Ecclesiastes 2:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Solomon's unparalleled resources enabled the most comprehensive test of materialism and accomplishment in human history. His 'works' included the Temple, royal palaces, extensive building projects, gardens, pools, forests, servants, herds, treasure, and cultural achievements (1 Kings 4-10). His 'labour' reflects the Hebrew 'amal' (עָמָל)—toil, trouble, and strenuous effort. Despite having everything wealth, power, and wisdom could provide, Solomon discovered what later saints would rediscover: 'Man shall not live by bread alone' (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4). Augustine famously prayed, 'You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You'—capturing Ecclesiastes' experiential wisdom. The verse anticipates Jesus's parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), who amassed wealth but was 'not rich toward God.' Only eternal treasures yield lasting profit (Matthew 6:19-21).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'works' and 'labour' in your life are you hoping will provide lasting satisfaction, and what does Solomon's verdict suggest about such hopes?
- How does this verse challenge the assumption that achieving your goals and dreams will finally make you happy?
Analysis & Commentary
This climactic verse concludes Solomon's grand experiment with pleasure, accomplishment, and acquisition (2:1-10). After denying himself nothing and achieving unprecedented success, he 'looked on all the works that my hands had wrought'—a comprehensive retrospective assessment. The threefold verdict is devastating: 'vanity,' 'vexation of spirit,' and 'no profit under the sun.' The Hebrew 'yitron' (יִתְרוֹן, profit/advantage/surplus) appears nine times in Ecclesiastes, asking whether life yields lasting gain. Solomon's conclusion: when evaluated from an earthbound perspective ('under the sun'), even spectacular achievements produce no enduring advantage. The phrase 'vexation of spirit' (re'ut ruach, רְעוּת רוּחַ) literally means 'shepherding wind'—capturing the frustration of expending energy on what cannot be grasped or retained. This isn't regret over sinful pursuits (much of what Solomon accomplished was good and God-honoring) but recognition that even legitimate achievements, when treated as ultimate, prove unsatisfying. The verse drives readers toward the conclusion that lasting profit comes only from fearing God (12:13).