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Ecclesiastes 2

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 2 of 12

1 I said in my heart, Come now, I will test you with mirth. Therefore, consider with goodness. And behold, this also is vanity.

2 I said of laughter, it is mad, and of mirth, What does it do?

3 I searched in my heart how to draw out my flesh with wine, and leading my heart in wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, until I might see where the good for the sons of men is, that which they should do under the heavens the number of days of their life.

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Chapter Summary

The vanity of human courses in the works of pleasure. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event. Nothing better than joy in our labor.

Key Hebrew Words

כְּרָמִֽים vineyard H3754 · TWOT 1040a
בְּשָׂרִ֑ flesh H1320 · TWOT 291a
עִנְיָנ֔ occupation H6045 · TWOT 1651a
יִתְר֖וֹן advantage H3504 · TWOT 936f
יוֹתֵ֑ר superiority H3148 · TWOT 936d

People & Context

Testing Mirth and Pleasure

The Preacher tests his heart with laughter, mirth, and wine to find what is good, only to realize that these pleasures are also vanity.

The Pursuit of Great Works and Possessions

He undertakes massive projects, building houses, planting vineyards, making pools, and acquiring slaves, flocks, gold, singers, and concubines.

The Emptiness of Material Success

Upon reflecting on all his works and labor, he realizes that it is all vanity, a striving after wind, and without true profit.

Timeline

Testing Mirth and Pleasure

The Preacher tests his heart with laughter, mirth, and wine to find what is good, only to realize that these pleasures are also vanity.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
The Pursuit of Great Works and Possessions

He undertakes massive projects, building houses, planting vineyards, making pools, and acquiring slaves, flocks, gold, singers, and concubines.

Ecclesiastes 2:4-10
The Emptiness of Material Success

Upon reflecting on all his works and labor, he realizes that it is all vanity, a striving after wind, and without true profit.

Ecclesiastes 2:11

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Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

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