Ecclesiastes 5:20

Authorized King James Version

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For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֚י H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַרְבֵּ֔ה For he shall not much H7235
הַרְבֵּ֔ה For he shall not much
Strong's: H7235
Word #: 3 of 12
to increase (in whatever respect)
יִזְכֹּ֖ר remember H2142
יִזְכֹּ֖ר remember
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְמֵ֣י the days H3117
יְמֵ֣י the days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 6 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
חַיָּ֑יו of his life H2416
חַיָּ֑יו of his life
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 7 of 12
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
כִּ֧י H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים because God H430
הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים because God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 9 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מַעֲנֶ֖ה answereth H6031
מַעֲנֶ֖ה answereth
Strong's: H6031
Word #: 10 of 12
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
בְּשִׂמְחַ֥ת him in the joy H8057
בְּשִׂמְחַ֥ת him in the joy
Strong's: H8057
Word #: 11 of 12
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
לִבּֽוֹ׃ of his heart H3820
לִבּֽוֹ׃ of his heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 12 of 12
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis & Commentary

For he shall not much remember the days of his life (כִּי לֹא הַרְבֵּה יִזְכֹּר אֶת־יְמֵי חַיָּיו, ki lo harbeh yizkor et-yemei chayav)—'for not much will he remember the days of his life.' This can mean either he won't dwell on past troubles, or life passes quickly when enjoyed. Because God answereth him in the joy of his heart (כִּי הָאֱלֹהִים מַעֲנֶה בְּשִׂמְחַת לִבּוֹ, ki ha'elohim ma'aneh besimchat libbo)—literally 'because God occupies/answers him with the joy of his heart.'

The Hebrew verb ma'aneh is fascinating—it can mean 'answers,' 'occupies,' or 'keeps busy.' The sense is that God fills the person's attention with present joy, crowding out anxious rumination about past or future. The contrast with verse 17 ('he eateth in darkness... much sorrow') is stark: same brevity of life, opposite experience. The difference is God's simchat libbo (heart-joy)—not circumstances but divine grace producing contentment. This anticipates Paul's 'the joy of the Lord is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10) and 'rejoice in the Lord always' (Philippians 4:4). When God grants contentment, life's transience becomes less burdensome because the present moment becomes sufficient.

Historical Context

Ancient wisdom literature recognized that memory can torture (dwelling on losses) or fade into irrelevance when present satisfaction exists. The righteous person, content in God's provision, experiences time differently than the anxious hoarder.

Questions for Reflection