Ecclesiastes 2:23 nasb — Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.

NASB

"Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity."

— Ecclesiastes 2:23, NASB

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Ecclesiastes 2:23 in Other Translations

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Ecclesiastes 2 — Context

20

Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun.

21

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.

22

For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun?

23

Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.

24

There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.

25

For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?

26

For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God's sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 2:23 say?
Ecclesiastes 2:23 in the NASB reads: “Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 2:23 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 2:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 2, verse 23.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 2:23.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 2:23 in?
Ecclesiastes 2:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 2:23?
Ecclesiastes 2:23 reads (NASB): “Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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