Ecclesiastes 1:8

Authorized King James Version

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All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Original Language Analysis

כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים All things H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים All things
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 2 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְגֵעִ֔ים are full of labour H3023
יְגֵעִ֔ים are full of labour
Strong's: H3023
Word #: 3 of 15
tired; hence (transitive) tiresome
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 4 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכַ֥ל cannot H3201
יוּכַ֥ל cannot
Strong's: H3201
Word #: 5 of 15
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
אִ֖ישׁ man H376
אִ֖ישׁ man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 6 of 15
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְדַבֵּ֑ר utter H1696
לְדַבֵּ֑ר utter
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 7 of 15
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׂבַּ֥ע is not satisfied H7646
תִשְׂבַּ֥ע is not satisfied
Strong's: H7646
Word #: 9 of 15
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
עַ֙יִן֙ it the eye H5869
עַ֙יִן֙ it the eye
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 10 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
לִרְא֔וֹת with seeing H7200
לִרְא֔וֹת with seeing
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 11 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְלֹא H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 12 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִמָּלֵ֥א filled H4390
תִמָּלֵ֥א filled
Strong's: H4390
Word #: 13 of 15
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֹ֖זֶן nor the ear H241
אֹ֖זֶן nor the ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 14 of 15
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
מִשְּׁמֹֽעַ׃ with hearing H8085
מִשְּׁמֹֽעַ׃ with hearing
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 15 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

The Preacher observes: 'All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.' The Hebrew 'yegeaim' (יְגֵעִים, full of labour/wearisome) describes exhausting toil that never satisfies. Human language cannot fully express this weariness—'man cannot utter it' (lo-yukhal ish ledabber, לֹא־יוּכַל אִישׁ לְדַבֵּר). The parallel phrases about eye and ear emphasize perpetual dissatisfaction: no amount of seeing satisfies visual appetite; no amount of hearing satiates auditory desire. This verse diagnoses the human condition: restless craving never satisfied by created things. Augustine famously prayed, 'Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.' Only the Creator satisfies the insatiable human soul created for Him.

Historical Context

Ancient peoples experienced this restlessness despite less stimulation than modern life provides. The eye and ear seeking satisfaction anticipated modern consumer culture's endless appetite for novelty and entertainment. Yet Ecclesiastes exposes the futility: accumulating experiences doesn't produce satisfaction. Jesus offered alternative: 'whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst' (John 4:13-14). Early church fathers contrasted worldly pleasures that increase desire with divine grace that satisfies. The Reformers emphasized that finite goods cannot satisfy infinite desires—only the infinite God suffices. Modern readers see this verse diagnosing social media, streaming services, constant connectivity—endless consumption without satisfaction.

Questions for Reflection