
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:9
Sense 1: Benefit or advantage. Sense 2: To benefit, improve, or advance.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Third-person singular present form of work, meaning to labour, act, operate, perform, make, produce, accomplish, or bring about.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
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
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:10
Sense 1: The painful labour and anguish of childbirth. Sense 2: To undergo such labour. Sense 3: Severe toil, trouble, sorrow, or suffering.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
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 one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Bestowed, granted, delivered, or appointed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Practiced, employed, occupied, or trained by repeated use.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Formed, caused, prepared, appointed, or brought into a stated condition.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Pleasing or excellent in appearance, situation, order, or effect.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
A particular portion or part of duration, whether past, present or future.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. To put or place a person or thing in a position, relation, or condition; when passive, to be so placed, fixed, or adorned. 2. To establish, fix, appoint, assign, prescribe, or determine. 3. To arrange, prepare, present, display, or put in order or array. 4. To direct, turn, or firmly apply the face, heart, eyes, mind, affection, or action toward something. 5. To start, advance, send out, proceed on a course or work, or make an attack, as in set forward, set forth, or set upon where those meanings apply. 6. To value or esteem; or, in set at nought or set light by, to despise. 7. Of the sun, to go down.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
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
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To discover, meet with, obtain, perceive, or learn by search or experience.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Labour, occupation, an assigned task, or service. Sense 2: An action, deed, operation, effect, product, thing made, or manner of workmanship. Sense 3: To labour, act, operate, perform, make, produce, accomplish, or bring about.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Third-person singular present form of make (to form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition).
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The start, first part, or earliest point in time, order, or action.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The last or concluding part, termination, or limit. Sense 2: A purpose or intended result. Sense 3: As a verb, to cease or bring to a close.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:12
To perceive, understand, recognize, experience, or be assured of something.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
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
1. To be glad, take joy, delight, or exult; to express gladness. 2. To make glad or cause to rejoice.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The state of living; the period or manner of one's existence.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 3:13
Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.
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
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
To take food into the body; to consume, devour, or waste away.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To possess, experience, or receive with satisfaction, benefit, or delight.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.
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
Sense 1: Something given or bestowed; a present. Sense 2: An endowment or ability. Sense 3: A bribe.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893
The one true God.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
FOLLOW THE THEME
Related Concepts
Choose a connected KJV word or phrase to find where it appears in scripture.
READ THE PASSAGE
View in context
Nearby verses · passage boundary unavailable · Ecclesiastes 3:8–14
The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.
3:8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
3:8A time to loue, and a time to hate: a time of warre, and a time of peace.
3:9What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
3:9*What profite hath hee that worketh, in that wherein he laboureth?
Selected passage3:10I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
3:10I haue seene the trauaile which God hath giuen to the sonnes of men, to be exercised in it.
Selected passage3:11He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
3:11He hath made euery thing beautifull in his time: also hee hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can finde out the worke that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
Selected passage3:12I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
3:12I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to reioyce, and to doe good in his life.
Selected passage3:13And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
3:13And also that euery man should eate and drinke, and enioy the good of all his labour: it is the gift of God.
Selected passage3:14I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
3:14I know that whatsoeuer God doeth, it shalbe for euer: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doth it, that men should feare before him.