Ecclesiastes 1:1-3
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Everything is Futile
1 The words of the Teacher,[a](A) son of David, king in Jerusalem.(B)
2 “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher.
“Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”(C)
3 What does a man gain for all his efforts
that he labors at under the sun?(D)
Footnotes
- Ecclesiastes 1:1 Or of Qoheleth, or of the Leader of the Assembly
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3
New American Standard Bible
The Futility of All Endeavors
1 The words of the (A)Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 “(B)Futility of futilities,” says the Preacher,
“Futility of futilities! All is futility.”
3 (C)What advantage does a person have in all his work
Which he does under the sun?
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3
Amplified Bible
The Futility of All Endeavors
1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher.
“Vanity of vanities! All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity [futile, meaningless—a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes, merely chasing the wind].”(A)
3
What advantage does man have from all his work
Which he does [a]under the sun (while earthbound)?
Footnotes
- Ecclesiastes 1:3 Ecclesiastes expresses the view of the natural man whose interests are focused on vanishing pleasures and empty satisfactions. The natural man is not aware that all the answers to life are found in God. The natural man grovels in the earth and seeks and finds that which is futile and temporary while the spiritual man soars on wings of eagles (Is 40:31) and seeks and finds righteousness and God’s incomparable and everlasting blessings and companionship.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Holman Christian Standard Bible
13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God(A) and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity.(B) 14 For God will bring every act to judgment,(C) including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
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Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
New American Standard Bible
13 The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: (A)fear God and (B)keep His commandments, because this applies to (C)every person. 14 For (D)God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
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Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Amplified Bible
13 When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, every hidden and secret thing, whether it is good or evil.(A)
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