Ecclesiastes5:16

Previous Verse Next Verse

Translation

This also is a grievous irritation,

Go to footnote number

just exactly as

Go to footnote number

he came, so shall he go. What profit does the one have who labors arduously for the wind?

Paraphrase

This also is a frustrating irritation, after all his working and hoarding, he left this life owning exactly the same amount with which he entered this life – nothing. So what benefit does one have if all his troublesome work is carried away by the wind?

Footnotes

1: “irritation”

This word can mean “evil, bad, displeasing” and anything else within that range. It is not always an issue of morality. In this case it is something very displeasing, frustrating, and it is made stronger by the adjective (grievous) that describes it.

 

2

The wording chosen here reflects a strong emphasis; it literally says, “just as, exactly as.”