Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. New Living Translation Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn’t worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. English Standard Version because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. Berean Standard Bible When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil. King James Bible For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. New King James Version For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. New American Standard Bible When there is a person who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and then gives his legacy to one who has not labored for it; this too is futility and a great evil. NASB 1995 When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil. NASB 1977 When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil. Legacy Standard Bible When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, then he gives his portion to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil. Amplified Bible For there is a man who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, yet gives his legacy to one who has not labored for it. This too is vanity and a great evil. Christian Standard Bible When there is a person whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a person who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great wrong. Holman Christian Standard Bible When there is a man whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great wrong. American Standard Version For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, and with knowledge, and with skilfulness; yet to a man that hath not labored therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. Contemporary English Version When we use our wisdom, knowledge, and skill to get what we own, why do we have to leave it to someone who didn't work for it? This is senseless and wrong. English Revised Version For there is a man whose labour is with wisdom, and with knowledge, and with skilfulness; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. GOD'S WORD® Translation Here is someone who had worked hard with wisdom, knowledge, and skill. Yet, he must turn over his estate to someone else, who didn't work for it. Even this is pointless and a terrible tragedy. Good News Translation You work for something with all your wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and then you have to leave it all to someone who hasn't had to work for it. It is useless, and it isn't right! International Standard Version For sometimes people who strive to obtain wisdom, knowledge, and equity leave everything as an inheritance to a person who never worked for it. This, too, is pointless and greatly troublesome. Majority Standard Bible When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil. NET Bible For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; however, he must hand over the fruit of his labor as an inheritance to someone else who did not work for it. This also is futile, and an awful injustice! New Heart English Bible For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. Webster's Bible Translation For there is a man whose labor is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not labored in it, shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. World English Bible For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor there is a man whose labor [is] in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity, and to a man who has not labored therein he gives it—his portion! Even this [is] vanity and a great evil. Young's Literal Translation For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity, and to a man who hath not laboured therein he giveth it -- his portion! Even this is vanity and a great evil. Smith's Literal Translation For there is man his labor in wisdom, and in knowledge and in success; and to man not laboring in it he shall give his portion. Also this is vanity and much evil. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor when a man laboureth in wisdom, and knowledge, and carefulness, he leaveth what he hath gotten to an idle man: so this also is vanity, and a great evil. Catholic Public Domain Version For when someone labors in wisdom, and doctrine, and prudence, he leaves behind what he has obtained to one who is idle. So this, too, is emptiness and a great burden. New American Bible For here is one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and that one’s legacy must be left to another who has not toiled for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. New Revised Standard Version because sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThere is a man who labors with wisdom and knowledge and success; and yet he leaves his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great misfortune. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because there is a man whose labor is in wisdom and in knowledge and in success, and a man who does not labor in it gives him his portion, and this also is futility and great evil! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For there is a man whose labour is with wisdom, and with knowledge, and with skill; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. Brenton Septuagint Translation For there is such a man that his labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in fortitude; yet this man shall give his portion to one who has not laboured therein. This is also vanity and great evil. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Futility of Work…20So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. 21When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great evil. 22For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?… Cross References Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. Psalm 39:6 Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. Job 27:16-17 Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, / what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent. Luke 12:20-21 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, / his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ... Psalm 49:10 For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. Psalm 73:12 Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth. James 4:13-14 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. 1 Peter 1:24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, Psalm 127:1-2 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. / In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved. Matthew 25:24-30 Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. ... 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Treasury of Scripture For there is a man whose labor is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that has not labored therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. whose Ecclesiastes 2:17,18 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit… Ecclesiastes 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. 2 Chronicles 31:20,21 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God… leave Jump to Previous Enjoyed Equity Evil Expert Gives Great Heritage Labor Labour Meaningless Misfortune Owns Portion Skill Skillfulness Someone Sometimes Therein Toiled Vanity Wisdom Work WorkedJump to Next Enjoyed Equity Evil Expert Gives Great Heritage Labor Labour Meaningless Misfortune Owns Portion Skill Skillfulness Someone Sometimes Therein Toiled Vanity Wisdom Work WorkedEcclesiastes 2 1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event 18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom 24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill This phrase highlights the value of diligent work and the application of wisdom, knowledge, and skill. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and is considered a gift from God (James 1:5). The emphasis on labor reflects the cultural importance of work in ancient Israel, where agriculture and craftsmanship were vital for survival and prosperity. The use of "wisdom, knowledge, and skill" suggests a comprehensive approach to work, aligning with the biblical ideal of using one's God-given talents for His glory (Colossians 3:23). and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it this too is futile and a great evil Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often focus on the meaning and purpose of life. 2. Israel The nation over which Solomon reigned. The societal context of Israel during Solomon's time was one of prosperity and peace, allowing for philosophical and theological reflections on life and labor. 3. Labor and Inheritance The event or concept of working diligently and the subsequent transfer of wealth or accomplishments to someone who did not contribute to the labor. Teaching Points The Futility of Earthly LaborEarthly achievements and possessions are temporary and can be left to those who may not value them. This should prompt us to consider the eternal significance of our work. Wisdom in Work While laboring with wisdom, knowledge, and skill is commendable, it is essential to align our efforts with God's purposes, ensuring that our work has lasting value. Stewardship and Legacy We are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, recognizing that our ultimate legacy is not in material wealth but in spiritual impact. Contentment and Trust in God Understanding the limitations of human effort should lead us to find contentment in God's provision and trust in His eternal plan.(21) Equity.--Rather, skill, success (Ecclesiastes 4:4; Ecclesiastes 5:7). The noun is peculiar to this book. The corresponding verb occurs in Ecclesiastes 10:10; Ecclesiastes 11:6; Esther 8:5.Verse 21. - For there is a man whose labor is in wisdom. "In," בְּ, "with," directed and performed with wisdom. The author speaks of himself objectively, as St. Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2) says, "I know a man in Christ," etc. His complaint now is, not that his successor may misuse his inheritance (ver. 19), but that this person shall have that on which he has bestowed no skill or toil, shall enjoy what modern phraseology terms "unearned increment." This, which was set forth as One of the blessings of the promised land (Deuteronomy 6:10, 11), Koheleth cannot bear to contemplate where it touches himself - not from envy or grudging, but from the feeling of dissatisfaction and want of energy which it generates. In (with) knowledge and in (with) equity. Kishron, translated "equity" in the Authorized Version; ἀνδρεία "manliness," in the Septuagint: and sollicitudine in the Vulgate, seems rather here to signify "skill" or "success." It occurs also in Ecclesiastes 4:4 and Ecclesiastes 5:10, and there only in the Old Testament. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whenכִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction there is יֵ֣שׁ (yêš) Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is a man אָדָ֗ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being who has labored שֶׁעֲמָל֛וֹ (še·‘ă·mā·lōw) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind with wisdom, בְּחָכְמָ֥ה (bə·ḥā·ḵə·māh) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom knowledge, וּבְדַ֖עַת (ū·ḇə·ḏa·‘aṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1847: Knowledge and skill, וּבְכִשְׁר֑וֹן (ū·ḇə·ḵiš·rō·wn) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3788: Success, advantage and he must give יִתְּנֶ֣נּוּ (yit·tə·nen·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set his portion חֶלְק֔וֹ (ḥel·qōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory to a man וּלְאָדָ֞ם (ū·lə·’ā·ḏām) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being who has not שֶׁלֹּ֤א (šel·lō) Pronoun - relative | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no worked for it, עָֽמַל־ (‘ā·mal-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5998: To toil, work severely and with irksomeness this זֶ֥ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that too גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and is futile הֶ֖בֶל (he·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory and a great רַבָּֽה׃ (rab·bāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great evil. וְרָעָ֥ה (wə·rā·‘āh) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil Links Ecclesiastes 2:21 NIVEcclesiastes 2:21 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:21 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:21 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:21 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:21 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:21 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:21 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:21 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:21 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labor (Ecclesiast. 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