Ecclesiastes 3:22
Wherefore 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?
Original Language Analysis
לִרְא֔וֹת
Wherefore I perceive
H7200
לִרְא֔וֹת
Wherefore I perceive
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
טוֹב֙
that there is nothing better
H2896
טוֹב֙
that there is nothing better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 18
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשְׂמַ֤ח
should rejoice
H8055
יִשְׂמַ֤ח
should rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
6 of 18
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
הָאָדָם֙
than that a man
H120
הָאָדָם֙
than that a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
7 of 18
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
בְּֽמַעֲשָׂ֔יו
in his own works
H4639
בְּֽמַעֲשָׂ֔יו
in his own works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
8 of 18
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
חֶלְק֑וֹ
for that is his portion
H2506
חֶלְק֑וֹ
for that is his portion
Strong's:
H2506
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִ֤י
H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
13 of 18
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יְבִיאֶ֙נּוּ֙
for who shall bring
H935
יְבִיאֶ֙נּוּ֙
for who shall bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
14 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לִרְא֔וֹת
Wherefore I perceive
H7200
לִרְא֔וֹת
Wherefore I perceive
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
15 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּמֶ֖ה
H4100
בְּמֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 2:24There 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.Ecclesiastes 8:7For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?Ecclesiastes 6:12For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?Ecclesiastes 10:14A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?Ecclesiastes 11:9Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature often concluded with 'carpe diem' themes, but Ecclesiastes uniquely grounds joy in recognizing God as the Giver. This contrasts with Epicurean 'eat, drink, be merry' by maintaining covenant accountability.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you practice contentment in present work without losing eternal perspective or ambition for God's glory?
- In what ways does accepting your 'portion' differ from fatalism or passivity?
- What present blessings might you be missing because of excessive future anxiety?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore I perceive (רָאִיתִי, ra'iti)—'I have seen,' from experiential observation rather than revealed truth. That a man should rejoice in his own works (שֶׁיִּשְׂמַח הָאָדָם בְּמַעֲשָׂיו, she-yismach ha'adam bema'asav)—finding contentment in present labor, acknowledging that that is his portion (חֶלְקוֹ, chelqo), his allotted inheritance or lot in life.
After confronting mortality's leveling power, Qoheleth offers practical wisdom: since future outcomes remain uncertain (who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?), embrace present blessings with gratitude. This is not hedonism but realistic contentment—enjoying God's gifts in the now rather than anxiously grasping at illusory permanence. The term chelqo echoes the Levites' portion being the Lord Himself (Numbers 18:20); our 'portion' includes our daily work as divine gift. Paul's 'work heartily, as for the Lord' (Colossians 3:23) and 'godliness with contentment' (1 Timothy 6:6) reflect this mature balance between eternal hope and present faithfulness.