1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.
3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4 [One] generation passeth away, and [another] generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea [is] not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
8 All things [are] full of labour; man cannot utter [it]: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun.
10 Is there [any] thing whereof it may be said, See, this [is] new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
11 [There is] no remembrance of former [things]; neither shall there be [any] remembrance of [things] that are to come with [those] that shall come after.
12 I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all [things] that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.
15 [That which is] crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
16 I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all [they] that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
18 For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Overview of Ecclesiastes Chapter 1
Ecclesiastes Chapter 1 introduces the central themes of the book, emphasizing the futility of human endeavors and the cyclical nature of life. The chapter is attributed to “the Teacher,” traditionally understood to be King Solomon, who reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.
Key Themes
- Vanity of Vanities: The chapter opens with the phrase “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” which sets the tone for the exploration of life’s meaning.
- The Cyclicality of Life: The chapter discusses the repetitive cycles of nature and human existence, suggesting a sense of monotony and lack of ultimate purpose.
- The Limits of Wisdom: While wisdom is valued, the Teacher acknowledges its limitations and the burdens it can bring.
Structure of the Chapter
- Introduction (Verses 1-2):
The chapter begins with a declaration of the Teacher’s identity and the overarching theme of vanity.
- The Futility of Human Endeavors (Verses 3-11):
This section questions the value of human labor and achievements, emphasizing that they ultimately lead to nothing lasting.
- The Pursuit of Wisdom (Verses 12-18):
The Teacher reflects on his personal quest for wisdom, noting that increased knowledge brings increased sorrow.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: The Teacher’s Introduction
The opening verses establish the Teacher’s authority and perspective. The repetition of “vanity” underscores the transient nature of human existence. This phrase encapsulates the existential angst that permeates the chapter.
Verses 3-11: The Futility of Human Endeavors
In these verses, the Teacher poses rhetorical questions about the value of labor. The cyclical imagery of the sun, wind, and rivers illustrates the idea that life is an endless loop, where nothing truly changes. The phrase “there is nothing new under the sun” captures the essence of the human experience as repetitive and ultimately unfulfilling.
Key Points in This Section:
- The notion that human efforts are ultimately futile and do not lead to lasting significance.
- The observation that generations come and go, yet the earth remains unchanged.
- The emphasis on the inevitability of forgetting one’s achievements and the transient nature of fame and legacy.
Verses 12-18: The Pursuit of Wisdom
The Teacher shares his personal journey in seeking wisdom, highlighting the paradox that greater knowledge can lead to greater sorrow. This section reflects the tension between the pursuit of understanding and the burdens it brings.
Key Insights:
- The realization that wisdom does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment.
- The acknowledgment of the limitations of human understanding, suggesting that some truths may remain elusive.
- The idea that the quest for wisdom can be a source of frustration rather than enlightenment.
Conclusion
Ecclesiastes Chapter 1 sets the stage for the exploration of existential themes throughout the book. It challenges readers to reflect on the meaning of life, the value of their pursuits, and the nature of wisdom. Through its poignant observations and philosophical inquiries, the chapter invites contemplation on the human condition and the search for purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe.
