Ecclesiastes 3:9 - God's Works Remain Forever

Audio Bible

Context

God's Works Remain Forever
9What does the worker gain from his toil? 10I have seen the burden that God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them.…

Cross References

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.”Romans 8:20-22
For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.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.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.Genesis 5:29
And he named him Noah, saying, “May this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.”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.2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” / For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. / We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.Psalm 127:1-2
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. / In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Proverbs 14:23
There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.1 Corinthians 3:8-9
He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. / For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.Isaiah 55:2
Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.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.Job 5:6-7
For distress does not spring from the dust, and trouble does not sprout from the ground. / Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.Luke 12:15-21
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...

Ecclesiastes 1:3
What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 2:11,22,23
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…

Ecclesiastes 5:16
And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

Jump to Previous

Jump to Next

Ecclesiastes 3

What does the worker gain from his toil?
This rhetorical question reflects the theme of futility and the search for meaning in human endeavors. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, questions the ultimate benefit of labor and effort under the sun. This echoes the broader message of Ecclesiastes, which often highlights the transient nature of earthly pursuits.

What does the worker gain
The term "gain" here refers to profit or advantage. In the context of ancient Israel, labor was primarily agricultural or related to craftsmanship. The question challenges the reader to consider the lasting value of their work. This theme is consistent with other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, which often contrasts the temporary rewards of earthly labor with the eternal rewards of righteousness and wisdom.

from his toil?
"Toil" suggests hard labor and effort, often with a sense of weariness. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, work was a necessary part of life, but it was also seen as a result of the Fall (Genesis 3:17-19). This reflects the broader biblical narrative that human labor, while necessary, is ultimately subject to the curse of sin. The question invites reflection on the eternal perspective, as seen in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to work for treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) and to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

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.

Verse 9. - If thus man, in all his actions and under all circumstances, depends upon time and seasons which are beyond his control, we return to the same desponding question already asked in Ecclesiastes 1:3. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboreth? The preceding enumeration leads up to this question, to which the answer is "None." Since time and tide wait for no man, since man cannot know for certain his opportunity, he cannot reckon on reaping any advantage from his labor. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

What
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

does the worker
הָֽעוֹשֶׂ֔ה (hā·‘ō·w·śeh)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

gain
יִּתְרוֹן֙ (yiṯ·rō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3504: Preeminence, gain

from his
ה֥וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

toil?
עָמֵֽל׃ (‘ā·mêl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6001: Toiling, a laborer, sorrowful

Links

Ecclesiastes 3:9 NIV
Ecclesiastes 3:9 NLT
Ecclesiastes 3:9 ESV
Ecclesiastes 3:9 NASB
Ecclesiastes 3:9 KJVEcclesiastes 3:9 BibleApps.com
Ecclesiastes 3:9 Biblia Paralela
Ecclesiastes 3:9 Chinese Bible
Ecclesiastes 3:9 French Bible
Ecclesiastes 3:9 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:9 What profit has he who works (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)