Ecclesiastes 4:16
There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Original Language Analysis
קֵ֣ץ
There is no end
H7093
קֵ֣ץ
There is no end
Strong's:
H7093
Word #:
2 of 19
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֗ם
of all the people
H5971
הָעָ֗ם
of all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְכֹ֤ל
H3605
לְכֹ֤ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָיָה֙
H1961
הָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם
even of all that have been before
H6440
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם
even of all that have been before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
גַּ֥ם
H1571
גַּ֥ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
הָאַחֲרוֹנִ֖ים
them they also that come after
H314
הָאַחֲרוֹנִ֖ים
them they also that come after
Strong's:
H314
Word #:
10 of 19
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׂמְחוּ
shall not rejoice
H8055
יִשְׂמְחוּ
shall not rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
12 of 19
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 1:14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.Ecclesiastes 2:17Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.1 Kings 1:40And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.
Historical Context
This reflects Solomon's own experience—once celebrated as Israel's wisest and wealthiest king, yet his later apostasy led to national division immediately after his death. Few remembered his glory with joy; most recalled the heavy taxation and forced labor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the vanity of human fame free you to serve without needing recognition?
- What difference does it make to labor for Christ's eternal kingdom rather than temporal legacy?
- In what ways might you be 'feeding on wind' by pursuing fleeting approval?
Analysis & Commentary
There is no end of all the people (אֵין קֵץ לְכָל־הָעָם, ein qets lekhol-ha'am)—'no limit to all the people,' describing vast multitudes. They also that come after shall not rejoice in him (גַּם־הָאַחֲרוֹנִים לֹא יִשְׂמְחוּ־בוֹ, gam-ha'achronim lo yismchu-vo)—future generations will not delight in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit (כִּי־גַם־זֶה הֶבֶל וּרְעוּת רוּחַ, ki-gam-zeh hevel ure'ut ruach)—the book's refrain, 'vapor and striving after wind.'
The cycle completes: despite enormous popularity (ein qets, 'no end' to supporters), even the wisest leader who rose from prison will eventually be forgotten and unappreciated by subsequent generations. This isn't cynicism but realism about human nature and temporal glory. The Hebrew re'ut ruach (literally 'feeding on wind') emphasizes futility—you cannot nourish yourself on air, just as human fame cannot satisfy eternal hunger. Only the leader who is 'the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8) deserves ultimate allegiance. All earthly glory is hevel, but 'the word of the Lord endures forever' (1 Peter 1:25).