Ecclesiastes 5:12
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
Original Language Analysis
הָעֹבֵ֔ד
of a labouring man
H5647
הָעֹבֵ֔ד
of a labouring man
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
3 of 14
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֶֽעָשִׁ֔יר
of the rich
H6223
לֶֽעָשִׁ֔יר
of the rich
Strong's:
H6223
Word #:
10 of 14
rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)
אֵינֶ֛נּוּ
H369
Historical Context
Ancient agricultural societies understood labor's rhythm—farmers and craftsmen worked hard physically and rested deeply. The wealthy class, however, faced constant concerns about property, inheritances, political intrigue, and maintaining status, as royal court life demonstrated.
Questions for Reflection
- What anxieties associated with possessions might be robbing you of peace and rest?
- How does simplicity of lifestyle contribute to 'sweet sleep' in both physical and spiritual senses?
- In what ways does honest labor bring contentment that wealth accumulation cannot provide?
Analysis & Commentary
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet (מְתוּקָה שְׁנַת הָעֹבֵד, metukah shenat ha'oved)—literally 'sweet is the sleep of the worker.' The adjective metukah conveys pleasantness and satisfaction. Whether he eat little or much (אִם־מְעַט וְאִם־הַרְבֵּה יֹאכֵל, im-me'at ve'im-harbeh yokhel)—regardless of quantity consumed. But the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep (וְהַשָּׂבָע לֶעָשִׁיר אֵינֶנּוּ מַנִּיחַ לוֹ לִישׁוֹן, vehasava le'ashir einennu maniach lo lishon)—prosperity's satiation doesn't permit him to sleep.
One of Scripture's most pointed contrasts: the laborer sleeps soundly regardless of modest means, while the rich man suffers insomnia despite (or because of) abundance. The verb maniach ('permit' or 'allow') suggests wealth actively prevents rest—through anxiety about preservation, fear of loss, complications of management, or the spiritual burden Jesus described: 'the deceitfulness of riches' (Matthew 13:22). Physical labor produces healthy fatigue and clear conscience; wealth accumulation produces restless worry. Proverbs 3:24 promises the righteous, 'When you lie down, you will not be afraid; your sleep will be sweet'—a sweetness dependent on trust in God rather than portfolio size.