3. What profit . . . labour—that is, "What profit" as to the chief good ( :-). Labor is profitable in its proper place (Genesis 2:15; Genesis 3:19; Proverbs 14:23). under the sun—that is, in this life, as opposed to the future world. The phrase often recurs, but only in Ecclesiastes. read more
I. THE INTRODUCTORY AFFIRMATION 1:1-11The first 11 verses of the book introduce the writer, the theme of the book, and a general defense of the assertion that Solomon made in the theme statement (Ecclesiastes 1:2). read more
1. The vanity of work 1:3Rather than saying, "All work is vanity," Solomon made the same point by asking this rhetorical question that expects a negative response. He used this literary device often throughout the book (cf. Ecclesiastes 2:2; Ecclesiastes 3:9; Ecclesiastes 6:8; Ecclesiastes 6:11-12; et al.)."Advantage" (Heb. yitron) refers to what remains in the sense of a net profit (cf. Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 2:13; Ecclesiastes 3:9; Ecclesiastes 5:9; Ecclesiastes 5:16; Ecclesiastes... read more
B. The Futility of All Human Endeavor 1:3-11In this pericope, Solomon gave general support to his theme (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Essentially he said that it is impossible for any human endeavor to have permanent value. This section is a poem. [Note: See Addison G. Wright, "The Riddle of the Sphinx: The Structure of the Book of Qoheleth," Catholic Biblical Quarterly 30 (1968):313-34.] Solomon chose the realm of nature as the setting for his argument. read more
All is Vanity1-11. The writer describes himself. He declares that all things are transitory and without result, whether they be the works or the life of man, or the natural forces of heat, air, and water. Language cannot do justice to nature’s wearisome sameness. The oblivion which overtakes all.1. Preacher] see Intro. §§ 1, 2.2. Vanity of vanities] lit.’breath of breaths’; the form of expression being a Hebrew way of indicating the superlative degree. Of all fleeting things existence is the... read more
(3) What profit.—The Hebrew word occurs ten times in this book (Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 2:13; Ecclesiastes 3:9; Ecclesiastes 5:9; Ecclesiastes 5:16; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Ecclesiastes 10:10-11) and nowhere else in the Old Testament, but is common in post-Biblical Hebrew. The oft-recurring phrase “under the sun” is a peculiarity of this book. In other books we have “under heaven.” read more
(3-11) Man is perpetually toiling, yet of all his toil there remains no abiding result. The natural world exhibits a spectacle of unceasing activity, with no real progress. The sun, the winds, the waters, are all in motion, yet they do but run a round, and nothing comes of it. read more
The Verdict of Life Ecclesiastes 1:2 The verdict of this book seems to be no hasty verdict, but a settled, deliberate conclusion. It is not due to a temporary fit of depression, or some passing adverse circumstance, but it seems the result of experience arrived at after mature thought. And there are plenty Today who have arrived at the same conclusion. All is vanity. Life is hard and cruel and disappointing, and not worth the living. They tell you it is a weary struggle in which most fail.... read more
THE PROLOGUEIn Which The Problem Of The Book Is Indirectly Stated Ecclesiastes 1:1-11THE search for the summum bonum, the quest of the Chief Good, is the theme of the book Ecclesiastes. Naturally we look to find this theme, this problem, this "riddle of the painful earth," distinctly stated in the opening verses of the Book. It is stated, but not distinctly. For the Book is an autobiographical poem, the journal of the Preacher’s inward life set forth in a dramatic form. "A man of ripe wisdom... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ecclesiastes 1:3
Ecclesiastes 1:3. What profit— The word יתרון iithron, rendered profit, signifies the surplus, or that which remains after allowance is made for toils and fatigue, &c. It occurs eleven times in this book; and I think, says Mr. Desvoeux, the original notion of residue or remainder may well be preserved in every place, and will generally set the author's meaning in a better light than any other expression; though it may be sometimes convenient to make use of some other word. read more