Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
English Standard Version
The Vanity of Self-Indulgence
2 I (A)said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity.[a] 2 I (B)said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I (C)searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on (D)folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life.
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- Ecclesiastes 2:1 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 (see note on 1:2)
Ecclesiastes 2:8
English Standard Version
8 I also gathered for myself silver and (A)gold and the treasure of (B)kings and (C)provinces. I got (D)singers, both men and women, and many (E)concubines,[a] the delight of the sons of man.
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- Ecclesiastes 2:8 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
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