Ecclesiastes 8:15
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Original Language Analysis
וְשִׁבַּ֤חְתִּֽי
Then I commended
H7623
וְשִׁבַּ֤חְתִּֽי
Then I commended
Strong's:
H7623
Word #:
1 of 26
properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e., (specifically) loud
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ט֤וֹב
hath no better thing
H2896
ט֤וֹב
hath no better thing
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
7 of 26
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
לָֽאָדָם֙
because a man
H120
לָֽאָדָם֙
because a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
8 of 26
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
9 of 26
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃
him under the sun
H8121
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃
him under the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
10 of 26
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 26
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
12 of 26
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
וְלִשְׂמ֑וֹחַ
and to be merry
H8055
וְלִשְׂמ֑וֹחַ
and to be merry
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
15 of 26
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
וְה֞וּא
H1931
וְה֞וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
16 of 26
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
יִלְוֶ֣נּוּ
for that shall abide
H3867
יִלְוֶ֣נּוּ
for that shall abide
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
17 of 26
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
בַעֲמָל֗וֹ
with him of his labour
H5999
בַעֲמָל֗וֹ
with him of his labour
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
18 of 26
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
יְמֵ֥י
the days
H3117
יְמֵ֥י
the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
19 of 26
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
חַיָּ֛יו
of his life
H2416
חַיָּ֛יו
of his life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
20 of 26
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
21 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָֽתַן
giveth
H5414
נָֽתַן
giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
22 of 26
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים
which God
H430
הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים
which God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
24 of 26
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
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 5:18Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.Ecclesiastes 3:22Wherefore 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?1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Historical Context
Ancient agricultural societies understood labor's connection to daily bread—crops required planting, tending, harvesting, and preparation before providing meals. The Preacher advocates grateful reception rather than anxious accumulation. This echoes Deuteronomy's call to rejoice in God's provision (Deuteronomy 12:7; 14:26). Jesus later taught not to worry about tomorrow but to seek first God's kingdom (Matthew 6:25-34)—similar balance between responsible labor and grateful trust. Paul commanded that those who refuse to work shouldn't eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10) while also teaching contentment with daily provision (Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8). The Reformers emphasized vocation: common work done faithfully as service to God brings joy, while labor pursued as ultimate meaning produces anxiety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does receiving your daily provision with gratitude differ from anxiously striving for security through accumulation?
- In what ways does enjoying 'eating, drinking, and being merry' as gifts from God differ from secular hedonism?
Analysis & Commentary
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry—after wrestling with delayed justice and moral inversions (vv.10-14), the Preacher advocates receiving God's gifts with joy. The Hebrew 'simchah' (שִׂמְחָה, mirth/joy) doesn't mean hedonistic pleasure but grateful enjoyment of daily provisions as divine gifts. The phrase 'no better thing' (ein tov, אֵין טוֹב) indicates optimal response within creaturely limitations—since humans cannot control outcomes or ensure justice, they should gratefully receive present blessings.
For that shall abide with him of his labour—enjoyment of work's fruits represents the sustainable portion of human toil. The verb 'yilavenu' (יִלְוֶנּוּ, abide/accompany) suggests that joy in daily provision accompanies people through life's hardships. This isn't resignation but wisdom: receive God's gifts gratefully rather than anxiously striving to control what only God governs.