Ecclesiastes 5:19
New International Version
Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.

New Living Translation
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.

English Standard Version
Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.

Berean Standard Bible
Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.

King James Bible
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

New King James Version
As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.

New American Standard Bible
Furthermore, as for every person to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also given him the opportunity to enjoy them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

NASB 1995
Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

NASB 1977
Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to take up his portion and be glad in his labor; this is the gift of God.

Amplified Bible
Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, He has also given the power and ability to enjoy them and to receive [this as] his [allotted] portion and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God [to him].

Christian Standard Bible
Furthermore, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, he has also allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God has also given riches and wealth to every man, and He has allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God,

American Standard Version
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor ? this is the gift of God.

Contemporary English Version
Suppose you are very rich and able to enjoy everything you own. Then go ahead and enjoy working hard--this is God's gift to you.

English Revised Version
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It is a gift from God when God gives some people wealth and possessions, the power to enjoy them, [the ability] to accept their lot in life, and [the ability] to rejoice in their own hard work.

Good News Translation
If God gives us wealth and property and lets us enjoy them, we should be grateful and enjoy what we have worked for. It is a gift from God.

International Standard Version
Furthermore, for every person to whom God has given wealth, riches, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept this allotment, and to rejoice in his work—this is a gift from God.

Majority Standard Bible
Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God.

NET Bible
To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions, he has also given him the ability to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil; these things are the gift of God.

New Heart English Bible
Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

World English Bible
Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Every man also to whom God has given wealth and riches, and has given him power to eat of it, and to accept his portion, and to rejoice in his labor, this is a gift of God.

Young's Literal Translation
Every man also to whom God hath given wealth and riches, and hath given him power to eat of it, and to accept his portion, and to rejoice in his labour, this is a gift of God.

Smith's Literal Translation
Also every man which God gave to him wealth and riches, and permitted him to eat from it, and to lift up his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this the gift of God himself.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And every man to whom God hath given riches, and substance, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to enjoy his portion, and to rejoice of his labour: this is the gift of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And this is a gift from God: that every man to whom God has given wealth and resources, and to whom he has granted the ability to consume these, may enjoy his portion, and may find joy in his labors.

New American Bible
Those to whom God gives riches and property, and grants power to partake of them, so that they receive their lot and find joy in the fruits of their toil: This is a gift from God.

New Revised Standard Version
Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil—this is the gift of God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To every man also the LORD has given riches and wealth, and has given power to eat thereof and to take his portion and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And also every man to whom LORD JEHOVAH gives wealth and property and authorizes him to eat of it and to take his portion and to rejoice in his work, this also is the gift of God
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour--this is the gift of God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Yea, and as for every man to whom God has given wealth and possessions, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to receive his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Futility of Wealth
18Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot. 19Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. 20For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.…

Cross References
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.

Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.

Psalm 128:2
For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.

1 Chronicles 29:12
Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 104:14-15
He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: / wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.

1 Corinthians 4:7
For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Genesis 1:29-30
Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. / And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

Luke 12:15
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; / then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

Acts 14:17
Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”


Treasury of Scripture

Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

to whom

Ecclesiastes 2:24
There 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 3:13
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 6:2
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

this is

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
There 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…

Jump to Previous
Accept Eat Enables Enjoy Enjoyment Find Furthermore Gift Gives Happy Joy Labor Moreover Part Pleasure Portion Possessions Power Receive Rejoice Reward Riches Thereof Toil Wealth Work
Jump to Next
Accept Eat Enables Enjoy Enjoyment Find Furthermore Gift Gives Happy Joy Labor Moreover Part Pleasure Portion Possessions Power Receive Rejoice Reward Riches Thereof Toil Wealth Work
Ecclesiastes 5
1. vanities in divine service
8. in murmuring against oppression
9. and in riches
18. Joy in riches is the gift of God.














Furthermore
This word serves as a continuation or addition to the previous thoughts, indicating that what follows is a further elaboration on the theme of divine providence. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it suggests a deepening understanding of God's role in human affairs, emphasizing that the subsequent blessings are not isolated but part of a broader divine plan.

God has given
The phrase underscores the sovereignty and generosity of God. The Hebrew root for "given" (נָתַן, natan) implies a deliberate and purposeful act of bestowal. This highlights the belief that all good things come from God, reinforcing the idea that human efforts alone are insufficient without divine blessing.

riches and wealth
These terms, while often used interchangeably, can have distinct meanings. "Riches" (עֹשֶׁר, osher) often refers to material abundance, while "wealth" (נְכָסִים, nekhasim) can imply a broader sense of prosperity, including social and spiritual well-being. Historically, in the ancient Near East, wealth was seen as a sign of divine favor, yet Ecclesiastes tempers this view by reminding readers of the transient nature of material possessions.

to every man
This phrase suggests universality, indicating that God's blessings are not limited to a select few but are available to all. It reflects the egalitarian aspect of divine grace, where every individual has the potential to receive and enjoy God's gifts, regardless of their status or background.

He has enabled him to enjoy them
The ability to enjoy wealth is portrayed as a separate gift from the wealth itself. The Hebrew verb for "enabled" (שָׁלַט, shalat) implies empowerment or granting authority. This suggests that true enjoyment of material blessings is not automatic but requires divine intervention, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and contentment.

to accept his lot
This phrase speaks to the acceptance of one's circumstances as part of God's sovereign plan. The word "lot" (חֵלֶק, chelek) can refer to one's portion or share in life. It encourages believers to find peace and satisfaction in their God-given situation, trusting that it is part of a divine purpose.

and rejoice in his labor
Rejoicing in one's work is presented as a virtue and a source of fulfillment. The Hebrew root for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach) conveys a sense of joy and gladness. This perspective elevates work from mere toil to a meaningful activity that contributes to one's sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.

This is a gift from God
The concluding statement reaffirms the central theme that all aspects of life, including wealth, enjoyment, and contentment, are gifts from God. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate God's generosity, fostering a spirit of gratitude and humility. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes reliance on God's provision and the transient nature of earthly possessions.

Verse 19. - Every man also. The sentence is anacoluthic, like Ecclesiastes 3:13, and may best be rendered, Also for every man to whom... this is a gift of God. Ginsburg connects the verse closely with the preceding one, supplying, "I have also seen that a man," etc. Whichever way we take the sentence, it comes to the same tiling, implying man's absolute dependence upon God's bounty. To whom God hath given riches and wealth. Before he can enjoy his possessions a man must first receive them from God's hands. The two terms here used are not quite synonymous. While the former word, osher; is used for wealth of any kind whatever, the latter, nekasim, means properly "wealth in cattle," like the Latin pecunia, and thence used generally for riches (volek). Hath given him power to eat thereof. Abundance is useless without the power to enjoy it. This is the gift of God, a great and special bounty from a loving and gracious God. Thus Horace, 'Epist.,' 1:4. 7 -

"Di tibi divitias dederunt artemque fruendi."

"The gods have given you wealth, and (what is more)
Have given you wisdom to enjoy your store."


(Howes.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Furthermore,
גַּ֣ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

God
הָאֱלֹהִים֩ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

has given
נָֽתַן־ (nā·ṯan-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

riches
עֹ֨שֶׁר (‘ō·šer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239: Wealth

and wealth
וּנְכָסִ֜ים (ū·nə·ḵā·sîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5233: Riches, treasures

to
ל֣וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

every
כָּֽל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

man,
הָאָדָ֡ם (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

and He has enabled
וְהִשְׁלִיט֨וֹ (wə·hiš·lî·ṭōw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7980: To dominate, govern, to permit

him to enjoy them,
לֶאֱכֹ֤ל (le·’ĕ·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

to accept
וְלָשֵׂ֣את (wə·lā·śêṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

his lot,
חֶלְק֔וֹ (ḥel·qōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2506: Portion, tract, territory

and to rejoice
וְלִשְׂמֹ֖חַ (wə·liś·mō·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

in his labor.
בַּעֲמָל֑וֹ (ba·‘ă·mā·lōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind

This
זֹ֕ה (zōh)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2090: This, that

is a gift
מַתַּ֥ת (mat·taṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4991: A present

from God.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God has (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 5:18
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